External Auditing, Certification and Accreditation Bodies

The Rene Moawad Foundation is seeking External Auditing, Certification and Accreditation Bodies.

About Rene Moawad Foundation (RMF)

The Rene Moawad Foundation (RMF) was established in 1991 with the Mission of Promoting social, economic and rural development in Lebanon and the MENA region and contributing in building a responsible civil society that promotes democratic values, justice, pluralism and moderation. RMF works in 5 core areas including Livelihood and Economic Growth, Decentralization and Governance, Health and Social Safety Net, Education and Protection and Agriculture.

About “SADDER”

SADDER - Sustainable Agricultural Development to Diversify and Export Regionally (2023-2027) is a project funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and implemented by the Rene Moawad Foundation (RMF).

"SADDER" will incorporate enhanced methodologies and best practices. It will aim to support Lebanon's economy through the agriculture sector by assisting stakeholders within the selected value chains, Table Grapes, Avocados, Cherries, and Apples, in meeting both local and export market requirements, ultimately leading to increased income, self-sustainability of various agricultural sectors, as well as job creation and retention.

Intervention and Beneficiaries

Under Output 2.3. Clusters & farmers Maintain & Adopt Quality Management Certificates, "SADDER" will work with farmers from Phase 2 in order to maintain their certificates and expand the number of newly certified farmers and clusters of farmers in adopting the Global-GAP, GRASP and SMETA certifications belonging to the 4 value chains.

Similarly, under Output 2.4. PHUs & Facilities Adoption of Quality Management Certificates, "SADDER" will help PHUs and agro-processing facilities establish, implement, and acquire quality management certificates specifically ISO and BRC.

Terms of Reference

RMF is actively seeking a qualified and experienced certification body to assist in achieving Global GAP, GRASP, SMETA, and BRC certifications for SADDER project beneficiaries over territorial Lebanon.

Certification Requirements:

1. Global GAP Certification: Ensuring the application of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in agricultural processes.
2. GRASP Certification: Demonstrating commitment to social sustainability and fair labor practices in the agricultural sector.
3. SMETA Certification: Validating ethical and responsible business practices, including labor standards, health and safety, environmental impact, and business integrity.
4. BRC Certification: Enhancing the safety, quality, and legality of food and non-food products through compliance with the British Retail Consortium's Global Standards.

Scope of Work

General non exclusive list of tasks and Responsibilities

• Interpretation and understanding of the relevant standards or requirements applicable to the certification process.
• Provide guidance to Beneficiaries on the interpretation and application of standards.
• Receive and review applications for certification from organisations seeking certification.
• Verify that applicants meet the eligibility criteria for certification.
• Develop an audit plan outlining the scope, objectives, and methodology of the certification audit.
• Schedule audit activities, including on-site visits if required.
• Finance different audit accommodations, flights and field visits.
• Conduct on-site audits to assess the conformity of the organization, product, or system to the applicable standards.
• Collect evidence to support the certification decision.
• Review relevant documentation provided by the organization to ensure compliance with certification requirements.
• Identify and report any nonconformities or deviations from the standards during the audit process.
• Prepare audit reports summarizing the findings and conclusions of the certification audit.
• Communicate the results to the organization, including any corrective actions required.
• Evaluate the audit findings and make a certification decision based on compliance with the standards.
• Issue a certification document if the organization, product, or system is found to be in compliance with the standards.
• Conduct periodic surveillance audits to ensure ongoing compliance with certification requirements.
• Manage the renewal process for expiring certifications, including re-evaluating the organisation's compliance.
• Establish and maintain a process for handling complaints related to the certification process.
• Continuously review and improve the certification process based on feedback, changes in standards, and evolving industry best practices.
• Ensure impartiality in the certification process and adhere to ethical principles to maintain trust and credibility.

Competencies, Skills and Experience

Certification bodies often need to demonstrate their competence and compliance with relevant accreditation requirements to ensure the validity and acceptance of their certifications in the market. The duties listed above contribute to the overall goal of providing assurance to stakeholders that certified entities meet specified standards and requirements.

Deliverables

The deliverables of the certification body refer to the tangible outputs or results that are provided to the organization. The specific deliverables may vary depending on the type of certification, but common deliverables should include:

1. Audit Plan: A detailed audit plan outlining the scope, objectives, and methodology of the certification audit. This plan serves as a roadmap for the audit process.
2. Audit Report: A comprehensive audit report summarizing the findings and conclusions of the certification audit. This report typically includes details about the organization's conformity or nonconformity to the relevant standards.
3. Non-conformity Reports: Reports identifying any non-conformities or deviations from the standards discovered during the audit. Non-conformity reports specify the areas that require corrective action.
4. Corrective Action Requests (CARs): If non-conformities are identified, the certification body may issue corrective action requests, outlining the specific actions the organization must take to address the non-conformities.
5. Certification Decision: A formal certification decision based on the evaluation of the organization's compliance with the standards. This decision will indicate whether certification is granted, denied, or pending corrective actions.
6. Certification Document: A certification document or certificate issued to the organization upon successful completion of the certification process. This document attests that the organization, product, or system meets the specified standards.
7. Logo and Mark Usage Guidelines: Guidelines on how the certified organization can use the certification body's logo or mark in marketing materials, products, or services to communicate their certified status.
8. Surveillance Audit Reports: Reports from any surveillance audits conducted during the certification period to ensure ongoing compliance with standards.
9. Certificate Renewal Document: Documents related to the renewal process for certifications, including any requirements for re-evaluation and renewal of the certification.
10. Communication of Changes: Notification of any changes to the certification status, including updates to standards or accreditation requirements that may impact the certification.
11. Impartiality Statements: Statements or documentation affirming the certification body's commitment to impartiality in the certification process.
12. Complaints Handling Records: Records of how complaints related to the certification process are handled and resolved.

Special Criteria

No oral conversations or agreements with any official, agent, or employee of the Beneficiaries shall affect or modify any terms of this ToR.

Neither the consultant nor any of the representative(s)/dependent(s) of the consultant shall have any claims whatsoever against the Beneficiaries or any of their respective officials, agents, or employees arising out of, or relating to this ToR or other than those arising under a definitive contract with the consultant in accordance with the terms thereof.

Consultant shall not attempt to influence in any manner during the pre-assessment and preparation process and future collaboration.

Rights to The Content of the Documents and Reports

All reports and accompanying documentation arising from this ToR will become the property of Beneficiary and will not be used by the consultant/agency for any other purposes whatsoever, except those defined in this ToR. Beneficiaries are not restricted in their rights to use or disclose any or all of the information contained in the preparatory documents, training modules and update report.

Language of All Documents

All documents and all the correspondence and documents shall be written in English.

Summaries of necessary documentation related to quality manual, procedures, instructions, and records may be translated to Arabic

Submission Part – Requested Document

Interested and qualified consultant/agency may submit their expressions of interest, demonstrated competency and quotations for the assignment. Application must include the following:

• One-page description of the organization including reference to any web site, brochure etc.
• Proven document of legal establishment for a minimum of five years.
• A list of previous relevant work experiences especially for the producer groups option 2 GLOBAL-GAP and GRASP certification.
• A detailed technical proposal on carrying out the tasks, work plan, methodology, quality control mechanism, risk mitigation plan, management (including team composition) and supervision mechanism.
• CVs of the personnel/experts involved in this assignment including qualification and experiences.
• Statement of availability of the personnel/experts and trainers.
• A separate financial proposal with all inclusive (administrative and logistics cost) and itemized unit cost.