1.     Introduction

The Children Rights and Violence Prevention Fund (CRVPF), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is implementing the “Empower Youth through Data and Community Development (EYDCD) program” designed through strengthening and leveraging community-based structures, to improve the lives of young men and women in disadvantaged communities in Uganda by providing technical market facing skills and capacity building for entrepreneurship, and employment. To consolidate these efforts, the program will support them get involved in or establishing where non-existent self-governed savings groups also known as Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) and Saving and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCOs) groups backed by enterprises while leveraging digitization for efficiency and added services. CRVPF will partner with 200 (70% women and youth-led & founded) Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) organized in clusters of 2-3 partners each. Together the cluster will support the mobilization and formation of 3,000 VSLAs and 10 SACCOs and cooperatives. Through these structures, we will reach 400,000 youths aged 15-35 living in Refugee Settlements, Host Communities and Slums –

70% female, 30% male.

 

CRVPF will collaborate/partner with gnuGrid CRB to ensure members establish digital wallets powered by the Mobile Network Operators which will give visibility to the community VSLAs, Cooperatives and their members within the financial ecosystem and beyond as well as bring efficiencies to address cost and risk of credit.

Overall, the EYDCD program’s community-based approach will help ensure that young people, especially young women, are supported and empowered to reach their full potential. By leveraging community- based structures, the program can provide young people with the skills, resources, and support networks they need to access dignified and fulfilling work opportunities, improving their economic stability and self-sufficiency, and establishing a strong foundation for their future success.

The EYDCD program aligns with Uganda’s social-economic transformation strategy, the Parish Development Model, and supports innovative, market-system approaches to address financial inclusion at the grassroots level. It combines the power of digital technology and community-based organizations with financial inclusion strategies, taking a community/grassroots-based approach to economic development and youth employment. The program focuses on three objectives:

Objective 1: Strengthen formal and informal grassroots organizations (CBOs) that provide support and opportunities to young people, to aid their personal development to access dignified and fulfilling work. (Institutional Level). Major interventions include Technical capacity support to CBO partners; Peer-to- peer and institutional Learning- CRVPF has designed activities such as Peer Learning Forums and Cluster Coordination Meetings; and Monitoring partner CBOs

Objective 2: Enhance economic stability and self-sufficiency of program participants through linkages to

work, markets, and increased productivity, as well as building resilience to navigate through challenges. (Individual level). Major interventions include:

Workforce Development – through vocational training, soft skills training in leadership and on-the-job

training opportunities and apprenticeships.

SME Strengthening – through business grants, Linkages to other service providers especially financial services, and linkage to markets in their communities.

 

Objective 3: Digitization of Self-Governed Saving groups (VSLAs) to establish a footprint through digital wallets for members creating visibility and scoring them to have access to the wider financial ecosystem/market to promote data-driven credit decisions and other added services. (System level). Major interventions include Literacy & Financial Services (DFS) training; Mobile Banking integration; and Credit scoring.

CRVPF works with several local organisations mostly Community Based Organisations (CBOs) many of which are women- and youth-led and operate through a cluster-based partnership model. The organizations vary considerably in their institutional maturity, financial management systems, governance arrangements, accounting capacity and compliance environment. While some organisations have established finance systems and personnel, others require significant practical support in bookkeeping, financial reporting, grant management, budgeting, procurement, statutory compliance, internal controls and documentation.

 

CRVPF has also identified recurring weaknesses through partner monitoring, financial reviews and programme implementation. These include weaknesses in segregation of duties, procurement documentation, bank management, supporting documentation, budget monitoring, statutory compliance, cash management, asset management, financial reporting and general financial governance. In addition, it’s a requirement to ensure that partner organizations have adequate systems to safeguard grant resources, maintain reliable financial records, comply with approved budgets and grant conditions, and provide complete and verifiable supporting documentation.

