World Bank RFP: Enhancing Public Financial Management for Climate-Resilient Service Delivery in Fragile States

This World Bank Request for Proposals (RFP) represents a targeted effort to strengthen public financial management (PFM) systems in fragile states, making them more responsive to climate risks. The RFP is part of the World Bank's broader commitment to climate adaptation and resilience, especially in countries that are both highly vulnerable to climate change and have weak institutional capacity. The funding envelope is estimated at $10 million, with projects expected to last three to five years. The primary objectives are to: (i) integrate climate considerations into budget formulation and execution; (ii) develop fiscal risk assessment tools to quantify climate-related liabilities; and (iii) pilot results-based financing mechanisms that link budget allocations to climate resilience outcomes. This is a unique opportunity for organizations with expertise in PFM, climate change, and capacity building to generate evidence and influence policy. The World Bank has identified up to five fragile states for this initiative, from which two to three will be selected based on readiness and commitment. The selection process will consider country demand, political stability, and existing PFM reform momentum. The RFP requires a consortium approach, combining international best practices with local knowledge. Proposals must include a detailed work plan, a monitoring and evaluation framework, and a strategy for sustainability. The World Bank will evaluate proposals based on technical quality (60%), financial cost (20%), and past performance (20%). Key technical areas include climate budget tagging, expenditure tracking, and fiscal risk management. The successful bidder will also be expected to facilitate South-South knowledge exchange and to disseminate lessons learned through the World Bank's global platforms. This is a high-visibility project that can serve as a flagship for the Bank's climate mainstreaming agenda. Applicants must carefully read all procurement documents, including the Standard Procurement Document (SPD) and any addenda. The deadline for submissions is August 15, 2026. Late proposals will not be accepted. Clarification questions must be submitted by July 15, 2026. Given the RFP’s urgency, organizations should start preparing immediately. GSLI offers a range of short courses that can significantly strengthen a bid, especially in financial management, M&E, and proposal writing. These courses provide the practical skills needed to design and implement a World Bank-funded project of this scale. The strategic importance of this RFP cannot be overstated—it addresses a critical gap in climate finance architecture and has the potential to transform how fragile states plan for climate change."

Strategic Overview

This World Bank Request for Proposals (RFP) represents a targeted effort to strengthen public financial management (PFM) systems in fragile states, making them more responsive to climate risks. The RFP is part of the World Bank's broader commitment to climate adaptation and resilience, especially in countries that are both highly vulnerable to climate change and have weak institutional capacity. The funding envelope is estimated at $10 million, with projects expected to last three to five years. The primary objectives are to: (i) integrate climate considerations into budget formulation and execution; (ii) develop fiscal risk assessment tools to quantify climate-related liabilities; and (iii) pilot results-based financing mechanisms that link budget allocations to climate resilience outcomes. This is a unique opportunity for organizations with expertise in PFM, climate change, and capacity building to generate evidence and influence policy. The World Bank has identified up to five fragile states for this initiative, from which two to three will be selected based on readiness and commitment. The selection process will consider country demand, political stability, and existing PFM reform momentum. The RFP requires a consortium approach, combining international best practices with local knowledge. Proposals must include a detailed work plan, a monitoring and evaluation framework, and a strategy for sustainability. The World Bank will evaluate proposals based on technical quality (60%), financial cost (20%), and past performance (20%). Key technical areas include climate budget tagging, expenditure tracking, and fiscal risk management. The successful bidder will also be expected to facilitate South-South knowledge exchange and to disseminate lessons learned through the World Bank's global platforms. This is a high-visibility project that can serve as a flagship for the Bank's climate mainstreaming agenda. Applicants must carefully read all procurement documents, including the Standard Procurement Document (SPD) and any addenda. The deadline for submissions is August 15, 2026. Late proposals will not be accepted. Clarification questions must be submitted by July 15, 2026. Given the RFP’s urgency, organizations should start preparing immediately. GSLI offers a range of short courses that can significantly strengthen a bid, especially in financial management, M&E, and proposal writing. These courses provide the practical skills needed to design and implement a World Bank-funded project of this scale. The strategic importance of this RFP cannot be overstated—it addresses a critical gap in climate finance architecture and has the potential to transform how fragile states plan for climate change."

Who is it For?

This opportunity is primarily designed for international development organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), research institutions, and private sector consulting firms with proven expertise in public financial management, climate change adaptation, and service delivery in fragile states. Eligible entities must have a minimum of five years of operational experience in at least two countries classified as fragile or conflict-affected by the World Bank (e.g., Somalia, Yemen, Haiti, Afghanistan). Preference will be given to consortia that include local organizations to ensure context-specific knowledge and sustainability. Organizations must demonstrate a track record of implementing large-scale PFM reforms, preferably with a climate lens, and possess technical skills in areas such as climate budget tagging, fiscal risk assessments, and performance-based budgeting. Additionally, applicants should have established relationships with ministries of finance and planning in target countries, as well as experience in capacity building and training for government officials. The World Bank encourages applications from women-led organizations and those promoting diversity and inclusion. Financial eligibility requires an annual turnover of at least $2 million for the past three years, with audited financial statements. Organizations must also register in the World Bank's Supplier Database and comply with the Bank's Anti-Corruption Guidelines. Successful bidders will be expected to sign Standard Standard Procurement Documents (SPD) and may be subject to prior review. The target beneficiaries include government agencies at central and sub-national levels, public financial management institutions, and ultimately citizens who rely on climate-resilient services in fragile states.

