UNDP Global Call: Capacity Building for Results-Based Project Management and M&E in Public Sector Development Programs

This UNDP Global Call for Capacity Building in Results-Based Project Management and M&E is a strategic initiative to strengthen the human and institutional capabilities of public sector organizations in low- and middle-income countries. With a deadline of July 15, 2026, this opportunity is open to a wide range of organizations including NGOs, government agencies, academic institutions, and private sector firms that have expertise in delivering training in results-based management (RBM) and monitoring and evaluation (M&E). The call is designed to address critical gaps in public sector effectiveness, specifically the lack of systematic approaches to project design, implementation, and evaluation that are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The overarching goal is to equip government officials with practical skills to manage development projects more effectively, ensuring that resources are used efficiently, and outcomes are achieved. UNDP emphasizes the necessity for training to be practical, participatory, and tailored to local contexts. The call also prioritizes the integration of digital tools for data collection and analysis, reflecting the global trend towards e-governance and data-driven decision-making. Gender equality and human rights are cross-cutting themes; proposals must demonstrate how they will ensure inclusive participation of women and marginalized groups. From a strategic perspective, this call presents a unique opportunity for organizations to contribute to the global development agenda while also expanding their own footprint. Successful applicants will be those that can demonstrate a deep understanding of RBM principles, a track record in adult education, and the ability to work in complex environments. The funding is expected to cover a 24-month period, with potential for extension based on performance. Given the high urgency and competitive nature, interested parties should begin preparations immediately, including forming consortia, conducting needs assessments, and upgrading staff skills through courses like those offered by GSLI. This overview provides a comprehensive view of the call's objectives, scope, and strategic importance.

Strategic Overview

This UNDP Global Call for Capacity Building in Results-Based Project Management and M&E is a strategic initiative to strengthen the human and institutional capabilities of public sector organizations in low- and middle-income countries. With a deadline of July 15, 2026, this opportunity is open to a wide range of organizations including NGOs, government agencies, academic institutions, and private sector firms that have expertise in delivering training in results-based management (RBM) and monitoring and evaluation (M&E). The call is designed to address critical gaps in public sector effectiveness, specifically the lack of systematic approaches to project design, implementation, and evaluation that are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The overarching goal is to equip government officials with practical skills to manage development projects more effectively, ensuring that resources are used efficiently, and outcomes are achieved. UNDP emphasizes the necessity for training to be practical, participatory, and tailored to local contexts. The call also prioritizes the integration of digital tools for data collection and analysis, reflecting the global trend towards e-governance and data-driven decision-making. Gender equality and human rights are cross-cutting themes; proposals must demonstrate how they will ensure inclusive participation of women and marginalized groups. From a strategic perspective, this call presents a unique opportunity for organizations to contribute to the global development agenda while also expanding their own footprint. Successful applicants will be those that can demonstrate a deep understanding of RBM principles, a track record in adult education, and the ability to work in complex environments. The funding is expected to cover a 24-month period, with potential for extension based on performance. Given the high urgency and competitive nature, interested parties should begin preparations immediately, including forming consortia, conducting needs assessments, and upgrading staff skills through courses like those offered by GSLI. This overview provides a comprehensive view of the call's objectives, scope, and strategic importance.

Who is it For?

This opportunity is designed for a wide range of organizations that are legally constituted and operate in the public sector or in partnership with public institutions. Eligible entities include national and local government agencies, civil society organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academic and research institutions, and private sector firms with expertise in capacity building. The call specifically targets organizations that have a minimum of 5 years of experience in designing and delivering training programs in results-based management, project management, or M&E. In addition, applicants must demonstrate prior collaboration with public sector entities, particularly in developing countries or conflict-affected regions. The recipient profile should include evidence of gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches, as UNDP prioritizes initiatives that promote gender equality and leave no one behind. Financial eligibility requires an audited annual budget of at least $500,000 for the past two fiscal years, with no history of fraud or mismanagement. Legal eligibility includes registration in the country of operation with valid tax identification and compliance with local labor laws. Spatial eligibility covers all UN member states, with a focus on countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East. Organizations must also have a dedicated M&E unit or plan to establish one as part of the capacity building program. The call favors consortia applications that leverage complementary expertise, such as combining a training provider with a local government partner. This ensures cultural relevance and sustainability of the capacity building interventions.

