Procurement Notices

ACCESS TO JUSTICE AND RULE OF LAW PROJECT

Call for Proposals for Small Grants

Request for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) including NGOs and/or CBOs for application in relation to Small Grants for the Enhancing Realization and Implementation of Affirmative Action and its Utilization as means for Women Empowerment in Maridi, Bentiu/Rubkona and Juba/Terekeka.

Deadline for proposal submission: 8 October 2019

1. Background:

On September 12, 2018, the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) was signed with a view to bring conflict in South Sudan to an end. While their appears to be positive commitment from the parties to ensure that the R-ARCSS succeeds, successful implementation is not contingent only on the aspirational nature of the content but rather the creation of an enabling environment and management of risks associated with implementation of issues such as trust building, transparency around the implementation process, consensus building on the nature of the state (federal versus central), rule of law and security sector reform, demilitarization, demobilization and integration, allocation of oil revenue, governance architecture and public service reform, constitution-making, and elections.

Within the Democratic Governance Unit of UNDP, the Access to Justice and Rule of Law Project strengthens linkages between rule of law actors and communities through different activities including awareness raising of community and capacity building of rule of law actors to better address the safety and security concerns of women through awareness raising. Recognizing the critical need to strengthen and empower women to understand Gender Based Violence GBV including Child marriage issues in the communities.

Noting the narrow focus of advocacy for women participation and representation, there is a need   for a tailored and contextualized approach to women empowerment and comprehensive implementation and understanding of the affirmative action.

UNDP has supported SSNPS to establish and operationalize SPUs to improve professional services to women and children, especially related to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases, in Juba, Bor, Yambio, Torit, Wau, Aweil, Kuajok and Rumbek, Maridi, and Bentiu. Support includes specialized training of SPU personnel, including police and social workers,[1] to enable them to provide effective professional services and counsel SGBV survivors through women-friendly policing. The establishment and operationalization of the SPUs has facilitated the avoidance of re-victimization and stigmatization. UNDP is also a member of the SPU working group set up by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to develop policy and plans for standardization of SPU functioning and professional response.

In response to the current development of formation of the TGoNU, there is an urgent need for support to increasing numbers of SGBV survivors. Support focusses on establishing SPUs in Terekeka, Bentiu PoC sites/Rubkona as well as strengthening existing SPUs services especially to Juba and Yambio/Maridi.

The project proposes to support referral path through SPUs in collaboration with local CSOs/NGOs/CBOs to strengthen psychosocial support through SPUs and training of police, social workers and community members to strengthen the functioning of SPUs and to raise GBV awareness campaign in Juba/Terekeka, Bentiu/Rubkona and Yambio/Maridi. The support will focus on GBV management, awareness campaign and psychosocial support to survivors of GBV, sensitizing women and youth on human rights.

Objectives:

The United Nations Development Programme South Sudan (UNDP) seeks proposals from suitable, qualified and experienced local CSOs/NGOs/CBOs to sensitize the communities on referral mechanism for SPUs and special protection desks in the communities, Juba/Terekeka, Bentiu/Rubkona and Yambio. The specific objective of the grant is to support SSNPS in operationalisation and monitoring SPU services and support community watch group in establishing referral mechanisms, and improve interaction between survivors, police and social workers.

Expected results:

Support operationalization of existing SPUs: Selected local CSOs/NGOs/CBOs will support SSNPS in coordination with the social workers and communities, to strengthen psychosocial and legal pathways through SPUs in police stations to respond to increasing numbers of SGBV survivors, assess police response to deal with SGBV, improve interaction between survivors and police, and monitor SPU services. UNDP in coordination with SSNPS will provide policy material for the formation and operationalization of SPUs.

Support establishment of SPUs in Tarekeka, PoCs sites in Bentiu / Rubkona and operationalization of existing SPUs in Juba, Maridi and Yambio. Selected local CSOs/NGOs/CBOs in coordination with the social workers and community watch group members will support special protection desks to respond to the increasing number of SGBV survivors, strengthen response to deal with SGBV cases in the location mentioned, strengthen psychosocial and legal pathways, and monitor SPU services. UNDP in coordination with UNPOL Gender will provide policy material for formation and operationalization of special protection desks in the location mentioned.

