Call for Proposals from NGOs April 2017

Transcription

1 United Nations Development Programme Darfur Community Based Reintegration and Stabilization Programme Call for Proposals (CFP/DCBRSP/DDR/17/002) INSTRUCTIONS Location: Mournei, Krenik Locality, West Darfur Call for Proposals from NGOs April 2017 I. BACKGROUND UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in 177 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations This Call for Proposals (CFP) is specifically related to: Community Livelihoods Stabilization and Income Generation, Youth Employment, Community Infrastructure, Women Empowerment, Community Security, Natural Resource Management, Peace Building, Conflict Prevention, Social Cohesion and Reconciliation. Brief Description of the Programme: The Darfur DDR Programme also called Darfur Community Based Reintegration and Stabilization Programme (DCBRSP) is one of the key progrmmes outlined in the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD) signed in 2011 and its successor document, Darfur Development Strategy (DDS). Both documents emphasized the importance of socio-economic reintegration of demobilized combatants as a critical element for long term security and stability in Darfur. Accordingly, since 2014, over 3000 combatants belonging to different factions that are signatory to the DDPD have been demobilized by UNAMID in collaboration with Sudan DDR Commission (SDDRC) and other relevant DDPD bodies. SDDRC in collaboration with UNDP are mandated to providing socio-economic reintegration assistance to the demobilized combatants to enable them reintegrate into civilian live in Darfur. The reintegration activities are implemented alongside small arms control, peace building, reconciliation, and livelihood stabilization interventions for vulnerable youth, women and other war affected groups. All are implemented in a mutually reinforcing and complementary manner for enhanced impact on security and long term development. 1

2 II. OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTED OUTPUTS/ DELIVERABLES: The aim of the DCBRSP is to contribute to long term peace and security in Darfur through the socio-economic reintegration of demobilized combatants including special needs groups (PwDs and Women Associated with Armed Groups) into civilian life. The economic subcomponent focuses on livelihoods promotion and skills training of the ex-combatants for wage and self-employment to help build their financial self-sufficiency. The social reintegration sub component enhances the social acceptance of excombatants, promote social cohesion and reconciliation between them and the host communities. Beside, PwDs and war affected women are provided with specialized support to address their special needs such as psychological, reproductive health, GBV, mental wellbeing etc. It also involves enhancing the capacities of vulnerable women for economic empowerment and participation in decision making processes that affects their personal security and community level security. More specifically, the Darfur Community Based Reintegration and Stabilization Programme (DCBRSP) aims to contribute to peace and security in Mournei through the following objectives: To deliver immediate peace dividend through implementation of quick impact projects in accordance with priorities identified by local communities including unemployed youth, former fighters, vulnerable women etc. To enhance the economic empowerment of vulnerable through income generation, rotational savings groups, training in life, literacy, numeracy and leadership skills for participation in local governance processes. To create a secure and enabling environment for peace building, reconciliation and security through capacity development of local institutions and communities and reduce levels of conflicts over water and other natural resources. Detailed objective and related outputs and deliverables are provided in the Terms of Reference See Annex 1 Final Beneficiaries: Eligible proposals will be those focused on Mournei, Krenik Locality and targeting nearly 1000 as the direct and over final or indirect beneficiaries. III. ELIGIBILITY & QUALIFICATION CRITERIA Eligibility: This Call for Proposal (CfP) is open to international and national NGOs as well as CBOs. The applicants will share authorized copies of documentation pertaining to their legal establishment, institutional capacity and permanent contact addresses in Sudan. The applicants will also be required to show willingness and commitment to comply with the UNDP basic standards and requirements for reporting, monitoring and evaluation as well as conflict-sensitive and gender-sensitive approach. The applicant must also be willing to work in a fluid and rapidly changing security environment. Applicant should have an operational office in the State for the past three years. Previous experience working in the same locality for which this TOR is designed will be an advantage. Qualification Criteria: Experience in rural livelihoods, participatory community development and peace building methodologies with proven experience in post conflict villages in Darfur. 2

