UNDP Call for Proposals: Strengthening Governance and Capacity for Inclusive Development in Post-Conflict Regions

The UNDP Call for Proposals titled 'Strengthening Governance and Capacity for Inclusive Development in Post-Conflict Regions' is a flagship initiative aimed at rebuilding fragile states through institutional strengthening and inclusive governance. Launched under UNDP's Strategic Plan 2022-2025, this call seeks to address the chronic governance deficits that perpetuate cycles of conflict and poverty. The deadline for submissions is November 1, 2026, providing ample time for organizations to develop comprehensive proposals. The total funding pool is expected to be $100 million, with individual grants ranging from $500,000 to $5 million, and a co-financing requirement of at least 10% of total project costs. This call is driven by the recognition that last-mile governance is often the weakest link in post-conflict recovery. In many fragile states, local governments lack the capacity to deliver basic services such as health, education, and sanitation, eroding citizen trust and fueling insurgency. The call, therefore, prioritizes interventions that strengthen decentralized governance, improve public financial management, and enhance transparency and accountability. It also emphasizes inclusive participation of women, youth, and marginalized communities in decision-making processes. Applicants must demonstrate a deep understanding of the conflict context and a theory of change that links governance improvements to peacebuilding outcomes. The call requires a gender analysis and conflict sensitivity assessment upfront. Partnerships with local organizations are not only encouraged but mandatory, with at least 30% of the budget allocated to local actors. The donor expects a robust monitoring and evaluation framework with baseline, targets, and data collection tools. GSLI's training courses, such as 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' and 'Project Management for Development', can equip teams with the necessary skills to design and implement such frameworks effectively. The call fits into a broader trend among bilateral and multilateral donors to invest in governance as a precondition for achieving all other SDGs. For organizations with experience in conflict-affected settings, this is a strategic opportunity to scale up impact. The competition is expected to be intense, but well-prepared organizations with strong local presence and technical capacity can succeed. GSLI offers specialized courses that can significantly enhance proposal quality and project implementation capacity.

Strategic Overview

The UNDP Call for Proposals titled 'Strengthening Governance and Capacity for Inclusive Development in Post-Conflict Regions' is a flagship initiative aimed at rebuilding fragile states through institutional strengthening and inclusive governance. Launched under UNDP's Strategic Plan 2022-2025, this call seeks to address the chronic governance deficits that perpetuate cycles of conflict and poverty. The deadline for submissions is November 1, 2026, providing ample time for organizations to develop comprehensive proposals. The total funding pool is expected to be $100 million, with individual grants ranging from $500,000 to $5 million, and a co-financing requirement of at least 10% of total project costs. This call is driven by the recognition that last-mile governance is often the weakest link in post-conflict recovery. In many fragile states, local governments lack the capacity to deliver basic services such as health, education, and sanitation, eroding citizen trust and fueling insurgency. The call, therefore, prioritizes interventions that strengthen decentralized governance, improve public financial management, and enhance transparency and accountability. It also emphasizes inclusive participation of women, youth, and marginalized communities in decision-making processes. Applicants must demonstrate a deep understanding of the conflict context and a theory of change that links governance improvements to peacebuilding outcomes. The call requires a gender analysis and conflict sensitivity assessment upfront. Partnerships with local organizations are not only encouraged but mandatory, with at least 30% of the budget allocated to local actors. The donor expects a robust monitoring and evaluation framework with baseline, targets, and data collection tools. GSLI's training courses, such as 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' and 'Project Management for Development', can equip teams with the necessary skills to design and implement such frameworks effectively. The call fits into a broader trend among bilateral and multilateral donors to invest in governance as a precondition for achieving all other SDGs. For organizations with experience in conflict-affected settings, this is a strategic opportunity to scale up impact. The competition is expected to be intense, but well-prepared organizations with strong local presence and technical capacity can succeed. GSLI offers specialized courses that can significantly enhance proposal quality and project implementation capacity.

Who is it For?

This call is designed for a diverse range of actors operating in post-conflict settings. Primary recipients include registered non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with at least five years of experience in governance, peacebuilding, or capacity development in fragile states. Local civil society organizations (CSOs) are particularly encouraged, as UNDP emphasizes localization and strengthening of grassroots institutions. Consortia led by international NGOs with local partners are also eligible, provided the lead entity demonstrates fiduciary capacity and a track record of compliance with donor regulations. Academic institutions, research think tanks, and public-private partnerships may apply if they can demonstrate operational presence in the target region and alignment with UNDP's governance mandate. The call explicitly excludes for-profit entities unless they form part of a non-profit-led consortium with clear social impact objectives. Applicants must have a physical office or representative presence in the target country or region, proof of registration with local authorities, and audited financial statements for the past two years. Priority will be given to organizations with gender-balanced teams, demonstrated commitment to human rights, and experience in managing multi-stakeholder dialogues. The typical grant size ranges from $1 million to $3 million, with co-financing of at least 10% preferred. Organizations must also have clear anti-terrorism and anti-money laundering policies, as post-conflict regions pose elevated risks of funds diversion to illicit actors.