Priorities

The World Bank's overarching priority in this RFP is to strengthen the capacity of fragile states to manage public finances in a manner that systematically integrates climate resilience. Specifically, the donor seeks proposals that address three critical areas: (i) climate-responsive budgeting, (ii) fiscal risk management from climate shocks, and (iii) results-based financing for climate-resilient services. Investment KPIs include: at least 30% of budget allocations in pilot sectors (e.g., water, agriculture, health) subject to climate screening; adoption of climate budget tagging by at least two finance ministries; and reduction in fiscal losses from climate-related disasters by 10% within three years. The World Bank also emphasizes cross-cutting priorities such as gender equality, digital transformation, and data transparency. Proposals must demonstrate how they will support countries in meeting Paris Agreement commitments and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Additionally, the World Bank expects bidders to leverage its existing analytical work, including Country Climate and Development Reports (CCDRs), and to coordinate with other development partners to avoid duplication. Sustainability is key: the proposed interventions should be designed to outlive the project’s funding, with exit strategies that include institutionalizing PFM reforms within national systems. The World Bank also values innovative approaches such as using blockchain for expenditure tracking or artificial intelligence for real-time climate risk analysis. Bidders must clearly articulate how their work aligns with the Bank's Climate Change Action Plan and its commitment to mainstream climate action into all country engagements. Finally, the RFP prioritizes fragile states where climate risks are highest and institutional capacity is weakest, such as the Sahel region, Horn of Africa, and Small Island Developing States.

Eligibility

Eligibility criteria are exhaustive to ensure only the most qualified organizations apply. Legally, the bidding entity must be a legally constituted organization in its country of registration, with the ability to enter into contracts. It must not be debarred or suspended by the World Bank or any other international financial institution. Corporate documents such as articles of incorporation, certificates of good standing, and board resolutions authorizing the proposal submission may be required. Financially, the organization must have a minimum average annual revenue of $2 million over the last three fiscal years, supported by audited financial statements compliant with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or equivalent. An audit report for the most recent fiscal year must show no material weaknesses in internal controls. Liquidity ratios (current ratio >1.2) and debt-to-equity ratio (<1) are often informally assessed. Spatially, the organization must have a physical presence (e.g., office, registered address) in at least one of the target countries or demonstrate a plan to establish one within six months of project award. Experience requirements include: at least three projects of similar size and scope ($1 million+ each) in PFM reform in fragile states, with references. Technical staff must include certified public financial management experts (e.g., CIPFA, CMAP) and at least one climate change specialist. The proposal must name a Project Director with at least 10 years of experience. Organization must also have a Safeguards Policy compliant environmental and social management framework. Additionally, the bidding entity must disclose any conflict of interest and confirm they are not receiving parallel funding for the same activities from other sources. The World Bank may conduct a pre-qualification assessment to verify eligibility documents before shortlisting. Failure to meet any of these criteria may lead to disqualification. Joint ventures or consortia are permitted, but the lead partner must meet the core eligibility criteria.

Path to Success

To secure this World Bank RFP, organizations must follow a strategic roadmap that leverages GSLI's expert training courses to build capacity and demonstrate technical excellence. Step 1: Deep Dive into Donor Priorities and Self-Assessment. Begin by thoroughly analyzing the RFP’s technical requirements and aligning your organization’s strengths with the World Bank’s focus on climate-responsive PFM. Conduct a gap analysis to identify areas where additional training is needed. GSLI’s 'Financial Management for NGOs' and 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' courses are ideal to strengthen internal capabilities in budgeting, fiscal risk assessment, and results measurement. Step 2: Partnership and Consortia Building. Form a consortium that includes a local organization with in-depth country knowledge and a global PFM expert. Ensure that each partner brings complementary skills. GSLI’s 'Project Management for Development' course can help harmonize consortium management structures and develop a unified project management plan. Step 3: Drafting a Compelling Technical Proposal. Structure the proposal around the three pillars of the RFP: climate-responsive budgeting, fiscal risk management, and results-based financing. Include a robust theory of change, a detailed work plan with milestones, and a logical framework with gender and climate indicators. Use GSLI’s 'Writing Winning Proposals' course to fine-tune the narrative, ensuring it addresses all evaluation criteria. Step 4: Financial Proposal and Compliance. Prepare a budget that is both realistic and cost-effective, with clear cost breakdowns and justification. Ensure all costs are eligible and compliant with World Bank procurement guidelines. GSLI’s 'Procurement & Supply Chain' and 'Grants Management' courses can provide essential knowledge on budgeting, procurement compliance, and financial reporting. Step 5: Risk Mitigation and Capacity Building Plan. Propose a strong risk mitigation framework that includes fiduciary, climate, and political risks. Integrate a capacity-building component that trains government counterparts in PFM for climate resilience. Incorporate GSLI’s 'Public Health & Epidemiology' or 'WASH' courses if the project includes health or water services. Finally, submit a polished proposal with all required annexes, including CVs, past performance references, and sustainability plans. Throughout the process, engage with the World Bank’s procurement team via clarifications if needed, and ensure timely submission before the deadline. By following this roadmap and leveraging GSLI’s expertise, your organization can position itself as a highly credible and capable implementing partner.

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Deadline: 2026-08-15

Persona: General

Urgency: Normal