3 Experience in linking livelihoods support to value chain, microcredit and business development services as well as mobilizing local communities into self-help groups and linking them to micro credit institutions. Previous experience working with UNDP DDR Programmes in community livelihoods stabilization projects in Sudan could be an added advantage. Previous experience in training community leaders in peace building, community security and small arms control. Proven experience in conflict-sensitive and gender-responsive programming with an ability to implement community development activities under very difficult circumstances. Demonstrated experience in working with State and security authorities at the State level with good understanding of local conditions in Darfur. Experience in building partnership arrangements and working with other UN Agencies, UNAMID, Government and private sector; Capacity to mobilize resources for starting the implementation within a short time. The Institution shall have personnel with the following qualifications; - Social Science background with substantial broad-based social development experience particularly in sustainable livelihoods, peace building and community stabilization. - Livelihood and economic background with strong experience in value chain and micro credit. - Peace building, social cohesion and community based development background with hands on experience in Sudan and more specifically Darfur. - CVs of the key staff (project manager, field staff, finance officer, etc.) for this project should be attached with the project proposal. - A list of previous projects the Recipient has implemented including total budget donors/partners name for each project should be inserted in the project proposal. - Must have established office and staff based in Darfur The Applicant can sub-contract or employ short-term experts in addition to the key experts to implement the project. To this end, interested applicants must include their partner organizations to be sub-contracted to undertake this project. IV. PROPOSAL Proposed Methodology, Approach, quality assurance plan and Implementation Plan this section should demonstrate the NGO s response to the Terms of Reference by identifying the specific components proposed, how the outputs/ delivery shall be addressed, as specified; providing a detailed description of the essential performance characteristics proposed; identifying the works/portions of the work that will be subcontracted. Moreover the proposal should demonstrate how the proposed methodology meets or exceeds the TOR, while ensuring appropriateness of the approach to the local conditions and the rest of the project operating environment. This methodology must be laid out in an implementation timetable and a quality assurance. Management Structure and Resource (Key Personnel) This section should include the comprehensive description of the management structure and information regarding required resources including curriculum vitae (CVs) of key personnel that will be assigned to support the implementation of the proposed methodology, clearly defining the roles and responsibilities vis-à- 3

4 vis the proposed methodology. CVs should establish competence and demonstrate qualifications in areas relevant to the TOR. V. EVALUATION CRITERIA & METHODOLOGY a) Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria: 1) Sound technical proposal that includes innovative and replicable inclusion mechanisms to maximize the value transfer to the beneficiaries. 2) High impact interventions directly targeting and responding to the needs established in the ToR. 3) Size of budget requested commensurate with the organization s proven administrative and financial management capacity. 4) Participatory monitoring and evaluation that will contribute to building a sense of ownership among the beneficiaries to promote the sustainability of the interventions. Summary of Technical Proposal Evaluation Forms Score Weight Points Obtainable 1. NGO Eligibility and qualifications 30% Proposed Methodology, Approach, 50% 500 Implementation Plan, Monitoring and Exit Strategy 3. Management Structure and Key Personnel 20% 200 Total 1000 b) Budget Size and Duration Please see Template on Budgetary Allocations by Sub Component: The amount requested in the proposal should be commensurate with the organization s administrative and financial management capabilities. In principle, project duration should be Seven months with possibility of no cost extension. Interested NGOs/ or proposers are requested to submit their price proposal using the sample matrix provided in the C.1 below: 4

5 Detailed Budget Proposal/Price Proposal Date: Project Title: Name of the RECIPIENT INSTITUTION: Total Amount of budget in SDG: 1,417,200 PERIOD COVERING FROM TO PERIOD COVERING FROM TO General Category of Expenditures Tranche 1 Tranche 2 TOTAL 1. NGO Operational/ Administrative/ Overheads Personnel Transportation Premises Training/Seminar/ Workshops, etc. Contracts (Audit) Equipment/Furniture (Specify) Other [Specify] Miscellaneous Sub Total 2. Programme Budget (Sub Components) 1. Quick Impact Projects in response to community needs ( 40% of Total Budget) 2. Women Economic Empowerment and Leadership Trainings, etc. ( 25 % Of Total Budget) 3. Institutional Development, Peace Building and Security ( 20% of Total Budget) Sub Total GRAND TOTAL TOTAL Please note that all budget Lines are for costs related only to project activities. *** These budget categories are suggested guidelines. The Recipient may choose alternates which more accurately reflect their expense items and needs. *** Tranche1 should not exceed 800, 000 SDG and the Total Budget for two tranches should not exceed 1, 417, 200 SDG for all three sub components including overheads/operational cost.. 5

