UNDP Institutional Capacity Building for Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response

The UNDP Institutional Capacity Building for Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response grant is a flagship funding opportunity designed to address critical gaps in health systems that were exposed and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This grant is part of UNDP's strategic priority to support countries in achieving the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 on good health and well-being, and to strengthen resilience against future health crises. The call is open to registered non-profit organizations, academic institutions, research centers, and private sector entities with a proven track record in public health and emergency management. The grant size is substantial, typically ranging from $2 million to $10 million, with a project duration of three to five years. The scope covers a wide range of activities including institutional assessments, development of national health emergency plans, training of health workforce, establishment of surveillance systems, and strengthening of supply chain management for medical supplies. The UNDP places a strong emphasis on sustainability and local ownership, requiring that projects be deeply embedded in national health strategies and that local stakeholders are actively involved in design and implementation. Innovation is encouraged, particularly in the use of digital technologies for data collection, training, and coordination. The grant also requires robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks with clear indicators and regular reporting. Given the high urgency and the deadline of July 10, 2026, organizations must start preparing immediately. GSLI can help by offering specialized training in Writing Winning Proposals and Project Management for Development to ensure that applications are competitive. The overview of this grant underscores the need for a comprehensive approach that integrates technical, managerial, and financial capacities. By investing in these areas through GSLI courses, organizations can present themselves as credible and capable partners to the UNDP.

The target organizations for the UNDP Institutional Capacity Building for Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response grant include a diverse range of entities that are equipped to strengthen health systems at local, national, and regional levels. Eligible applicants typically include non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with a proven track record in public health, international development organizations, academic and research institutions with specialized knowledge in epidemiology and health policy, private sector firms with relevant expertise in health systems strengthening, and government agencies or intergovernmental bodies operating in low- and middle-income countries. The UNDP particularly encourages applications from organizations based in or working extensively in regions with weak health infrastructure, such as Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and parts of Latin America and the Caribbean. Applicants must demonstrate at least five years of experience in public health programming, emergency preparedness and response, or related fields. They should have established partnerships with local health authorities and community-based organizations. Financial stability is crucial; organizations must have an annual budget exceeding $2 million, audited financial statements for the past three years, and a robust internal control system. Additionally, applicants must have a legal status as a registered entity in their country of operation and adhere to UNDP's zero-tolerance policy on fraud and corruption. Prior experience with donor-funded projects, especially from UN agencies, is a strong advantage. The capacity to manage multi-country or multi-regional projects is also valued, as the grant may support cross-border initiatives. For organizations lacking some of these qualifications, GSLI offers courses in Financial Management for NGOs and Grants Management to strengthen institutional capacities and improve eligibility.

The UNDP's priorities for this grant are centered on achieving measurable improvements in public health emergency preparedness and response capacities. Key investment KPIs include the number of health workers trained in emergency response protocols, the establishment or strengthening of public health emergency operations centers (PHEOCs), the development and testing of rapid response teams, and the implementation of integrated disease surveillance systems. The donor emphasizes a systems-strengthening approach, meaning that funded projects should not only deliver immediate results but also build sustainable capacities. For example, projects should include train-the-trainer components to ensure knowledge retention and scale-up. Another priority is the integration of public health emergency preparedness into existing health systems, including primary health care, to create a resilient health system. The UNDP also prioritizes gender-responsive and rights-based approaches, ensuring that emergency preparedness plans address the specific needs of women, children, and marginalized groups. Climate resilience is another cross-cutting priority, as climate change increases the risk of infectious disease outbreaks. The UNDP expects applicants to demonstrate how their projects will align with national health sector plans and the International Health Regulations (IHR) core capacities. Additionally, innovation is highly valued, such as the use of mobile health technologies for surveillance or telemedicine for remote consultations. The donor requires rigorous monitoring and evaluation frameworks with baseline data, quarterly reporting, and independent evaluations at mid-term and completion. Financial accountability is paramount, with strict adherence to UNDP procurement and financial management procedures. Projects should also have a clear sustainability plan, detailing how capacities will be maintained after UNDP funding ends. By taking GSLI's courses in Writing Winning Proposals and Fundraising & Resource Mobilization, applicants can effectively articulate how their projects align with these priorities.

Eligibility for this UNDP grant is comprehensive and requires adherence to strict financial, spatial, and legal criteria. Financially, organizations must have an annual revenue of at least $2 million for the past two fiscal years, with audited financial statements prepared by an independent auditor according to international standards. They must have a proven track record of managing grants of $500,000 or more from international donors. The organization's financial management system must include separation of duties, internal audit function, and use of accounting software capable of generating donor-specific reports. Spatially, the organization must have a physical presence in one or more eligible countries, which are primarily low- and middle-income countries as classified by the World Bank. The project activities must be implemented within these countries, and the organization should have experience working with local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders. Legally, the organization must be a legally registered entity in its home country and in the country where the project will be implemented, if different. This includes for-profit, non-profit, and academic institutions. The organization must also have a valid registration in the UN Partner Portal (UNPP) and comply with UNDP's vendor registration process. Additionally, the organization must have clear policies on anti-fraud, anti-terrorism, sexual exploitation and abuse, and other forms of misconduct. Past performance is critical; any history of audit findings, non-compliance, or sanctions will be scrutinized. Organizations must also demonstrate that they have the technical expertise to implement the proposed activities, including having staff with advanced degrees in public health, medicine, or related fields, and experience in emergency response. To address potential eligibility gaps, GSLI offers courses in Procurement & Supply Chain and Financial Management for NGOs, which cover essential compliance areas such as procurement procedures and financial reporting.

To secure the UNDP grant and maximize project success, organizations should follow a strategic roadmap that integrates GSLI training. Step 1: Deepen Technical Expertise and Donor Alignment. Before writing the proposal, invest in GSLI's Public Health & Epidemiology course to strengthen understanding of disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and emergency response frameworks. Simultaneously, enroll in the Project Management for Development course to learn how to design results-based projects with logframes, work plans, and budgets. This ensures your proposal uses UNDP terminology and meets donor expectations for realistic and achievable outcomes. Step 2: Build a Strong Consortium with Local Partners. The UNDP values local ownership and sustainability. Identify and engage with local NGOs, government health departments, and academic institutions in the target region. Negotiate roles and responsibilities clearly, ensuring each partner brings unique value. To formalize partnerships, train staff using GSLI's Grants Management course to understand sub-granting, partner capacity assessments, and compliance requirements. Step 3: Develop a Robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework. The UNDP requires rigorous M&E with baseline data, targets, and indicators. Enroll key team members in GSLI's Monitoring & Evaluation course to design a theory of change, select indicators aligned with SDGs, and set up data collection systems. Plan for quarterly reports and independent evaluations. Step 4: Prepare a Comprehensive Proposal with Strong Financial Management. The proposal must detail a clear budget, financial management plan, and procurement strategy. GSLI's Financial Management for NGOs course covers budget preparation, internal controls, and audit readiness. Additionally, use the Writing Winning Proposals course to structure the narrative effectively, highlighting past achievements and alignment with UNDP priorities. Ensure all documents, including CVs, organizational profiles, and audit reports, are ready. Step 5: Submit and Prepare for Due Diligence. After submission, be prepared for UNDP's rigorous due diligence, which may include site visits, financial checks, and interviews. Use this time to finalize partnership agreements and refine logistics. GSLI's courses on Fundraising & Resource Mobilization can help diversify funding sources to sustain projects beyond the grant period. By following this roadmap and leveraging GSLI's training, organizations can significantly enhance their competitiveness and implementation capacity.