Deadline: 02-Dec-2025

The World Food Programme (WFP) has launched a Call for Expression of Interest to select partners that will strengthen targeting processes for food assistance in North Darfur. This initiative aims to ensure transparent, data-driven beneficiary identification amid Sudan’s rapidly worsening food insecurity crisis. Selected partners will support community engagement, accountability systems, and the use of vulnerability data to prioritize the most at-risk populations.

WFP Call for Expression of Interest: Targeting Support in North Darfur

The World Food Programme is inviting organizations to partner on targeting-related activities that will improve the fairness, transparency, and efficiency of food assistance delivery in North Darfur. This call responds directly to the escalating humanitarian crisis affecting millions across Sudan.

Crisis Context: Why North Darfur Requires Urgent Targeting Support

Sudan is facing one of the world’s most severe food insecurity emergencies. Since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023:

• 24.6 million people (over half the population) are in acute food insecurity

• Many households are in catastrophic (IPC 5), emergency (IPC 4), or crisis (IPC 3) phases

• Famine is confirmed or imminent in parts of North Darfur, Western Kordofan, and Southern Kordofan

• Humanitarian operations face ration cuts, access restrictions, and limited funding
  In this environment, precise, transparent targeting is essential to ensure scarce resources reach those facing the greatest risk of hunger and livelihood collapse.

Key Focus Areas of the Call

WFP seeks partners capable of improving targeting systems through:

• Food security and food assistance support

• Strengthened accountability to affected people (AAP) through two-way communication

• Inclusive participation and transparent decision-making processes

• Accurate and fair beneficiary identification

• Reduced inclusion and exclusion errors in assistance lists

• Enhanced community trust through participatory targeting approaches

• Local capacity building for evidence-based targeting and vulnerability assessments

• Use of vulnerability data to guide food and cash assistance

• Establishment or reinforcement of feedback and complaints mechanisms

Why This Opportunity Matters

Improved targeting is central to ensuring that humanitarian support reaches people who need it most. By enhancing accuracy and transparency in beneficiary selection, partners can:

• Increase the impact of limited resources

• Strengthen trust between communities and humanitarian actors

• Support more ethical, data-based distribution of assistance

• Reduce manipulation or misallocation of aid

• Improve protection outcomes for marginalized groups

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Organizations well-suited for this call include:

• National NGOs and community-based organizations operating in North Darfur

• International NGOs with proven experience in targeting, humanitarian response, or data systems

• Institutions capable of running accountability and feedback mechanisms
  Eligible applicants should demonstrate:

• Operational presence or ability to work in North Darfur

• Experience in vulnerability assessments, food security, or community-based targeting

• Strong data management systems and ethical data practices

• Capacity to engage communities inclusively and safely

• Ability to operate in high-risk, access-constrained environments

What Selected Partners Will Do

Partners will support WFP through activities such as:

1. Strengthening Targeting and Beneficiary Selection

• Conducting vulnerability assessments

• Updating and verifying beneficiary lists

• Improving inclusion/exclusion accuracy

2. Enhancing Accountability to Affected People

• Implementing community feedback channels

• Supporting transparent communication on targeting criteria

• Facilitating participatory decision-making sessions

3. Building Local Capacity

• Training community committees, local authorities, and field teams

• Supporting data collection, storage, and analysis

4. Supporting Evidence-Based Programming

• Using vulnerability datasets to guide food and cash assistance

• Ensuring targeting decisions reflect current humanitarian needs

How to Apply (General Guidance)

Applicants will need to prepare:

1. A technical proposal outlining methodology, targeting approach, and community engagement plan

2. A detailed budget aligned with proposed activities

3. Evidence of organizational capacity and experience

4. Documentation confirming legal registration and compliance

5. A monitoring and reporting plan showing clear indicators

6. A risk management plan addressing access, security, and data protection

7. Demonstration of AAP systems, including feedback and complaint mechanisms

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals without clearly defined targeting methodologies

• Over-reliance on unverified local authority lists

• Weak data protection protocols

• Failure to ensure representation of women, displaced persons, minority groups, and youth

• Budgets without justification or cost breakdown

• Overestimating operational capacity in high-risk areas

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the purpose of this Call for Expression of Interest?

To identify partners capable of improving transparent and evidence-based targeting of food assistance in North Darfur.

2. Why focus on targeting instead of distribution?

Effective targeting ensures that food assistance reaches the most vulnerable before distribution occurs.

3. Does my organization need to be based in Sudan?

Local presence is strongly preferred, but INGOs with operating capacity in North Darfur may apply.

4. What types of data are used in targeting?

Vulnerability data, household assessments, community input, and food security indicators.

5. Can newly established NGOs apply?

Yes, if they demonstrate technical capacity, strong governance, and ability to manage data responsibly.

6. Are feedback mechanisms mandatory?

Yes—WFP prioritizes partners with functional AAP systems.

7. Will selected partners receive funding for staffing?

Budget support must be directly tied to implementing targeting-related activities.

Conclusion

The WFP Call for Expression of Interest for North Darfur offers a critical opportunity for organizations to strengthen humanitarian targeting during one of Sudan’s most severe food crises. By improving transparency, community trust, and data-driven decision-making, partners will play an essential role in ensuring that limited resources reach the households facing the greatest food insecurity. If you’d like, I can also create SEO titles, a short grant alert, a newsletter summary, or a social media post for this opportunity.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.