6 VI. SELECTION PROCESS: The UNDP will review proposals through a five-step process: (i) Determination of eligibility; This Call for Proposal (CfP) is open to international and national NGOs as well as CBOs; The applicants will share authorized copies of documentation pertaining to their legal establishment, institutional capacity and permanent contact addresses in Sudan; The applicants will also be required to show willingness and commitment to comply with the UNDP basic standards and requirements for reporting, monitoring and evaluation as well as conflictsensitive and gender-sensitive approach, The applicant must also be willing to work in a fluid and rapidly changing security environment. Applicant should have an operational office in the State for the past three years. Previous experience working in the same locality for which this TOR is designed will be an advantage. (ii) technical review of eligible proposals; (iii) scoring and ranking of the eligible proposals based on the assessment criteria outlined in the previous section to identify highest ranking proposal; (iv) round of clarification (if necessary) with the highest scored proposal; and (v) Upon completion of the selection process, UNDP will sign the Responsible Party Agreement (RPA) with the most responsive NGO or NGOs depending on the results of the selection process. SUBMISSION PROCESS Applicants shall bear all costs related to proposal preparation and submission. Applicants must submit their proposals either in hard copy or by . If hard copy is preferred in cases where submission is not possible, the proposal must be submitted in one envelope to: - UNDP Country Office, Gama Avenue, Khartoum, Sudan; OR - submissions must be sent the following address: sudanddr.bids@undp.org (it is possible to send the proposal split in 2 or 3 s, if the document is too big to send in one ). - Number of copies: Only one copy in case of hardcopy submission. - UNDP strongly encourages the NGOs to use submission in view of promoting the environment friendly behavior in procurement activities. The following documents must be submitted in order for the submission to be considered: 1) Valid Registration Document establishing the legal status of the company and demonstrating the line of activities it can engage in; 2) Proposal Template (As outlined in the TOR) 2) Project Synopsis 3) CVs of the proposed Staff Only one submission per organization is allowed. Once the application is complete and submitted, revised versions of proposal documents will not be accepted. SUBMISSION DEADLINE Proposals, with supporting documents, should be submitted by 3.00 PM Sudan Local Time on 23 rd April 2017 For additional questions about the Call for Proposals Guidelines or application forms, please sudanddr.bids@undp.org Note; UNDP reserves the right not to fund any proposals arising from this Call for Proposals 6

7 Estimate Competition Timeline Below is an estimated timeline for this Call for Proposals. By 10 th April 2017: Call for Proposal opens and relevant documents are posted online. 23 rd April 2017: Deadline for organizations to submit proposals under this Call. 25 th April 2017: Assessment and selection processes will take place. 30 th April 2017: Selected applicants will be notified. A PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING WILL BE ORGANIZED IN ELFASHER (NORTH DARFUR) ON THE 17 TH APRIL AT THE UNDP REGIONAL OFFICE AT AM. THE MEETING WILL HELP CLARIFY AND RESPOND TO QUERIES THAT MAY ARISE FROM THE TOR TO HELP FINALIZE THE PROPOSAL. IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION UNDP implements a policy of zero tolerance on proscribed practices, including fraud, corruption, collusion, unethical practices, and obstruction. UNDP is committed to preventing, identifying and addressing all acts of fraud and corrupt practices against UNDP as well as third parties involved in UNDP activities. (See full description of the policies) cy_english_final_june_2011.pdf and for In responding to this Call for Proposals, UNDP requires all Proposers to conduct themselves in a professional, objective and impartial manner, and they must at all times hold UNDP s interests paramount. Proposers must strictly avoid conflicts with other assignments or their own interests, and act without consideration for future work. All Proposers found to have a conflict of interest shall be disqualified. Without limitation on the generality of the above, Proposers, and any of their affiliates, shall be considered to have a conflict of interest with one or more parties in this solicitation process, if they: * Are or have been associated in the past, with a firm or any of its affiliates which have been engaged UNDP to provide services for the preparation of the design, Terms of Reference, cost analysis/estimation, and other documents to be used in this competitive selection process; * Were involved in the preparation and/or design of the programme/project related to the services requested under this Call for Proposals; or * Are found to be in conflict for any other reason, as may be established by, or at the discretion of, UNDP. In the event of any uncertainty in the interpretation of what is potentially a conflict of interest, proposers must disclose the condition to UNDP and seek UNDP s confirmation on whether or not such conflict exists. 7

8 Annex 1 TERMS OF REFERENCE BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES 1. Background and Context: Mournie is an administrative Unit in the Krenik locality, located 83 KM South East of Geneina town. It has an estimated population of about 157,000 people of which an estimated 50% are fur and 25% Masalit tribes. The administrative unit has nearly 53 villages and 6 Arab dominated settlements in the administrative unit. Agriculture is the main preoccupation and source of livelihoods. Other types of economic activities are animal rearing, wild fruit collecting and sesame, sorghum and ground nuts & vegetable cultivation by women. Also youth work in gold mining, building & bricks making and selling mobile phone & accessories. As a consequence of many years of war, the community experienced the destruction of socioeconomic infrastructure and social capital as well as the displacement of a large proportion of the population. Most of the displaced population are now returning but faced with myriad of challenges in the resettling in their communities. With improvement in the security situation in recent years, some of the displaced have started returning to the village. However, resettlement has become difficult because of the lack of basic social services such as water, health and educational facilities. At the same time there is high level of unemployment especially among the youth who constitute the bulk of the population. They youth lack skills and productive resources to engage in self-employment in the agricultural and other sectors. Most of local population depend on agriculture for their livelihoods but lack resources to restart farming activities. As a result of widespread of criminal activities, physical assault, crops destruction incidents remained key challenges for farmers especially during harvest season. The problem of social exclusion and marginalization combined with the lack of skills is causing despair among the youth which forces them engage in various forms of antisocial behavior including violence. Meanwhile, women are more disproportionately affected compared to the men by the effects of the war as well as in resettling into communities as returnees. There is widespread illiteracy, prevalent of FGM and other reproductive health related problems facing women. Most cannot engage in productive livelihood activities because lack of skills and productive resources including startup capital, tools, seedlings etc. The high level of illiteracy prevents them from engaging in local governance especially on security related issues that affects their lives. Besides, there is a high of school dropouts among girls because of early marriage. They are forced into earlier marriages worsening their economic leading a perpetual viscous poverty circle. In addition, women and girls go long distances to fetch water, hence are subject to greater safety risks. A recent joint needs assessment undertaken by UNDP, UNAMID and SDDRC, revealed the following as community priorities: livelihoods stabilization through employment creation especially among youth, access to start-up capital for women, water and sanitation, life skills, literacy trainings etc. 8

