The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting registered NGOs and CSOs in Lebanon to serve as Responsible Party for implementing Communication for Development (C4D) interventions that strengthen community-oriented policing in Antelias and Bourj Hammoud.
The selected organization will implement a 3.5-month project to enhance trust, dialogue, and cooperation between the Internal Security Forces (ISF) and local communities under the Community Security and Access to Justice – Rule of Law framework.
About the Programme
This Call for Proposals is issued under UNDP’s Community Security and Access to Justice – Rule of Law framework in close collaboration with Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces (ISF).
The initiative responds to:
• Limited engagement between police and residents
• Weak trust between security institutions and communities
• The need for participatory, community-centered policing
• Localized tensions affecting security cooperation
The intervention will focus specifically on Antelias and Bourj Hammoud municipalities.
What Is the Objective?
The overall objective is to empower the Internal Security Forces to adopt a more community-centered policing approach using Communication for Development (C4D) strategies.
Communication for Development (C4D) refers to structured, participatory communication approaches that promote dialogue, trust-building, behavior change, and community engagement.
Specific Goals of the Assignment
The selected NGO/CSO will work to:
• Strengthen mutual trust between ISF personnel and community members
• Improve community understanding of ISF roles, mandate, and services
• Increase public access to and use of ISF services
• Enhance community participation in local policing initiatives
• Build ISF capacity in dialogue, outreach, and communication
• Promote transparency and cooperation
Project Duration
Implementation period: 3.5 months
The Responsible Party will coordinate closely with UNDP and relevant ISF units throughout the assignment.
What Activities Will Be Implemented?
The selected organization will:
1. Establish Inclusive Dialogue Platforms
• Facilitate structured dialogue sessions between ISF and community members
• Promote transparency and trust-building
• Address community concerns through open communication
2. Design Community-Based Initiatives
• Develop local initiatives addressing security concerns
• Foster ISF–community collaboration
• Reduce sources of tension through participatory solutions
3. Strengthen Institutional Coordination
• Support coordination between ISF, local authorities, and community stakeholders
• Create sustainable communication mechanisms
• Promote regular engagement beyond the project timeline
4. Build ISF Capacity
• Train ISF personnel in C4D approaches
• Strengthen outreach and engagement skills
• Support community-oriented policing best practices
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must meet all the following criteria:
Legal Status
• Registered NGO or CSO
• Established for at least 3 years
• Legally authorized to operate in Lebanon
Experience Requirements
• Minimum 3 years of experience working with governmental institutions and communities in targeted areas
• Experience facilitating dialogue between host communities and government stakeholders
• Experience implementing community-based initiatives
• At least 2 projects implemented with UN agencies or international organizations
Financial Requirements
• Audited financial statements for 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024
• Compliance with UNDP capacity assessment requirements
Important Restriction
• Joint ventures, consortia, and associations are NOT eligible
• Only single legal entities may apply
Why This Call Matters
Community policing depends on trust, transparency, and sustained communication.
In contexts where:
• Police–community engagement has been limited
• Public trust in institutions needs strengthening
• Security challenges require collaborative responses
Communication for Development approaches help institutionalize dialogue rather than relying on reactive policing.
This project aims to shift policing culture from enforcement-centered to community-centered service delivery.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Legal Eligibility
Ensure your organization is registered, authorized to operate in Lebanon, and established for at least three years.
Step 2: Review Experience Criteria
Prepare documentation demonstrating:
• Work with governmental institutions
• Experience in dialogue facilitation
• Community-based project implementation
• Past UN or international donor projects
Step 3: Prepare Financial Documentation
Compile audited financial statements for 2021–2024.
Step 4: Develop Technical Proposal
Your proposal should clearly describe:
• C4D methodology
• Stakeholder engagement strategy
• Dialogue facilitation approach
• Risk mitigation plan
• Sustainability mechanisms
• Monitoring and evaluation framework
Step 5: Submit Proposal
Follow UNDP submission procedures and deadlines as outlined in the official Call for Proposals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Applying as a consortium (not permitted)
• Providing insufficient financial documentation
• Failing to demonstrate UN/international project experience
• Proposing generic awareness campaigns instead of structured C4D approaches
• Not including sustainability mechanisms
• Overlooking coordination with ISF units
Strong proposals clearly integrate communication strategy, dialogue facilitation, and institutional strengthening.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is issuing this call?
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Lebanon.
2. Who is the key institutional partner?
The Internal Security Forces (ISF) of Lebanon.
3. Where will activities take place?
In Antelias and Bourj Hammoud municipalities.
4. How long is the project?
Three and a half months.
5. Can multiple organizations apply together?
No. Only single legal entities are eligible.
6. What type of experience is required?
Experience with government engagement, community facilitation, UN or international projects, and community-based initiatives.
7. What approach must be used?
Communication for Development (C4D) methods focused on dialogue, participation, and trust-building.
Conclusion
This UNDP Lebanon call presents a strategic opportunity for experienced NGOs and CSOs to strengthen community policing through structured Communication for Development approaches.
By building trust, enhancing dialogue, and institutionalizing cooperation between the Internal Security Forces and local communities, the project aims to create sustainable improvements in community security and rule of law.
Organizations with strong facilitation expertise, institutional coordination experience, and demonstrated UN project implementation capacity are well positioned to lead this transformative intervention.
For more information, visit UNDP.
