Consultant to Provide Research on the Application of Internal Control, Internal Audit and Independent Audit in Cooperative- sector in Viet Nam

TERM OF REFERENCE

Research on the application of

Internal Control, Internal Audit and Independent Audit

in Cooperative- sector in Viet Nam

I. INTRODUCTION

The objective of DGRV’s project in Viet Nam is to contribute to the sustainable and effective poverty reduction via the development of social structures and favorable legal framework for the cooperatives and collaborative groups. The project is funded by BMZ and has been implemented in Vietnam for many years.

In order to meet the overall objective of the project, that is, strengthening role of the coops in poverty reduction and hunger eradication, DGRV has been assisting the development and promoting the effective and stable operations of the cooperatives via influencing on five main aspects: inclusive market access, protection of business assets and deposits, improving quality of market-oriented products and services, higher income of the cooperative members, risks management. DGRV has been applying the approach of comprehensive consultancy at all of 3 levels: macro-meso-micro for ensuring the effective intervention on five above main aspects.

DGRV is calling for expert(s) to implement an activity of Research and survey on the application of Internal Control, Internal Audit and Independent Audit in Cooperative sector in Vietnam. Main aim of this activity is to provide input data, essential information and to identify the issues facilitating the Ministry of Planning & Investment (MPI) and Ministry of Finance in formulating legal framework for cooperative economic sector development in term of cooperative audit.

II. ABOUT THE RESEARCH

1. Objectives       

The research is expected to realize the current status of application the internal control, internal audit and independent audit and the status-quo of ICS in non-finance cooperatives in Vietnam. This research will be:

• A concrete evidence to issue legal regulations and instructions for cooperatives in term of ICS and audit.
• A reliable input for the authorities and supporters to develop supporting activities for cooperatives to improve their ICS effectively and efficiently.

2. Scope

Geographical coverage: surveys for the research are expected to be conducted in 6 provinces in total (in the North, the Center and the South of Vietnam). Concrete locations will be defined in January 2022.

Scope: sample size is expected to cover 8-10% of total non-finance cooperative in each province surveyed.

3. Implementation methods

In the best scenario, the surveys are expected to be conducted directly at the localities with face-to-face interview. However, due to Covid 19 status, the interviews via online platforms and surveys filling can be substituted.

Targeted interviewees:

• Board of Directors/ Board of Management: for non-financial information
• Accountant: for financial information
• Supervisory Board/Controller

4. Timeframe

• The surveys are scheduled from 15 January to 15 April 2022
• The report is to be issued from May to June 2022

5. Cost and budget

DGRV shall provide financial support for the expert(s), including:

• Consultant fees of expert team
• Travelling expenses/accommodation costs/catering costs relating to the field trips
• Fees of Covid test and quarantine (if needed)

III. RESPONSIBILITY OF EXPERT(S)

The expert(s) shall be in charge of the following missions:

• Design the master layout for the survey report, which includes the objectives, methodology, sampling and data processing for the survey
• Design the survey questionnaires and clarify the scope of samples
• Interview the cooperatives and collect further information via telephone if needed. The interviews shall be conducted directly at the localities or via online platforms.
• Process the data collected and write a report which reflects the comprehensive overview on the application of internal control, internal audit and independent audit in cooperative sector in Vietnam
• Recommend suggestions for formulating the regulations in terms of internal control, internal audit and independent audit for cooperative sector.

The above missions shall be collaborated with participation of DGRV and MPI.

Deliverables after completing the missions:

• Filled-in questionnaires of the interviews
• Survey data (raw data, clean data and preliminary processed data). The survey data should be the property of DGRV and should not be handed over to the third party without the prior consent of DGRV.
• Detailed report on the field trip results in English and Vietnamese, which covering all objectives mentioned in II.1 (at least 20 pages in A4 format and 1 file power point).

IV. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE EXPERT(S)

The criteria of selection:

• Ample knowledge and good experience in the survey and assessment area; good skills in the use of data processing software.
• Have a good grasp of cooperative sector and organization’s internal control system.
• Good English speaking and writing skill.

V. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

The proposals should be sent to the following address via the courier:

DGRV, P402B, 4th Floor, Coco building, No. 14 Thuy Khue, Tay Ho, Hanoi, Viet Nam

The proposals can be emailed to Ms. Nguyen Thi Hai Yen – DGRV, email: [email protected], tel. 0243.8470945 (ext 113)

Deadline for the submission: 05 January 2022

The proposals should be composed of the following:

• Technical proposal to fulfill the set objectives and timely provision of expected results.
• Work plan.
• The consultants proposed (personal files, CV).
• Financial proposals (the appendix below).

Please kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

APPENDIX

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL FOR COOPERATIVE SURVEY

Please prepare your cost estimation as per the table below (cost items should be added or deleted out subject to the actual condition).

As the sample size will be defined in January 2022, figures for “Quantity” and “Total amount” are estimated based on 250 cooperatives to be surveyed. Final total budget will be discussed and agreed among DGRV and selected candidates.