Deadline: 18-Aug-2026
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting qualified agencies to design and implement a comprehensive Digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Capacity Building Programme for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working with marginalized communities across India. The initiative aims to strengthen digital transformation, AI adoption, data-driven decision-making, and evidence-based advocacy through assessments, practical training, and impact evaluation.
About the UNDP India Digital and AI Capacity Building Programme
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched this opportunity to strengthen the digital and artificial intelligence capabilities of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working with marginalized and vulnerable communities in India.
The programme seeks to help CSOs adopt modern digital technologies and AI-powered tools to improve programme delivery, organizational management, monitoring, reporting, documentation, and advocacy. By enhancing digital competencies, the initiative aims to enable organizations to make better use of technology in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and delivering greater impact for the communities they serve.
Rather than providing direct grants to CSOs, UNDP is seeking a qualified agency to design, manage, and implement the complete capacity-building programme.
Programme Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen digital and AI capabilities of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
- Promote the adoption of digital technologies in the development sector.
- Enhance the use of AI tools for documentation, reporting, and knowledge management.
- Improve data analysis and evidence-based advocacy.
- Increase organizational effectiveness and efficiency.
- Support CSOs in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Identify digital capacity gaps through structured assessments.
- Measure programme outcomes through end-line evaluation.
Why This Programme Matters
Digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence are transforming how development organizations operate. Many Civil Society Organizations, however, face challenges such as limited technical skills, inadequate digital infrastructure, and insufficient knowledge of AI tools.
This programme addresses these challenges by providing structured capacity building that enables CSOs to:
- Improve programme planning and implementation.
- Enhance organizational productivity.
- Strengthen monitoring and evaluation systems.
- Produce higher-quality reports and proposals.
- Improve communication with donors and stakeholders.
- Use data for informed decision-making.
- Deliver more effective services to marginalized communities.
Programme Components
The assignment consists of three major components.
Component 1: Baseline Assessment
The selected agency will conduct a comprehensive baseline assessment covering approximately 150 Civil Society Organizations.
Activities include:
- Designing assessment tools.
- Evaluating digital readiness.
- Assessing AI awareness.
- Reviewing SDG integration.
- Developing a CSO database.
- Conducting outreach and surveys.
- Identifying organizational capacity gaps.
- Managing the application and participant selection process.
Priority Organizations
Preference will be given to CSOs that:
- Are led by marginalized communities.
- Work directly with marginalized populations.
- Operate across multiple states.
- Have scalable programmes.
- Work in:
Component 2: Technical Training Programme
The second phase focuses on delivering practical digital and AI training to approximately 100 CSO representatives.
The implementing agency will:
- Develop a modular training curriculum.
- Use primarily open-source and freely available AI tools.
- Prepare practical learning materials.
- Develop user guides and toolkits.
- Conduct one two-day in-person training programme in Delhi/NCR.
- Deliver multiple virtual learning sessions.
- Produce recorded learning modules for future use.
Training Topics
Training may include:
- AI-assisted proposal writing.
- Documentation and report writing.
- Data analysis.
- Data visualization.
- Digital communication.
- Storytelling using AI tools.
- Workflow management.
- Digital collaboration.
- Productivity tools.
- Knowledge management.
- Evidence-based advocacy.
Component 3: End-line Assessment
The final phase measures the effectiveness of the programme.
The implementing agency will:
- Design end-line assessment tools.
- Conduct participant surveys.
- Perform qualitative assessments.
- Measure improvements in digital capacity.
- Evaluate AI tool adoption.
- Document success stories.
- Capture lessons learned.
- Prepare a comprehensive programme impact assessment.
Expected Outcomes
The programme aims to achieve:
- Increased AI literacy among CSOs.
- Improved digital readiness.
- Greater adoption of digital tools.
- Better organizational productivity.
- Stronger evidence-based advocacy.
- Enhanced programme management.
- Improved SDG implementation.
- Sustainable digital transformation within participating organizations.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include qualified agencies with demonstrated experience in:
- Knowledge management.
- Digital capacity building.
- Technology for development.
- Social sector programmes.
- Artificial Intelligence training.
- Capacity development.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have:
- At least three years of relevant experience.
- Experience delivering digital capacity-building programmes.
- Experience working with government or development-sector organizations.
Applicants must also have successfully completed at least three similar assignments involving:
- Training module development.
- Capacity-building toolkits.
- Knowledge products.
- Implementation guides.
- Documentation of development programmes.
- Replicable learning frameworks.
Preferred Experience
Applicants with experience in the following areas may be well-positioned:
- Artificial Intelligence.
- Digital transformation.
- Civil society strengthening.
- Monitoring and evaluation.
- Capacity-building programme design.
- Development communication.
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Technology adoption.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to prepare a competitive proposal.
Step 1: Review the Terms of Reference
Carefully study the programme requirements, expected deliverables, timelines, and evaluation criteria.
Step 2: Prepare the Technical Proposal
The proposal should clearly explain:
- Methodology.
- Work plan.
- Baseline assessment approach.
- Training strategy.
- AI tools to be used.
- Monitoring framework.
- End-line evaluation methodology.
Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents
Include:
- Organizational profile.
- Previous project experience.
- Team qualifications.
- Relevant work samples.
- References.
- Financial proposal.
- Any additional documents required by UNDP.
Step 4: Submit the Proposal
Complete the application according to UNDP’s procurement requirements before the submission deadline.
Tips for a Strong Proposal
Applicants can improve their chances by:
- Demonstrating expertise in AI and digital transformation.
- Showing previous experience with CSOs.
- Presenting a practical and scalable training methodology.
- Using accessible open-source digital tools.
- Including measurable indicators for programme success.
- Demonstrating strong monitoring and evaluation capacity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid:
- Generic training plans.
- Limited experience in digital capacity building.
- Weak monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
- Failure to demonstrate AI expertise.
- Inadequate stakeholder engagement plans.
- Lack of evidence from previous assignments.
- Incomplete supporting documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is this opportunity for?
The opportunity is open to qualified agencies capable of designing and delivering digital and AI capacity-building programmes for Civil Society Organizations in India.
2. Is funding provided directly to Civil Society Organizations?
No. UNDP is selecting an implementing agency that will design and deliver the capacity-building programme for participating CSOs.
3. How many CSOs will participate?
Approximately 150 CSOs will be assessed during the baseline phase, while around 100 CSO representatives will participate in the technical training programme.
4. What topics will the training cover?
Training will focus on AI-enabled proposal writing, reporting, documentation, data analysis, visualization, digital communication, workflow management, collaboration tools, and digital productivity.
5. What are the major components of the assignment?
The assignment consists of:
- Baseline assessment.
- Digital and AI training programme.
- End-line impact assessment.
6. What experience must applicants have?
Applicants must have at least three years of experience in digital capacity building, knowledge management, technology for development, or related social sector programmes, along with at least three similar completed assignments.
7. Why is this programme important?
The programme helps Civil Society Organizations strengthen digital skills, improve organizational performance, adopt AI technologies responsibly, and enhance their contribution to sustainable development and community impact.
Conclusion
The UNDP India Digital and AI Capacity Building Programme represents a significant opportunity for experienced agencies to strengthen the digital transformation of Civil Society Organizations working with marginalized communities. By combining baseline assessments, practical AI training, and impact evaluation, the programme will help participating CSOs improve operational efficiency, strengthen evidence-based advocacy, and leverage digital technologies to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across India.
For more information, visit UNDP.