UNDP is inviting qualified non-governmental organizations to implement social and cultural engagement activities under the Women and Medium Enterprises Empowerment (EWASME) Program in Niger. The assignment focuses on transforming harmful social norms, promoting gender equality, and supporting women’s economic participation, particularly in the rice value chain. Selected NGOs may receive up to USD 100,000 for a 12-month implementation period.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) seeks an experienced non-governmental organization to lead community-based advocacy, awareness, and dialogue initiatives aimed at advancing gender equality. The assignment supports the EWASME Program, which promotes women’s economic empowerment and inclusive growth in Niger.
Program Background: EWASME
The Women and Medium Enterprises Empowerment (EWASME) Program is co-financed by the Islamic Development Bank and the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi). The program focuses on strengthening women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the rice value chain.
Geographic Focus and Scale
In Niger, EWASME operates in:
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Niamey
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Dosso
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Tillabéry
By 2026, the program aims to support 310 women-led businesses nationwide, including 153 newly added enterprises.
Objectives of the Assignment
The mission aims to address structural and cultural barriers that limit women’s economic participation. Core objectives include:
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Transforming social norms that restrict women’s access to land and productive resources
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Promoting gender awareness and inclusive community dialogue
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Encouraging women’s leadership, decision-making, and political participation
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Supporting an enabling environment for women-owned businesses
Scope of Work and Key Activities
The selected NGO will implement a comprehensive set of social and cultural engagement activities.
Social Diagnostics and Campaign Design
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Identify social and cultural barriers affecting women entrepreneurs
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Design evidence-based community awareness campaigns
Community Engagement and Dialogue
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Facilitate structured dialogues with traditional, religious, and community leaders
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Promote local consensus in support of women-led economic activities
Communication and Advocacy Tools
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Community theatre performances
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Radio programs and talk shows
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Infographics and visual communication materials
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Posters and locally adapted messaging
Capacity Building and Training
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Conduct training sessions on gender equality and women’s economic empowerment
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Target groups include women entrepreneurs, youth, community members, and local authorities
Monitoring, Learning, and Impact Assessment
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Track changes in community attitudes and behaviors over time
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Document lessons learned and best practices
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Provide strategic recommendations to UNDP
Project Team Requirements
The implementing NGO must establish a dedicated project team for the full 12-month duration. The team must include:
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A team leader
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A gender and social inclusion expert
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At least one additional technical expert
All team members must demonstrate relevant experience in gender equality and community engagement.
Contract Duration and Budget
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Contract duration: 12 months from the date of agreement signature
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Maximum proposal budget: USD 100,000
Budgets must cover all mission-related costs and align with UNDP financial guidelines.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Applicant organizations must meet the following criteria:
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Be a legally registered non-governmental organization
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Have at least five years of demonstrated experience in gender equality, community mobilization, and rural development
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Possess proven capacity to implement community-based advocacy and awareness programs
How to Apply: Submission Requirements
Applicants must submit the following documents:
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A technical proposal outlining methodology, work plan, and approach
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Curriculum vitae of key personnel proposed for the assignment
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A financial proposal detailing all costs associated with the mission
All proposals must be complete and clearly structured to be considered.
Evaluation and Selection Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated using a combined scoring system:
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Technical proposal: 70 percent
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Financial proposal: 30 percent
Technical quality, methodological soundness, team expertise, and value for money will determine final selection.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This assignment contributes directly to advancing gender equality and women’s economic empowerment in Niger. By addressing harmful social norms and engaging community leaders, the project supports sustainable change that enables women to fully participate in economic, social, and political life.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting generic approaches without local cultural adaptation
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Failing to demonstrate experience in gender norm transformation
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Proposing insufficient staffing or unclear team roles
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Exceeding the maximum budget ceiling
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Weak monitoring and impact measurement frameworks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum budget allowed?
The proposal budget must not exceed USD 100,000.
How long is the contract duration?
The assignment lasts 12 months from the date of contract signature.
Which regions will the project cover?
Niamey, Dosso, and Tillabéry in Niger.
Who funds the EWASME Program?
The program is co-financed by the Islamic Development Bank and the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative.
What type of organization is eligible?
Legally registered NGOs with at least five years of relevant experience.
Is a dedicated project team required?
Yes, a minimum of three technical experts, including a team leader and a gender expert, is mandatory.
How are proposals evaluated?
Based on a combined score: 70 percent technical and 30 percent financial.
Conclusion
This UNDP call offers an impactful opportunity for experienced NGOs to drive gender-transformative change in Niger. Through community engagement, advocacy, and inclusive dialogue, the selected partner will help dismantle harmful norms and strengthen the economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs within the EWASME framework.
For more information, visit UNDP.
