Deadline: 15-Mar-2026
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) invites partners to implement livelihoods, economic inclusion, and self-reliance interventions for forcibly displaced populations, returnees, and vulnerable host communities across multiple provinces of Afghanistan. The initiative emphasizes cash and voucher assistance, microfinance, technical and vocational education, and climate-resilient agriculture to expand employment and enhance financial inclusion.
Overview of the Opportunity
UNHCR seeks expressions of interest from organizations capable of delivering livelihoods, economic inclusion, and self-reliance programming in Afghanistan. The interventions target forcibly displaced populations, refugee returnees, stateless persons, and vulnerable host communities, aiming to strengthen income-generating opportunities, expand access to financial services, and enhance self-reliance. Key sectors of specialization include livelihoods programming with cash and voucher assistance, community mobilization, microfinance, microcredit and revolving loan funds, promotion of self-reliance, and technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
Target Provinces
Interventions are expected to cover multiple provinces, including Kunduz, Balkh, Wilayat-e Jowzjan, Herat, Farah, Wilayat-e Nimroz, Kandahar, Wilayat-e Paktiya, Wilayat-e Kabul, Wilayat-e Logar, Nangarhar, Wilayat-e Laghman, Wilayat-e Kunaṟ, Wilayat-e Bamyan, and Wilayat-e Baghlan.
Context: Humanitarian and Economic Challenges in Afghanistan
Afghanistan remains one of the most severe humanitarian contexts globally, shaped by decades of conflict, economic contraction, climate-related shocks, and widespread displacement. The estimated population of 43 million in 2022 includes nearly half women and girls and a significant proportion under the age of 15. Internally displaced persons, refugee returnees, asylum-seekers, and host communities face compounded vulnerabilities, particularly in areas affected by large-scale returns from Pakistan.
Prolonged conflict has weakened infrastructure, disrupted production systems, and undermined market networks, significantly limiting income-generating opportunities. The agricultural sector, historically one of the largest employers, has been heavily impacted by drought, climate change, inefficient water use, rising input costs, and post-harvest losses. Strengthening climate-resilient agriculture and integrating forcibly displaced populations into agricultural and non-agricultural value chains are critical for employment and economic inclusion. Alternative livelihoods, including traditional skills such as carpet weaving and artisanal work, are also recognized as important pathways to productive engagement.
Economic decline has further restricted opportunities, with sharp contractions in 2021 and 2022 leading to business closures and job losses. Women have been disproportionately affected due to restrictions on labor market participation, limited mobility, lack of education and literacy, and constrained access to financial capital. Youth and other vulnerable groups face similar barriers, reducing overall economic participation and resilience.
Key Objectives and Focus Areas
UNHCR aims to partner with organizations that can deliver interventions in the following areas:
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Livelihoods and Income Support: Provide cash, assets, and technical support to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and households to strengthen sustainable livelihoods.
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Economic and Financial Inclusion: Facilitate access to microfinance, microcredit, and revolving loan funds to promote self-reliance and business development.
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Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET): Upgrade skills to increase employability in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.
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Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Promote sustainable agricultural practices and integrate forcibly displaced populations into value chains.
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Community Mobilization and Engagement: Empower communities through participatory approaches to ensure local ownership, participation, and sustainable outcomes.
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Coordination and Partnerships: Strengthen collaboration among public, private, and development stakeholders for evidence-based programming and sustainable interventions.
Who Is Eligible?
Organizations with demonstrated experience in livelihoods programming, economic inclusion, financial services, TVET, or community mobilization. Partners should have the capacity to work across multiple provinces and target forcibly displaced populations, returnees, stateless persons, and vulnerable host communities. Evidence of previous engagement in climate-resilient agriculture, cash assistance, or microfinance is highly advantageous.
Expected Outcomes
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Expansion of resilient livelihood opportunities for displaced and host populations.
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Increased access to employment, microfinance, and financial inclusion services.
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Improved technical and vocational skills, particularly for women and youth.
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Participation in climate-resilient agricultural and non-agricultural value chains.
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Strengthened MSMEs and households through cash, assets, and technical capacity building.
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Enhanced coordination and partnerships among humanitarian, development, and private sector actors.
How It Works / How to Apply
Step 1: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI): Provide organizational profile, relevant experience, sector specialization, and evidence of prior interventions in livelihoods, economic inclusion, or TVET.
Step 2: Partner Evaluation: UNHCR reviews capacity, geographic reach, technical expertise, and compliance with sector standards.
Step 3: Agreement and Implementation: Selected partners receive technical guidance and tools to implement interventions, conduct monitoring and reporting, and ensure adherence to protection standards.
Step 4: Capacity Building and Support: UNHCR supports local organizations through mentoring, training, and technical assistance to enhance sustainability and impact.
Common Tips for Successful Applications
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Highlight experience in livelihoods, cash assistance, microfinance, and TVET.
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Demonstrate strategies for women’s and youth economic inclusion.
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Provide clear plans for integrating forcibly displaced populations into value chains.
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Include community engagement and participatory approaches.
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Ensure alignment with UNHCR sector standards and protection principles.
FAQs
1. Who are the target populations? Forcibly displaced persons, refugee returnees, stateless persons, and vulnerable host communities.
2. Which sectors are prioritized? Livelihoods programming, cash and voucher assistance, microfinance, self-reliance, TVET, and climate-resilient agriculture.
3. How many provinces are included? The initiative covers 15 provinces across Afghanistan.
4. Are women and youth specifically targeted? Yes, interventions prioritize economic inclusion, skills development, and participation of women and youth.
5. What outcomes are expected? Expanded livelihood opportunities, financial inclusion, strengthened MSMEs, skill upgrades, and community empowerment.
6. How will partners be supported? UNHCR provides technical guidance, mentoring, and tools for sustainable implementation.
7. Are cash and microfinance interventions included? Yes, cash assistance, microcredit, and revolving loan funds are central to the approach.
Conclusion
This UNHCR initiative provides a critical opportunity to strengthen livelihoods, expand economic inclusion, and promote self-reliance among Afghanistan’s forcibly displaced populations, returnees, and vulnerable host communities. By integrating cash assistance, financial services, TVET, climate-resilient agriculture, and community mobilization, partners will contribute to sustainable economic resilience, empowerment, and durable solutions across multiple provinces.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.