Priorities

The donor's global priorities for this call are deeply aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). UNDP emphasizes the need for measurable improvements in public sector effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability. Key investment KPIs include: (1) At least 70% of trained personnel demonstrate improved competency in RBM and M&E as measured by pre- and post-training assessments; (2) Integration of digital tools for data collection and reporting in at least 50% of participating institutions; (3) Development of standardized M&E frameworks that are replicable across different sectors; (4) Evidence of policy influence, such as adoption of results-based budgeting in at least two pilot ministries. Additionally, UNDP prioritizes cross-cutting issues including gender mainstreaming, climate resilience, and human rights-based approaches. The call seeks to address systemic capacity gaps in low-income countries and fragile states, where weak M&E systems hinder effective resource allocation. Sustainability is a core priority: grantees must outline how skills will be retained and institutions will continue to use RBM after project completion. Digital transformation is another key area, with expectation for use of mobile data collection, GIS mapping, and cloud-based dashboards. Finally, UNDP values partnerships with local universities and think tanks to ensure localized knowledge and long-term institutional memory. These priorities reflect a shift toward adaptive management and learning-oriented M&E, rather than compliance-focused reporting.

Eligibility

Comprehensive eligibility criteria cover financial, spatial, and corporate legal aspects. Financial eligibility: Applicants must submit audited financial statements for the last two fiscal years, demonstrating a minimum annual operating budget of $500,000 (or equivalent in local currency). The applicant must be free of any pending litigation or bankruptcy. Grants from UNDP typically require a co-financing contribution of at least 10% from the applicant or partners, which can be in-kind. Spatial eligibility: Organizations must be based in and operate primarily in UN member states, with a preference for countries classified as Least Developed Countries (LDCs) or Fragile and Conflict-affected Situations (FCS). Projects must be implemented in these priority countries. Legal eligibility: The organization must be a registered legal entity (non-profit, government agency, or private sector) with a clear governance structure and fiduciary capacity. It must have a physical office in the country of operation and comply with all local laws, including tax registration and labor regulations. Corporate legal audit requirements include: submission of certificate of registration, articles of association, list of board members, and anti-corruption policy. Additionally, organizations must have a proven record of ethical conduct with no sanctions or debarments by the UN or other multilateral donors. For consortia, each partner must meet these eligibility criteria, and a lead partner must be designated. The application must include a consortium agreement outlining roles, responsibilities, and financial management. Finally, organizations with previous UNDP contracts must provide performance evaluations demonstrating satisfactory compliance and results delivery. This rigorous eligibility framework ensures that only credible and capable organizations receive funding.

Path to Success

To succeed in this UNDP call, organizations must follow a strategic roadmap that integrates GSLI training and capacity building. Step 1: Conduct a rapid institutional readiness assessment. Evaluate your organization's current expertise in RBM and M&E, identify gaps in staff competencies, and assess existing partnerships with public sector entities. GSLI's Monitoring & Evaluation short course can help upskill your team to meet donor expectations. This course covers indicator design, data collection methods, and evaluation frameworks. Step 2: Develop a comprehensive capacity building program tailored to the target public sector institutions. Use GSLI's Project Management for Development course to design a training module that includes results-based planning, logical framework approach, and stakeholder engagement. This step involves drafting a detailed implementation plan with clear milestones, such as training 100 government officials within the first six months. Step 3: Build a consortium with complementary partners. For example, partner with a local university for contextual research and a technology firm for digital M&E tools. GSLI's course on Grants Management can help navigate the complex consortium agreements and financial reporting requirements. This course covers budget formulation, fund flow management, and compliance with donor rules. Step 4: Write a compelling proposal that aligns with UNDP's priorities. Structure the proposal around three pillars: capacity needs assessment, training delivery, and post-training support. Include a theory of change that links capacity building to improved public service delivery. Use GSLI's Writing Winning Proposals course to refine your narrative, develop a logical framework, and create persuasive budget narratives. The course emphasizes donor-centric language, results chains, and risk management. Throughout the process, maintain continuous communication with UNDP country offices to align with local strategies. After submission, be prepared for a rigorous due diligence process, including site visits and interviews. GSLI's comprehensive training suite positions your organization as a credible and capable partner for this high-stakes capacity building initiative.

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Deadline: 2026-07-15

Persona: General

Urgency: Normal