CALL FOR CONCEPT NOTES
DATE OF ISSUE
19th February 2020
CLOSING DATE
4:00 pm E.A.T. 29th February 2020
PROJECT TITLE
NIS Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Initiative in Somalia
PROJECT LOCATION
Mogadishu, Hargeisa/Berbera, Kismayo, Baidoa
GRANTOR
Nordic International Support Foundation – NIS
1. Background
The Nordic International Support Foundation (NIS) is a Norwegian-registered non-profit organization engaged in stabilization and reconciliation initiatives in conflict and post-conflict locations. Our primary areas of intervention are institutional development, public service delivery and conflict resolution. Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, NIS recently finalized a project in Sri Lanka and currently implements projects in Somalia, Myanmar and the Sahel.
NIS Somalia is currently implementing a wide range of stabilization projects in all federal member states of Somalia with plans to expand into new areas. The projects, funded by different donors, aim to support the implementation of government policies across a range of sectors, all working in different ways to achieve greater stability and better prospects for the country’s longer-term development goals. The various stabilization initiatives share the objective of contributing toward a more inclusive post-conflict society which sees the value of diversity and gender equality.
Based on this background and in consideration of challenges and disadvantages that women in particular face in regard to income generating opportunities, NIS is seeking concept notes from local women owned and operated small and medium sized business enterprises (SMEs), business cooperatives or groups of women that are jointly running an enterprise in any of the listed major towns. The nature of business should be credible, legally and socially acceptable and add value to the women who directly or indirectly depend on it.
2. Objective of the call for concept notes
One of the key pillars of the Initiative for Stabilization, Transition and National Development (I-STAND) program is Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI). As a major stakeholder, NIS acknowledges the major role played by women in the social economic and political growth of Somalia. Women also contribute significantly to the stability of the Somali society at the household, local, regional and national levels, through their concerted efforts to build resilience through economic interventions that not only sustain their families but contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). NIS recognizes these efforts and wishes to support selected women initiatives through solar electrification and improvement of the business operation facilities.
3. Criteria for selection
This is a competitive open call, looking into selecting the most promising women owned and run initiatives. The selected women initiatives shall strictly fulfil the following criteria:
i. Be purely owned and operated by women who are residents in any of the listed major towns in Somalia i.e. Mogadishu, Hargeisa/Berbera, Kismayo, and Baidoa
ii. The business is legally registered and has a valid business/operational license
iii. The business has complied with the respective state or regional governments’ tax regulations
iv. The business has employed a minimum of 10 women of different ages (with a significant number being youths below 25 years)
v. The business has a potential to employ/engage more women in the future, preferably 50 or more
vi. The business occupies its own premises or has a Lease Agreement of a period not less than 5 years
vii. The business indirectly benefits at least 100 women, and has the potential to benefit more after NIS support
viii. The business is currently struggling with high electricity bills and would be open to solar electrification
Business initiatives owned and operated by women living with disabilities and that meet the above criteria are highly encouraged to apply.
4. Criteria for application
Women enterprises meeting the above criteria are encouraged to apply in line with the following requirements:
o Submit a concept note that addresses the above criteria for selection. Those shortlisted will be subjected to a further detailed assessment and due diligence. They will also be required to submit a detailed proposal.
o Submit a business profile describing what the business does, who owns it, when it was started, how many employees it has and their roles, etc.
o The concept note should be maximum 5 pages including the cover page, appendices not included.
o The concept note should be accompanied by
· A copy of certificate of business registration
· Evidence of electricity bill paid in the last 3-5 months (Electricity Bill, Receipt of payment)
· Evidence of owner occupier status of the business premises or a copy of the Tenancy/ Lease Agreement
1. Submission of concept notes
Concept notes should be submitted on or before 4:00 pm EAT 29th February 2020. All concept notes must be submitted electronically to [email protected] with the subject line “NIS Gender Equality and Inclusion Initiative in Somalia – CALL FOR CONCEPT NOTES“.
Concept notes received after the indicated date and time will be disqualified.
2. Contact information
Please forward any query to the following e-mail address: [email protected]
More Information
- Job City Mogadishu, Hargeisa/Berbera, Kismayo, Baidoa