INTRODUCTION
Introduction to the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA)
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that works as a solutions broker to catalyze action and support for adaptation solutions, from the international to the local, in partnership with the public and private sector, to ensure we learn from each other and work together for a climate resilient future. Adapting to impacts of climate change provides a “win-win” for livelihoods, food security, water supply, health, security, and economic growth. The work of the GCA elevates the visibility and political importance of climate adaptation and facilitates solutions, such as smarter investments, new technologies and better planning to become more resilient to climate related threats. GCA is a rapidly growing organization with offices in Abidjan, Beijing, Dhaka, Groningen, and Rotterdam.

The GCA’s ambitious 2020-2025 business plan and strategy have three pillars:

• Programs: Food Security; Using Nature for more resilient infrastructure; Water for Urban Growth and Resilience; Climate Finance; Youth Leadership.
• Knowledge: Building adaptation knowledge globally through cutting edge products such as the State and Trends in Adaptation Report and the Adaptation Knowledge Portal.
• Advocacy and Awareness: Formulating policy messages to move the global, regional, and local adaptation agendas forward.

Within this context GCA is the implementing partner of the Promoting the Locally Led Adaptation, Nature-based Solutions and Financing for Adaptation project. This project commenced in February 2022 with funding from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) under an Accountable Grant Agreement signed with GCA HQ. The Country Office in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is responsible for the delivery of in-country programme activities, while overall Finance, Procurement, and Programme functions are led by GCA HQ.

The project has a total budget of up to £10 million over a five-year period (22 February 2022 – 21 February 2027). GCA HQ staff provide periodic technical support to the Bangladesh Country Office, and proportionate staff costs are charged accordingly. Each financial year, FCDO receives a work plan and corresponding budget aligned with the Accountable Grant Agreement, alongside quarterly progress and financial reports that inform the release of funds.

In order to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with donor requirements, GCA seeks the services of an independent and qualified audit firm to conduct financial audits of the project in Bangladesh. The audit will provide assurance on the proper use of funds, accuracy of financial reporting, and adherence to applicable financial and procurement standards.
 

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The overall objective of this audit is to assure Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) that the funds paid by FCDO to GCA are properly accounted for, used for the purposes intended by the UK Government and provides value for money. 
 
The specific objectives of the Audit are as follows: 

• To give an independent audit opinion on the financial statements of the Project, in particular, whether it gives a true and fair view of revenue and expenditure in accordance with the conditions laid down in the accountable grant arrangement (AG) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS); 
• To evaluate the internal control system of the project, identify the risk and provide recommendations, inclusive of any material weaknesses in internal control;
• To make observations in order to determine whether the project has satisfied in all material respects the objectives/conditions laid down in the AG. All material matters which do not meet the said conditions and all illegal acts must be identified. Such observations will also include the requirements relating to any contribution to be made by the project; 
• In addition to the above, any observations the auditors might want to bring to the attention of the management. 

HOW TO EXPRESS INTEREST
Interested and eligible audit firms are invited to submit their proposals together with the required documentation (as outlined in the RFP document). Submissions must be made electronically in PDF format to the following online link: GCA-PR-25-756 – SUBMIT PROPOSALS no later than 25 August 2025 at 16:00:00 CEST. Late submissions will not be considered.

Please download the full RFP document on this page for more information.