UNDP Call for Proposals: Strengthening Monitoring and Evaluation Systems for Capacity Building in Developing Countries

The UNDP Call for Proposals titled 'Strengthening Monitoring and Evaluation Systems for Capacity Building in Developing Countries' is a strategic funding opportunity aimed at enhancing the institutional capacity of developing nations to design, implement, and sustain robust M&E frameworks. This call is part of UNDP's broader agenda to improve development effectiveness through evidence-based decision-making. The initiative seeks proposals that address systemic gaps in M&E systems, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected states where data collection and analysis are often weak. The call emphasizes the need for sustainable solutions that build local ownership and capacity. Organizations interested in this call must demonstrate a deep understanding of the local context and propose innovative approaches to M&E. The donor expects applicants to have a proven track record in delivering technical assistance for M&E, as well as experience in adult learning and knowledge transfer. The call is open to international and local NGOs, research institutes, and private firms. Partnerships are strongly encouraged to combine global expertise with local insights. The deadline for submissions is July 20, 2026, making this a time-sensitive opportunity. Applicants must submit a detailed proposal that includes a situational analysis, work plan, budget, and monitoring framework. The total budget is expected to range from $2 million to $10 million depending on scope. UNDP reserves the right to fund multiple awards. The call also requires co-financing of at least 15% of the total budget, demonstrating commitment and sustainability. GSLI's courses on M&E, financial management, and proposal writing can significantly enhance an applicant's capacity to design a winning proposal. By enrolling staff in these courses, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to professional development and increase their technical expertise. The courses are designed to meet donor standards and provide practical skills that can be applied directly to project design and implementation. Therefore, this call is an excellent opportunity to leverage GSLI's training for a competitive edge.

This call for proposals is specifically targeted towards organizations that have demonstrated expertise in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) capacity building in developing countries. Eligible entities include international and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), research institutions, academic consortia, think tanks, and private sector firms with a strong track record in M&E systems strengthening. The call is particularly designed for organizations that can operate in low-resource settings, fragile states, and conflict-affected regions, where M&E systems are often weak or non-existent. Applicants must be legally registered and capable of managing large-scale, multi-year projects. The primary beneficiaries will be government agencies, civil society organizations, and community-based groups in targeted developing countries. UNDP encourages partnerships that include local organizations to ensure sustainability and knowledge transfer. Special consideration will be given to proposals that address the needs of marginalized populations, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Organizations must have a minimum of five years of experience in similar assignments and provide evidence of successful M&E capacity-building initiatives. Additionally, they must have operational presence or ability to mobilize quickly in the target regions. The call also welcomes applications from organizations that focus on innovative M&E approaches, such as participatory evaluation, real-time monitoring, and use of big data. To be competitive, applicants should demonstrate a clear understanding of the local context, cultural sensitivities, and political dynamics. The donor expects a multi-disciplinary team with skills in statistics, data science, public policy, and adult learning. Financial stability and audited accounts for the last three years are required. Overall, this call is for mature, well-established organizations that can deliver high-quality technical assistance and build enduring local capacity.

UNDP's global priorities for this call emphasize the strengthening of national M&E systems to support evidence-based decision-making and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key investment KPIs include: (1) Number of national M&E frameworks developed or upgraded; (2) Percentage increase in timely and accurate data reporting by partner institutions; (3) Number of local M&E practitioners trained and certified; (4) Institutionalization of M&E units within government ministries; (5) Improved use of data for policy formulation and resource allocation. The donor prioritizes proposals that integrate gender equality and human rights perspectives into M&E processes, ensuring that data is disaggregated by sex, age, disability, and other relevant factors. Additionally, UNDP seeks to foster innovation through the adoption of digital tools, such as mobile applications, GIS mapping, and cloud-based data management systems. The call also prioritizes sustainability, requiring clear plans for maintaining M&E systems beyond project funding, including budget allocations from national governments. Furthermore, UNDP emphasizes the importance of adaptive management – M&E systems should enable real-time feedback loops for program improvement. Another priority is the promotion of south-south and triangular cooperation, encouraging peer learning among developing countries. The donor also values partnerships that leverage complementary expertise, such as statistical offices, universities, and private sector tech companies. Risk management is a critical KPI, with proposals required to outline robust mechanisms for data quality assurance, security, and ethical use. Lastly, UNDP expects co-financing or in-kind contributions from applicants, demonstrating commitment and sustainability. Proposals that align with UNDP's Country Programme Documents and UNDAF will be viewed favorably. Therefore, applicants must articulate how their approach directly contributes to these strategic priorities.

