World Bank RFP: Capacity Building for Climate-Resilient WASH Service Delivery in Fragile States

The World Bank's RFP for 'Capacity Building for Climate-Resilient WASH Service Delivery in Fragile States' marks a pivotal opportunity for organizations to contribute to sustainable development in some of the world's most challenging environments. Fragile states, defined by high levels of violence, political instability, and weak institutional capacity, are also the most vulnerable to climate change impacts. Water and sanitation services in these contexts are often unreliable, unaffordable, and inadequate, posing serious health and safety risks, especially for women and children. The RFP recognizes that building the capacity of local actors—including government ministries, local utilities, and community-based organizations—is essential for delivering lasting improvements. Capacity building goes beyond training individuals; it involves strengthening organizational systems, institutional frameworks, and inter-institutional coordination. This RFP therefore calls for comprehensive programs that address multiple levels of capacity: individual, organizational, and enabling environment. The donor expects proposals to include a thorough needs assessment that identifies existing gaps and opportunities; a tailored training curriculum that covers technical, managerial, and cross-cutting topics; and a mentoring and follow-up strategy that ensures transfer of learning to practice. The RFP also stresses the importance of sustainability, meaning that capacity should be retained and continuously updated even after the project ends. To achieve this, proposals should incorporate mechanisms for institutional memory, such as documentation of processes, creation of training manuals, and establishment of communities of practice. Additionally, the RFP encourages the use of digital technologies to scale up training, reduce costs, and enable remote support in insecure areas. Given the high overheads of operating in fragile states, the World Bank values cost-effectiveness and expects detailed budgets that justify every expense. Strategically, this RFP is part of the World Bank's broader portfolio on fragility and climate adaptation. It complements lending operations for WASH infrastructure by ensuring that the institutions responsible for operating and maintaining that infrastructure have the necessary skills. Therefore, a strong proposal must demonstrate how the capacity-building activities will be linked to existing or planned World Bank investments, ensuring synergy and maximizing impact. Organizations that can show experience working with World Bank projects, especially in fragile states, will have an advantage. Furthermore, the RFP is an opportunity to test innovative approaches—such as gamification, apprenticeship models, or South-South learning exchanges—that could be scaled up through future World Bank programs. The overview underscores the timeliness of the opportunity, given the growing recognition that human capital is as important as physical capital for achieving the SDGs. Bidders are encouraged to think creatively but remain grounded in practical, replicable solutions.

Strategic Overview

The World Bank's RFP for 'Capacity Building for Climate-Resilient WASH Service Delivery in Fragile States' marks a pivotal opportunity for organizations to contribute to sustainable development in some of the world's most challenging environments. Fragile states, defined by high levels of violence, political instability, and weak institutional capacity, are also the most vulnerable to climate change impacts. Water and sanitation services in these contexts are often unreliable, unaffordable, and inadequate, posing serious health and safety risks, especially for women and children. The RFP recognizes that building the capacity of local actors—including government ministries, local utilities, and community-based organizations—is essential for delivering lasting improvements. Capacity building goes beyond training individuals; it involves strengthening organizational systems, institutional frameworks, and inter-institutional coordination. This RFP therefore calls for comprehensive programs that address multiple levels of capacity: individual, organizational, and enabling environment. The donor expects proposals to include a thorough needs assessment that identifies existing gaps and opportunities; a tailored training curriculum that covers technical, managerial, and cross-cutting topics; and a mentoring and follow-up strategy that ensures transfer of learning to practice. The RFP also stresses the importance of sustainability, meaning that capacity should be retained and continuously updated even after the project ends. To achieve this, proposals should incorporate mechanisms for institutional memory, such as documentation of processes, creation of training manuals, and establishment of communities of practice. Additionally, the RFP encourages the use of digital technologies to scale up training, reduce costs, and enable remote support in insecure areas. Given the high overheads of operating in fragile states, the World Bank values cost-effectiveness and expects detailed budgets that justify every expense. Strategically, this RFP is part of the World Bank's broader portfolio on fragility and climate adaptation. It complements lending operations for WASH infrastructure by ensuring that the institutions responsible for operating and maintaining that infrastructure have the necessary skills. Therefore, a strong proposal must demonstrate how the capacity-building activities will be linked to existing or planned World Bank investments, ensuring synergy and maximizing impact. Organizations that can show experience working with World Bank projects, especially in fragile states, will have an advantage. Furthermore, the RFP is an opportunity to test innovative approaches—such as gamification, apprenticeship models, or South-South learning exchanges—that could be scaled up through future World Bank programs. The overview underscores the timeliness of the opportunity, given the growing recognition that human capital is as important as physical capital for achieving the SDGs. Bidders are encouraged to think creatively but remain grounded in practical, replicable solutions.

