Description
Limited funding is available to support NGOs working in Afghanistan to support refugee repatriation and reintegration. PRM will consider proposals from NGOs with proven track records in implementing refugee and returnee assistance programs. Higher consideration will be given to organizations that have well-established operations in Afghanistan. PRM will prioritize currently available funding for proposed non-governmental organization (NGO) activities that best meet the Bureaus priorities in Afghanistan as identified below: Since 2002, more than five million Afghans have returned to Afghanistan. With the large number of refugee returns to Afghanistan, the Bureau will increase its focus on supporting the durable resettlement and reintegration of returnees through promoting sustainable livelihoods and economic development in the Balkh, Baghlan, Kunduz, Nangarhar, and Parwan provinces of northern and eastern Afghanistan. These programs should address needs not covered by UNHCR or other IOs. PRM will accept proposals from any NGO working in the above mentioned sectors, although, given budgetary constraints, priority will be given to proposals from organizations that can demonstrate: - a working relationship with UNHCR, current UNHCR funding, and/or a letter of support from UNHCR for the proposed activities and/or overall country program (this letter should highlight the gap in services the proposed program is designed to address); - a proven track record in providing proposed assistance both in the sector and specified location; - evidence of coordination with international organizations (IOs) and other NGOs working in the same area or sector as well as where applicable local authorities; - a concrete implementation plan with well-conceived objectives and indicators that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and reliable, time-bound and trackable (SMART), have established baselines, and at least one outcome or impact indicator per objective; - a budget that is appropriate for meeting the objectives and demonstrates co-funding by non-US government sources; - appropriate targeting of beneficiaries in coordination with UNHCR and other relevant organizations. - adherence to relevant international standards for humanitarian assistance. See FY2010 General PRM NGO Guidelines for a complete list of sector-specific standards. Country Specific Instructions: In FY10, PRMs funding priority is to support communities of significant refugee return, including those at the Afghan governments Land Allocation Sites (LAS). Activities should help anchor returnees in Afghanistan and enable communities to support returnees while building capacity to support future returnees. Within communities of return, consideration should also be given to program elements that address the needs of extremely vulnerable groups, such as widows and female-headed households. All projects should seek to address the particular needs of women and girls. In the Balkh, Baghlan, Kunduz, Nangarhar and Parwan provinces, the following activities are priority areas for PRM in FY10: a. Income-generating activities targeted to market opportunities available in return communities; b. Vocational training in marketable skills and, as necessary, provide the required tool set for the profession (standalone vocational training not linked to income-generating activities will not be considered for funding in FY10); c. Provision or improved access to basic health services, including maternal/child health care; d. Provision or improved access to primary education. IOs/NGOs are encouraged to propose programs that are multisectoral. PRM will consider a broad range of activities, but priority will be given to programs that include one or more of the elements from the above categories. International Organizations (IOs) that are engaged in programs relevant to the assistance addressed by this PRM funding announcement should ensure that these programs are made known to PRM on or before the closing date of this funding announcement so that PRM can evaluate all IO and NGO programs for funding consideration.