UNDP Global Call for Proposals: Strengthening Monitoring and Evaluation Systems for Sustainable Development Goals

The UNDP Global Call for Proposals on Strengthening Monitoring and Evaluation Systems for Sustainable Development Goals is a strategic initiative designed to address the critical data and capacity gaps that impede SDG progress in developing countries. With less than a decade remaining to achieve the 2030 Agenda, reliable, timely, and disaggregated data is essential for evidence-based policymaking, resource allocation, and accountability. This call invites proposals from a wide range of actors—including governments, civil society, academia, and private sector—to design and implement interventions that strengthen M&E systems at national, sub-national, or sectoral levels. The funding available is substantial, with grants ranging from $500,000 to $5 million, and a total envelope of approximately $50 million. Projects can span 24 to 36 months, allowing for deep systemic change. The call is particularly focused on countries with fragile data ecosystems, conflict-affected regions, and small island developing states. It encourages innovative approaches such as citizen-generated data, big data analytics, and mobile data collection, while emphasizing adherence to UNEG norms and data privacy standards. Applicants must demonstrate a clear theory of change linking M&E strengthening to improved development outcomes. The proposal should outline a sustainability plan that includes institutionalization of M&E practices, capacity building of local stakeholders, and alignment with national development plans. Gender equality and human rights must be mainstreamed throughout the project. Given the complexity of the call, GSLI recommends enrolling in its 'Monitoring & Evaluation' and 'Writing Winning Proposals' courses to ensure a competitive edge.

This call is open to legally registered entities operating in UNDP programme countries. Eligible applicants include government ministries and agencies, particularly national statistical offices and planning commissions; civil society organizations (CSOs) with demonstrated M&E expertise in sectors such as health, education, environment, and governance; academic and research institutions that can contribute to methodological advancements; and private sector firms specializing in data analytics, digital platforms, and GIS technologies. Consortia are encouraged, with a lead applicant required to be a single legal entity. The call targets organizations with a proven track record in M&E capacity development, data collection, and evidence-based advocacy. Special consideration is given to proposals that empower local actors, including women-led organizations and youth groups. Applicants must have at least five years of operational experience, a minimum annual budget of $500,000, and audit reports for the past three fiscal years. Entities that have previously received UNDP M&E grants or have active collaboration with the UN system are at an advantage. The call explicitly excludes individuals, political parties, and for-profit entities not registered as social enterprises. Geographically, the call prioritizes countries with fragile data ecosystems, conflict-affected regions, and small island developing states (SIDS).

The UNDP's global priorities for this call revolve around strengthening national M&E ecosystems to accelerate SDG progress. Key investment KPIs include: (1) increased coverage and quality of SDG indicators, particularly Tier II and Tier III indicators; (2) enhanced capacity of national stakeholders to collect, analyze, and use data for policy; (3) integration of gender equality and human rights in M&E frameworks; (4) operationalization of leave-no-one-behind principles through disaggregated data; (5) adoption of innovative data sources such as satellite imagery, mobile data, and citizen-generated data; (6) establishment of interoperable data systems linking M&E with national planning and budgeting; (7) strengthened feedback loops between data producers and users; (8) improved accountability through transparent reporting; (9) multiplication of M&E best practices through South-South cooperation; and (10) sustainability of M&E investments beyond project cycles. The donor expects proposals to demonstrate a clear theory of change linking M&E strengthening to improved development outcomes. Additionally, proposals should outline a sustainability plan that includes government cost-sharing, capacity building of local trainers, and alignment with existing M&E networks. The call also prioritizes conflict-sensitive and gender-responsive M&E approaches in fragile and humanitarian settings.

Eligibility criteria are rigorous to ensure funds are channeled to credible and competent entities. Financial requirements include: (1) submission of audited financial statements for the last three fiscal years; (2) evidence of internal controls and anti-fraud policies; (3) a bank guarantee or letter of credit for advance payments exceeding $100,000; (4) indirect cost rate not exceeding 7% of direct costs; and (5) a cost-sharing contribution of at least 10% from non-UNDP sources (in-kind accepted). Spatial requirements mandate that the proposing organization has a physical presence in the target country with at least two staff members dedicated to M&E. For international consortia, the lead applicant must have a registered branch in the country of implementation. Corporate legal audits require: (1) valid registration certificate as a non-profit entity; (2) board resolution authorizing the proposal submission; (3) no history of sanctions or debarment by UN or other donors; (4) compliance with UNDP's Supplier Code of Conduct; and (5) evidence of tax compliance in country of operation. Additionally, organizations must have existing M&E frameworks or systems that can be scaled, and must not have any conflict of interest with UNDP staff. For government entities, a letter of endorsement from the relevant line ministry is required. All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.

To maximize chances under this UNDP call, follow this strategic roadmap integrating GSLI training: **Step 1: Foundation Building with GSLI's Monitoring & Evaluation Course** (Months 1-3) Enroll key team members in GSLI's 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' short course to deepen understanding of results-based management, indicator selection, and data quality assurance. This course covers participatory M&E approaches and use of digital tools like DHIS2 and SPSS. Additionally, take GSLI's 'Writing Winning Proposals' course to craft a compelling narrative aligning with UNDP's priorities. Both courses provide templates and case studies from past successful UNDP grants. **Step 2: Stakeholder Mapping and Consortia Formation** (Months 3-5) Using insights from GSLI's 'Project Management for Development' course form a consortium with national statistical offices, local CSOs, and IT firms. The course offers modules on partnership governance and conflict resolution. Develop a memorandum of understanding (MoU) outlining roles, responsibilities, and cost-sharing. Leverage GSLI's 'Grants Management' course to establish financial management protocols and sub-granting mechanisms. **Step 3: Technical Proposal Design** (Months 5-8) Draft a results-based proposal with a clear theory of change, logical framework, and sustainability plan. Incorporate gender-responsive and human rights-based M&E approaches as emphasized in UNDP guidance. Use 'Public Health & Epidemiology' and 'WASH' courses if targeting health or water sectors. Deep-dive into case studies from UNDP's past M&E projects using GSLI's resource library. Ensure budget aligns with UNDP's cost categories and include a plan for capacity building of local M&E officers. **Step 4: Compliance Review and Submission** (Months 8-10) Conduct an internal audit using GSLI's 'Financial Management for NGOs' course checklist to ensure financial compliance. Verify eligibility documents and obtain any required government endorsements. Submit through UNDP's e-Tendering system before October 1, 2026. After submission, use GSLI's 'Fundraising & Resource Mobilization' course to develop a pipeline for follow-on funding. Engage with UNDP country office for feedback and be prepared to present concept notes. **Cross-Selling Integration**: Throughout the roadmap, GSLI's courses bridge gaps in proposal writing, financial compliance, and sector-specific M&E, making your consortium more competitive. The immediate application of these courses will significantly enhance the technical quality of your submission.