RFAs: El Potrerillo Market Solid Waste Management Project (Colombia)

UN-Habitat is inviting grant applications to establish a Cooperation Agreement for the development of a sustainable organic waste management system at El Potrerillo Market. The project offers funding of up to USD 50,000 for a three-month pre-investment technical design process focused on organic waste collection, treatment, resource recovery, governance, financing, and implementation planning.

Program Overview: Grant for Sustainable Organic Waste Management

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is seeking an implementing partner to design a comprehensive and sustainable organic waste management system for El Potrerillo Market.

The project aims to improve waste management through technical planning, stakeholder engagement, waste valorization, governance design, and implementation planning that supports long-term environmental sustainability.

Key Objectives of the Grant

• Improve organic waste management at El Potrerillo Market
• Strengthen waste segregation at the source
• Design efficient waste collection and transportation systems
• Develop sustainable organic waste treatment and recovery solutions
• Promote waste valorization and circular economy practices
• Strengthen governance and institutional coordination
• Prepare an implementation-ready investment package

Priority Focus Areas

Organic Waste Management

• Source separation
• Organic waste collection
• Transportation systems
• Waste reduction

Waste Treatment and Valorization

• Composting solutions
• Organic waste recovery
• Resource valorization
• Circular economy approaches

Technical Planning

• Waste characterization studies
• Waste flow analysis
• Technology assessment
• System design

Governance and Institutional Strengthening

• Governance frameworks
• Institutional coordination
• Stakeholder engagement
• Operational planning

Financial and Market Development

• Financing mechanisms
• Market studies for by-products
• Financial sustainability
• Investment planning

Community Engagement

• Collaboration with local authorities
• Engagement with service providers
• Waste picker organizations
• Market vendors
• Community participation

Funding Structure

Maximum Grant Amount

• Up to USD 50,000

Project Duration

• Three calendar months

Funding Purpose

The grant supports a pre-investment technical design process leading to an implementation-ready organic waste management system.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be legally registered organizations
• Provide proof of legal registration in both the country of origin and country of operation (where applicable)
• Demonstrate operational presence
• Have the technical capacity to implement the project

Applicants must also provide:

• Organizational profile
• Vision, mission, and objectives
• Management structure
• Governing board information
• Membership in relevant professional associations (where applicable)

Financial and Governance Requirements

Applicants must submit:

Financial Documents

• Audited financial statements for the last two years
• Balance sheets
• Income statements
• Auditor’s reports

Banking Requirements

• Confirmation of the ability to maintain a separate bank account for UN-Habitat funds

Integrity Requirements

• Signed Partner Declaration Form
• Profile of the Chairperson of the Board
• Profile of the Head of the Organization
• Profile of the Chief of Finance

Eligible Project Activities

The project supports:

• Organic waste characterization
• Solid waste management diagnostics
• Waste flow analysis
• Assessment of operational, environmental, institutional, and social conditions
• Market studies for waste-derived products
• Stakeholder consultations
• Design of integrated waste management systems
• Evaluation of treatment technologies
• Development of governance models
• Financial planning
• Implementation roadmaps
• Scaling strategies

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organization meets all legal, financial, operational, and governance requirements.

Step 2: Prepare Organizational Documents

Compile:

• Legal registration documents
• Organizational profile
• Governance information
• Professional memberships (if applicable)

Step 3: Prepare Financial Documentation

Include:

• Audited financial statements
• Balance sheets
• Income statements
• Auditor’s reports
• Bank account confirmation

Step 4: Develop the Technical Proposal

Describe:

• Technical methodology
• Waste management approach
• Stakeholder engagement strategy
• Governance framework
• Implementation roadmap
• Expected outcomes

Step 5: Submit the Expression of Interest

Submit all required documentation according to UN-Habitat application requirements.

Step 6: Evaluation Process

Applications are assessed based on:

• Technical expertise
• Organizational capacity
• Financial capability
• Governance standards
• Project methodology
• Implementation readiness

Step 7: Cooperation Agreement

The selected implementing partner enters into a Cooperation Agreement with UN-Habitat to deliver the project.

Importance of the Grant (Why It Matters)

This initiative helps:

• Improve sustainable waste management
• Reduce environmental pollution
• Promote circular economy practices
• Strengthen municipal waste systems
• Increase resource recovery
• Improve market sanitation
• Support climate-friendly waste management
• Build long-term institutional capacity

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete legal documentation
• Missing audited financial statements
• Failing to demonstrate operational experience
• Providing weak technical methodologies
• Ignoring stakeholder engagement requirements
• Omitting governance documentation
• Not demonstrating financial management capacity

Tips for a Strong Application

• Demonstrate expertise in organic waste management
• Present a practical and scalable technical solution
• Include strong stakeholder engagement plans
• Explain governance and financing arrangements clearly
• Provide realistic implementation timelines
• Highlight previous environmental or municipal waste projects
• Ensure all legal and financial documentation is complete

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the purpose of this grant?

The grant supports the design of a sustainable organic waste management system for El Potrerillo Market through a pre-investment technical planning process.

2. How much funding is available?

The maximum grant amount is USD 50,000.

3. How long is the project?

The project must be completed within three calendar months.

4. Who can apply?

Legally registered organizations with operational presence, technical expertise, and the financial and governance capacity to implement the project.

5. What documents are required?

Applicants must provide legal registration documents, an organizational profile, audited financial statements for the last two years, a signed Partner Declaration Form, governance information, and confirmation of a separate bank account for UN-Habitat funds.

6. What activities are supported?

The project supports waste characterization, waste flow analysis, technology assessment, stakeholder consultations, governance design, financing strategies, market studies, and development of an implementation-ready organic waste management system.

7. Why is this project important?

The initiative promotes sustainable waste management, strengthens circular economy practices, improves environmental performance, enhances stakeholder collaboration, and prepares an investment-ready system for long-term organic waste management at El Potrerillo Market.

Conclusion

The UN-Habitat grant provides an opportunity for qualified organizations to develop an implementation-ready organic waste management system for El Potrerillo Market. By supporting technical planning, stakeholder collaboration, governance development, and sustainable financing, the project contributes to improved environmental management, resource recovery, and long-term urban sustainability.