Call for EOIs: Complementary Pathways for Refugees (Ethiopia)

Deadline: 02-Feb-2026

UNHCR Ethiopia is inviting expressions of interest from qualified partners to implement complementary pathways for refugees, supporting safe and regulated third-country solutions. The initiative focuses on education, employment, family reunification, humanitarian admission, private sponsorship, community engagement, legal and psychosocial support, and capacity building. Selected partners will work with refugee-led organizations, government authorities, and UNHCR to strengthen services, empowerment, and coordination while contributing to monitoring, evaluation, and learning.

Program Overview

UNHCR Ethiopia is seeking capable partners to enhance safe and regulated third-country solutions for refugees through complementary pathways. The initiative aims to provide structured support, improve refugee self-reliance, and strengthen coordination among stakeholders, while building capacity in refugee communities and organizations.

Key Focus Areas

• Complementary Pathways: Education, employment, family reunification, humanitarian admission, private sponsorship.

• Outreach and Awareness: Campaigns, information dissemination, and case preparation support.

• Community Engagement: Refugee empowerment, participation, and collaboration with refugee-led organizations.

• Service Delivery: Legal aid, psychosocial support, career guidance, and assistance navigating administrative requirements.

• Coordination and Referral: Strengthening links between UNHCR, government, and partner services.

• Capacity Building: Training for refugee-led organizations, community members, and other stakeholders.

• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL): Ensuring program effectiveness and continuous improvement.

Refugee Context in Ethiopia

• Ethiopia hosts over one million refugees and asylum-seekers, primarily in camps and settlements across Gambella, Somali, Amara, Afar, and Benshangul-Gumaz, with significant urban populations in Addis Ababa.

• The Ethiopian government has progressive refugee policies, including access to education, health services, and work permits.

• Policies under Refugee Proclamation No. 1110/2019 and Council of Ministers Regulation No. 546/2024 facilitate regulated third-country solutions.

Partner Roles and Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach campaigns to inform refugees about opportunities and eligibility.

• Provide counseling and guidance for education, employment, family reunification, humanitarian admission, and private sponsorship applications.

• Assist refugees in navigating travel, administrative, and legal requirements.

• Develop information materials and engage in advocacy to raise awareness.

• Link refugees to support services, including legal aid, psychosocial assistance, and career guidance.

• Collaborate with refugee-led organizations and build community capacity.

• Maintain coordination with UNHCR and government authorities.

• Implement monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities to track outcomes and improve effectiveness.

Expected Outcomes

• Improved identification and matching of refugees to appropriate third-country opportunities.

• Enhanced self-reliance, inclusion, and empowerment of refugee communities.

• Strengthened service delivery ecosystem supporting refugees.

• Robust community capacity and collaboration among stakeholders.

How to Express Interest

1. Demonstrate proven expertise in complementary pathways, refugee support, and case management.

2. Outline the organization’s capacity to implement outreach, counseling, service facilitation, and MEL.

3. Describe experience in community engagement and collaboration with refugee-led organizations.

4. Submit required documentation and proposals through the UNHCR Ethiopia application process.

Why This Initiative Matters

• Supports refugees in achieving safe, legal, and regulated solutions in third countries.

• Strengthens community resilience, empowerment, and capacity.

• Enhances coordinated and efficient delivery of services.

• Contributes to long-term refugee integration and self-reliance.

Tips for Applicants

• Emphasize previous successful experience with refugee populations.

• Highlight capacity for multi-sector coordination and service delivery.

• Include a clear MEL plan to track impact and learn from implementation.

• Demonstrate commitment to community-based, inclusive approaches.

Conclusion

This UNHCR Ethiopia call invites qualified partners to contribute to complementary pathways for refugees, providing education, employment, and legal support while fostering community empowerment and collaboration. By participating, partners will play a critical role in strengthening refugee self-reliance, improving access to opportunities, and ensuring safe and regulated pathways to third countries.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.