Are you part of a not-for-profit focused on empowering youth and adults in Afghanistan with literacy and livelihood skills? UNESCO’s “Call for Partnerships” invites you to join the Skills-Based Literacy (SBL) Program, which aims to improve the lives of marginalized communities in Afghanistan. This call invites proposals from not-for-profit institutions to become implementation partners in the UNESCO project.

This Call for Proposals aims to uplift Afghan youth and adults (15+), especially those previously excluded from education, by equipping them with Skills-Based Learning (SBL) training. The program integrates essential literacy and practical livelihood skills, empowering learners to become productive, healthy, and responsible members of society. By promoting self-sufficiency, the initiative enhances their ability to secure meaningful employment in the national labor market. Eligible proposals must focus on skills-based literacy initiatives, targeting 20,955 direct beneficiaries.

A special focus is placed on women and girls who face significant barriers to education and economic participation. Through this initiative, they will gain the knowledge and skills needed to overcome these challenges, contributing to both their personal growth and the betterment of their communities.

Afghanistan, with one of the lowest literacy rates globally, needs initiatives to address educational gaps. Focusing on women and girls who have faced barriers to education, this partnership aims to help beneficiaries, particularly in rural and underserved areas, acquire both literacy skills and market-relevant skills that will help them secure viable employment.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: February 28, 2025 (extended to 2nd March)
• Assessment and Selection: March 24, 2025
• Result Announcement Date: March 31, 2025
• Funding Type: Financial or in-kind contribution
• Organizer: The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization(UNESCO)
• Eligible Countries: Afghanistan
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Not-for-profit institutions with expertise in skills-based literacy and development
• Fields: Literacy, Vocational Training, Livelihood Skills Development
• Duration: Maximum 7 months
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Afghanistan

Benefits

The program offers a unique opportunity for not-for-profit institutions to collaborate with UNESCO, contributing to a significant cause. Key benefits include:

• Financial or in-kind contributions from UNESCO to support the implementation of the project
• Capacity-building opportunities for your organization through a hands-on role in the project’s delivery
• Support and collaboration with UNESCO’s global network and access to resources to enhance the impact of your work.
• Direct involvement in empowering Afghan youth, especially women and girls, by providing them with crucial skills for economic independence and community development

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this partnership, organizations must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a not-for-profit institution with proven experience in educational and development initiatives.
• A UNESCO Implementation Partner is a not-for-profit entity.
• Entrusted with implementing UNESCO programs or projects through a signed agreement.
• Assumes full responsibility for resource use and output delivery
• Accountable for the effective execution of the project.
• Ability to work in Afghanistan under challenging conditions, especially focusing on marginalized groups, including women and girls.
• Must adhere to UNESCO’s ethical standards and contribute to building trust in the project.

Proposal

Your proposal must meet the following requirements:

• Methodology and Approach: Outline key components, delivery methods, and performance characteristics.
• Implementation and Quality Assurance: Detail the timeline, quality control measures, and any subcontracted work.
• Alignment with TOR: Show how the methodology meets or exceeds requirements and suits local conditions.
• Management and Resources: Describe the management structure
• CV and Qualifications: Provide CVs of key personnel with relevant qualifications who will support the implementation of the program.

Selection Process and Criteria

Proposals evaluation will take place as per the following:

Step 1: Technical Proposal Evaluation

Proposals are assessed based on:

• Innovation and Inclusion: This must include replicable mechanisms that maximize value for beneficiaries.
• Impact and Relevance: This should directly address the needs outlined in the TOR.
• Budget Alignment: The requested budget must match the organization’s administrative and financial capacity.
• Sustainability: Participatory monitoring to build beneficiary ownership and ensure long-term impact.

Step 2: Scoring System

Technical proposals are evaluated on a 700-point scale:

• Eligibility and qualifications: 250 points
• Methodology, approach, and implementation: 250 points
• Management structure and key personnel: 200 points

Note: Only proposals scoring at least 70% (490/700) move to financial evaluation.

Step 3: Financial Proposal Evaluation

• Financial proposals are scored out of 300 points.
• The lowest price receives the maximum score (300 points).

Step 5: Final Selection

• The organization with the highest combined score is awarded the contract.
• Proposals must maximize value transfer to beneficiaries within the budget.
• No overheads or administrative fees are allowed.

How to Apply?

To submit your proposal for the UNESCO Call for Partnerships, you must follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare Your Proposal

Applicants are responsible for all costs related to proposal preparation and submission. Ensure your submission includes:

• Technical and Financial Proposal (including project outline)
• Partners’ Identification Form (completed with supporting documents)
• Audited Financial Statements (for the past two years)

Step 2: Submit Your Proposal

• Format: Two hard copies in a single envelope
• Address:
  UNESCO – Office in Afghanistan
  UNOCA Compound, Kabul Jalalabad Road, Kabul, Afghanistan

Step 3: Meet the Deadline

• Submit your proposal by February 28, 2025, at 11:59 Afghanistan Time
• Only one submission per organization is allowed. UNESCO will not accept any revisions after submission.

If you have questions about the Call for Proposals Guidelines or application forms, email [email protected]. You can also visit the official UN Global Marketplace website.

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