Deadline: 17-Jun-2026
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is inviting local NGOs and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Ethiopia to support vulnerable migrants, returnees, trafficking survivors, unaccompanied and separated children (UASC), and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).
The programme focuses on migrant protection, psychosocial support, reintegration services, child protection, GBV response, and strengthening sustainable community-based reintegration systems across key migration transit and return locations in Ethiopia.
Programme Focus Areas
The initiative supports:
- Migrant protection and reintegration
- Specialized case management
- Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)
- Child protection services
- Gender-based violence (GBV) response
- Family Tracing and Reunification (FTR)
- Alternative care support
- Community-based reintegration
- Referral pathway strengthening
- Livelihood support and economic reintegration
- Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
- Government capacity strengthening
The programme promotes rights-based, survivor-centered, and gender-responsive protection systems.
Target Locations
Activities will be implemented around Migration Response Centers (MRCs) in:
- Dewelle
- Dire Dawa
- Metema
- Moyale
- Tog Wajaale
Additional interventions may also take place in:
- Afar region
Organizations with operational presence in multiple regions are encouraged to apply for more than one location.
Programme Objectives
The initiative aims to:
- Strengthen migrant protection systems
- Improve reintegration support services
- Enhance psychosocial wellbeing of vulnerable migrants
- Strengthen government-led referral systems
- Improve community-based protection mechanisms
- Support sustainable reintegration outcomes
- Increase local ownership of migrant support systems
Funding Information
Indicative budget:
- Approximately ETB 20.5 million per project
Project duration:
- 18 consecutive months
IOM plans to select:
- Up to six implementing partners
Funding Sources
The programme is supported through:
- I-CARE Project funded by SIDA
- European Union Flexible Mechanism for Migration and Forced Displacement in Sub-Saharan Africa
These initiatives aim to strengthen Ethiopia’s reintegration ecosystem and coordinated protection services.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Local NGOs
- Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Experience in migrant protection
- Expertise in GBV response
- MHPSS and child protection experience
- Strong case management systems
- Qualified technical staff
- Effective MEAL systems
- Safeguarding policies and procedures
Experience working with:
- Vulnerable populations in Ethiopia
- Government institutions
- National Referral Mechanism (NRM)
will be considered an advantage.
Expected Activities
Selected organizations may provide:
- Protection case management
- GBV response services
- Psychosocial support
- Best Interest Assessments and Determinations
- Family tracing and reunification
- Referrals to healthcare and legal services
- Shelter and education referrals
- Livelihood and vocational support
Partners will also:
- Work closely with local authorities and MRCs
- Strengthen referral coordination systems
- Support government capacity development
Expected Results
Each partner is expected to:
- Support at least 340 vulnerable migrants during implementation
The programme also aims for:
- At least 80% of referred cases achieving verified protection or reintegration outcomes
These outcomes may include:
- Healthcare access
- Psychosocial support
- Education
- Legal aid
- Shelter
- Livelihood opportunities
Tips for Applicants
Strong applications should:
- Demonstrate technical expertise in migrant protection
- Present survivor-centered and child-sensitive approaches
- Show operational presence in target areas
- Include strong safeguarding systems
- Highlight coordination experience with government actors
- Present clear monitoring and accountability systems
Organizations with established community networks and referral partnerships may receive stronger consideration.
FAQ
Who can apply?
Local NGOs and CSOs operating in Ethiopia.
What is the project duration?
Projects will run for 18 months.
What is the indicative funding amount?
Approximately ETB 20.5 million per project.
Which locations are targeted?
Dewelle, Dire Dawa, Metema, Moyale, Tog Wajaale, and potentially Afar region.
What services are expected?
Case management, GBV response, psychosocial support, child protection, family tracing, referrals, and reintegration support.
Conclusion
The IOM Ethiopia Call for Expression of Interest supports NGOs and CSOs working to strengthen migrant protection and reintegration systems for vulnerable populations. Through funding for protection services, psychosocial support, child protection, and community-based reintegration, the initiative aims to improve long-term resilience, local ownership, and sustainable reintegration outcomes across Ethiopia.
For more information, visit IOM.