Call for bids for new Afghanistan CSSF programme

New Afghanistan Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) seeks project proposals to help reduce localised conflict, support civil society, and protect the rights of Afghans.

From:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Published
8 April 2022
Last updated
24 May 2022 — See all updates
Funds:
Closed
Sector:
Girls and women, Peace and access to justice and Research
Eligible organisations:
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), UK-based non-profit organisations, UK-based small and diaspora organisations and Organisations based in Low to Middle Income Countries (LMIC)
Value of funding:
£500,001 to £1,000,000 and More than £1,000,000

Deadline for applications has now past.

Overview

Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, a new Afghanistan CSSF programme is under development. The UK government seeks to help Afghans reduce localised conflict, support Afghan civil society, including the media, and protect the rights of all Afghans.

What the fund will achieve

The UK government’s Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) supports and delivers activity to tackle instability and to prevent conflicts that threaten UK interests.

We are issuing this Call for Bids notice as part of our programme development process. We are particularly interested in project proposals that focus on some or all of the following:

  • monitoring and reducing human rights abuses against women and girls and other at-risk groups
  • support to civil society and the independent Afghan media sector to sustain and amplify Afghan voices nationally and internationally
  • enhancing Afghan capacity to reduce local-level tensions, including through conflict mitigation and de-escalation interventions

We are prioritising a focused portfolio and would therefore welcome bids from multi-disciplinary consortiums that can support activities across a range of our objectives.

Given the context and to maximise impact, we encourage a medium-term (3 year) approach. Projects would be subject to annual break clauses.

We are looking to support projects between the range of 1,500,000 GBP to £9,000,000 GBP over 3 years. However, we will also accept smaller, shorter-term proposals, starting from £500,000 for one year, including from individual organisations that do not form part of a consortium.

Selection criteria

Bids will be assessed against the following criteria:

  • alignment with the above-mentioned focus areas, including a clear outline of the supporting evidence for the proposal’s approach where it exists, or a plan setting out how any additional research work required would be undertaken
  • a clear link between the activities and outcomes, with realistic outcomes that are achievable within the funding period and context
  • clear monitoring and evaluation procedures
  • strong risk and financial management procedures, including consideration of safeguarding risks
  • overall value for money
  • sustainability of the project
  • clear articulation of how the project will work with Afghan organisations
  • a strong track record of successful project delivery in Afghanistan

Key points

  • projects should aim to start in June to July 2022 and must be completed by 31 March 2025 but will be subject to annual break clauses in March each year. Shorter projects will also be considered
  • project proposals should include outcomes, objectives and expected results for the duration of the project. As well as a robust analysis of key risks, and a plan of action to manage and mitigate those risks. Proposals should also include a detailed schedule of activities, deliverables, the stakeholders, and an activity budget for the first year of programming
  • project bids should be designed and implemented in a manner that respects international human rights norms, considers gender impact and is designed and implemented in accordance with conflict sensitivity principles
  • active consideration of gender inequality including by ensuring that where possible women’s inclusion is prioritised
  • payments are normally made quarterly. Payments are normally made after the completion of project activities
  • we require monitoring reports, which should include a detailed financial report. At the end of a project, we require a completion report, including a detailed financial report
  • we have a zero-tolerance approach to aid diversion, including any associated inappropriate behaviours, and the implementing partner would be required to comply with our strict fraud and misuse of funds mechanisms
  • we have zero tolerance for inaction in tackling sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment (SEAH). The implementing partner would take all reasonable and adequate steps to prevent SEAH
  • duty of care for all staff and participants in the engagement activities shall lie with the implementing partner

How to apply

Applicants should submit the following 2 documents (in English) to charlotte.neil@fcdo.gov.uk, philippa.giles@fcdo.gov.uk and lauriane.povey1@fcdo.gov.uk

You should include ‘Afghanistan CSSF programme’ in the subject field.

Contacts

charlotte.neil@fcdo.gov.uk

philippa.giles@fcdo.gov.uk

lauriane.povey1@fcdo.gov.uk

Updates to this page

Published 8 April 2022
Last updated 24 May 2022 + show all updates

  1. Call now closed.

  2. First published.

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