 

CRVPF therefore intends to engage suitably qualified accounting firms to provide first-line financial management, compliance, technical assistance and institutional capacity strengthening support to selected partner organizations. Their role will be preventive and developmental, with emphasis on identifying weaknesses early, correcting deficiencies, strengthening systems and building sustainable capacity within the clusters.

 

2.0. Scope of Work and Deliverables of the financial accounting firm

 

2.1 Scope of Work

The subcontractor shall operate as the first line of financial control for Community Based Organizations (CBOs) under the EYDCD Program. The firm is responsible for transaction-level financial oversight, compliance support, and financial capacity strengthening at CBO level.

Through this assignment, the subcontractor shall strengthen the financial management systems, ensure compliance with grant agreement terms including approved budgets and workplans, support timely and accurate reporting, and build long-term financial capacity within partner organizations. The firm shall operate as a technical partner and mentor and will serve as the dedicated point of contact for partner organizations to address any financial concerns or inquiries along with the EYDCD Finance and Program teams. Occasionally, the firm might be required to interact with the Fund Manager who is in charge of the overall portfolio-level fiduciary assurance functions with CRVPF’s input. The subcontractor reports directly to CRVPF.

  

2.2 Deliverables and Deliverables Description

 

1. a)     Financial Capacity Assessment and Capacity Strengthening Plan

As the first entry point, to engaging with the Clusters, the accounting fund shall review the due diligence report prepared by the Fund Manager, and develop tailored capacity strengthening plans per cluster member, including structured follow-up support/capacity strengthening plans. If required, the accounting firm will conduct another assessment of the financial systems of the assigned CBOs /clusters to identify any additional internal control gaps. The capacity strengthening plan will be approved by CRVPF and the subcontractor will provide quarterly updates on its implementation.  

 

1. b)     Monthly Onsite Financial Support (Mandatory Field Presence)

In the spirit of partnership and capacity building, the firm shall deploy a handholding approach to providing technical support. The subcontractor shall conduct at least one onsite visit per cluster per month. During such visits, the firm will work alongside the respective cluster finance staff to review transactions, support preparation of monthly financial reports, review documentation completeness, and provide hands-on mentoring on compliance matters, including implementing the capacity strengthening plan. The visits will provide an opportunity for the firm to assist the partners in selecting, training, mentorship, and providing support to CBOs to ensure they effectively utilize the selected financial management software or systems. Evidence of this deliverable shall be signed attendance sheets of the participating cluster members, and a report on the capacity building efforts provided during the quarter. The report shall include lessons learned and action items for subsequent quarters.

 

1. c)     Transaction Review and Financial Reporting support

On a monthly basis, the subcontractor shall conduct transaction reviews for all expenses incurred/reported under the grant. During this review the subcontractor will confirm a) alignment with approved workplans and budgets, b) Adherence to procurement guidelines, d) adequate proper authorization as per organizational policies and valid supporting documentation. Non-compliance shall be corrected at CBO level before submission to CRVPF. The review will cover the following sections

 

1. a)       Bank Management: Ensure accurate preparation and approval of bank reconciliations, review all bank payments and confirm that the bank signing mandates as submitted to CRVPF by CBOs are adhered to. Since the donor prohibits cash transactions, ensure that cash transactions are mitigated.
2. b)     Procurement: For more effective planning and control, work with clusters to develop procurement plans. Prior to any procurement, ensure relevant pre-authorizations are obtained to confirm that all the procurements conducted by the clusters meet the required procurement guidelines and that there is best value for money.
3. c)       Payroll: Ensure completeness of procurement files. Ensure that payrolls are complete, and accurate and all attendant supporting documents are on file. Verification that payrolls related deductions specifically, PAYE, NSSF & LST deductions are correctly calculated and remitted to the respective authorities i.e. URA, NSSF or the respective DLGs
4. d)     Asset Management: Conduct periodic asset verifications to ensure that they are well maintained.
5. e)     Filling: Ensuring that copies of documents are appropriately filled in both hard and soft copy filling systems

