Call for EOIs: Protection and Solutions for Displaced and Stateless People (Italy)

Deadline: 24-Jul-2026

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has launched a Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) to identify organizations that can support the protection, inclusion, and durable solutions for forcibly displaced and stateless people in Italy during 2027–2030. The opportunity focuses on asylum, legal protection, child protection, gender-based violence (GBV), livelihoods, community integration, resettlement, and long-term inclusion, with implementation in Umbria, Italy.

UNHCR Call for Expression of Interest: Protection and Durable Solutions for Forcibly Displaced and Stateless People in Italy (2027–2030)

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is inviting qualified organizations to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to become implementing partners for its Italy Multi-Year Strategy 2027–2030.

The partnership aims to strengthen protection systems, improve access to asylum and essential services, and promote sustainable integration and long-term solutions for refugees, asylum seekers, beneficiaries of temporary protection, and stateless people living in Italy.

Organizations with expertise in refugee protection, legal assistance, livelihoods, community engagement, and social inclusion are encouraged to apply.

Program Overview

UNHCR’s Italy Multi-Year Strategy 2027–2030 seeks to improve protection and inclusion for displaced and stateless populations by working closely with civil society organizations, local authorities, and national institutions.

The programme focuses on:

• Strengthening protection-sensitive systems.
• Improving access to asylum procedures.
• Expanding durable solutions.
• Supporting livelihoods and self-reliance.
• Promoting social inclusion.
• Strengthening community-based protection.
• Supporting complementary pathways for protection.

The initiative is designed to respond to Italy’s evolving displacement context while promoting sustainable and rights-based solutions.

Background

Italy continues to host significant numbers of:

• Refugees.
• Asylum seekers.
• Beneficiaries of temporary protection.
• Stateless persons.

Many individuals continue to experience challenges such as:

• Limited access to asylum procedures.
• Barriers to legal assistance.
• Difficulties accessing employment.
• Housing challenges.
• Social exclusion.
• Child protection concerns.
• Gender-based violence risks.
• Limited access to long-term integration opportunities.

UNHCR’s strategy aims to strengthen national systems that support protection and inclusion while improving coordination among humanitarian and government partners.

Program Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Improve access to international protection.
• Strengthen asylum systems.
• Promote durable solutions.
• Support long-term integration.
• Enhance protection services.
• Improve legal assistance.
• Strengthen child protection systems.
• Prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
• Increase community participation.
• Improve self-reliance among displaced populations.

Priority Focus Areas

Organizations may submit proposals in one or more of the following areas:

Durable Solutions

• Local integration.
• Reintegration.
• Resettlement.
• Complementary pathways.
• Sustainable inclusion.

Livelihoods

• Community mobilization.
• Economic inclusion.
• Self-reliance.
• Employment support.
• Livelihood development.

Protection

• Access to asylum.
• Child protection.
• Family reunification.
• Gender-based violence prevention and response.
• Legal assistance.
• Access to justice.
• General protection services.

Target Beneficiaries

The programme supports:

• Refugees.
• Asylum seekers.
• Beneficiaries of temporary protection.
• Stateless persons.
• Individuals with specific protection needs.
• Vulnerable families.
• Children and adolescents.
• Survivors of gender-based violence.

The initiative also strengthens systems that benefit host communities and service providers.

Key Activities

Selected organizations may implement activities such as:

• Legal counselling and representation.
• Asylum support services.
• Child protection case management.
• Family reunification support.
• Gender-based violence prevention and response.
• Community outreach.
• Livelihood and employment support.
• Self-reliance programmes.
• Community mobilization.
• Protection referrals.
• Awareness campaigns.
• Capacity strengthening for local actors.

Activities should align with the applicant’s expertise and operational capacity.

Support for Individuals with Specific Protection Needs

The programme places particular emphasis on strengthening services for people requiring specialized protection.

This includes:

• Children.
• Survivors of gender-based violence.
• Stateless persons.
• Individuals with disabilities.
• Other vulnerable individuals requiring tailored support.

Partners are expected to strengthen identification, referral, and case management systems to ensure timely and appropriate assistance.

Community Engagement and Sustainable Integration

The strategy promotes long-term inclusion through:

• Community participation.
• Social inclusion initiatives.
• Strengthened local support systems.
• Improved access to national services.
• Community-based protection.
• Complementary protection pathways.