9 Thus, this Call for Proposal is designed to respond to the identified community and individual needs as outlined in the scope of activities in this terms of reference. 2. Objectives and Strategy: The objective of this Call for Proposal is to contribute to community stabilization through livelihoods stabilization in Mournie. More specifically, the following objectives will be achieved through this Call for Proposal: To deliver immediate peace dividend through implementation of quick impact projects in accordance with priorities identified by local communities including unemployed youth, former fighters, vulnerable women etc. To enhance the economic empowerment of vulnerable through income generation, rotational savings groups as well as training in life, literacy, numeracy and leadership skills for participation in local governance processes. To create a secure and enabling environment for peace building, reconciliation and security through capacity development of local institutions and communities and reduce levels of conflicts over water and other natural resources. The programme adopts a holistic approach in which all three sub components are complementary and mutually reinforcing. Arguably, peace, reconciliation and security will come about through targeted and community wide interventions using small grant mechanism in response to identified priorities. The small grant approach will bring different ethnic and social groups to realize a common interest such as income generation, rehabilitation of community infrastructure, or provision of social services that will contribute in reducing tensions between the different groups not only at the individual level but also at the collective level. The planning and implementation of the quick impact projects given their manageable size could realistically involve a broad range of people and hence promote local ownership and enhance chances to promote sustainable peace and reconciliation at the community level. Equally, economic empowerment of vulnerable women, providing them with literacy, numeracy and leadership skills will enhance their participation in local decision making processes that will contribute in their personal security, peace and reconciliation. Finally, the partnership strategy is to build linkages with other DDS and UNAMID projects being implemented in the community to maximize impact. The UNAMID projects will provide skills training to at risk youth through construction of various infrastructure projects as well as livelihood support involving the distribution of livestock. This Call for Proposal will complement those results to maximize impact and ensure sustainability of results. They entry points for synergies is strengthening the capacities of youth organizations formed by UNAMID projects as well as community based mechanisms and institutions to serve as lynchpins for the implementation of all activities outlined in this Call for Proposal to ensure sustainability. 9

10 SCOPE OF WORK, DELIVERABLES, TIME FRAME AND MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF INSTITUTION 3. SCOPE OF WORK AND EXPECTED OUTPUTS 3.1 General Provision: Overall the NGO Service Provider (NGO SP) is expected to facilitate the planning, implementation and monitoring of the following activities: Community consultations and sensitizations to manage expectations Formation or revitalization of community based mechanisms/organization as partners Preparation of Community Action Plan (CAP) that outlines community priorities Selection of vulnerable women and at risk youth as direct beneficiaries Mobilization of youth and women into self-help groups/cooperatives Preparation of sub proposals for short term employment creation Opening of bank accounts with local Microfinance Institutions Build linkages between Groups with Microfinance and Business Development Services Build partnerships with Line Ministries, DDS and Recovery Programmes in the localities Ensure effective coordination and communications with all stakeholders and partners The overall scope of the above mentioned activities could be divided into two main parts: 1) Participatory Planning and Needs Assessment and 2) Direct Project Implementation and Monitoring 3.2 Specific Provisional Activities Part 1: Participatory Planning and Needs Assessments Step 1: Community Orientation and Sensitization: The NGO Service Provider (NGO SP) should organize consultative meetings with local government authorities, community elders, religious leaders and community members to sensitize them about programme objectives, core elements and duration. At the same time, manage the expectations of the community members, beneficiaries and all stakeholder on key issues related to selection of direct beneficiaries, wages, duration of the projects and expected benefits to individual participants and community members at large. This will help them plan some savings from income earned from short term employment for long term opportunities after project completion. Step 2: Needs Assessment Validation Workshops: This entails validation of the initial findings of the joint UNDP, UNAMID and SDDRC assessments conducted in the locality. They workshops are designed to ensure that the information gathered during the preliminary need assessments is consistent and harmonized with genuine community needs and aspirations. Step 3: Partnership with Community Based Organizations: As a first step a detailed community mapping should be undertaken to ascertain whether there are existing Community 10