1. Structure of proposal:

The structure and size of the proposal should be prepared using ANNEX-I: REQUEST for ProposalS: APPLICATION TEMPLATE

1. Some innovative ideas, supporting sustainability to be noted by applicants are:

• The proposals should be realistic, well-structured and address the problems stated in the background of the proposal;
• The proposals should be consistent with organizational mandate (objectives) of the local NGOs/CBOs and professional skills and work experience of its staff;
• Roles and responsibilities of all staff and partner organizations should be clearly spelled out (e.g. planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation);
• The proposals should include monitoring /evaluation /analysis and learning (Lesson Learned) include realistic monitoring and evaluation plans capturing especially the impact on the targeted groups.
• The budget should be well structured and realistic.

A detailed proposal template is attached to this RFP as Annex- I.

1. The applicants should consider the following in relation to the budget:

• Must not exceed USD 30,000 in Bentiu/ Rubkona; USD 30,000 in Yambio/Maridi and                         USD 30,000 in Juba/Terekeka;
• The administrative and overhead costs must not exceed 10% of the total amount;
• Following the selection of grant recipients, the UNDP may require that the budget be revised into UNDP format.

1. Grant size and project duration:

• A grant not exceeding USD 30,000 in Bentiu/Rubkona and US 30,000 in Yambio/Maridi as well as USD 30,000 in Juba/Terekeka will be made one tranche for smooth operations. The tranche will be disbursed within two weeks after signing of the grant agreement. 
• UNDP may call for a second round of proposals depending upon the availability of funds. Grants will be given in USD, report shall be in USD where expenditure is encur in South Sudanese Pounds official bank rate applies, however where not official bank rate cannot be attached to expenditure, the UN exchange rate will be applied to covert the currency. Payment will be made into the bank account of the applicant.
• Duration of the pilot project shall be 6 months.

1. Scope of work and expected output

Scope of work: local NGOs/CBOs are requested to submit a proposal as a potential grant implementer in one or two of the locations mentioned above.

This is a request for proposal only and should not be considered in any way as an offer to enter into an agreement. The proposals will be subject to a transparent evaluation based on pre-determined UNDP criteria.

1. Duties and responsibilities

Under the direct guidance and supervision of the UNDP Access to Justice and Rule of Law (Chief Technical Advisor to the Ministry of Interior and Justice, in collaboration with the) Project Manager, working closely with Law Enforcement Advisors, Rule of Law Officers based in the field, the local NGOs/CBOs will provide the following:

1. Support the establishment of Gender sensitive social and normative environment for preventing and combating violence against women and children. 
2. Strengthen the capacity of women and girls’ groups to ensure prevention of and responses to violence against women, children are reported to police.
3. Further, to empower women and girl with innovative activities, etc.

1. Grant applications review process:

                 Proposals will be reviewed by a Grants Appraisal Committee composed of representatives from    

                 UNDP units and Access to Justice and Rule of Law Project and the final approval by UNDP  

                 management.

1. Evaluation Criteria and Methodology

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Applications will be evaluated by the Grant Appraisal Committee against the following main criteria:

1. Consistency with grant objectives: The proposal should demonstrate understanding of the tasks to be accomplished, knowledge of key issues and experience in addressing issues relating to community security.
2. Likelihood of success and impact on community targeted
3. Capacity of the organization to implement the project: The CSO should demonstrate the ability to effectively manage grant funds as well as the institutional capacity (equipment, facilities, competence and experience of personnel, and past record of managing such projects) necessary for project implementation.
4. Comprehensiveness of the project description –product, plan and budget: The proposal should clearly define its strategy for implementation detailing a step-by-step project plan and itemized budget, target groups, and clear timelines for activity duration.
5. Competence of the organization’s staff. Previous experience in related fields, availability of skills and training.

1. Evaluation criteria[2]

Applications will be evaluated by the Grant Appraisal Committee against the following main criteria and will be given scores from 0 to 100 as indicated below

1. Reporting, monitoring and evaluation

Reporting under grants: local NGOs/CBOs will be expected to present updates and financial reports, with documented proof of data on the project progress and expenses from grant funds. Minimum reporting requirements will include, monthly and mid-term progress and project completion report. An evaluation of the grant scheme will be undertaken at the end of its cycle in order to review lessons learned and assess impact to date. Reporting under the grants will be to the Access to Justice and Rule of Law Project Manager.

