Call for Proposals: UKISF Pacific Programme
The UK Government's Integrated Security Fund (UKISF) Pacific Program is inviting bids for up to £150,000 of funding.
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The UK government’s Integrated Security Fund (UKISF) Pacific Programme (formerly the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund) aims to:
- Support regional capacity to lead inclusive peacebuilding efforts and manage future instability risks
- Enhance the work of grassroots women’s right organisations under the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (WPS)
The Integrated Security Fund (ISF) Pacific programme is inviting bids for up to £150,000 of funding for financial year April 2024 to March 2025 for projects managing grants disbursal to organisations that contribute to and support these objectives. The closing date for applications is 11:59pm GMT+12 on Friday 31 May 2024.
Themes
ISF Pacific invites proposals from interested parties under two thematic headings:
- Women, Peace and Security
- Peacebuilding and Resilience
We are particularly interested to hear from Pacific-led organisations and initiatives, especially those that maintain existing relationships and networks with grassroots organisations. Interested suppliers may submit up to one proposal under each heading.
Women, Peace and Security
The UK government is committed to implementing the UK WPS National Action Plan (PDF, 8.5MB) globally.
The management of conflict and instability across the Pacific requires greater inclusivity, where women and minority groups are fully integrated into society and can meaningfully participate in political life, conflict resolution and mediation. The UK WPS NAP makes clear that providing support to women’s rights organisations (WROs) and civil society organisations (CSOs) is key to achieving progress and real change for women and girls.
ISF Pacific is interested in receiving proposals from organisations or initiatives to:
- Act as a sub-granting partner able to distribute small grants as core funding to organisations across the Pacific which primarily work on increasing the accountability of security actors, institutions and systems to women and girls and ensuring they are responsive to their rights and needs.
- In addition, proposals may include distribution of grants which contribute to at least one of the following areas:
- Increasing women’s meaningful participation, leadership and representation in decision-making processes, particularly in conflict or security related environments
- Prevention of gender-based violence, including work on masculinities
- Organisations submitting proposals should have the existing network and ability to distribute support to at least one organisation in each of Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa and Papua New Guinea.
- Proposals may include direct activity related to strengthening grassroots organisations alongside grants disbursal, but this is expected to be a minor component.
Peacebuilding and Resilience
The UKISF Pacific programme is also interested in receiving proposals from organisations with the ability to distribute financial support to organisations and initiatives aimed at strengthening regional peacebuilding capacity, particularly with reference to the following areas:
- Management of impacts of climate change as a driver of conflict and instability
- Enhancing mediation and peacebuilding skills in key locations at risk, or in key sectors, e.g. military or policing
Proposals are encouraged to demonstrate a regional distribution approach, or the potential to support regional organisations which are working in multiple countries, with the primary focus of Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa and Papua New Guinea.
Proposals may include direct activity by the bidding organisation related to strengthening grassroots organisations, alongside grants disbursal. Please note this is expected to be a minor budget component.
Selection Criteria
Individual grants are available up to a maximum of £150,000 as we are hoping to fund one project in each thematic area from the available funds.
Proposals should be for a maximum of 10 months in length, although shorter projects are also welcomed.
Expected start dates are in late June 2024 and projects must be concluded by 31 March 2025 in line with the UK Financial Year. Further phases of funding in future years may be available but this will depend on performance and available funding. Applications will be judged on the feasibility of completion within the initial period.
Proposals should be submitted along with a detailed budget, covering where applicable: - proposed value of grants to be disbursed, if relevant - staff costs, including individuals rates of pay/fees and days of work - equipment - travel and accommodation - event costs - administration costs
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, mainstreams gender equality and is designed and implemented in accordance with conflict sensitivity principles.
We require quarterly monitoring reports, which should include a 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 the priorities set out above
- a clear link between activities and outcomes
- feasibility within the funding period and context
- clear monitoring and evaluation procedures
- consideration of gender and inclusion issues
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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 dzoshua.yee@fcdo.gov.uk by 11:59pm on 31 May 2024.