Request for Proposals: Hiring of Firm/org for Access to Climate Security (Pakistan)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a Request for Proposals (RFP) for implementing the Access to Climate Security and Environmental Justice in Gwadar, Balochistan initiative in Pakistan. The project aims to strengthen climate resilience, environmental justice, community engagement, youth development, governance, and community-led climate action through qualified organisations and firms.

Overview of the UNDP Climate Security and Environmental Justice Initiative

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting eligible firms and organisations to submit proposals for implementing the Access to Climate Security and Environmental Justice in Gwadar, Balochistan project.

The initiative focuses on improving climate security, strengthening environmental justice, and supporting vulnerable communities in Gwadar through community-based solutions, governance improvements, and climate-resilient development activities.

The selected organisation will work with communities and stakeholders to develop sustainable approaches that address environmental challenges, strengthen social stability, and improve access to justice and grievance mechanisms.

Purpose and Objectives of the Project

The project aims to support communities in Gwadar, Balochistan, by improving their ability to respond to climate and environmental challenges.

The key objectives include:

Strengthening climate security and resilience.
Promoting environmental justice.
Supporting community-led social action.
Improving governance and community participation.
Developing youth engagement initiatives.
Strengthening grievance redressal mechanisms.
Supporting climate-resilient community projects.
Improving monitoring, evaluation, and reporting systems.

The project will also support platforms such as the Gwadar Environmental Protection Forum and the Gwadar Informal Working Group to encourage collaboration among stakeholders.

Key Areas of Implementation

The selected organisation will be responsible for delivering activities across several thematic areas.

Major areas of work include:

Community stabilisation initiatives.
Climate resilience planning and implementation.
Environmental awareness and advocacy.
Youth development programmes.
Community engagement activities.
Environmental justice initiatives.
Governance support.
Community feedback and grievance mechanisms.
Monitoring and evaluation.
Implementation of climate-resilient social action projects.

The organisation will also prepare project reports, documentation, and final close-out activities.

Why This Initiative Matters

Climate change and environmental challenges can significantly affect communities through resource pressures, livelihood risks, and social vulnerabilities.

The Gwadar initiative aims to create stronger communities by:

Improving climate adaptation capacity.
Increasing public participation in environmental decisions.
Supporting community-driven solutions.
Strengthening accountability mechanisms.
Promoting sustainable development practices.

The project contributes to building climate-resilient and socially inclusive communities in Balochistan.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Eligible applicants include legally registered organisations capable of implementing climate, environmental justice, and community development projects.

Eligible applicants include:

Registered firms.
Non-profit organisations.
Institutions.
Other legally established organisations meeting UNDP requirements.

Sole proprietors are not eligible to apply.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate financial stability, technical expertise, and relevant project experience.

Required eligibility criteria include:

Valid legal registration documents.
Valid tax registration documents.
Audited financial statements for the last three years.
Average annual turnover of at least:
- PKR 14 million (approximately USD 50,000).

Applicants must also demonstrate:

At least three completed contracts within the last five years.
Each contract should have a minimum value of:
- PKR 4.3 million.

Relevant experience should include areas such as:

Community stabilisation.
Climate resilience.
Environmental justice.
Governance.
Community engagement.
Project implementation in Balochistan or Gwadar.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit a complete proposal package containing technical and administrative documents.

Required documents include:

Organisation registration certificates.
Tax documents.
Audited financial statements.
Company profile.
CVs of key project personnel.
Client references.
Performance certificates.
Details of ongoing projects.
Affidavit confirming the organisation is not blacklisted.
Technical proposal.
Financial proposal.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow the UNDP procurement process carefully.

Step 1: Prepare Technical Proposal

The technical proposal should explain:

Organisation experience.
Understanding of the assignment.
Implementation methodology.
Project work plan.
Risk management approach.
Quality assurance system.
Monitoring and evaluation framework.
Team qualifications.

Step 2: Prepare Financial Proposal

Financial proposals must be submitted separately from technical proposals.

Currency requirements:

Local bidders must submit proposals in Pakistani Rupees (PKR).
International bidders must submit proposals in United States Dollars (USD).

Financial proposals will only be reviewed after successful technical evaluation.

Step 3: Submit Complete Proposal

Applicants must ensure that all required documents are included before submission.

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Selection and Evaluation Process

UNDP will evaluate proposals using a combined technical and financial scoring system.

The evaluation weighting is:

Technical proposal: 70%
Financial proposal: 30%

Technical Evaluation Criteria

Technical proposals will be assessed based on:

Organisational capacity.
Relevant project experience.
Understanding of climate security and environmental justice.
Implementation methodology.
Work plan quality.
Risk mitigation strategy.
Quality assurance measures.
Monitoring and evaluation approach.
Qualifications and experience of proposed personnel.

Financial Evaluation

Financial proposals will be reviewed only after applicants successfully pass the technical evaluation.

The contract will be awarded based on the highest combined technical and financial score.

Important Contract Conditions

Applicants must comply with UNDP procurement requirements.

Key conditions include:

Acceptance of UNDP General Terms and Conditions is mandatory.
Financial proposals must be submitted separately.
Applicants must provide accurate organisational information.
Required documentation must be complete and valid.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Applying as a sole proprietor.
Submitting incomplete registration documents.
Failing to provide audited financial statements.
Not demonstrating relevant climate or environmental experience.
Submitting financial details within the technical proposal.
Providing weak evidence of previous contracts.
Not including qualified project personnel.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Proposal

Applicants can improve their proposals by:

Clearly linking their experience with Gwadar’s climate and environmental challenges.
Presenting a practical implementation strategy.
Highlighting previous community-based projects.
Including experienced climate, governance, and social development experts.
Providing realistic timelines and risk management plans.
Demonstrating strong monitoring and evaluation systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the UNDP Gwadar Climate Security and Environmental Justice Initiative?

It is a UNDP project designed to strengthen climate resilience, environmental justice, community participation, and governance systems in Gwadar, Balochistan.

Who can apply for this UNDP opportunity?

Legally registered firms, organisations, and institutions that meet UNDP eligibility requirements can apply. Sole proprietors are not eligible.

What areas will the selected organisation work on?

The project covers climate resilience, environmental justice, community engagement, youth development, governance, grievance mechanisms, and climate-resilient social action projects.

What financial capacity is required?

Applicants must show an average annual turnover of at least PKR 14 million over the required period and provide audited financial statements.

How are proposals evaluated?

Proposals are evaluated through a combined scoring system, with 70% weight for technical quality and 30% for financial evaluation.

Can applicants submit financial and technical proposals together?

No. Financial proposals must be submitted separately from technical proposals.

What currency should financial proposals use?

Local applicants must quote in PKR, while international applicants must quote in USD.

Conclusion

The UNDP Access to Climate Security and Environmental Justice in Gwadar, Balochistan initiative provides an opportunity for experienced organisations to support climate resilience, environmental protection, and community empowerment.

Through community-led action, improved governance, and climate-focused solutions, the project aims to create stronger and more sustainable communities in Gwadar. Eligible organisations with expertise in climate security, environmental justice, and community development are encouraged to submit strong and technically sound proposals.