Monitoring: The Monitoring and Evaluation Officer from UNDP will undertake periodic visits to the project sites, as well as participate in the events organized by grant winners. If challenges occur during project implementation the Project Manager help in consultations to resolve problems and facilitate the smooth implementation of the project.

Project evaluation: The Access to Justice and Rule of Law Project will pay special attention to evaluation of project results.

1. Experience required

Interested parties must submit a proposal along with the following documents:

1. Proof of registration as a non-governmental/non-commercial organization including copies of registration certificate and constitution or another governing document.
2. Organizational profile with the following details:

• A clearly defined management structure;
• Experience and expertise in training and capacity building;
• Knowledge of international human rights norms and experience of working on human rights and protection issues;
• Work experience in South Sudan or in post conflict situations of at least two years prior to the application;
• Details of the local partners if application is made jointly by two or more local NGOs/CBOs.
• A member of NGO forum South Sudan

1. Curriculum vitae of two key staff members involved in the implementation of the Project.

1. Application Process

ATTACHMENT I

UNDP Civil Society Development Programme

Call for ProposalS

Grants to established Police Community Relationship Committee (PCRC)

application TEMPLATE

(Please, do not exceed the proposed size limit for each section)

INFORMATION ABOUT APPLICANT ORGANIZATION

PROJECT’S NAME: ______________________________________________________________________

(Please describe the essence of your project in one short and precise sentence)

PROJECT PROPOSAL

Describe project’s objectives, main activities, stakeholders and expected results.

1. Main areas of expertise – describe your organization’s main competencies, especially concerning transitional justice, rule of law and human rights documentation. Describe your organization’s mission.
2. Describe main types of activity that your organization carries out.
3. Describe main target audiences and partners of your organization.
4. Explain what kind of in-house or outside experts your organization involves in its usual work.
5. Provide a brief list of your organization’s three current or latest projects supported by international or local organizations and donors (indicate dates, subject matter of projects, project budgets and donors).
6. Describe your organization’s main assets: number of full-time staff, office space, and equipment.

1. Provide evidence of your organization’s experience in thematic area of this competition. Describe the work performed by your organization that demonstrates its capability to work to improve Police Community Relationship to improve community security.
2. Describe specific results achieved by your organization in providing support to the vulnerable groups of persons.
3. Explain how your organization’s experience will help to reach project’s goals.

Describe main problem(s) concerning community security that your project will address. Explain why these issues are important to the target groups and South Sudanese society in general.

Describe your project’s goals and objectives.

1. Describe specific short-term and long-term results that you plan to achieve with your project. Described results.
2. Explain what positive changes in the life of the target groups will be achieved through your project.

Please make them SMART: Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant Time-bound.

1. Describe project’s main target audience as well as other stakeholders. Please also describe how they will be engaged.
2. Specify the group of people whose interests and rights your project will help to promote. Indicate their age.
3. Explain if and how your project will cooperate with relevant government bodies.

Briefly describe the form and contents of each type of activity that will be carried out during project implementation to reach its objectives.

Describe your project’s key messages, audiences, information products and communication channels.

10. Organizational capacity improvement (maximum of ½ page)

Explain how this project will help to strengthen your organization’s capacity.

Provide project’s work plan according to the following format:

*By results we mean not just events (actions), but progress in the solution of the problem addressed by your project, and specific positive changes in the life of the target audience.

Provide more details on agendas and format of the project’s training and other public events.

Briefly describe all publications, handouts and other printed materials that will be produced during project: contents, volume, circulation, dissemination.

Please include a monitoring and evaluation framework (preferably in table form) that describe how you will monitor project implementation and evaluate its results. Such a framework can include a baseline, qualitative and quantitative indicators, as well as means and moments of verification.

How will your organization continue to remain relevant in the advocacy for transitional justice after completing the project? How will it further develop the project’s achievement?

Provide project budget in USD according to the following format:

ATTACHMENTS

In addition to Project Proposal, the application package must include copies of the following documents:

1. Proof of registration as a non-governmental/non-commercial organization including copies of registration certificate and constitution or other governing documents;

2. Registration certificate Proof of registration as a non-governmental/non-commercial organization including copies of registration certificate and constitution or other governing documents;

3. Curriculum vitae of two key staff members involved in the implementation of the Project;

4. Letter from the bank with Bank details.

5. NGO Forum member details.