Call for Partners: Anticipatory Action Support (Nepal)

Deadline: 27-Mar-2026

The World Food Programme Nepal (WFP Nepal) is inviting expressions of interest from NGOs to implement anticipatory action and emergency response initiatives in flood- and landslide-prone districts. The programme focuses on food security, early warning systems, disaster risk reduction (DRR), and education in emergencies. It aims to strengthen community resilience and government capacity to respond effectively to natural hazards.

What is the WFP Nepal Anticipatory Action Programme?

The WFP Nepal Anticipatory Action and Emergency Assistance Programme is a disaster preparedness and response initiative designed to reduce the impact of floods and landslides.

Led by World Food Programme Nepal, the programme integrates:

• Early warning systems

• Predictive analytics

• Emergency cash and food assistance

• Capacity-building for institutions

The goal is to enable early action before disasters strike, minimizing damage and protecting vulnerable populations.

Key Programme Details

Geographic Coverage

• 20 flood-prone municipalities

• 1 landslide-prone municipality

• Across 7 districts:

  • Panchthar

  • Jhapa

  • Sunsari

  • Saptari

  • Banke

  • Bardiya

  • Kailali

Focus Areas

• Food Security

• Education in Emergencies

• Early Warning Early Action (EWEA)

• Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (VAM)

• Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)

Implementation Model

• Collaboration with:

  • UN agencies

  • Government of Nepal (all three tiers)

  • DRR stakeholders

Key Concepts Explained

What is Anticipatory Action?

Anticipatory action means taking preventive steps before a disaster occurs, based on forecasts and risk data.

Examples include:

• Distributing cash before floods

• Pre-positioning food supplies

• Evacuating vulnerable households

What is VAM (Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping)?

VAM identifies:

• High-risk populations

• Food insecurity levels

• Geographic vulnerability

It supports data-driven decision-making.

What is Early Warning Early Action (EWEA)?

A system where:

• Weather forecasts trigger predefined actions

• Communities act early to reduce losses

Programme Objectives

The initiative aims to:

• Strengthen community resilience to disasters

• Improve early warning and response systems

• Enhance food security during emergencies

• Build capacity of government and local stakeholders

• Promote evidence-based disaster planning

Alignment with National Frameworks

The programme supports key national systems:

• National Anticipatory Action Framework (NAAF)

• Shock Responsive Social Protection (SRSP, 2081)

• Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) Roadmap

These frameworks ensure coordinated and scalable disaster response.

Technical Components of the Programme

Meteorological and Forecasting Support

In collaboration with Department of Hydrology and Meteorology:

• Bias-corrected rainfall baselines

• Monsoon-specific Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models

• Refinement of impact thresholds

• Integration of Decision Support Systems (DSS) and Impact-Based Forecasting Warning Systems (IBFWS)

Institutional Strengthening

Support to:

• NDRRMA (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority)

• Provincial and local Disaster Management Committees

• Emergency Operation Centers

What Will Selected NGOs Do?

Selected Cooperating Partners will:

1. Deliver emergency assistance (cash or food)

2. Implement anticipatory action activities

3. Strengthen community and institutional capacity

4. Support early warning systems and response mechanisms

5. Monitor and report programme outcomes

Agreement Requirement

• NGOs must sign a Field Level Agreement (FLA) with WFP, detailing:

  • Budget

  • Activities

  • Target beneficiaries

  • Geographic focus

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

• National NGOs

• Local NGOs in Nepal

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Have experience in emergency response, DRR, or food security

• Demonstrate operational capacity in target districts

• Work effectively with government and community stakeholders

• Have systems for monitoring, reporting, and accountability

Why This Programme Matters

Nepal faces frequent floods and landslides, which threaten lives and livelihoods.

This programme is critical because it:

• Shifts response from reactive to proactive

• Protects food security and livelihoods

• Strengthens local governance and disaster systems

• Improves coordination across stakeholders

• Saves lives through early action

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Review Eligibility

• Confirm NGO status and relevant experience

Step 2: Prepare Expression of Interest (EOI)

Include:

• Organizational profile

• Relevant project experience

• Geographic presence

• Technical capacity

Step 3: Align with Programme Goals

• Demonstrate understanding of:

  • Anticipatory action

  • DRR frameworks

  • Food security interventions

Step 4: Submit Application

• Follow WFP Nepal’s official EOI submission process

Step 5: Selection & Agreement

• Shortlisted NGOs will sign a Field Level Agreement (FLA)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Lack of experience in disaster response

• Weak understanding of anticipatory action

• Inadequate coordination plans with stakeholders

• Missing documentation or incomplete EOI

• Limited presence in target areas

Pro Tips

• Highlight local experience and partnerships

• Demonstrate technical expertise in DRR and food security

• Show ability to deliver cash-based interventions

• Align with national frameworks (NAAF, SRSP, EW4ALL)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the main goal of this programme?

To strengthen anticipatory action and emergency response in disaster-prone areas of Nepal.

2. Who is eligible to apply?

Experienced national and local NGOs in Nepal.

3. What type of assistance will be provided?

Emergency cash and food assistance, along with capacity-building activities.

4. What is anticipatory cash assistance?

Cash provided before a disaster to help households prepare and reduce losses.

5. Which areas are covered?

Seven districts including Jhapa, Sunsari, Saptari, Banke, Bardiya, Kailali, and Panchthar.

6. What agreement is required?

Selected partners must sign a Field Level Agreement (FLA).

7. What are the expected outcomes?

Improved food security, early action by communities, and stronger disaster response systems.

Conclusion

The WFP Nepal Anticipatory Action Programme 2026 is a forward-looking initiative that transforms disaster management through early warning, early action, and community resilience. By partnering with capable NGOs, the programme aims to protect vulnerable populations, strengthen systems, and ensure timely, effective responses to climate-related hazards.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.