NCC-WATRA Recruitment Application Form

1.2 OBJECTIVES OF WATRA

In recognition of the critical role of telecommunications in the socio-economic development and growth of nations worldwide, WATRA’s primary objectives include the following: i.to facilitate the harmonization of modern legal and regulatory frameworks toward an integrated telecoms market in West Africa; ii.to provide an avenue to share experiences and information, proffer solutions to common problems and chart a way forward for the development and advancement of telecommunications in West Africa.

2. INFORMATION PROVIDED/LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

This document contains statements derived from information believed to be reliable at the date obtained but does not purport to provide all the information that may be necessary or desirable to enable an intending contracting party to determine whether or not to enter into a contract or arrangement with WATRA in relation to this Service. Neither WATRA nor any of its employees, agents, contractors, or advisers gives any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of any information or statement given or made in this document.

2.1 RESTRICTION ON ACCESS

The document is intended solely for the information of the party to whom it is issued (“the Bidder, Recipient” or “the Respondent”).

2.2 RFP DISCLAIMER

The bidder will be required to be innovative and able to utilize all their resources and services in order to meet the expectations of WATRA towards providing the required service. This RFP document is not a recommendation, offer or invitation to enter into a contract agreement or other arrangement in respect of the supply and services as per the scope of this RFP.

2.3 LEGAL RELATIONSHIP

No binding legal relationship shall exist between any of the Bidders and WATRA until execution of a definitive legal agreement.

3. EXPECTED ACTIVITIES & DELIVERABLES:

The Audit firm is expected to carry out the audit of WATRA Accounts in line with International Standards as stipulated by IFAC (International Federation of Accountants). The Auditor would also give an opinion on the financial statement as well as the funds received, and the expenditures made by the WATRA Executive Secretariat.

The auditing firm is expected to ensure that:

1.The Internal Control System is adequate in order to ensure the reliability of accounting and financial data, the registration of assets and the exhaustiveness of account records.

2.All external resources are used according to the provisions of funding agreement, taking into account the economy and efficiency, solely towards the goals for which it has been assigned to accomplish.

3.That assets and services funded are subjected to processes executed according to the provisions of the manual of procedures and that all files, necessary accounts and book-keepings were done according to the various operations in WATRA.

4.That WATRA accounts were prepared based on systematic application of International Accounting Standards.

5.That after the audit work of every financial year, the following reports should be prepared:

•Audit report on WATRA Accounts

•Special report in respect of procedures, selection of beneficiaries and consultants as well as the disbursements procedures.

•Special report on the accuracy and eligibility of expenditures for which withdrawal was made according to the expenditures log as well as the degree of reliability of expenditures based on the structure of funds disbursements from WATRA Account.

(Note: The Financial Statements, with the report of the Auditor included, must reach WATRA Conference of Regulators within three (3) months after closing the financial year, at the AGM of the new financial year.)

6. :

•Include the auditor’s comments and remarks on administrative and financial procedures and the Internal Control System

•Identify the issues of improvement of Systems and Controls and formulate relevant recommendation towards improvement

•List issues that attracted the attention of the auditor during the audit and that may have a tremendous impact on the implementation of the Institution’s activities

•Draw the attention of WATRA on any other relevant issues

4. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

The proposal shall be drawn up in English and French and must be structured in two different and separated documents in separated envelopes:

The Technical Proposal (Technical Envelope)

The Financial Proposal (Financial Envelope)

4.1 TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

1.Auditing Firm Profile:

The Bidder shall provide a presentation and summary of its general profile including:

• Name, title, and contact information
• Description of relevant background
• Description of services offered
• At least two satisfactory references for past or ongoing audit of international organizations in the past 10 years.
• Memberships in internationally recognized accounting and auditing bodies

 2.Independence:

• The bidder should declare and demonstrate if it:
• Is independent from other institutions of its government;
• Has full budget control and autonomy;
• Is independent when determining the scope of work;
• Has demonstrated objectivity and integrity in the discharge of its duties and responsibilities

3.Qualifications and Experience

• Outline how the auditing firm meets the required qualifications and experience
• Identify team members to be involved with the project and their role/experience.

4.The Methodological and Technological Approach

• The Bidder shall provide a detailed description of the proposed audit strategy, approach and procedures including at a minimum:
• Use of comprehensive work plans to ensure adequate audit coverage
• Demonstration of extensive experience in conducting financial and compliance audits in conformity with best practices as well as economy, efficiency, and value for money audits
• Code of professional and ethical conduct applicable to its entire staff and documented disciplinary procedures in the case of deviation from the code
• Quality assurance procedures and programmes to ensure audit work is of the required standards
• The Bidder shall provide the list of audit tools to be used to accomplish their role

5.Language Skills

The Bidder is requested to demonstrate that it has enough proposed auditors that are proficient in English and French

6. Reporting

• The bidder should provide a description of the reporting mechanisms, including details concerning:
• The structure and format of audit reports and management letters;
• Timely discussion of findings and recommendations with WATRA Management;
• Provide final draft of audit reports to the Executive Secretary for his comments; Final audit reports for presentation to and discussion at the AGM; Compliance with International Auditing Standard
• Note that the final audit reports and management letters (2 to 4 copies each) must be provided in both Languages (English and French)

4.2 FINNANCIAL PROPOSAL

The financial proposal is to be submitted as a separate document and shall include at a minimum, the following mandatory information and documents:

•The Bidder’s fixed annual fee for each of the audit years

•The Bidder’s quotation, with the prices presented as follows:

i.In a precise and unequivocal manner ii.Fixed for the term of the mandate

iii.Be quoted in US Dollars ($) only and be inclusive of all taxes

iv.Be inclusive of any and all overhead costs, administrative charges, expenses and duties that the Bidder may incur in order to provide the services described, including but not limited to secretarial, travel and accommodation costs.

The payment principle applied is a maximum 40% of annual fees is payable upon receipt of the final report by the Executive Secretariat and 60% upon the adoption of the report at the AGM of the new financial year.

5. SUBMISSIONS

All responses must be submitted to info@watra.org and received by 16:00 on 31 August, 2022.

If you should have any questions about this proposal, or need additional information, please contact: info@watra.org