Deadline: 20 March 2020
The Government of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry (METHI) in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is implementing a GEF 6 funded Global Wildlife Project titled, “Strengthening Biodiversity and Ecosystems Management and Climate-Smart Landscapes in the Mid to Lower Zambezi Region of Zimbabwe” also known as the Zambezi Valley Biodiversity Project (ZVBP) over a six-year period 2018-2024.
Anchored on landscape wide approach, the project has been designed with a small grants window for NGOs and CBOs to support innovative community driven sustainable livelihood projects in Muzarabani, Mbire and Hurungwe Districts.
The ZVBP has a small grants window for NGOs and CBOs, focusing on Component 1, output 1.6 and Component 3, Outputs 3.2 and 3.4 of the ZVBP. This Call for proposals is therefore founded on these three (3) outputs, which are (i) project area awareness campaigns targeting IWT, deforestation and climate change adaptation and mitigation, (ii) livelihood activities on community based SFM, SLM and HWC management and (ii) provision of alternative sources of energy, clean energy and energy saving equipment for local communities in target areas.
This Call for Proposals (CfP) is specifically focused on components 1 and 3 of the ZVBP. Through this CfP, UNDP is inviting interested NGOs/CBOs to develop innovative proposals for projects towards supporting awareness and education on conservation, sustainable livelihood activities on community based Sustainable Forest Management (SFM), Sustainable Land Management (SLM) and Human Wildlife Conflict (HWC) Management, Alternative Sources of Income and Energy in targeted Community Wildlife Conservancies (CWCs) in Hurungwe, Mbire and Muzarabani.
UNDP and METHI are committed to implementing the small grants projects through local NGOs/CBOs because these are locally rooted institutions that have great potential in promoting sustainable community development. This is also an opportunity to strengthen capacities of local NGOs/CBOs in delivering results for locally owned development project activities. International NGOs can also apply but preference will be given to those that engage local NGOs/CBOs.
Focus Areas
The focus should be on any one of the following thematic areas:
- Awareness and Education: Awareness campaigns targeting Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT), deforestation and climate change adaptation and mitigation across the project area covering all 3 districts. This thematic area contributes to output 1.6 of the ZVBP;
- Livelihood Enhancement: Sustainable livelihood activities that contribute directly to community based SFM, SLM and HWC management outcomes. This thematic area contributes to output 3.2 of the ZVBP;
- Alternative Energy: The provision of alternative sources of energy, clean energy and energy saving technologies in the target Districts. This thematic area contributes to output 3.4 of the ZVBP.
Funding Information
Successful applicants (Project Grantees) will enter into a Grant Agreement with UNDP which will be guided by the UNDP POPP Guidelines for engagement with NGOs/CSOs. UNDP Resident Representative or his designate, supported by the ZVBP Management Unit will oversee administration of the Grant Agreements.
Target Beneficiaries
Target beneficiaries/groups for project activities comprise of the following:
- Community members and Local authorities, in the target CWCs (men, women, youths, People Living with Disabilities (PLWD), indigenous and vulnerable communities/groups);
- Applicants should develop project proposals in consultation with communities from the proposed participating wards.
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligible grantees are registered NGOs/CBOs that have demonstrated competences and experience in working with local communities in promoting sustainable livelihoods, environmental awareness, biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation and mitigation;
- UNDP Request for Information (RFI) from local CSOs/NGOs will be used to assess eligibility;
- Preference will be given to locally registered NGOs/CBOs, although International NGOs can apply.
Required Competencies
- Technical and administration staff;
- Proof of registration as an NGO/CBO including copies of registration certificate and constitution or another governing document;
- Bank account: Grantees will be required to open a separate bank account for the project;
- Demonstrated experience in the chosen thematic area;
- In depth knowledge and experience in setting up local community development initiatives;
- Demonstrated experience and capacity to establish partnerships with local authorities, private sector and CBOs would be a distinct advantage;
- Project vehicle and other assets an added advantage.
Evaluation Criteria
- The proposals will be reviewed by a designated Project Selection Committee and will make recommendations to ZVBP Steering Committee. Evaluation of proposals shall be carried out, in accordance with the evaluation criteria summarised in the evaluation section;
- The selection shall focus on the quality of the proposal, proposed approach, results framework, team composition and capacity as well as the budget;
- If a component of the proposal is identified as not fulfilling the eligibility criteria specified in the application guidelines at any stage of the evaluation process, the proposal will be rejected on that sole basis. A capacity assessment checklist will also be used in the evaluation of project proposal.
How to Apply
Proposals should be submitted via email at the address given on the website.
For more information, visit https://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_notice.cfm?notice_id=62806