Call for Expression of Interest for External Audit Service

Job Description

KEY INFORMATION
Job Title: Call for Expression of Interest for External Audit Service
Sector: Public Financial Management and Accountability
Position Type: Long-term
Duration/Level of Effort: Full-time
Position Location: Hanoi, Vietnam

BACKGROUND
Cowater is the managing contractor of the GREAT Program and is seeking to recruit a highly qualified audit firm to conduct external audit services. The audit firm shall conduct the audit in compliance with ISA800 and the agreed-upon procedures (AUP) engagement under ISRS4400 (revised).

SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
GREAT, a 10-year flagship initiative of Australian Government, managed by Cowater International since 2016, focuses on women’s economic empowerment in Vietnam’s ethnically diverse north-west region. Utilising a market systems development approach, it primarily benefits women in Son La and Lao Cai provinces, particularly targeting ethnic minority communities, which are home to twelve and twenty-six ethnic groups respectively.
The objectives of the GREAT Program are:

• Objective 1: Women, particularly ethnic minority women living in Son La and Lao Cai provinces have improved economic benefits.
• Objective 2: Women, particularly ethnic minority women living in Son La and Lao Cai provinces, have increased confidence and social status, including more balanced workloads and greater decision making within the home, workplace, and community.
• Objective 3: Women, particularly ethnic minority women and household members living in Son La and Lao Cai provinces benefit from more gender responsive, inclusive, and effective provincial and national policies, plans, strategies, and programs.

The GREAT program - in the form of 25 Partnership Agreements (projects) - has partnered with 23 partners including lead partners and technical assistance partners from private sector, governmental agencies, research agencies, training institutions, local and international NGOs and multilateral organizations to deliver results.

Cowater is the managing contractor of the GREAT Program and is seeking to recruit a highly qualified audit firm to conduct external audit services. The audit firm shall conduct the audit in compliance with ISA800 and the agreed-upon procedures (AUP) engagement under ISRS4400 (revised). 

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION
Eligibility Criteria

• Legally established company governed by private law in the field of auditing.
• Registered to operate in Vietnam.
• At least five (05) years of experience in auditing development projects.
• Annual turnover of at least 500,000 AUD
• A minimum of three audit contracts implemented during the last five years with contract value of over 150,000 AUD each
• Minimum personnel requirement: 01 Audit Partner, 01 Audit Manager, 02 Senior Auditors and 04 Auditors

Contract Information

• Maximum budget for the audit service is 400,000AUD for 3 years
• Sub-contracting is not accepted
• The first contract shall be signed for the audit from the beginning of the project until 30 June 2025 and be extended subject to and conditional upon satisfactory completion of the first audit

APPLICATION PROCESS
This Expression of Interest is limited to audit firms that are registered in Vietnam. GREAT program is not liable for any costs incurred by individuals/firms in relation to their application.

For more information, including the detailed TOR and application form, please visit the GREAT website here: https://equality.aus4vietnam.org/procurement/request-for-expressions-of-interest-external-audit/

Interested firms are encouraged to apply by sending EOIs in English to recruitment@aus4equalityvn.org no later than 5pm Hanoi Time (GMT+7) Monday 29th September 2025. Please indicate in the subject “GREAT External Audit Service”. We thank all applicants; however, only shortlisted firms will be invited to submit a full proposal.

Equal Opportunity:
Women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 

Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring based on merit and qualifications. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.  

About the Organization

ABOUT US
Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2,500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies since 2017.

We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow.