Call for Tenders for an External Financial Auditor for the EONANOBIOPS Project at the Biodiversity and Environmental Research Center

The Biodiversity & Environmental Research Center (BERC), Lead Partner of the EU‑funded EONANOBIOPS Project under the Interreg NEXT MED Programme, (First Call for Proposals, 2021–2027), announces the opening of a tender opportunity for the selection of an External Auditor, taking into consideration the following:

Abidance to the required audit scope, methodology, and quantity of reports.

1. Abidance to the required audit scope, methodology, and quantity of reports.
2. BERC is not obliged to accept the lowest financial offer without providing reasons or justifications.
3. The offer should be valid for at least 60 days from the deadline date.
4. Prices must be quoted in EUR, excluding VAT.
5. The deadline for submitting offers is 12 February 2026 at 12:00 noon, by email to: msshtayeh@yahoo.com.
6. The auditing firm must be registered with the tax authorities, hold a valid professional license, and be authorized to issue tax invoices and tax-exempt invoices.
7. The supplier must be able to issue a deduction-at-source certificate.
8. Payment will be made in the invoice currency, within 60 days after delivery of the final audit report and submission of all required financial documents and claim forms.

Contract / Purchase Order Terms

If the auditor fails to perform the required services or delays submission of the audit report within the agreed timeframe, BERC has the right to contract another firm to complete the work and charge the defaulting auditor for any price difference or additional costs incurred.

Duration: 3 years

Tentative starting date: upon signing the contract

Duty Station: Palestine   

Expiration date of the Request for Services: 12 February 2026

Tasks of the Auditor

• Provide all required audit deliverables for BERC-affiliated Interreg NEXTMED projects (EONANOBIOPS), based on the project’s reporting timeline.

• Perform 6 expenditure verification audits (one every 6 months) of BERC-affiliated Interreg NEXTMED projects’ financial documentation in line with Interreg NEXTMED audit guidelines and national eligibility rules, ensuring use of any compulsory financial reporting and expenditure verification templates provided by the grant program.

• Prepare six expenditure verification reports (one per reporting cycle) per project, verifying the completeness and accuracy of the provided expenditure documentation.

• Conduct biannual reviews of financial performance and compliance status. Highlight financial risks, potential audit flags, or areas for improvement.

• Ensure consistent quality of the 6 audit reports per project.

• Liaise with the project’s financial and coordination teams to ensure timely access to documents, explanations, and clarifications.

• Participate in ad hoc coordination or clarification meetings with the Partners’ auditors or external controllers.

Auditor Qualifications

     • Registered and licensed audit firm or certified public accountant (CPA) legally authorized to perform audits in the country where the partner is established. Member of the Palestine Association of Certified Public Accountants (PACPA)

• Proven experience in EU-funded projects auditing, preferably under Interreg, ENI/ENPI CBC, IPA, or similar cross-border or structural funds.

  • Strong understanding of:

 • EU financial regulations and eligibility rules

• Public procurement compliance

• Audit trail and documentation standards required by the European Commission

   • Use of internationally recognized audit standards (e.g. ISAs, INTOSAI standards).

  • Experience with digital tools or platforms used in Interreg/ENI financial reporting is desirable.

  • Excellent reporting skills in English (written and spoken), as all audit deliverables must be submitted in English.

       Time Frame

The above-mentioned tasks will be performed through the project period extending from JULY 3^rd 2025 till JULY 2^nd 2028.