Call for Expressions of Interest - Potential Project Implementers
The British Embassy invites interested organisations to send in their Expressions of Interest for the 2017-2018 period.
The British Embassy invites interested organisations to send in their Expressions of Interest for the 2017-2018 period.
The British Embassy in Caracas invites interested organisations to send in their Expressions of Interest to become project implementers for the 2017-2018 Official Development Assistance (ODA) bilateral programme.
Deadline: Wednesday 25 January 2017, midnight.
What is the ODA bilateral programme?
The ODA Bilateral Programme is the main channel through which the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom supports projects in Venezuela. These should contribute towards achieving results within strategic objectives identified by the Embassy, which benefit Venezuela.
During the 2016-2017 financial year the Embassy and partners implemented various projects on areas such as human rights and democracy, justice and security, good governance, climate change and energy efficiency.
What are the Embassy´s expected cooperation objectives for FY 2017-2018:
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Transparent procedures embedded to strengthen governance in mayoralties and governorships.
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Cross-party agreement on a non-discrimination legal framework and public policies to protect LGBTI persons and prevent violence and harassment.
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Agreement on public policies to eliminate violence against women and girls, including tackling impunity and improving access to justice.
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Cost of doing business in Venezuela mapped out and published online including policy solutions developed to improve the business environment.
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Evidence-based Climate Change policy solutions developed.
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Institutional capacities strengthened to implement Venezuela’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs).
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Capacity building programme in place to support the development of gas industry.
Who may send in their Expression of Interest?
- Government institutions – at all levels
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), legally registered
- Universities
- Think tanks
- Private sector and commerce and industry chambers
Before applying, please be sure you are able to submit the following legal documentation, when required by the Embassy (do not forward these documents when applying): digital copy of the Trade Register/Articles of Incorporation [Registro Mercantil o Acta Constitutiva], copy of the Fiscal Registration identification number [Registro de Identificación Fiscal (RIF)], letterheaded document specifying bank account details, and a copy of the Identity Card (Cédula) of the legal representative of the organisation.
What is the process timeline?
- 16 December, 2016 – Call for potential implementers to send in their Expressions of Interest, opens.
- 25 January, 2017 - Deadline for potential project implementers to send in their Expressions of Interest.
- 10 February, 2017 – Embassy notifies shortlisted potential project implementers of their finalist status, and asks them to develop a full project bid aimed at achieving one of the specified outcomes.
- 3 March, 2017 – Deadline for shortlisted potential project implementers to present a full project bid.
- By 15 March, 2017 - Embassy project board meets and approves projects
- By 31 March, 2017 – Grant contracts signed with approved project implementers and project implementations starts.
How does the process work?
If you think your organisation can support the Embassy in the delivery of our cooperation objectives, please complete the format attached in English and forward it to ukinvenezuela@fco.gov.uk, to the attention of the Cooperation Section, including the name of your organisation in the subject line. (e.g. FOR THE COOPERATION SECTION – Asociación Venezolana de Investigaciones Sociales).
The form is designed to determine why your organisation is best suited to deliver a project aimed at achieving one of our cooperation objectives, what type of activities you envisage as part of a project funded by the Embassy, how much would it cost and with whom would you partner up to deliver project activities.
After receiving your Expression of Interest, we will produce a shortlist according to agreed criteria such as, whether the project is Official Development Assistance (as per OECD definition), is sustainable in the long-term, has a multiplying effect and represents value-for-money.
These criteria are reflected in an appraisal matrix we use to mark potential project implementers. Those with higher marks will be shortlisted and tasked with developing a full project bid. Please note we may consider asking organisations to join up as partners and work on a full project bid together.
IMPORTANT: Only shortlisted organisations will be contacted by the Embassy.
The Embassy project board will then meet in March 2017 to approve project bids. We expect to sign grant contracts by the end of the month.
Some key points to consider before submitting your Expression of Interest:
- Projects are funded for no more than one (1) year. Activities should be carried out within the British financial year (1 April - 31 March).
- Make sure the proposed project purpose (in the format) is well defined and specific, and is aimed at achieving at least one of the listed cooperation objectives.
- Co-financing from other institutions is welcomed. Please include this as part of your bid if appropriate.
- There is particular interest in proposals that involve working with public institutions or those incorporating participation by diverse political groups.
- Each organisation may only present one Expression of Interest.
- Purchase of capital goods, including properties, furniture and/or IT equipment, is not authorised.
What comprises the monitoring process for projects?
Once approved, and in accordance with the grant contract, the implementing organisation must submit quarterly reports, and a final evaluation report.
Also, please note that Embassy staff will keep in touch with your organisation throughout the project implementation and may call for monitoring meetings or attend project activities.
A few examples of projects financed by the Embassy:
- Creation of a network of organisations aimed at tackling violence against women and girls in Venezuela.
- Diploma course on a culture of peace and human rights for civil servants in Merida municipalities.
- Raising awareness on LGBTI rights with police officers.
- Training on PRECIS Climate Modelling System for government officials.
- Enabling reduction of subsidies of Liquefied Petroleum Gas.
- Implementation of an on-line participatory budget and procurement system in eight (8) Venezuelan mayoralties.