These approaches help displaced populations build self-reliance while fostering positive relationships with host communities.

Implementation Location

The Call for Expression of Interest covers programme implementation in:

• Umbria, Italy

Applicants should demonstrate operational capacity and experience relevant to the proposed intervention area.

Who Can Apply?

UNHCR invites qualified organizations with expertise in refugee protection and related sectors.

Potential applicants include:

• National Non-Governmental Organizations (NNGOs).
• International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs).
• Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
• Community-based organizations.
• Humanitarian organizations.
• Organizations specializing in legal assistance, livelihoods, child protection, GBV prevention, or refugee integration.

Applicants should have demonstrated technical and operational capacity in the proposed programme area.

Proposal Requirements

Organizations may apply for one or multiple outcome areas.

Applicants covering multiple sectors should:

• Clearly identify each outcome area.
• Describe proposed interventions for each area.
• Demonstrate relevant expertise.
• Provide indicative annual resource allocations for each proposed outcome.

Concept notes should align closely with UNHCR’s strategic priorities and organizational strengths.

How the Partnership Works

The partnership process generally includes:

1. Organizations submit an Expression of Interest and concept note.
2. UNHCR reviews technical expertise and operational capacity.
3. Eligible organizations are assessed according to the selected outcome areas.
4. Selected partners collaborate with UNHCR during the 2027–2030 implementation period.
5. Activities are implemented in coordination with national and local stakeholders.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Displaced and stateless people often face complex legal, social, and economic challenges that require coordinated, long-term responses.

This programme helps:

• Improve refugee protection.
• Strengthen asylum systems.
• Promote social inclusion.
• Support economic self-reliance.
• Protect vulnerable children and survivors of violence.
• Improve access to justice.
• Strengthen national protection mechanisms.
• Promote sustainable integration within Italian society.

By partnering with experienced organizations, UNHCR aims to build stronger protection systems and lasting solutions for displaced populations.

Tips for a Strong Expression of Interest

Organizations can improve their application by:

• Demonstrating expertise in refugee protection or integration.
• Highlighting experience in the selected outcome areas.
• Showing operational presence in Italy.
• Explaining partnerships with local authorities and communities.
• Providing realistic implementation approaches.
• Demonstrating strong financial and organizational capacity.
• Clearly allocating resources when proposing multiple outcome areas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

• Submitting unclear concept notes.
• Failing to specify the selected outcome areas.
• Providing limited evidence of relevant experience.
• Omitting annual resource allocations for multiple interventions.
• Presenting unrealistic implementation plans.
• Not demonstrating local operational capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the purpose of this UNHCR Call for Expression of Interest?

The EOI seeks qualified organizations to support UNHCR’s Italy Multi-Year Strategy 2027–2030, which focuses on protecting refugees, asylum seekers, beneficiaries of temporary protection, and stateless people while promoting durable solutions and long-term inclusion.

Who can apply?

Qualified organizations with expertise in refugee protection, legal assistance, child protection, livelihoods, gender-based violence response, community engagement, and related humanitarian sectors are encouraged to apply.

What are the main focus areas?

The programme supports durable solutions, livelihoods, protection, asylum access, child protection, family reunification, legal assistance, access to justice, and gender-based violence prevention and response.

Who will benefit from the programme?

The initiative primarily supports refugees, asylum seekers, beneficiaries of temporary protection, stateless persons, and individuals with specific protection needs living in Italy.

Where will the programme be implemented?

The Call for Expression of Interest covers implementation in Umbria, Italy.

Can organizations apply for more than one outcome area?

Yes. Organizations may submit proposals covering multiple outcome areas, provided they clearly describe each intervention and include indicative yearly resource allocations.

Why is this initiative important?

The programme strengthens Italy’s protection systems, improves access to rights and essential services, promotes long-term integration, and supports sustainable solutions that enable displaced and stateless people to rebuild their lives with dignity and security.

Conclusion

The UNHCR Call for Expression of Interest for Italy’s Multi-Year Strategy 2027–2030 offers an important opportunity for experienced organizations to contribute to the protection, inclusion, and long-term integration of refugees, asylum seekers, beneficiaries of temporary protection, and stateless people. Through partnerships focused on legal protection, livelihoods, child protection, gender-based violence response, community engagement, and durable solutions, the initiative aims to strengthen protection systems and create more inclusive communities across Umbria, Italy.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.