Deadline: 04-May-2026
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is inviting local organizations in Mandera County to partner on integrated resilience and development programs. The initiative focuses on economic recovery, WASH, protection, and peacebuilding to support vulnerable and displacement-affected communities. Eligible local NGOs and community-based organizations can apply by submitting expressions of interest and organizational documentation.
About the Opportunity
The Danish Refugee Council is seeking local partners to implement multi-sector humanitarian and development programs in Mandera County.
The goal is to strengthen:
- Community resilience
- Self-reliance of vulnerable households
- Access to essential services
- Sustainable peace and development systems
This partnership aligns with the humanitarian-development-peace nexus (HDP) approach, integrating emergency response with long-term solutions.
Program Focus Areas
Economic Recovery
Focus on improving livelihoods and financial stability:
- Cash assistance programs
- Income-generating activities
- Financial inclusion and access to services
- Market-based livelihood support
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
Improving access to basic services:
- Safe water supply systems
- Sanitation infrastructure development
- Hygiene promotion and awareness
- Distribution of essential non-food items
Protection
Ensuring safety and dignity of vulnerable populations:
- Gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response
- Child protection services
- Strengthening referral systems
- Creating inclusive and safe community spaces
Humanitarian Disarmament and Peace Building (HDP)
Promoting stability and social cohesion:
- Strengthening community peace structures
- Conflict resolution mechanisms
- Youth and women engagement
- Addressing root causes of conflict
Geographic and Context Focus
Why Mandera County?
Mandera County faces complex humanitarian and development challenges:
- Arid climate and frequent droughts
- Water scarcity and limited infrastructure
- High dependence on pastoral livelihoods
- Insecurity and cross-border tensions
- Poverty, unemployment, and gender inequality
These factors make resilience-building interventions critical.
About the Danish Refugee Council (DRC)
The Danish Refugee Council is a leading global NGO working on forced displacement and humanitarian response.
Key facts:
- Active globally across multiple crisis settings
- Operating in Kenya since 2010
- Working in Mandera County since 2015
- Strong focus on resilience, peacebuilding, and cross-border programs
DRC emphasizes localization, partnering with local actors to deliver sustainable and culturally relevant solutions.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must be:
- Legally registered NGOs or Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)
- Have at least 2 years of operational experience
- Demonstrate experience in one or more focus sectors (Economic Recovery, WASH, Protection, HDP)
- Have an active presence in Mandera County
- Show capacity to manage and implement development programs
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Statement of Interest
- Organizational profile
- Evidence of relevant program experience
- Audited financial reports
- Details of operations in Mandera County
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Prepare Organizational Documents
Ensure all legal and financial documents are updated. - Draft a Statement of Interest
Clearly explain your experience, strengths, and alignment with DRC priorities. - Compile Evidence of Experience
Include past project reports and impact data. - Submit Application Package
Provide all required documents as per DRC guidelines. - Await Evaluation
DRC will assess applications based on capacity, experience, and local relevance.
Why This Partnership Matters
This opportunity supports localization and sustainable development.
Key benefits:
- Strengthens local organizations’ capacity
- Enables community-driven solutions
- Enhances long-term resilience in fragile settings
- Builds partnerships with an international NGO
- Expands impact in high-need regions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete documentation
- Lack of clear evidence of past impact
- Weak financial records or missing audits
- Limited demonstration of local presence
- Misalignment with DRC thematic priorities
Tips for a Strong Application
- Highlight local knowledge and community connections
- Provide measurable results and impact data
- Show experience in integrated programming
- Ensure financial transparency and accountability
- Align clearly with DRC’s resilience and peacebuilding goals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for this partnership?
Local NGOs and community-based organizations with at least two years of experience.
2. Is this a funding opportunity or partnership?
It is primarily a partnership opportunity to co-implement programs.
3. What sectors are prioritized?
Economic Recovery, WASH, Protection, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peace Building.
4. Is geographic presence required?
Yes, organizations must have operations in Mandera County.
5. What documents are required?
Statement of interest, organizational profile, experience records, and audited financial reports.
6. Why is localization important in this program?
It ensures culturally relevant, community-led, and sustainable solutions.
7. What is the main objective of the program?
To improve resilience, self-reliance, and well-being of vulnerable and displacement-affected communities.
Conclusion
The partnership opportunity from the Danish Refugee Council represents a strategic effort to empower local organizations in Mandera County to drive sustainable change.
By combining humanitarian aid, development strategies, and peacebuilding efforts, this initiative aims to create resilient communities capable of overcoming long-term challenges.
For more information, visit ReliefWeb.