Priorities

UNDP’s global priorities for this call are centered on rebuilding trust between citizens and state institutions through transparent, accountable, and participatory governance. Specific investment Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) include: (1) Increase in public satisfaction with service delivery by at least 20% as measured by citizen surveys; (2) Reduction in corruption perception index scores by 15% in targeted administrative units; (3) Enhanced capacity of at least 50 local government officials through training programs; (4) Adoption of digital governance platforms in at least two key ministries; (5) Inclusion of marginalized groups (women, youth, persons with disabilities) in at least 40% of decision-making forums. The call prioritizes interventions that address root causes of conflict, such as exclusion, inequality, and weak rule of law. Thematic priorities include decentralization and local governance reform, public financial management strengthening, civil service reform, and support for transitional justice mechanisms. The donor also emphasizes cross-cutting themes: gender equality, climate security, and leaving no one behind. The investment logic is that stable governance is a prerequisite for achieving other SDGs, such as health, education, and economic growth. Therefore, proposals must articulate how governance improvements will catalyze progress in other sectors. UNDP expects partnerships with national human rights institutions, anti-corruption bodies, and independent media. Innovation in service delivery, such as use of blockchain for land registries or AI for public feedback systems, is highly valued. The KPI framework should include baseline, target, and data source for each indicator, with annual verification. The donor also requires a sustainability plan showing how capacity will be retained beyond project funding, possibly through government budget allocation or cost-recovery mechanisms.

Eligibility

Eligibility criteria are comprehensive, covering financial, spatial, and corporate legal audits. Financially, applicants must demonstrate an annual budget of at least $500,000 for the past two years, with audited financial statements prepared by an independent auditor according to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or equivalent. Liquidity ratio must exceed 1.5, and no outstanding audit findings from previous donor-funded projects. Spatial eligibility requires that projects be implemented in designated post-conflict regions as defined by UNDP's list of fragile states (e.g., Sahel, Great Lakes, Horn of Africa, parts of South Asia). The call may target specific countries or allow regional programs. Legal audit: organizations must be legally registered in the country of operation for at least three years, with clear governance structures (board of directors, conflict of interest policy, code of conduct). For international NGOs, a memorandum of understanding with the host government is required. Sub-granting to local partners is allowed only if the prime organization has a due diligence procedure (Vetting, Anti-Terrorist Financing checks). Corporate audit: entities must have no record of fraud, corruption, or human rights violations; a self-declaration of compliance with UN sanctions lists is mandatory. Additionally, applicants must sign the UNDP Supplier Code of Conduct. Project duration must be between 24 and 48 months, with no-cost extension possible for up to 12 months. Co-financing of at least 10% in cash or kind is highly recommended, with in-kind contributions capped at 50% of total co-financing. The call also requires a conflict analysis and a gender analysis as part of the proposal. Failure to meet any of these criteria may result in immediate disqualification. It is advisable to consult the UNDP country office for specific eligibility nuances.

Path to Success

A four-step strategic roadmap for a successful proposal with GSLI integration: Step 1: Conduct Thorough Needs Assessment and Stakeholder Mapping. Before writing the proposal, invest 4-6 weeks in participatory assessments in the target region. Engage local communities, government officials, and civil society to identify governance gaps and capacity needs. Use this data to design a theory of change aligned with UNDP’s priorities. GSLI’s 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' course provides tools for conducting baseline surveys and stakeholder analysis, ensuring evidence-based design. Step 2: Develop a Robust Implementation Plan with Clear KPIs. Structure the project into four phases: (a) Institutional Assessment and Capacity Gaps Analysis (months 1-6); (b) Training and Systems Strengthening (months 7-18); (c) Pilot Implementation and Iterative Refinement (months 19-36); (d) Scaling and Sustainability Planning (months 37-48). Each phase should have measurable outputs: e.g., number of trained officials, adopted policies, or service delivery improvements. Include GSLI’s 'Project Management for Development' course to strengthen your team’s ability to plan, monitor, and adjust activities effectively. Step 3: Build a Strong Consortium with Local Actors. Partnerships with local CSOs, government agencies, and academic institutions demonstrate ownership and sustainability. Draft formal letters of commitment and pre-defined roles. GSLI’s 'Financial Management for NGOs' course is critical for consortium members to comply with UNDP’s financial reporting requirements, co-financing rules, and audit standards. Step 4: Write a Compelling Proposal with Emphasis on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Use data from Step 1 to justify the project. Highlight your organization’s experience in post-conflict settings, staff qualifications, and past performance. Include a conflict-sensitive approach clause. GSLI’s 'Writing Winning Proposals' course covers how to structure logical frameworks, budget narratives, and risk matrices. Ensure the proposal meets UNDP’s formatting requirements: maximum 50 pages, including annexes, with a clear results framework. Submit early to allow for feedback from UNDP country office. After submission, prepare for technical and financial clarification rounds.

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Deadline: 2026-11-01

Persona: General

Urgency: Normal