Call for Proposals: Technical Cooperation Projects

Sur Futuro is inviting proposals for technical cooperation projects that support the design, adaptation, piloting, scaling, and implementation of future of work public policies across Latin America and the Caribbean. Under the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) FutureWORKS initiative, eligible non-profit organizations can receive up to CAD 55,000 to develop evidence-based policy solutions addressing technological, climate, and sociodemographic transitions.

About the Sur Futuro Future of Work Technical Cooperation Call

The Sur Futuro Call for Proposals supports technical cooperation projects that transform research evidence into practical public policy solutions for the future of work.

As labor markets across Latin America and the Caribbean continue to evolve due to technological innovation, climate change, demographic shifts, and digital transformation, the programme seeks projects that help governments and institutions develop inclusive, resilient, and evidence-based employment policies.

The initiative is implemented under the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) FutureWORKS initiative and focuses on strengthening public policy responses that improve employment opportunities, workforce resilience, and inclusive economic development.

Funding Information

Funding varies according to the technical cooperation modality.

Technical Cooperation Modalities A and B

• Maximum funding: CAD 55,000 per project

Technical Cooperation Modality C

• Maximum funding: CAD 42,000 per project

Project Duration

• Projects may run for up to 12 months.
• The project period may include implementation, pilot activities, evaluation, and programme refinement.

Programme Objective

The programme aims to support technical cooperation projects that:

• Design future-oriented labor market policies.
• Adapt existing employment policies to emerging challenges.
• Pilot innovative policy solutions.
• Scale effective public policy approaches.
• Generate technical evidence for policymaking.
• Address labor market impacts of technological, climate, and demographic transitions.
• Promote inclusive and gender-responsive employment policies.

Programme Focus

Every proposal must combine four essential components:

• At least one major labor market megatrend.
• At least one affected occupational segment.
• At least one public policy action area.
• One eligible technical cooperation modality.

All projects must incorporate a gender-responsive or gender-transformative approach.

Priority Megatrends

Projects should address one or more of the following transformations.

Technological Change

Policies responding to artificial intelligence, automation, digital transformation, emerging technologies, and changing workforce demands.

Climate Change

Policies supporting climate adaptation, environmental sustainability, green employment, and climate resilience.

Sociodemographic Change

Policies addressing demographic shifts, population ageing, migration, workforce participation, and changing labor market structures.

Priority Occupational Segments

Projects should focus on one or more of the following workforce groups.

AI Value Chains

Occupations supporting artificial intelligence development, deployment, operation, data labeling, technical maintenance, content moderation, and related services.

STEM Employment

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics occupations that contribute to innovation, research, technology development, and industrial growth.

Green Jobs

Employment supporting renewable energy, environmental management, circular economy initiatives, sustainable industries, and climate adaptation.

Care Occupations

Jobs involving:

• Early childhood care.
• Elder care.
• Disability support.
• Domestic care services.
• Community care.

Platform Work

Workers providing services through digital platforms, including:

• Ride-sharing.
• Delivery services.
• Freelancing.
• Online professional services.
• Digital microtask platforms.

Occupations at Risk

Jobs vulnerable to automation, technological disruption, climate impacts, or structural labor market transformation.

Public Policy Action Areas

Projects should contribute to one or more policy areas.

Skills Development

Activities may include:

• Vocational education reform.
• Workforce reskilling.
• Curriculum modernization.
• Competency certification.
• Qualification frameworks.
• Future skills development.

Promotion of Strategic Job Creation

Projects supporting:

• Industrial development.
• Productive sector growth.
• Employment incentives.
• Regional development.
• Strategic value chains.
• Emerging industries.

Quality and Inclusion in Emerging Employment

Policy initiatives promoting:

• Employment formalization.
• Gender equality.
• Inclusive labor markets.
• Decent work.
• Labor standards.
• Platform work regulation.

Support for Workers in Transition

Projects addressing:

• Workforce transitions.
• Reskilling programmes.
• Public employment services.
• Financial assistance.
• Social dialogue.
• Just transition policies.

Technical Cooperation Modalities

Eligible proposals should fall under one of the following categories.

Modality A: Public Policy Design or Adaptation

Projects that design new public policies or improve existing policy frameworks.

Modality B: Public Policy Piloting or Scaling

Projects that test, implement, expand, or scale evidence-based policy interventions.