Eligibility for this UNDP call for proposals is subject to a comprehensive set of financial, spatial, and legal criteria. Financially, applicants must demonstrate sound fiscal management with audited financial statements for the last three years and a stable funding base. The minimum annual budget of the applicant organization should exceed $2 million USD. For consortia, the lead applicant must have a budget exceeding $1 million USD and the combined experience must meet the threshold. Applicants must provide a detailed budget with cost breakdowns, ensuring at least 15% co-financing from non-UNDP sources. Spatially, the project must be implemented in one or more eligible developing countries as per UNDP's standard classification, with a preference for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The applicant must have operational capacity in the target country or a clear plan for establishing presence within three months of award. Legal eligibility requires the applicant to be a legally registered entity in its home country and in the target country (if required), with a valid registration certificate, tax compliance, and no debarment or sanctions from international bodies. Organizations must have a legal status that allows them to receive international funding and enter into contracts with UNDP. Additionally, they must adhere to UNDP's standards on anti-terrorism, anti-money laundering, and conflict of interest. For government entities, a formal letter from the relevant ministry is required to demonstrate endorsement. Organizations with prior UNDP experience must have a satisfactory performance rating. Importantly, entities directly involved in political activities, discrimination, or human rights violations are disqualified. The proposal must comply with UNDP's procurement policies, including eligibility for international competitive bidding. All team members proposed must have professional qualifications and relevant certifications. The overall eligibility check also includes a review of the organization's governance structure, policies on gender and diversity, and environmental safeguards. Hence, applicants must carefully verify all criteria before submission.

To secure funding under this UNDP call, organizations must follow a strategic roadmap that integrates GSLI's training courses to amplify their competitive edge. Step 1: Initial Readiness Assessment and Team Assembly. Begin by conducting an internal gap analysis against UNDP's requirements. Identify key areas where your organization needs strengthening, particularly in M&E methodologies, financial management, and procurement. Enroll your team in GSLI's 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' course to ensure a robust understanding of latest frameworks and tools. Simultaneously, enroll finance and procurement staff in 'Financial Management for NGOs' and 'Procurement & Supply Chain' to align with UNDP's stringent audit expectations. Step 2: Partnership Development and Contextual Analysis. Forge strategic partnerships with local organizations, research institutions, and government agencies in the target countries. Leverage GSLI's 'Writing Winning Proposals' course to craft compelling partnership agreements and joint proposal narratives. Conduct a thorough needs assessment of target countries' M&E capacity, engaging stakeholders through workshops. Use GSLI's 'Project Management for Development' course to plan and execute these assessments efficiently. Step 3: Proposal Design and Budgeting. Develop a comprehensive proposal that clearly articulates a theory of change, logical framework, and detailed implementation plan. Emphasize how your approach aligns with UNDP's priorities of gender equality, innovation, and sustainability. The 'Grants Management' course from GSLI will help you design a budget that meets co-financing requirements and includes realistic costings for M&E equipment and training. Include a risk matrix and mitigation strategies, drawing on insights from the 'Public Health & Epidemiology' course if the project has health components. Step 4: Capacity Building Plan and Knowledge Transfer. Detail a robust capacity-building component that trains local stakeholders in M&E, data management, and reporting. GSLI's 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' course should be integrated as a formal training module for local partners. Additionally, offer certificates from GSLI to boost motivation and recognition. Plan for sustainability by establishing 'Training of Trainers' programs. Step 5: Submission and Post-Award Mobilization. Submit the proposal before the deadline with all required attachments, including audited financials and CVs of key personnel. Use GSLI's 'Fundraising & Resource Mobilization' course to identify additional co-financing opportunities. Upon award, immediately convene the project team and initiate start-up activities using the project management tools learned. Throughout implementation, maintain transparent communication with UNDP and submit timely reports. GSLI's 'Writing Winning Proposals' and 'Grants Management' courses will ensure your reporting meets donor expectations. By systematically following this roadmap and leveraging GSLI's expert training, your organization will significantly increase its chances of success.