Deadline: 03-Jul-2026
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting applications from eligible local self-government units in Bosnia and Herzegovina to strengthen local governance, improve public service delivery, and enhance water supply and wastewater management systems. The initiative combines technical assistance and financial support to help municipalities improve institutional capacity, transparency, citizen engagement, and utility performance.
Selected local governments can receive technical support, mentoring, capacity-building assistance, and financial support of up to USD 43,200 to implement governance and service improvement activities.
About the Program
- The program supports governance modernization and public service improvement.
- It aims to strengthen local institutional capacity and coordination.
- The initiative promotes transparent, inclusive, and citizen-oriented governance.
- Support is provided for improving water supply and wastewater management services.
- The project encourages sustainable cooperation between municipalities and water utility companies.
- Anti-corruption and integrity mechanisms are key components of the program.
- The initiative promotes results-based management and continuous service improvement.
Program Objectives
- Strengthen local governance systems.
- Improve public service delivery.
- Enhance institutional coordination and management capacity.
- Modernize governance procedures and policies.
- Improve water supply and wastewater services.
- Strengthen regulatory and policy frameworks.
- Promote transparency and accountability.
- Support citizen participation and satisfaction.
- Improve operational performance of water utility companies.
- Encourage sustainable and inclusive local development.
Key Areas of Support
Governance and Institutional Strengthening
- Capacity building for local governments.
- Improved administrative procedures.
- Citizen-oriented service delivery models.
- Results-based management approaches.
- Strengthening institutional coordination.
- Governance modernization initiatives.
CAF Management Approach
The project supports implementation of the Common Assessment Framework (CAF), a quality management tool for public sector organizations.
Support includes:
- CAF implementation training.
- Organizational self-assessments.
- Performance improvement planning.
- Results-focused management systems.
Digital Public Service Delivery
Support may include:
- Development and improvement of eCitizen platforms.
- Digitalization of municipal services.
- Improved access to public services.
- Enhanced citizen engagement tools.
- Modern digital governance solutions.
Integrity and Anti-Corruption Systems
Activities may include:
- Establishment of integrity mechanisms.
- Anti-corruption framework development.
- Transparency improvement measures.
- Accountability systems strengthening.
- Ethical governance practices.
Water and Wastewater Management
The project supports:
- Improved water utility performance.
- Wastewater management improvements.
- Organizational restructuring of utility companies.
- Technical and management capacity building.
- Financial management improvements.
- Operational planning and performance enhancement.
Innovative Service Delivery Models
Support may include:
- Digital transformation initiatives.
- Inter-municipal cooperation models.
- Outsourcing solutions where appropriate.
- Service delivery innovation.
- Inclusive approaches benefiting vulnerable groups.
- Gender-responsive planning and implementation.
Funding Information
- Financial support available: Up to USD 43,200 per selected participant.
- Funding is provided alongside technical assistance and mentorship.
- Support includes access to tools, frameworks, and implementation resources.
Additional Technical Support
Selected municipalities will receive:
- Capacity-building programs.
- Mentorship and expert guidance.
- Peer learning opportunities.
- Knowledge exchange activities.
- Annual citizen satisfaction survey support.
- CAF assessment tools.
- Financial and operational planning support.
- Service agreement development assistance.
- Digital public service delivery tools.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants must be:
- Local self-government units in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Municipalities that have not participated in previous phases of the MEG project.
- Local governments classified as underdeveloped or extremely underdeveloped in the Republic of Srpska.
- Local governments classified within development categories IV or V in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- A motivational letter signed by senior municipal leadership.
- An annual report of the water utility company.
- Evidence that the utility report has been approved or formally submitted to the relevant governing authority.
- Documentation demonstrating eligibility under the program criteria.
Expected Outcomes
The program aims to achieve:
- Stronger local governance systems.
- Improved public service quality.
- Increased citizen satisfaction.
- Enhanced transparency and accountability.
- Stronger anti-corruption mechanisms.
- Better-performing water utility companies.
- Improved water supply and wastewater services.
- Increased digitalization of local government services.
- Stronger partnerships between municipalities and utilities.
- More inclusive and sustainable service delivery.
Why This Program Matters
- Strong local governance is essential for effective public service delivery.
- Water and wastewater services are critical for public health and sustainable development.
- Digital solutions can improve efficiency and citizen access to services.
- Anti-corruption measures help build public trust.
- Results-based management strengthens institutional performance.
- Partnerships between municipalities and utilities improve long-term service sustainability.
- Inclusive governance ensures that vulnerable groups benefit from public investments.
Application Tips
- Clearly explain your municipality’s motivation for participating.
- Demonstrate commitment from senior leadership.
- Highlight governance and service delivery challenges that need improvement.
- Provide complete and accurate utility company documentation.
- Show willingness to implement organizational reforms.
- Emphasize plans for citizen engagement and transparency.
- Demonstrate commitment to gender equality and inclusion.
- Present a clear vision for long-term sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the purpose of this UNDP program?
- The program supports local governments in improving governance, public services, and water and wastewater management through technical and financial assistance.
How much financial support is available?
- Selected participants may receive up to USD 43,200 for implementation activities.
Who can apply?
- Eligible applicants are local self-government units in Bosnia and Herzegovina that meet the development category requirements and have not previously participated in MEG project phases.
What technical support is provided?
- Support includes CAF implementation, digital service improvements, citizen satisfaction surveys, anti-corruption mechanisms, mentorship, and utility performance improvement assistance.
What is CAF?
- CAF (Common Assessment Framework) is a public sector management tool that helps organizations improve performance through self-assessment and continuous improvement.
Does the program support water utility companies?
- Yes. The project includes organizational, technical, managerial, and financial support for water utility companies.
What documents are required for application?
- Applicants must submit a motivational letter signed by senior leadership and an annual report from the municipal water utility company.
Conclusion
The UNDP Governance and Water Management Support Program offers municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina a valuable opportunity to strengthen governance systems, improve public services, and enhance water and wastewater management. Through a combination of technical expertise, mentoring, institutional development, and funding of up to USD 43,200, the initiative helps local governments build more transparent, efficient, and citizen-focused services while supporting long-term sustainability and inclusive development
For more information, visit UNDP.