11 Based Organizations with a clear vision and conforms to human rights 1. If their values are incompatible with those of UNDP such as human rights, discrimination against women etc., a new democratically elected body should be formed through a consultative and participatory process to serve as project partner for project implementation and as exit strategy. Step 4: Selection of Direct Participants: The NGO SP in collaboration with community leaders should facilitate the selection of direct participants. The criteria should ensure fairness, transparency, and community ownership. The following generic categories of vulnerability should serve as benchmark: 1. Unemployed adult men with conflict potential 2. High risk groups including unemployed youth, former fighters not officially demobilized 2. Single parent headed households especially women 3. Women associated with armed groups who are not signatory to the DDPD. 4. Widow headed households 5. Vulnerable and marginalized ethnic minority groups Importantly, it must also be proven that providing them with alternative livelihoods opportunities will contribute in minimizing tensions and conflict in the community as well as promote reconciliation and social cohesion. Thus membership of the groups should be diverse to promote social harmony. Part 2. Sub Component Project Implementation and Monitoring Sub Component 1: To deliver immediate peace dividend through implementation of quick impact projects in accordance with priorities identified by local communities including unemployed youth, former fighters, vulnerable women etc. Expected Targets/Results: At least 50 unemployed youth, former fighters and other high risk groups with conflict potential are provided with short term employment. At least 10 rotational saving groups are formed and provided with small business trainings At least 2 community projects that promotes peace and reconciliation implemented. At least 50% of UNAMID supported beneficiaries are linked to UNDP funded activities. Small Grant Windows: The small grant mechanism is designed as a quick response mechanism to priorities identified by the local communities. There are two grant sizes are: (a) Less than USD 10,000 and b) USD 10,000-20, 000. Example of projects/sectors to be covered by the small grants: Peace Building, social cohesion and reconciliation initiatives: including youth activities such as sports events, peace festivals etc. Community Infrastructure: Access roads, markets, dams, community centers, shelters etc. Natural Resources Management: Fruit tree planting and reforestation projects etc. 1 This refers to discriminatory practices against women or minority groups. Also organizations with political or ethnic agenda contrary to the laws or Sudan and principle of do no harm approach and conflict sensitivity. 11

12 Agriculture: Land improvement, construction/rehabilitation of irrigation canals, dams etc. Economic Development: e.g. rehabilitation of tanneries, market sheds etc.. Drainage, Dams and Irrigation: e.g. construction or rehabilitation of canals and dams Energy Saving Technologies for Women: Trainings on energy saving stoves etc. Health and Sanitation: Drilling of boreholes, clearing of dump sites etc. Education: Rehabilitation /reconstruction of school buildings, access roads etc. Community Safety and Small Arms Control initiatives that reduces potential for GBV etc. i) Project Selection: The projects should meet the following criteria for selection: Be a top priority for local communities in addressing community safety Have a tangible economic and social benefits to the community members Contribute to the creation of employment and /or income generating opportunities for the unemployed youth, former fighters with conflict potential and vulnerable women Contribute to small arms control and community security initiatives Contribute to women economic empowerment and participation in the community Replicable and conducive for scaling up to other communities At least 60 % of work should be labour intensive with limited external resources/materials Promotes community ownership, social cohesion and reconciliation. Where required, a village cluster approach should be adopted in order to identify common projects across several villages within the same locality as opposed to benefits focused on one village at a time. This flexibility will enable otherwise divisive identity based communities in the locality to rally around common goals, e.g. rehabilitation of irrigation canal, access road etc. that benefits 2-3 villages with the workers selected from the different communities. ii) Sub Project Proposal Preparation for Small Grant Allocation: Once the subprojects have been identified and selected the NGO SP should work with the CBO/CMC in preparing subproject proposals for the selected projects in the formats required by DCBRSP 2. In the case of infrastructure projects, DCBRSP or Locality Government engineers will conduct the feasibility/ technical/ site surveys, prepare the bill of quantities, technical designs etc., The NGO SP should facilitate the process in close collaboration with CBO/CMC members. The NGO SP should ensure that the proposals are consistent with the State Government Technical and Engineering requirements. This include ensuring proper site selection, technical feasibility of the selected subproject, and other details. The NGO SP should also ensure that the budgeted costs for goods, works, and services are reasonable (i.e. they reflect market rates) and that all costs have been accounted for. Before finalizing the proposals, the NGO SP should support the CBO/CMC in the preparation of a realistic operations, maintenance and cost recovery plan (where necessary) and the selection and training of an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) as well as monitory committee within CMC/CBO. iii) Sub Project Appraisal and Approval: The State Technical Coordinating Committee (STCC) will be responsible for appraisal and approval of all subproject proposals to determine whether they meet the minimum eligibility criteria as outlined above. Each proposal is evaluated based on these criteria and assessed during field visit by STCC members, UNDP or SDDRC staff. 2 A Format will be prepared by UNDP and NGO jointly. 12