Who is it For?

This RFP targets a diverse range of organizations capable of delivering large-scale capacity-building programs in fragile and conflict-affected states. Eligible entities include international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) with a proven track record in WASH programming, particularly those with experience in climate adaptation. Local civil society organizations (CSOs) based in target countries are strongly encouraged to apply, either as lead applicants or as part of a consortium, to ensure contextual relevance and sustainability. Academic institutions and research organizations specializing in water resource management, public health, or climate science are also eligible, provided they can demonstrate practical field implementation capacity. Private sector firms offering technical assistance, consulting, or engineering services in the WASH sector are equally welcome, especially if they bring expertise in innovative financing or technology. The RFP specifically seeks entities that have a minimum of five years of experience in at least three fragile states, with verifiable references. Additionally, applicants must have an established operational presence in the region, including offices or registered partnerships in-country. The World Bank also places emphasis on organizational capacity in financial management, procurement, and monitoring & evaluation (M&E), requiring audited financial statements for the past three years. Organizations that can demonstrate gender-sensitive and human rights-based approaches will be given preference. Furthermore, the RFP encourages consortia that bring together complementary skills—for example, a lead INGO with technical WASH expertise partnering with a local CSO for community engagement and a research institute for climate modeling. This collaborative approach aligns with the World Bank's goal of strengthening local capacities and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Priorities

The World Bank's priorities for this RFP are firmly rooted in its Climate Change Action Plan (2021–2025) and the FCV Strategy (2020–2025). The overarching goal is to enhance climate resilience of WASH services in fragile states by integrating climate adaptation into all phases of service delivery. Key investment KPIs include: (1) Number of institutions (government, CSO, private sector) that have integrated climate risk assessments into their WASH planning processes; (2) Percentage of target communities with improved access to climate-resilient WASH services, measured through baseline and endline surveys; (3) Amount of additional financing mobilized for climate-resilient WASH from public and private sources; (4) Number of climate-resilient infrastructure projects completed and operational after two years; (5) Percentage of trained personnel applying new skills in their work (evaluation through pre/post tests and follow-up assessments). The donor emphasizes sustainability over short-term outputs, so proposals must articulate how capacity will be retained beyond the project period. There is also a strong focus on innovation, particularly the use of low-cost, nature-based solutions such as rainwater harvesting, constructed wetlands, and soil conservation. Gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) are cross-cutting priorities; the World Bank expects proposals to include specific targets for women's representation in decision-making roles and for reaching marginalized groups (e.g., persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons). Additionally, the RFP prioritizes conflict sensitivity—capacities must be built in ways that do not exacerbate tensions and ideally contribute to social cohesion. Finally, the World Bank emphasizes cost-effectiveness and value for money, requiring detailed budgets that show efficient use of resources, including co-financing from other donors or private sector partners.

