Bidders are hereby invited to submit proposals/quotations for service provider to conduct 5-year review quality assurance IA function as per specification. The objectives of the external QA are: (a) To assess Internal Audit Unit’s conformance with the IIA Standards and Code of Ethics, (b) To assess the efficiency and effectiveness of Internal Audit Unit activities in meeting the objectives and mission as defined in the Charter of Internal Audit Unit. Scope: The scope of this external assessment includes the following core components: a) The level of conformance with the Standards and Code of Ethics, b) The efficiency and effectiveness of the internal audit activity, c) The extent to which the internal audit activity meets expectations of the board (Audit & Performance Committee), Senior Management, and management, and adds value to the organization. The external Quality Assurer (QA) will assess all internal audit activities, such as but not limited to annual work planning, including use of resources; various types of audits pertaining to function, directly implemented projects, audit follow-up system, advisory services, coordination with external auditors, relationship with senior management, Audit Advisory Committee. QA will also assess the organizational status and mandate of Internal Audit Unit as well as the proficiency of Internal Auditors. The following activities will not be covered: (i) Investigation services, as this is subject to a separate external quality assessment, and (ii) Review and assessment of audit reports prepared by third party auditors, as this is not strictly speaking on assurance activity. External Assessment Report: 1. The External assessment report shall include, but not limited to, an assessment for each standard and an overall assessment for each standard series (attribute and performance). The following minimum rating scale shall be included in the report: • Generally, conforms, • Partially, conforms, or • Does not conform. 2. The report shall also include the following recommendations, but not limited to address: • Areas that were not in conformance with the Standards, • Opportunities for improvement, 3. The QA exercise is confidential, with the results provided only to Internal Audit Unit, 4. Upon completion of the assignment, a draft report shall be submitted to Manager: Internal Audit within 15 working days after fieldwork, 5. The report will be finalized, taking into consideration comments received from Manager: Internal Audit, 6. The final report shall be addressed to the Manager: Internal Audit and submitted within 10 working days after receipt of comments, 7. In accordance with the IIA Standards, the Manager: Internal Audit will submit the final QA report to the Municipal Manager and Senior Managers with a copy to the Chairperson of the Audit & Performance Committee. A summary thereof will be included in Umzimvubu Local Municipality’s annual report to the Council, 8. The final report will also be shared with the Municipality’s external auditors (Auditor General), 9. Considering second paragraph above, a more detailed report might also be required by the Manager: Internal Audit to provide more technical details on any recommendations for improvement or alignment with international best audit practices. The project timeframe must not exceed 1 month. (Tender №104990930)