13 Once the STCC has ensured that the eligibility criteria listed above have been complied with, the project will be approved and recommended to the NGO SP for funding using the small grant budget line on Small Grant Projects. The result of the appraisal of the community project and income generation project proposal will be confirmed in an Approval Letter from UNDP/SDDRC. iv) Wage Setting and Daily Work Standards: In the case of community infrastructure labour intensive projects, wages will be set in line with the minimum wages prevailing for unskilled labour in the locality. The setting up of wages will be done in close consultation with local government to ensure it is in harmony with prevailing rates to avoid competition with other organizations operating in the locality. The wage should be low and complemented with food for work to be able to attract large number of unemployed youth. A combined approach of payment in cash and food for work for labour intensive employment creation jobs will be adopted in partnership with WFP. Where required, food will be provided in lieu of wages especially in cases where cash payment could prove a security threat. Lump Sum Payment: In view of the high level of insecurity in the target communities, lump payment for completed work could be a feasible option. However, this will need to be discussed and agreed with community leaders, STCC, CBO/CMC and local government authorities. v) Exit and Sustainability Strategy: As part of the exit strategy, the direct beneficiaries should be sensitized at the outset to plan for the post project phase, i.e. after the end of the project. As an exit strategy the NGO SP should on a voluntary basis mobilize the direct beneficiaries to form groups or associations or cooperatives. Each member will contribute part of his/her wages into a savings fund in a bank account. The savings will serve as collateral for much larger loans from the bank that will enable them engage in sustainable and a more expanded group income generation and self-employment activities. To build confidence and ensure sustainability, UNDP DCBRSP will provide matching funds proportional to the amount of savings made by the group members 3. UNDP contribution will be complementary to the group savings and micro credit from the bank to support the members expand their business activities. vi) Linkages with UNAMID Projects: UNAMID is implementing three projects in the locality. It mobilizes unemployed youth into groups, trained in SSB bricking making and provides them with kind starting capital. The NGO should ensure that linkages and synergies are built with the three UNAMID funded projects. More specifically, undertake the following activities to support the groups: i) Assess their long term capacity development needs ii) Facilitate linkages with Microcredit institutions. Sub Component 2: To enhance the economic empowerment of vulnerable women through income generation, rotational savings groups as well as training in life, literacy, numeracy and leadership skills for participation in local governance processes. 3 The UNDP contribution of matching funds will be determined based on savings mobilized to serve as incentive for group mobilization. At the same time technical support will be provided in the form trainings and advisory support. 13

14 Expected Targets/Results: At least 50 vulnerable and marginalized women are mobilized into groups, trained and provided with small grant as revolving fund/seed grant for income generation and selfemployment. At least 50 men and women have increased awareness and trained in the efficient use of natural resources and energy related initiatives identified through small grant projects. At least 50 women trained in leadership, numeracy, mediation, communication and networking skills as well as in life skills, adult literacy and SGBV related issues. At least 50 women sensitized and awareness raised on dangers of small arms, reproductive health, HIV/AIDS and SGBV related issues. A. Income Generation, Internal Savings and Revolving Loan: i) Selection of Direct Beneficiaries: The NGO SP in collaboration with community leaders, CBO and community members should agree on selection criteria for direct beneficiaries. The criteria should ensure fairness, transparency and community ownership of the process. Among others it should include the following category of women: 1. Women with large numbers of children with no productive resources like land, capital etc. 2. Women Associated with Armed Groups who are not signatory to the DDPD 3. Poor women headed households 4. Disabled women with productive capacities 5. Victims of gender based violence 6. Ethnic minorities to ensure diversity in group membership. ii) Selection of Livelihood Project Options: The NGO SP should facilitate the selection of livelihood options. They beneficiaries will have the option to decide voluntarily whether to engage in individual or joint/group business ventures. The NGO SP should encourage and promote the concept of group ventures by sensitizing them on the benefits/advantages as well as the disadvantages of the group approach. Group Formation and Membership: In cases where there is already an existing credit union/selfhelp group/cooperative, their capacities must be assessed and membership requirements ascertained. If permissible, the NGO SP should facilitate membership of new members, and design capacity development plan to support the group improve its capacity. In the case of new groups, the selected women should be mobilized and trained to form their own new group. The following principles should guide the group membership process: Membership must be voluntary Ethnically diverse to promote social harmony and reconciliation Maximum number of members is 15 people 4 Must have group bye laws or constitution and legally registered Must have a democratically elected management structure 4 It could be more depending on the decision of group members and group bye laws. 14

