Call for bids: Integrated Security Fund Afghanistan programme 2024 to 2025
Updated 22 March 2024
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The UK government’s Integrated Security Fund (UKISF), formerly the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF), aims to:
- promote more pluralistic politics in Afghanistan
- support Afghan civil society and respect for human rights
- contribute to future conflict reduction
The Integrated Security Fund (ISF) Afghanistan programme is inviting bids for up to £2 million of funding for financial year 2024 to 2025 for projects that will contribute to and support these objectives. The closing date for applications is 11:59pm GMT on 24 March 2024.
Themes
ISF Afghanistan invites proposals from interested parties under 3 thematic headings:
- women, peace and security
- supporting political engagement
- transnational threats
We are particularly interested to hear from Afghan-led organisations and initiatives, especially those that retain a presence within Afghanistan. Interested suppliers may submit multiple proposals and/or one project that covers more than one thematic area.
Women, peace and security
The UK government is committed to implementing the UK WPS National Action Plan (PDF, 8.5MB), for which Afghanistan is a priority country.
The prevention of future conflict and instability in Afghanistan requires greater inclusivity, where women and minority groups are fully integrated into society and can meaningfully participate in political life, conflict resolution and mediation. CSSF/ISF Afghanistan welcomes proposals which seek to address these issues.
We are interested in receiving proposals for initiatives that seek to:
- promote empowerment, rights and freedoms of women and minority groups in Afghanistan
- strengthen the participation and representation of Afghan women and minorities in political processes, conflict resolution and mediation
- consider innovative solutions and capacity building that will promote the voice of Afghan women and minority groups, through strategic communications interventions and media
Special consideration will be given to those projects that aim to work directly with women in Afghanistan.
Support political engagement
The UK supports all engagement between organisations who advocate for constructive dialogue in Afghanistan, on the basis that this offers the best path to long-term stability.
We are looking to support Afghan-led initiatives that can establish dialogues on the future of Afghanistan, coordinating with other groups and establishing strong and effective networks. To facilitate this support, we are looking for an organisation or consortium with the capacity to work with Afghan-led initiatives.
Prospective suppliers must have relevant mediation experience and be able to provide technical, logistical and capacity-building support to Afghan-led political dialogues and initiatives, whether at the international, national or sub-national level.
Transnational threats
The UK is aiming to prevent, mitigate and manage transnational threats that may emanate from Afghanistan and the region. The insecure context can provide an enabling environment for groups looking to increase instability and to exploit those who are vulnerable or susceptible to influence.
We are particularly interested in proposals that provide creative solutions for issues related to: irregular migration out of Afghanistan, terrorist recruitment and violent extremism, the trafficking of narcotics (opiates and methamphetamine), and climate-related conflict and insecurity.
Selection criteria
Individual grants are available up to a maximum of £750,000 as we are hoping to fund multiple projects from the available funds. A range of activities will be considered, from direct community interventions, research and analysis, advocacy initiatives, and the convening of large-scale workshops, dialogues and forums.
Proposals should be for a maximum of 11 months in length, although shorter projects are also welcomed.
Expected start dates are in May 2024 and projects must be concluded by 31 March 2025. Extensions may be available but this will depend on performance and available funding. Applications will be judged on the feasibility of completion within the initial one-year period.
Proposals should be submitted along with a detailed budget, covering where applicable:
- staff costs, including individuals rates of pay/fees and days of work
- equipment
- travel and accommodation
- event costs
- administration costs
Applications will be judged on the feasibility of completion within the initial one-year period.
Budgets should clearly link to outputs. Budget lines should be broken down to show the various costs under each heading. Proposals without a sufficiently detailed budget will be rejected.
Proposals should include outcomes, objectives and expected results for the duration of the project. As well as a robust analysis of key risks, and a plan of action to manage and mitigate those risks. Proposals should also include a detailed schedule of activities, deliverables and the stakeholders.
Projects should be designed and implemented in a manner that respects international human rights norms, considers gender impact and is designed and implemented in accordance with conflict sensitivity principles.
Active consideration of gender inequality including by ensuring that where possible women’s inclusion is prioritised. We require monitoring reports, which should include a detailed financial report. At the end of a project, we require a completion report, including a detailed financial report.
We have a zero-tolerance approach to aid diversion, including any associated inappropriate behaviours, and the implementing partner would be required to comply with our strict fraud and misuse of funds mechanisms.
We have zero tolerance for inaction in tackling sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment (SEAH). The implementing partner would take all reasonable and adequate steps to prevent SEAH.
Duty of care for all staff and participants in the activities shall lie with the implementing partner.
We anticipate high demand. All proposals will undergo a full review and the successful ones will be selected based on criteria including:
- relevance to ISF priorities
- a clear link between activities and outcomes
- feasibility within the funding period and context
- engagement of local Afghan partners
- clear monitoring and evaluation procedures
- a strong track record of delivering successful projects in Afghanistan
- consideration of gender and inclusion issues
- budget and value for money
- strong risk and financial management procedures, including consideration of safeguarding risk
How to apply
Email your completed [proposal and budget concept note] to fereshta.omar@fcdo.gov.uk by 11:59pm on 24 March 2024.