CFPs: Strengthening the Electoral Cycle in the Solomon Islands

Deadline: 3-Jan-24

Strengthening the Electoral Cycle in the Solomon Islands Project (SECSIP) is calling for proposals to outline a carefully planned and strategically designed campaign that effectively disseminates information and raises awareness among voters in Solomon Islands for 3 months between 1st March and 31st May, 2024.

The SECSIP III project, led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to enhance democratic governance in the Solomon Islands. Building on the successes of SECSIP I and II, SECSIP III is dedicated to empowering national authorities and local networks. The primary goal is to ensure that all eligible voters are well-informed, enabling them to actively participate in the upcoming election by providing readily available information to make informed decisions during the electoral process.

SECSIP III adopts an electoral cycle approach, examining the electoral process over time and engaging with various stakeholders at different stages. The project strives to establish and maintain an environment conducive to inclusive and responsive political processes, with a specific emphasis on supporting the preparation and implementation of electoral activities. Additionally, it aims to fortify the connection between electoral processes and other critical governance mechanisms.

Within the framework of SECSIP III, there is a recognized need to enhance the capabilities of national authorities and local networks in delivering voter information to all citizens on important information needed to enable all eligible voters to fully participate in election.

One of SECSIPs four priority outcome “Strengthened capacity of national authorities and local networks to provide voter information and awareness to encourage civic engagement.” the aim is to significantly enhance public understanding of the electoral process, voting rights, and participation through the implementation of a comprehensive strategy. The strategy will include a range of initiatives, such as targeted awareness programs and educational activities, specifically tailored by civil societies. The objective is to ensure that all populations in the Solomon Islands entitled to vote are reached and empowered with the necessary knowledge. By disseminating accurate and accessible information, the project aims to equip citizens with the tools to make informed decisions during elections. Ultimately, the goal is to foster active and engaged participation in the electoral process, promoting a more inclusive and democratic society.

Funding Information

• The funding for the CSO outreach will be inline with the nature of LVG a direct implementation (DIM) of Low Value Grants. The disbursement of the grant amount takes place in tranches before the deployment (Cover for logistics and associated costs) and after the results and the achievements set out in the grant agreement that will be obtained. The grant agreement includes the amounts to be paid to the grantee and the disbursement schedule.

Services/Work Description

• The main objective of the project proposal is to outline a carefully planned and strategically designed campaign that effectively disseminates information and raises awareness among voters in the Solomon Islands. The specific objectives are as follows:
  • Enhancing the understanding of the electoral process, voting rights, and active participation among voters, with a particular emphasis on women, youth, and PWD.
  • Empowering citizens with comprehensive knowledge and essential resources to make informed decisions during elections.
  • Fostering an actively engaged electorate by promoting critical thinking and encouraging citizens to actively participate in the democratic process.
  • Establishing a solid foundation for a vibrant and participatory democracy in the Solomon Islands, emphasizing inclusivity and equal representation.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

• The key expected outputs of the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Election Campaign and Awareness Project Proposal are:
  • Enhanced Understanding of the Electoral Process: The project aims to increase the awareness and understanding of voting rights and active participation among voters, especially focusing on women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWD).
  • Empowerment with Knowledge and Resources: Voters are to be equipped with comprehensive knowledge and essential resources to make informed decisions during elections.
  • Fostering Active Engagement: The project seeks to foster an actively engaged electorate by promoting critical thinking and encouraging citizens to actively participate in the democratic process.
  • Foundation for Participatory Democracy: Establishing a solid foundation for a vibrant and participatory democracy in the Solomon Islands, emphasizing inclusivity and equal representation.

Experience and Firms Qualifications

• Organizational Capacity and Expertise:
  • The CSO must present a comprehensive description of its organizational capacity, emphasizing the qualifications and experience of its key staff members.
  • Evidence of the ability to manage and implement similar projects successfully, with a proven track record in efficient project management and delivery.
• Experience in Promoting Inclusivity:
  • Demonstrated experience in promoting inclusivity, with specific emphasis on engaging diverse groups including women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWD).
  • Proven ability to design and implement strategies that effectively reach and involve marginalized or underrepresented groups in the electoral
• Sustainability and Collaboration:
  • Clearly defined strategies to ensure the project’s sustainability beyond the funding period. This should include the identification of potential long-term partnerships and collaborations with other stakeholders.
  • Examples of previous successful collaborations or partnerships that contributed to the longevity and impact of similar projects.
• Financial Transparency and Accountability:
  • The CSO is required to provide detailed and transparent financial documentation, including:
    • A comprehensive budget breakdown, showing the allocation of funds across different activity components.
    • Audited financial reports and bank statements from previous projects to demonstrate a history of responsible financial management.
    • A clear plan for financial oversight and accountability mechanisms throughout the project’s implementation.
• Additional Supporting Evidence (if applicable):
  • Supplementary documents such as CVs of key staff, letters of support or endorsement from previous partners, and samples of successfully executed similar projects may be included to further substantiate the CSO’s qualifications and experience.

For more information, visit UNDP.