TOR – Due Diligence Assessors 50 views

Terms of Reference (TOR)

Due Diligence Assessors

Overview of the CSSP2 Programme

CSSP2 is a capacity development programme funded by the FCDO, Irish Aid, Embassy of Sweden and Norway, managed by the British Council in consortium with PACT UK and SDD. The programme aims to contribute to inclusive and accountable governance for better equitable and inclusive access to services; and an improving environment for the promotion and protection of the human rights of all. The program continued its commitment to deepen and scale up its achievement from the implementation of the last three and half years. Granting, Capacity Development and Engagement remain the core strategies of the programme that mainstream key cross cutting strategies including gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), Safeguarding and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning. Moreover, using Regional Hubs as a basic programme delivery unit, working on Human Rights-Based Approach and investing on coalitions for collective impact initiatives are also the key strategies and approaches used for successful, effective and efficient implementation.

Grant making is one of the key programme strategies to support CSOs to invest on issues and mechanisms that create an enabling environment in which there is an increasing space for constructive dialogue ‘and requisite action’ between citizens and government on issues of common concern. Through a rights-based approach (RBA), the programme gives particular emphasis to poor women and men and girls and boys affected by social marginalisation, geographic remoteness, under resourcing and overlooked development issues all over the country.  As part of its grant making portfolio, CSSP2 intends to invite/announce a call for proposal for funding opportunities for existing and new CSOs to implement projects over the Costed Extension (CE) period through various grant windows. The program is anticipated to support about 86 CSOs during the CE period for which CSSP2 is required to conduct DDAs.

Objective of the procurement

As part of CSSP2’s ongoing fund management requirements, we are seeking to identify assessors for delivery of due diligence assessments for prospective grantees. Selection through this framework tender process does not guarantee any minimum assignment.  CSSP2 will call down successful consultants to undertake assignments on the basis of need and availability of the consultant for each granting round.  CSSP2 expects to carry out around 5 grant calls over the next 9 months.

The primary function of the due diligence assessor role is to complete due diligence assessments on CSOs who have applied for funding under different grant windows management by CSSP2.  The work will largely take place in the grant holder offices and remote assessments.  Successful applicants would be responsible for completing a due diligence report within a standardised CSSP2 template based on a combination of interviews with key staff, assessment of documentation, and written responses.

Role and Specific Tasks of Assessors

The due diligence assessors will have the following roles and specific tasks:

• Thoroughly read CSSP2’s DDA template to be shared at the beginning of the task.
• Communicate the CSOs which will be assigned by CSSP2 and book a convenient time to conduct the assessment in a good time.
• Coordinate the provision of information and supporting documentation with the CSOs to be assessed.
• Assess the CSOs financial management practices using the four financial basic building blocks to achieve good practices in financial management.
  • Financial Planning
  • Accounting Records
  • Financial Monitoring
  • Internal Controls
• In addition to the above four financial building blocks, the assessment should cover basic areas of organisational background and capacity:
  • Legal status and establishment (mission, vision, establishment year etc.)
  • Staffing,
  • Governance,
  • Grant management.
  • Safeguarding
• Assessors will be required to fill out the DDA assessment template and submit to CSSP2
• Assessors will be required to complete conflict of interest declaration and declare any potential or existing conflict of interest including relationship with the CSOs, involvement in CSOs through employment, management board, advisory etc

Essential Experience and Qualification Criteria:

• Applicants are expected to have a high degree of familiarity with the Ethiopian   Government requirements of CSOs
• A minimum of BA degree in accounting and finance or other related field of study
• Minimum of 4 years’ experience preferably in a finance related field
• Experience of internal audit or due diligence is an advantage.

The assignment

• Each due diligence exercise is expected to take 1 working day and each assessor will be expected to complete the due diligence exercise for an agreed number of grantees within time frame agreed in each call down contract.
• The assessors are expected to possess equipment such as laptops etc. that are     necessary for implementation of tasks.

Deliverables

1. Each assessor is expected to submit the completed CSSP2’s standard DDA by providing the required information that can be submitted to both the applicant CSO and the donor.
2. The assessment must include the overall Conclusion and Recommendations for the assessment done and the overall findings. The conclusion should include the key strengths and weaknesses of the assessed CSO if found important for future organizational strengthening.
3. The completed assessment reports should be signed by the assessor and submitted to the CSSP2 in soft copy electronically to the CSSP2 Team.