15 Credit Union/Cooperative: It is recommended that all Self Help Groups in the community form an umbrella body or association to promote their common interest. The body should work closely with Microcredit and Business Development Service providers for the provision of trainings, advisory and market information accessible to all group members. The following training areas are recommended for income generation for women groups: Farming skills including innovative planting, irrigation and energy saving technologies. Handicraft, Income generation skills and micro finance management. Food processing and preservation, flour processing. Small grant and access to micro credit loans, and revolving fund management. Leadership skills, communications and skills, promoting women s empowerment. Formation of cooperative small business associations for women farmer and vegetable/crop producers, handcraft production, etc. Formation of women associations for self-help initiatives in the community to overcome personal problems (violence survivors, family planning and others). Where required, Women Environmental Income Generation Groups will be created that will among others carry out the following responsibilities: Managing conflict related resources. Ensuring local women participate in the management of resources. Ensure fair access to resources, and suitability of livelihood. Provide training on NRM monitoring ensure sustainability. Advocate for the use of clean energy options such as solar energy, clean stove, and biogas. iii) Business Plan Preparation: Once beneficiaries have been selected and mobilized into groups, initial trainings must be provided in book keeping, financial literacy, proposal writing and other areas that will help them prepare business plan to make them eligible for start-up grants. The proposal must include key elements such as business products, market opportunities, labor and material costs required as well as potential profits on a daily or monthly basis, expected impact on the environment, and a strategy for sustainability. The NGO SP in collaboration with UNDP will prepare a simple format (maximum 2 pages) to be used by all as a template. iv) Project Approval Criteria: The CMC will be responsible for the review and approval of small grant proposals submitted by the groups. Each business proposal should satisfy at least one of the following criteria: Marketable, Environmentally Sustainable, linkages with value chains, markets, BDS etc. v). Initial Capital and Revolving Loan: Each direct beneficiary will receive the equivalent of USD 300 each in Sudanese Pounds (SDG) as part of a group loan to start up new business or develop existing one 5. The amount will be used as group revolving fund that will benefit an additional 100 new members over the project period. Each group member can only benefit once from the seed money. The beneficiaries are expected to repay within 3 months from the date of receiving the group loan. The beneficiaries will be expected to stay in business and make regular group savings 5 Each direct beneficiary will receive US$ 300 equivalent in SDG at the prevailing UN exchange rate in the form of cash. All proposals should have budget estimates within that amount range. In the case of groups, the total number of members multiplied by SDG equivalent per female should provide the total amount for the group. 15

16 contribution from the loan. Each member of the group will make a monthly savings contribution to the Group Savings Account/Revolving Fund. The amount will be determined by the group members and outlined in the group bye laws or constitution. Loan disbursement and repayment management will be the responsibility of the leadership of the Self Help Group and CMC/CBO. The NGO SP will provide training to the groups and will monitor the loan disbursement and repayment cycles as well as the sustainable use of the funds in collaboration with CMC/CBO, UNDP and SDDRC Field Offices. UNDP will provide the NGO SP with implementation guidelines and group reporting templates to support the implementation and monitoring of the groups. vii) Formation of an Integrated Farm: The NGO SP should facilitate the acquisition of small plot of land for the establishment of a demonstration farm by women s group. They group should be provided with trainings in agricultural best practices in vegetable growing as well as provision of agricultural inputs such as tools, seedlings etc.. They farm will be linked to the water ward project being constructed by WES to ensure regular supply of irrigation water for vegetable growing. It is expected that lessons learned from the farm will be replicated on a larger scale in the community. viii) Linkages to Micro Credit, Value Chains and BDS: The NGO SP should facilitate linking all the Groups with micro finance institutions for micro credit opportunities/ services to ensure sustainability and self-reliance in the long term. At the same time, the NGO SP should build linkages with the following UNDP supported value chains in Darfur, namely, gum Arabic, hibiscus, hides & skins, honey production, etc. Equally, the NGO SP should work closely with existing BDS providers to provide the following services where possible to support Groups/Associations: Providing market information, identify and facilitate possible marketing channels Identifying microfinance opportunities and assist the groups to apply for loans Providing information on training courses available at the State or locality level Facilitate, where possible, marketing of participants products, e.g. through trade fairs; link participants with business communities, networking, information sharing etc. Assist in resolving issues related to taxation and guide the Women Groups to register their businesses with the relevant Departments and links with private sector. B. Skill-building in leadership, literacy, reproductive health, HIV/AIDs etc. Facilitate the selection of at least 30 participants in the community for the provision of training of trainers (TOT) on leadership, literacy and numeracy skills trainings. Ensure that at least 20 per cent of those selected for TOT trainings are men and have the ability and skills to transfer knowledge to other members in the community. Conduct a needs assessment to identify relevant training needs in areas related to numeracy, life skills and adult literacy trainings for selected women participants. Design, and provide courses on basic adult literacy and numeracy as well as in leadership, mediation, conflict resolution, communications, networking and positive social norms for selected vulnerable women. Provide trainings, awareness raising and sensitization to community leaders and men who see the empowerment of women as a positive change not a threat to their power and position. 16

