Expression of Interest (EOI) Engagement of an External Auditor for SDC-Funded Project at Life at Best Development Initiative

EOI Reference No.: EOI-LABDI-2026-024
Project Title: Protecting Children, Women and Youth Affected by Conflict Through Local Actors in Borno State
Donor: Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
EOI Issue Date: 09/03/2026
EOI Closing Date: 13/03/2026

 Backgrounds

Life at Best Development Initiative (LABDI) is implementing an SDC-funded project focused on Protection and Education across Bama and Monguno. In line with donor compliance requirements and LABDI’s governance and accountability standards, LABDI seeks to engage a qualified and independent external audit firm to conduct an audit of the project’s financial statements and provide assurance on the use of funds, internal controls, and compliance with applicable donor and statutory requirements.

Objective of the Assignment

To provide an independent professional opinion on whether the project financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and results of the SDC-funded project, and whether project funds were utilized for intended purposes in compliance with:

• SDC grant agreement conditions and reporting requirements
• LABDI financial policies and procedures
• Applicable financial reporting and auditing standards
• Relevant Nigerian statutory and regulatory requirements (as applicable)

Scope of Work (Indicative)

The auditor will be expected to:

1. Review project financial statements for the audit period 1/12/2024 to 31/12/2025.
2. Verify income and expenditure, including:
   • Eligibility, accuracy, completeness, and proper classification of costs
   • Compliance with approved budget lines and donor cost principles
3. Assess internal controls and financial management systems, including:
   • Procurement and vendor management
   • Cash/bank controls and reconciliations
   • Payroll/personnel cost allocations (if applicable)
   • Asset management and inventory controls
4. Conduct sample-based testing of supporting documentation (vouchers, contracts, invoices, attendance sheets, payment evidence, etc.).
5. Review compliance with key donor requirements, including documentation standards, allowability of costs, and reporting consistency.
6. Identify exceptions, risks, and recommendations for strengthening controls and compliance.
7. Hold an entry meeting and exit meeting with LABDI management.
8. Submit audit deliverables within agreed timelines.

Key Deliverables

• Audit Plan (including methodology and sampling approach)
• Management Letter with findings, risk grading, and actionable recommendations
• Independent Auditor’s Report/Opinion on the project financial statements
• Final Audited Financial Statements (signed/stamped)
• Exit Meeting Presentation of key findings 

Audit Period and Timeline

• Audit period: 1/12/2024 to 31/12/2025
• Fieldwork duration (indicative): 2 working days
• Draft report submission: Within [3] days after fieldwork
• Final report submission: Within [5] days after receiving management comments

Eligibility and Minimum Requirements

Interested firms must:

• Be a legally registered audit firm in Nigeria with evidence of incorporation/registration
• Be in good standing with relevant professional bodies (e.g., ICAN) and regulatory requirements
• Demonstrate at least 3-5 years of audit experience, including NGOs/INGOs and donor-funded projects
• Show proven experience with donor-funded audits (SDC/UN/USAID/EU/NHF or similar)
• Have capacity to deploy qualified staff and complete the assignment within timelines
• Demonstrate independence and absence of conflict of interest with LABDI and key partners
• Firm must be within the Northeast region of Nigeria

EOI Submission Requirements (What to Send)

Firms should submit the following in one PDF file (or clearly labeled attachments):

• Cover Letter expressing interest and confirming availability
• Company Profile (including address, contacts, registration details)
• Evidence of Registration (CAC and relevant professional certification/affiliations)
• Relevant Experience (at least 3 similar assignments—include client, donor, year, scope)
• Proposed Audit Approach & Methodology (brief)
• Team Composition (roles, CVs of key personnel, and certifications)
• Workplan and Timeline
• Financial Proposal (fees in NGN/USD, breakdown by professional fees, logistics, taxes)
• At least two (2) references with contact details
• Conflict of Interest Declaration (signed)

Evaluation Criteria (Indicative)

EOIs will be assessed based on:

• Relevant donor-funded audit experience and track record
• Methodology and understanding of assignment
• Qualifications and experience of proposed team
• Proposed timeline and availability
• Cost reasonableness and clarity of financial proposal
• References and past performance

Confidentiality and Rights Reserved

All information obtained during the audit shall be treated as confidential. LABDI reserves the right to accept or reject any or all submissions, cancel the process, and is not bound to select the lowest-priced offer.

Contact for Clarification

All clarifications must be requested in writing via:
Email: info@labdinigeria.org
Attention: Procurement/Grants Unit, LABDI
Deadline for clarification requests: 11/03/2026

Note:

• LABDI has zero tolerance to sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), any act of child abuse including sexual exploitation and sexual abuse constitute acts of serious misconduct and are therefore grounds for LABDI plenary measures, including summary dismissal.