 

Following conclusion of the review process, the subcontractor shall support the cluster with preparation of monthly or quarterly financial reports while ensuring that the financial reports are aligned to the narrative reports. The subcontractor shall ensure that CBOs submit the reports to CRVPF by the 3rd of the preceding month. As part of the submission, the subcontractor shall also submit certification letter confirming review of the contents of the reports, confirmation of verified amounts, the accuracy and completeness of the financial reports and accompanying support documentation,

 

1. d)     Statutory and Regulatory Compliance Oversight

The Firm shall support and monitor CBO compliance with all applicable statutory and regulatory obligations under Ugandan law and international Accounting Standards. This includes:

 

•   Ensuring statutory filings are submitted within prescribed timelines.
•   Monitoring of VAT registration status and VAT compliance where required.
•   Review of Withholding Tax (WHT) deductions and remittances where applicable.
•   Advising CBOs on changes in relevant tax or regulatory requirements.
•   Share any updated accounting standards, regulations, and reporting requirements and advise CBOs accordingly.
•   Provide guidance during the selection process of Auditors in partnership with CRVPF

 

The firm shall review evidence of remittances during monthly visits and immediately notify CRVPF of any material non-compliance.

 

1. f)  Internal Controls Strengthening

The subcontractor shall support with strengthening internal controls of the cluster.  This will include but not be limited to strengthening authorization matrixes to ensure adequate segregation of duties, and reducing risk of fraud through designing preventive controls and asset management. The subcontractor shall conduct proactive fraud risk assessments, identify control weaknesses that may enable fraud, escalate suspected financial irregularities to CRVPF within 48 hours, recommend immediate risk containment measures, document lessons learned and control improvements

Failure to escalate material financial irregularities that would reasonably be detected under this mandate shall constitute material breach. The firm shall not function as an auditor, but as a systems-strengthening partner.

 

Risk Identification and Management

The subcontractor shall identify risks at CBO level and cluster level and conduct quarterly risk monitoring in collaboration with CRVPF and ensure the implementation of agreed upon actions to address risks identified. Recurring compliance weaknesses will be documented accordingly. The firm might be required to interact with the Fund Manager who is responsible for the overall portfolio risk management.

 

Professional Conduct and Partnership Approach

The firm shall work collaboratively with CBOs and maintain professional respect in all engagements, encourage learning and improvement, and build trust-based working relationships.

Note: The accounting firm is expected to work with/support not more than 50 CBOs. Therefore the  Cost Proposal should indicate the rate per CBO incase you will work with lesser number of CBOs.

3.0. Technical Competencies

1. a)   A minimum of 10 years’ experience in providing financial management services, capacity building, accounting services, fiduciary agency management/fiscal hosting (with institutions such as Community Based Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, SACCOs, VSLAs, MSMEs among others etc.)
2. b)     Demonstrated experience providing accounting, financial-management or compliance services to NGOs, CBOs or grant-funded organizations.
3. c)   Demonstrated experience in accounting working in the Uganda context, including experience with accounting system installations and training, especially QuickBooks Online, financial management capacity assessments, training and mentorship of finance staff, finance policy review, and development
4. d)     Demonstrated knowledge of donor-funded programmes.
5. e) Experience working with organisations with varying levels of financial-management capacity
6. f)       Experience working with stakeholders in the development space, particularly community-based Organizations will be an added advantage.
7. g)   Experience in financial systems strengthening and capacity building.
8. h) Capacity to undertake field assignments in relevant geographical areas.

 

4.0 Other Requirements

1. a)   The team leader should possess full membership of either ACCA, CPA, CIMA or any other professional accounting body. Should have a minimum of 10 years of experience in accounting. Should also have experience in designing and delivering financial management development programs (training and mentorship programmes) for finance staff.
2. b) The team members should possess a minimum of 5 years’ experience in accounting, grants management, accounting software installation and training, 3 years of which are in a Non-government Organization, community-based organization, donors, or related field.