17 Link women participation in leadership position on community safety related issues to the implementation of other programme components in the community. Promote dialogue and understanding and opportunities for cooperation between men and women in order to act jointly to prevent and resolve violence and conflict against women. Identify men who can be positive role model and provide guidance to the youth on violence against women. Organize adult literacy/numeracy training for 2-3 times per week for a two hours. Design a long term training work plan for TOT graduates to be conducted by them for wider community members and beneficiaries on reproductive health issues. HIV/AIDS. Ensure that TOT graduates provide trainings to at least 200 community members based on identified needs by community members. Identify projects for small grant funding that promotes women safety against GBV and small arms control. Sub Component 3: To create a secure and enabling environment for peace building, reconciliation and improved security through capacity development of local institutions, civilians and communities in the conflict related resources. Expected Targets /Results: A Community Based Mechanism to support peace building, small arms control and livelihoods stabilization established or revitalized and operational. 6 At least 20 Community Based Mechanism members, local government officials and local community members are trained in project planning, peace building and natural resource management. At least 5 peace building, reconciliation and small arms control initiatives implemented. The NGO SP should facilitate the implementation of the undermentioned activities: i) Formation or revitalization of Existing Community Based Mechanism Mobilize community members to form CMC/CBO and subcommittees. Conduct training need assessments of CMC/CBO and sub-committee members Provide training in leadership, participatory planning, gender, financial management, organizational development etc. Facilitate the registration of the CMC /CBO as legal entity with the relevant institutions. ii) Integration of Community Action Plan into Locality Plan Conduct training needs assessment of community based institutions/cmc, leaders and members in areas related to project planning, conflict resolution, community safety etc. Facilitate the preparation of an action plan in close collaboration with all stakeholders including CMC members, community members, locality authorities etc. Ensure CMC members, community members and other stakeholders are trained in participatory rural planning techniques as a prelude to the preparation of the CAP. 6 It could be in the form of a Community Management Committee (CMC) akin to Community Based Organization (CBO). 17

18 v). Ensure the inclusion of local initiatives that promotes reconciliation, social cohesion and community safety, support to victims of GBV, small arms control, partnership with other Government, DDS Projects and organizations etc. Enhances women involvement and participation in its implementation and monitoring. Ensure the participation of Local Government representatives in the preparation of CAP. Organize meetings with locality authorities to ensure that CAP is linked and integrated into the Locality Plans and Budgets. Organize regular information sharing meetings between CMC, Community leaders and locality authorities to discuss ongoing project implementation and monitoring activities. Conduct training needs assessment and preparation of training plan for locality government staff and relevant Ministries in project planning, implementation and monitoring. Ensure the involvement of Locality Authorities in implementation and monitoring of CAP and capacity development activities in target communities. Promote Peace Building, Social Cohesion and Reconciliation Initiatives Organize sensitization workshops on the use and management of conflict resources like water, pastures etc. for local authorities, pastoralists and traditional leaders. Organize events and workshops to promote social cohesion and reconciliation among youth groups through sports and cultural exchanges (with Ministry of Social Welfare). Mobilize youth, former fighters, ex-combatants and wider community members to engage in peace building initiatives like sports, soap operas, theatres etc. Promote the inclusion of vulnerable women and youth in community committees that addresses natural resource management decision-making. Sensitize and train local communities on sustainable environmental and natural resource management and practices. Facilitate networking and experience sharing with other communities with best practices on community safety and small arms control. Facilitate implementation of innovative reconciliation mechanism such as social contracts between conflicting parties, community exchanges and community advocacy for peace. 3. Partnerships and Linkages with Other UNAMID, DDS and other Programmes The NGO SP should facilitate and build linkages with UNAMID, UN DDS and Government funded programmes to ensure more synergies and complementarities. At the same time, partnership must also be established with NGOs and CBOs; Producer Associations, Private Companies etc. that are operating in the locality. The most important strategic alliance should be with the Locality Line Ministries, and Microfinance Institutions. These institutions will serve both as entry points and exit strategies for the projects by building strategic linkages while providing them with capacity building support to deliver effective training services, extension and advisory services. 18