Request for proposals for External Audit of Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) Framework and Systems Purpose The primary purpose of this audit is to provide CRS with an independent, expert-informed assessment of the agencys ESS framework and systems as applied in select environmental and climate-focused programs. The specific objectives are to: 1. Evaluate the adequacy, coherence, and effectiveness of CRSs ESS framework, including policies, procedures, tools, and guidance, in managing environmental and social risks. 2. Assess the functionality of ESS risk identification, screening, and mitigation mechanisms 2 across 2-3 selected projects/programs with significant environmental and/or climate interventions. 3. Review the effectiveness of grievance redress mechanisms (GRMs) in ensuring that affected communities and populations have accessible, safe, and responsive channels to raise complaints. 4. Identify institutional strengths to be sustained and gaps requiring attention, with particular focus on systemic improvements. 5. Provide a structured learning opportunity for the agency, surfacing practical insights that can inform future ESS implementation, staff and technical capacity building, and policy refinement. 6. Deliver clear, prioritized, and operationally actionable recommendations for improving the ESS framework and its application in programming. Scope of Work The audit will cover CRS agency-wide ESS systems(policies, procedures, tools,structures) in addition to 2-3 CRS projects/programs that have significant environmental and/or climate-related dimensions. Programs will be identified by CRS during the inception phase. Travel to sites is not in scope for this assignment. The audit will examine the following: Environmental and Social Risk Management 1. Adequacy of ESS screening tools and environmental/social impact assessment processes 2. Integration of ESS requirements into project design, planning, and implementation cycles 3. Quality and consistency of risk mitigation plans and environmental management plans 4. Monitoring and reporting on ESS performance indicators Grievance & Redress Mechanisms 1. Design and accessibility of GRMs for affected persons and communities 2. Functionality and responsiveness of GRM processes (uptake, documentation, resolution) 3. Inclusion of marginalized and vulnerable groups (women, persons with disabilities, indigenous communities) in GRM access 4. Accountability and feedback loops from GRM to program management Institutional Systems and Capacity 1. Clarity of ESS-related roles, responsibilities, and accountability structures at both country program and agency-wide levels 2. Staff capacity and awareness of ESS requirements and tools 3. Integration of ESS considerations in donor compliance, procurement, and partnership management 4. Alignment with relevant international standards, frameworks, and donor requirements CRS does not prescribe a single methodology for this audit; firms and consultants are encouraged to propose an approach that is rigorous, participatory, and appropriate for a large international INGO operating in complex, multi-country humanitarian and development contexts given the timeframe limitation. Tender Link : https://www.crs.org/about/bid-opportunity
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