Call for EOIs: WASH, Shelter, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Support for Refugees (Rwanda)

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is inviting Expressions of Interest from eligible organizations to deliver humanitarian services in Rwanda focused on water supply, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), shelter and infrastructure, energy solutions, and environmental management for refugees, displaced persons, and host communities. The partnership aims to improve living conditions, strengthen protection outcomes, and promote sustainable and self-reliant communities through integrated service delivery.

About the UNHCR Rwanda Partnership Opportunity

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is seeking qualified national and international organizations to support humanitarian programmes in Rwanda through the provision of essential services for refugees and displaced populations.

The partnership focuses on improving access to:

• Sustainable water supply systems
• Sanitation and hygiene services
• Shelter and public infrastructure
• Clean and renewable energy solutions
• Environmental protection and natural resource management

The initiative aims to strengthen humanitarian assistance while promoting dignity, resilience, protection, and self-reliance among refugee communities and host populations.

Key Focus Areas of the Partnership

The programme supports multiple humanitarian sectors, including:

Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)

Organizations will support activities such as:

• Maintaining water distribution networks
• Operating water treatment plants and pumping stations
• Improving water quality monitoring and management
• Constructing and maintaining sanitation facilities
• Promoting hygiene awareness campaigns
• Supporting waste management systems
• Strengthening community participation in WASH services

Shelter and Infrastructure Development

Supported activities include:

• Developing and maintaining shelters
• Improving public infrastructure in refugee settlements
• Repairing access roads and drainage systems
• Supporting safe and sustainable settlement environments
• Maintaining essential community facilities

Energy Solutions and Environmental Management

The partnership also promotes:

• Renewable and clean energy solutions
• Reduction of dependence on firewood
• Sustainable energy access for refugee communities
• Environmental protection initiatives
• Tree nursery establishment
• Implementation of environmental management plans
• Community-based environmental conservation activities

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• National non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• International non-governmental organizations (INGOs)

Organizations should have proven experience in:

• Humanitarian WASH programmes
• Shelter and infrastructure development
• Energy access projects
• Environmental sustainability initiatives
• Refugee and displaced population support

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Knowledge of humanitarian principles
• Understanding of protection-sensitive programming
• Application of the Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) approach
• Strong technical expertise
• Experience managing humanitarian projects
• Effective financial and operational systems
• Local presence and community engagement capacity

Required Organizational Capacity

Applicants should demonstrate the ability to:

• Manage large-scale humanitarian programmes
• Deploy qualified technical and field staff
• Coordinate with communities and humanitarian partners
• Maintain accountability systems
• Manage financial resources effectively
• Apply risk management procedures
• Provide documented contributions through cash or in-kind support

Organizations with previous experience working with UNHCR or other United Nations agencies will be considered positively.

Project Activities Supported

Selected partners may implement activities related to:

• Water infrastructure operation and maintenance
• Sanitation facility construction and improvement
• Hygiene promotion activities
• Shelter construction and rehabilitation
• Infrastructure repairs
• Environmental restoration
• Renewable energy adoption
• Community-based resource management
• Sustainable service delivery systems

How to Apply

Eligible organizations must submit their applications through the UN Partner Portal.

Applicants are required to provide:

1. Concept note explaining the proposed intervention
2. Detailed budget template
3. Organizational profile and supporting documents
4. Evidence of technical capacity and previous experience
5. Information on local presence and community engagement mechanisms

Applications should clearly explain:

• Proposed activities
• Expected results
• Implementation approach
• Sustainability strategies
• Monitoring and accountability systems
• Available organizational resources

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

Technical Experience

Assessment will consider:

• Experience in WASH, shelter, energy, and environmental programmes
• Humanitarian response capacity
• Technical expertise of staff
• Previous experience supporting refugees and displaced communities

Operational Capacity

Evaluation will review:

• Project management systems
• Local operational presence
• Financial management capacity
• Risk management procedures
• Community participation approaches

Cost Effectiveness and Sustainability

Organizations will be assessed on:

• Value for money
• Contribution of partner resources
• Long-term sustainability of activities
• Environmental protection measures
• Ability to maintain services after project completion

Previous UN Experience

Experience working with:

• UNHCR
• United Nations agencies
• International humanitarian organizations

will be considered during the assessment process.

Why This Partnership Matters

Access to safe water, sanitation, shelter, clean energy, and environmental protection services is essential for refugee communities facing displacement and humanitarian challenges.

The partnership aims to:

• Improve health and safety conditions
• Strengthen dignity and protection for refugees
• Promote sustainable resource management
• Increase community participation
• Support resilience among refugees and host communities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is offering this partnership opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to support humanitarian services in Rwanda.

2. Which organizations can apply?

National and international non-governmental organizations with relevant technical expertise and humanitarian experience can apply.

3. What sectors are covered under this partnership?

The partnership covers water supply, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), shelter and infrastructure, energy solutions, and environmental management.

4. How can organizations submit applications?

Applications must be submitted through the UN Partner Portal with required documents, including concept notes and budget templates.

5. Is previous UN experience required?

Previous experience working with UNHCR or other UN agencies is considered an advantage, but applicants must demonstrate strong humanitarian implementation capacity.

6. What type of communities will benefit from these projects?

The programme supports refugees, displaced persons, and host communities in Rwanda.

7. What factors will determine selection?

Selection will depend on technical expertise, project management capacity, local presence, cost effectiveness, sustainability, financial systems, and previous humanitarian experience.

Conclusion

The UNHCR Rwanda partnership opportunity provides an important platform for qualified organizations to support refugees and displaced communities through integrated humanitarian solutions. By strengthening WASH services, shelter infrastructure, clean energy access, and environmental management, selected partners will contribute to safer, healthier, and more resilient communities in Rwanda.