Call for Proposal: Inclusive Livelihood Programs for Women (Moldova)

Deadline: 04-May-2026

The UN Women Moldova Office is inviting civil society organizations to implement livelihood and inclusive employment programs for vulnerable women in Chișinău and Strășeni. With funding up to USD 200,000, the initiative focuses on improving access to jobs, skills training, and childcare support. The programme aims to strengthen women’s economic resilience and promote equitable participation in Moldova’s labor market.

The UN Women Moldova Livelihood and Inclusive Employment Programme (2026–2028) is a strategic initiative designed to improve economic opportunities for vulnerable women.

Core Objective

To enhance women’s employment, income generation, and economic resilience through inclusive, gender-responsive interventions.

Key Programme Details

• Implementing Organization: UN Women Moldova Office
• Location: Chișinău and Strășeni regions, Moldova
• Total Budget: Up to USD 200,000
• Project Duration: July 2026 – May 2028
• Target Group: Vulnerable women

Key Focus Areas

The programme addresses systemic barriers to women’s employment:

1. Low Labor Market Participation

• Particularly among:
  • Women with disabilities
  • Women with children
  • NEET women (Not in Employment, Education, or Training)
  • Rural women

2. Structural Barriers

• Limited access to quality jobs
• Lack of childcare services
• Skills mismatch or outdated skills
• Gender stereotypes

3. Inclusive Employment Solutions

• Flexible work arrangements
• Vocational and skills training
• Family-friendly workplace policies

Strategic Interventions

1. Strengthening Public Institutions

• Improve capacity to design inclusive employment programs
• Ensure policies respond to vulnerable groups

2. Supporting Vulnerable Women

• Provide:
  • Tailored employment services
  • Skills development opportunities
  • Gender-responsive support systems

3. Enhancing Childcare and Workplace Policies

• Encourage:
  • Private sector engagement
  • Local authority participation
• Develop:
  • Childcare facilities
  • Family-friendly workplace environments

Key Concept: Inclusive Employment

What is Inclusive Employment?

Inclusive employment ensures that all individuals, regardless of background or barriers, have equal access to decent work opportunities.

Core Elements

• Accessibility for persons with disabilities
• Flexible work conditions
• Equal pay and opportunities
• Support services (e.g., childcare, training)

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

• Civil society organizations (CSOs) registered in Moldova

Key Requirements

• Proven experience in:
  • Gender equality
  • Employment or livelihood programs
• Capacity to implement large-scale projects
• Ability to act as a Responsible Party under UN Women guidelines

Why This Programme Matters

Promotes Gender equality

• Addresses systemic inequalities in employment

Supports Economic Empowerment

• Enables women to achieve financial independence

Strengthens Social Inclusion

• Targets the most vulnerable groups

Builds Sustainable Systems

• Encourages long-term policy and institutional change

How the Programme Works

Step 1: Call for Proposals

• UN Women invites eligible organizations

Step 2: Proposal Submission

• Applicants submit project plans aligned with objectives

Step 3: Selection Process

• Proposals evaluated based on:
  • Relevance
  • Impact
  • Feasibility

Step 4: Programme Implementation

• Selected organization designs and delivers interventions

Step 5: Monitoring and Impact Assessment

• Ongoing evaluation of outcomes and effectiveness

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply:

Step 1: Review Terms of Reference

• Understand programme requirements and expectations

Step 2: Develop Proposal

Include:

• Project design
• Target beneficiaries
• Implementation plan
• Budget

Step 3: Align with Key Priorities

• Focus on:
  • Inclusion
  • Gender equality
  • Employment outcomes

Step 4: Submit Application

• Follow official UN Women submission guidelines

Step 5: Prepare for Implementation

• Ensure operational readiness if selected

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Weak alignment with target groups
• Lack of measurable outcomes
• Generic project design without innovation
• Ignoring childcare and gender barriers
• Insufficient implementation capacity

Pro Tips for Success

• Use data-driven approaches
• Focus on practical, scalable solutions
• Highlight partnerships with stakeholders
• Demonstrate long-term sustainability

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the UN Women Moldova programme?

A funding initiative to support livelihood and employment programs for vulnerable women.

2. Who can apply?

Civil society organizations registered in Moldova.

3. What is the funding amount?

Up to USD 200,000.

4. What regions are covered?

Chișinău and Strășeni regions.

5. What is the project duration?

From July 2026 to May 2028.

6. What types of women are targeted?

Women with disabilities, NEET women, rural women, and women with children.

7. What is a Responsible Party?

An organization responsible for implementing the project under UN Women guidelines.

Conclusion

The UN Women Moldova Office programme offers a significant opportunity to transform women’s economic participation in Moldova.

By focusing on inclusive employment, skills development, and systemic change, the initiative aims to create sustainable pathways for vulnerable women to thrive in the labor market while promoting gender equality and social inclusion.

For more information, visit UN Women.