 

 

6.0. Selection process of the financial accounting firms

The firm shall propose a team with diverse specialized experience and expertise in Financial Management. CRVPF will review applications from different firms and select the most qualified firm to undertake this assignment.

 

7.0. Strategic and Operational Oversight

The Executive Director- CRVPF, will have strategic responsibility for ensuring the financial accounting firms perform as per the agreed scope of work.

The Fund Manager will have the operational responsibility of ensuring the financial accounting firms perform as per the agreed scope of work.

 

8.0. Confidentiality

All information contained in this ToR is provided on a strictly confidential basis, solely for the use of bidding for the supply of services for the above assignment. It is a condition of this competition that bidders (and any sub-contractors) shall:

1. a) Take all reasonable measures to protect this confidentiality and avoid the unauthorized use, disclosure, publication, or dissemination of confidential information.
2. b) Not use this information other than for the purposes of preparing a proposal.
3. c) Not disclose, publish, or otherwise reveal any of the information contained herein except with specific prior written authorization.
4. d) Failure to comply with the above will result in the bidder’s exclusion from consideration.

 

9.0. Technical and Financial Proposal Submission

10.1. Technical proposal: Proposals must include the following, with the main proposal body not exceeding twenty pages (not including appendices):

1. a)   Introduction and understanding of the overall purpose and project objectives of the assignment.
2. b)   Description of relevant experience.
3. c) Outline of the work plan and general cost-efficient approach, including methodology for achieving key deliverables.
4. d)   Overview of the proposed team including details of team composition and specific qualifications of individuals for this assignment.
5. e)   Overview of proposed partnerships to deliver on proposed assignment
6. f) List of key activities and deliverables, detailing the timeline and level of effort and associated team members(s).
7. g)   Any other considerations we should pay attention to which are critical for this assignment.

 

10.2. Financial proposal: Estimated budget, including LOE for each staff, role on the assignment, and cost per staff proposed and key assumptions in contributing to the overall objective of the assignment. The budget should be all tax-inclusive, and all costs should be in USD.

 

10.3. Appendices: The proposal submission should include the following appendices

 

1. a)   CVs (Include CV for each team member).
2. b) Reference letters (Organizations that the firm has supported on similar assignments.)

 

10.4   Proposal Submission

Proposals must be submitted via email to eydcd@crvpf.org and info@crvpf.org by 31st October 2026 and if selected, present in an interview to be scheduled and communicated after the submission. Please state ‘Young Africa Works Uganda: “Empower Youth through Data and Community Development (EYDCD)-Accounting Firm” in the subject line.

Proposals must remain valid for 90 days after the submission date.

Use the same email addresses for any clarifications on the proposals by not later than 31st October 2026.

 

11.0. Contract period.

 The duration of the assignment will be one year and renewable upon satisfactory performance, commencing on the date a contract is signed.

12.0. Payment Schedule for service offered.

 Quarter payments will be made in arrears against the invoice submitted.

13.0. OWNERSHIP AND PUBLICATION

All work product created by the consultant under this scope of work is “work for hire” and is the property of CRVPF and Mastercard Foundation. The Service Provider will assign CRVPF all rights, title, interest, and copyright that the Service Provider may have created in relation to and/or as a result of the scope of work. CRVPF and Mastercard Foundation retain the exclusive right to publish or disseminate in all languages, reports arising from such materials along with our partners.

 

Disclaimer: “CRVPF has a zero tolerance policy on child abuse, fraud and bribery. This policy applies to all CRVPF employees, board members, donors, contractors, suppliers and anyone we work with. If you suspect child abuse or any form of fraud, and bribery has occurred, you have an obligation to report to the responsible persons within the organization. If you are in breach of this policy, including failure to report any suspected breach, your relationship with CRVPF will be terminated immediately without further notice.

Submission deadline: 31 October 2026

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