Eligibility

Eligibility for this RFP is defined through a comprehensive audit of financial, spatial, and legal capacities. Financially, organizations must submit audited financial statements for the last three fiscal years, demonstrating annual revenues of at least USD 5 million for international entities and USD 500,000 for local organizations. The organization must have a positive net worth and no history of fraud, bankruptcy, or debarment by the World Bank or other multilateral donors. Liquidity ratios should be above 1.5, and debt-to-equity ratios below 2.0. Spatially, the applicant must have operational experience in at least two of the target fragile states (list provided in the RFP), with a physical presence such as a registered office, project office, or official country program. If working through partners, formal agreements including MoUs or subcontracts must be submitted. Legally, the organization must be a legally registered entity (non-profit, for-profit, or academic) in its home country and in each target country, with valid registration certificates and tax identification numbers. The organization must also have policies in place for anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, and whistleblower protection. For consortia, each member must individually meet eligibility criteria, and a lead member must be designated who can contractually bind the consortium. The World Bank conducts due diligence on all applicants, including sanctions screening, so organizations must have completed a World Bank integrity due diligence questionnaire within the last two years. Additionally, technical eligibility requires at least five years of experience in capacity building for WASH services, with a portfolio of at least three projects in fragile states. Key personnel such as the project director and WASH specialist must have advanced degrees and at least 10 years of relevant experience. Finally, language proficiency in English and French (for Francophone Africa) is required, with translation services if needed.

Path to Success

Strategic roadmap with GSLI integration: Step 1: Conduct a Deep Needs Assessment and Align with GSLI Training Modules. Begin by thoroughly reviewing the RFP and identifying specific capacity gaps in the target countries. The World Bank emphasizes building institutional capacity, so your proposal should include a pre-project assessment phase to pinpoint weaknesses in local government and CSOs. GSLI can contribute by offering its 'WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene)' and 'Project Management for Development' short courses as part of the capacity-building curriculum. Integrate these courses into your methodology to ensure participants gain accredited, modular skills that align with World Bank standards. For example, GSLI's WASH course covers climate-resilient technologies, governance, and community engagement, directly supporting the RFP's climate resilience focus. This step also involves forming a consortium with local partners and securing letters of intent from training recipients. Step 2: Develop a Comprehensive Proposal with GSLI as a Subcontractor. Once the concept is clear, write the full technical proposal, including a detailed implementation plan, M&E framework, and budget. Position GSLI as a key institutional capacity-building partner, highlighting its accreditation, experience, and flexible online delivery. In the narrative, explain how GSLI's 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' course will help build local M&E systems, and how 'Financial Management for NGOs' will strengthen fiduciary controls. Include a budget line for GSLI training, referencing past successes. The proposal should also discuss co-financing opportunities—GSLI's courses can be incorporated as a cost-share with other donors. Ensure your technical approach is evidence-based, citing case studies from previous World Bank projects or published research. Step 3: Submit and Engage in Follow-up with World Bank Procurement. Submit the proposal electronically by the deadline, ensuring all annexes (audit reports, CVs, partnerships) are complete. After submission, engage proactively with the World Bank procurement team for clarification questions. Anticipate technical queries about the capacity-building methodology, and be ready to reference GSLI's curriculum and its alignment with World Bank priorities. Also, prepare for a possible presentation or site visit. Use this opportunity to demonstrate GSLI's training materials and their impact. If the proposal is shortlisted, negotiate a subcontract with GSLI to confirm training delivery timelines. Step 4: Implement with Agility and Continuously Monitor and Evaluate. Upon award, launch the project with a rapid capacity assessment. Roll out GSLI courses in a phased manner, blending online and in-person training to suit fragile state contexts. Use GSLI's M&E course tools to establish baseline indicators, and adjust the training based on feedback. Coordinate with World Bank Task Team Leaders through quarterly reports that show progress on KPIs. Document success stories and lessons learned for dissemination, thereby enhancing GSLI's credibility for future bids. Finally, ensure sustainability by training local trainers to deliver GSLI courses post-project, potentially leading to a long-term partnership.

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Deadline: 2026-08-30

Persona: General

Urgency: Normal