RFQ: Consultancy for strengthening Internal Audit and Risk Management in Namibia

Purpose and objectives of the Assignment  

The purpose of this request for a quote (RFQ) is to find and appoint a suitable consultant to perform the services required in accordance with the highest professional standards and international best practices, bearing in mind the objectives of the assignment, the desired outputs and the ERM policy and legislative framework. The Consultant will develop, and submit outputs as specified in these Terms of Reference

Background

The Commonwealth Secretariat, through the Public Sector Governance Unit, Governance and Peace Division, has received a request for assistance from the Government of Namibia to strengthen Internal Audit and Risk Management across the public service.

The Directorate of Government Internal Audit and Policy Coordination (DGIAPC) is a newly established Directorate in the Ministry of Finance and is responsible for coordination, harmonisation and capacity building of Internal Auditors in the Public Service of Namibia. 

A Public Sector Internal Audit Policy (PSIAP) designed to strengthen the internal audit function based on the provision of the Public Finance Management Bill and State Finance Act (Act 31 of 1991) was approved by Cabinet in 2018. Prior to the adoption of the PSIAP, no formal guidance existed for internal audit units to undertake their functions in a consistent and standardise manner thus restricting the ability of internal audit to significantly add value to management of public finances in Namibia. It is anticipated that the PSIAP will enhance the independence and profile of the internal audit function.

Internal Audit is currently faced with some challenges including inconsistences in the carrying out of audit activities by Offices, Ministries and Agencies (OMAs) and Regional Councils (RCs) and lack of operating procedures manual for internal audit. However, through previous technical assistance received, the DGIAPC has developed some key draft documents to guide its operations including Draft Internal Audit Manual, Draft Quality Assurance and Improvement Program Manual and Draft Audit Committees Handbook.

Audit Committees have also been established in the Ministry of Finance, some OMAs and RCs. These will benefit from having much needed relevant guidance and training in adequately executing their functions.

Objective of the Project

With the DGIAPC now established in the Ministry of Finance, there is the need to finalise and approve the key internal audit documents including the Draft Internal Audit Manual, Quality Assurance and Improvement Program Manual and Audit Committee Handbook. The finalisation of these draft documents will pave the way for the strengthening of the internal audit function and Audit Committees in the Ministry of Finance, OMAs and RCs respectively. Additionally, much needed capacity building for key internal audit officials and audit committee members will be facilitated. 

Scope of Work

The Consultant is expected to perform the services required in accordance with the highest professional standards and international best practices, bearing in mind the objectives of the assignment and the desired outputs. The Consultant will develop and submit outputs as specified in these Terms of Reference. The Consultant is expected to engage with various stakeholders within Government (including any relevant project oversight structures established) in conducting this assignment. The assignment should be conducted in the spirit of collaboration and consultation with the DGIAPC and key stakeholders relevant to strengthening of the internal audit and risk management function.

The consultant shall generally liaise closely with the Executive Director Ministry of Finance or his designate the Director DGIAPC in undertaking the assignment.

The Consultant is expected to perform the following tasks:

1. Collaborate with DGIAPC and Audit Committee MoF in finalising the key draft internal audit documents already in place including:
   Draft Internal Audit Manual
   Draft Quality Assurance and Improvement Program Manual
   Draft Audit Committees Handbook

2. Develop internal audit training guide for Namibia and Power Points presentations for delivering the Train the Trainers training to identified internal auditors and audit committee members respectively.

3. Facilitate and deliver internal audit Train the Trainers training for internal auditors from Ministry of Finance and targeted OMAs and RCs geared towards strengthening the internal audit function. Additionally provide training for Audit Committee members of Ministry of Finance and targeted OMAs and RCs. The training shall be delivered in two groups (maximum of 25 participants per group) for a period of 5 days each.

4. Collaborate with the DGIAPC in undertaking at least 2 days internal audit awareness and sensitization of Accounting Officers of OMAs and RCs.

Skills and experience required

1. A Certified Internal Auditor with a Professional or Post Graduate Degree in Internal Audit or Risk Management.

2. Membership of recognised Professional Internal Audit or Risk Management Institute 

3. At least 15 years substantive experience and expertise in a senior capacity in Internal Audit or Risk Management. Previous experience of providing such services within Southern Africa would be an added advantage.

4. Previous experience of similar internal audit reforms in the public sector and developing relevant internal audit documents for governments. 

5. Proven and demonstrated experience of training internal auditors and audit committee members. Accredited training certification from a recognised internal audit or risk management training institution would be an advantage. 

6. Demonstrated experience of engaging senior government officials in the delivery of internal audit or risk management related services and the ability to communicate internal audit and risk-related concepts to technical and non-technical audience.

Please apply for this contract by submitting a Technical and Commercial proposal to [email protected] by 5pm (GMT) 11^th November 2022

Prices quoted should include VAT but must indicate clearly where VAT is applicable and where items might be zero-rated.

Evaluation will be based on both competency and cost.

Closing date: 5pm (GMT) 11^th November 2022