Deadline: 14-Mar-2026
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has launched a Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) to implement a comprehensive livelihoods and economic inclusion program in Chad targeting forcibly displaced persons and host communities. The initiative focuses on climate-resilient agriculture, MSME development, financial inclusion, renewable energy, and environmental restoration. By 2028, at least 80% of supported individuals are expected to achieve greater resilience, income generation, and economic empowerment.
Program Overview
UNHCR is seeking a qualified partner to implement a multi-sector livelihoods and resilience-building program in Chad.
The program aims to:
• Strengthen climate-smart agricultural value chains
• Promote inclusive economic growth
• Support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)
• Enhance financial inclusion
• Advance renewable energy solutions
• Improve environmental sustainability
• Build institutional and community capacity
The overarching objective is to improve self-reliance, income security, and dignified living conditions for refugees and host communities.
Strategic Context: Why This Program Matters
Chad, particularly Sahelian regions, faces:
• Climate vulnerability and land degradation
• Water scarcity and fragile ecosystems
• Limited market access for small producers
• High levels of displacement
• Restricted access to financial services
Strengthening climate-resilient livelihoods is critical for:
• Reducing dependency on humanitarian aid
• Enhancing economic integration of refugees
• Improving social cohesion between host and displaced communities
• Protecting natural resources
• Supporting long-term stability
By integrating economic inclusion with environmental resilience, the program addresses both humanitarian and development priorities.
Core Program Components
1. Climate-Resilient Agriculture & Market Systems
The program promotes climate-smart agriculture and inclusive value chain development.
Key interventions include:
• Market systems development approaches
• Productivity enhancement in agriculture, livestock, and fishing
• Hydro-agricultural infrastructure development
• Sustainable water management systems
• Agroecological practices
• Sustainable pasture and land management
• Diversified livelihoods strategies
The goal is to integrate small producers, agricultural cooperatives, and MSMEs into local, regional, and international markets.
2. MSME Development & Entrepreneurship Support
The initiative emphasizes structured enterprise support before and after business creation.
Activities include:
• Formalization of micro, small, and medium enterprises
• Pre-creation and post-creation business development services
• Entrepreneurship training
• Cooperative governance and leadership development
• Mentoring and coaching
• Management consulting support
• Financial planning and simplified accounting
• Marketing strategy development
This component enhances employability and income-generating opportunities.
3. Financial Inclusion & Community Finance
The program promotes inclusive financial systems for refugees and host communities.
Support includes:
• Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs)
• Access to inclusive financial services
• Strengthening community-based finance mechanisms
• Improved access to formal and informal financial institutions
Financial inclusion is central to sustainable economic empowerment.
4. Renewable Energy & Energy Transition
Energy transition is a major pillar of the initiative.
Interventions include:
• Solar energy systems
• Biomass solutions
• Mini-grid development
• Improved cookstoves
• Energy efficiency initiatives
The aim is to ensure equitable access to sustainable and affordable energy solutions while reducing environmental pressure.
5. Environmental Resilience & Natural Resource Management
Climate adaptation strategies are integrated throughout the program.
Key actions:
• Reforestation
• Restoration of degraded ecosystems
• Watershed protection
• Erosion control measures
• Sustainable natural resource management
These measures strengthen community resilience while protecting ecosystems.
6. Institutional Capacity Building & Localization
The selected partner must:
• Collaborate with national organizations
• Engage women-led organizations
• Work with refugee-led and IDP-led organizations
• Strengthen decentralized technical services
• Reinforce community structures
Localization and community ownership are core implementation principles.
7. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL)
A robust MEAL framework will:
• Track outputs and outcomes
• Measure resilience and economic inclusion indicators
• Ensure accountability to affected populations
• Generate evidence for future programming
• Support adaptive management
Expected Results by 2028
By 2028, the program aims for:
• At least 80% of supported individuals to achieve resilience and empowerment
• Increased inclusion in climate-smart agricultural value chains
• Enhanced employability through vocational and technical training
• Improved access to ICT and market information
• Strengthened entrepreneurial capacities
• Greater financial inclusion
Who Is the Target Population?
The program targets:
• Forcibly displaced persons (including refugees)
• Internally displaced persons (where applicable)
• Host communities in affected regions of Chad
• Small producers and agricultural cooperatives
• Emerging entrepreneurs and MSMEs
Special attention is given to:
• Women
• Youth
• Vulnerable households
• Community-based organizations
What UNHCR Is Looking for in a Partner
The selected partner must demonstrate:
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Strong experience in livelihoods and economic inclusion programming
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Technical capacity in climate-smart agriculture and value chain development
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Expertise in MSME development and financial inclusion
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Proven experience in renewable energy or environmental programming
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Strong community engagement and localization track record
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Capacity to implement robust MEAL systems
Collaboration, accountability, and close monitoring will be central to implementation.
How the Program Works
Step 1: Partner Selection
UNHCR reviews Expressions of Interest and selects an implementing partner.
Step 2: Program Design & Localization
Joint planning with national and local stakeholders.
Step 3: Implementation
Rollout of agricultural, enterprise, financial inclusion, energy, and environmental interventions.
Step 4: Capacity Building
Strengthening local institutions and community structures.
Step 5: Monitoring & Adaptive Management
Continuous learning and performance tracking through MEAL systems.
Step 6: Impact Measurement
Evaluation of resilience, income generation, and empowerment outcomes by 2028.
Common Implementation Risks & Mitigation
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Climate shocks and environmental degradation
Mitigation: Climate adaptation and diversified livelihoods strategies -
Limited market access
Mitigation: Inclusive value chain development and ICT-based market information -
Financial exclusion
Mitigation: Community finance systems and inclusive financial services -
Institutional capacity gaps
Mitigation: Structured training and technical assistance -
Social tensions
Mitigation: Inclusive programming and community engagement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main objective of this UNHCR program?
To strengthen resilience and self-reliance of forcibly displaced persons and host communities through sustainable livelihoods and economic inclusion.
2. What sectors does the program cover?
Climate-smart agriculture, MSME development, financial inclusion, renewable energy, environmental restoration, and institutional capacity building.
3. Who are the primary beneficiaries?
Refugees, displaced persons, and vulnerable host communities in Chad.
4. What role does financial inclusion play?
It enables access to savings, credit, and financial services, supporting business development and economic stability.
5. How is climate resilience integrated?
Through agroecological practices, water management, renewable energy, reforestation, and ecosystem restoration.
6. What is the expected impact by 2028?
At least 80% of supported individuals should achieve measurable improvements in resilience, economic empowerment, and livelihood security.
7. What is MEAL in this context?
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning — a system to track impact, ensure transparency, and improve program effectiveness.
Conclusion
The UNHCR Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion Program in Chad represents a comprehensive resilience-building initiative that integrates climate-smart agriculture, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability.
By combining humanitarian support with long-term development strategies, the program aims to transform vulnerability into opportunity, ensuring displaced populations and host communities achieve sustainable income generation, economic integration, and dignified living conditions by 2028.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