Modality C: Generation of Technical Inputs

Projects producing technical studies, policy recommendations, analytical tools, evidence, or other resources supporting policymaking.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible lead applicants include:

• Non-profit organizations.
• Research centres.
• Universities.
• Foundations.
• Other legally established non-profit institutions based in Latin America or the Caribbean.

Applicants must:

• Have independent legal status.
• Be capable of managing project funding.
• Demonstrate experience relevant to the proposed project.
• Have the administrative capacity to implement technical cooperation activities.

Consortium Eligibility

Applications may include consortium partners.

Important conditions include:

• The lead applicant remains legally, financially, and administratively responsible.
• Government institutions may participate only as consortium members.
• Multilateral organizations may participate only as consortium members.
• Each organization may submit one proposal as the lead applicant.
• Organizations may participate in multiple consortium applications.

Why This Funding Matters

Rapid technological innovation, climate change, and demographic transitions are reshaping labor markets throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

This funding supports organizations that develop evidence-based policies capable of:

• Strengthening labor market resilience.
• Supporting workers affected by economic transitions.
• Promoting inclusive employment.
• Advancing gender equality.
• Improving workforce skills.
• Encouraging sustainable economic development.
• Preparing governments for future employment challenges.

How to Apply

Review the Call Guidelines

Carefully examine the eligibility requirements, funding modalities, policy priorities, and proposal instructions.

Define the Policy Challenge

Identify a labor market issue linked to technological, climate, or sociodemographic transitions and explain why public policy intervention is needed.

Develop the Technical Cooperation Project

Prepare a project that clearly identifies:

• The selected megatrend.
• The target occupational segment.
• The relevant public policy action area.
• The chosen technical cooperation modality.
• Expected policy outcomes.

Develop the Implementation Plan

Prepare a detailed work plan that includes:

• Project activities.
• Timeline.
• Stakeholder engagement.
• Policy development methodology.
• Monitoring and evaluation framework.
• Expected deliverables.

Prepare the Budget

Include:

• Detailed project costs.
• Requested funding amount.
• Resource allocation.
• Financial justification.

Submit the Proposal

Complete the proposal with all required documentation before the official submission deadline.

Tips for a Strong Proposal

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain the policy challenge.
• Demonstrate strong technical expertise.
• Present evidence-based solutions.
• Incorporate gender-responsive approaches.
• Show measurable policy outcomes.
• Build partnerships with relevant stakeholders.
• Include realistic implementation timelines.
• Demonstrate institutional capacity and previous experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the following:

• Selecting ineligible applicants as lead organizations.
• Failing to connect the proposal to the required megatrends.
• Omitting the gender-responsive approach.
• Providing unclear policy objectives.
• Submitting unrealistic budgets.
• Weak implementation or evaluation plans.
• Incomplete consortium arrangements.
• Missing required documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Sur Futuro Technical Cooperation Call?

It is a funding opportunity supporting evidence-based projects that design, adapt, implement, or strengthen public policies related to the future of work in Latin America and the Caribbean.

2. How much funding is available?

Projects under Technical Cooperation Modalities A and B may receive up to CAD 55,000, while projects under Modality C may receive up to CAD 42,000.

3. How long can projects last?

Projects may run for a maximum of 12 months, including implementation, evaluation, and adjustment activities.

4. Who can apply?

Eligible lead applicants include legally established non-profit organizations, universities, research centres, foundations, and similar institutions based in Latin America or the Caribbean.

5. What themes should proposals address?

Projects must address at least one major transition (technological, climate, or sociodemographic), one occupational segment, one public policy action area, and one eligible technical cooperation modality.

6. Can government institutions apply as lead applicants?

No. Government entities and multilateral organizations may participate only as consortium members and cannot serve as the lead applicant.

7. What makes a competitive proposal?

Strong proposals combine evidence-based policy solutions, clear implementation plans, gender-responsive approaches, measurable outcomes, experienced project teams, and strong institutional capacity.

Conclusion

The Sur Futuro Technical Cooperation Call for Proposals offers an important opportunity for non-profit organizations, universities, research centres, and foundations across Latin America and the Caribbean to strengthen public policies for the future of work. With funding of up to CAD 55,000 for projects lasting up to 12 months, the initiative supports innovative, evidence-based policy solutions that help governments respond to technological, climate, and demographic transitions while promoting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable labor markets.