Support to the promotion of gender equality and women's empowerment in Somalia

Transcription

1 Contracting Authority: European Union Support to the promotion of gender equality and women's empowerment in Somalia Guidelines for grant applicants responding to the Call for Proposals 2011 Restricted Call for Proposals 10 th European Development Fund Reference: EUROPEAID/ /L/ACT/SO Deadline for submission of concept notes: 10 January 2012, 1600 hrs November 2010 (Update August 2011) Page 1 of 27

2 NOTICE Prior registration by applicants in EuropeAid's on-line database, PADOR, is obligatory under the present call for proposals (see section 2.2 below for details). This is a restricted Call for Proposals. In the first instance, only Concept Notes must be submitted for evaluation. Thereafter, applicants whose Concept Notes have been pre-selected will be invited to submit a Full Application Form. Further to the evaluation of the Full Applications, an eligibility check will be performed for those which are provisionally selected. This check will be undertaken on the basis of the supporting documents requested by the Contracting Authority and the signed "Declaration by the Applicant" sent together with the application. Page 2 of 27

3 Table of contents 1. European Development Fund Background Specific background Objectives of the programme and priority issues Financial allocation provided by the contracting authority RULES FOR THIS CALL FOR PROPOSALS Eligibility criteria Eligibility of applicants: who may apply? Partnerships and eligibility of partners Eligible actions: actions for which an application may be made Eligibility of costs: costs which may be taken into consideration for the grant How to apply and the procedures to follow Concept Note content Where and how to send concept notes Deadline for submission of the Concept Notes Further information for Concept Note Full Application form Where and how to send the Full Application form Deadline for submission of the Full Application form Further information for the Full Application form Evaluation and selection of applications Submission of supporting documents for provisionally selected applications Notification of the Contracting Authority s decision Content of the decision Indicative time table Conditions applicable to implementation of the action following the Contracting Authority's decision to award a grant Early warning system and central exclusion database LIST OF ANNEXES 27 Page 3 of 27

4 1. NON-STATE ACTORS IN DEVELOPMENT - ACTIONS IN PARTNERS COUNTRIES 1.1 BACKGROUND The goal of equality between women and men and the promotion of women's rights are enshrined in international conventions and commitments such as Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Beijing Platform for Action and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and are also a fundamental value and principle for the European Union (EU). However, despite substantial progress over the last few decades, women and girls still constitute the large majority of the world's poorest subsisting on less than USD 1 a day. Women are under-represented in governments and decision-making bodies, have fewer opportunities within the labour and financial markets, and are paid significantly less than their male counterparts. Moreover, the current financial and economic crisis will have a gender-specific impact which, if left ignored, could hamper the progress achieved in gender equality in recent years. Gender-based violence also remains a widespread global phenomenon that has serious negative effects on the lives and health of women and girls, as well as significant socioeconomic consequences. Rape and other forms of sexual violence are perpetrated in many contexts and are also increasingly used as a tactic of war to humiliate, dominate, instil fear in, disperse or forcibly relocate civilians. Such violence primarily targets women and girls, but men and boys are also victimised. Gender equality and women's empowerment (GEWE) are essential to the attainment of international development goals, and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It is clear that the economic and political empowerment of women is not only a driving force for gender equality, but it is also fundamental to achieve overall economic growth in developing countries and reduce poverty. Furthermore, in all societies women are often powerful actors in the promotion of sustainable development and social justice, as well as agents for peace and democracy in conflict or post-conflict situations. In recognition of this important link, MDG 3 strives to 'promote gender equality and empower women' and MDG 5 seeks to 'improve maternal health'. However, success in reducing poverty and in achieving equality between women and men will depend on ensuring that all MDGs are addressed in a way that promote gender equality and empowers women. Despite this, there is still a tendency on the part of both partner countries and donors not to prioritise actions for gender equality. With only five years left to the MDG deadline of 2015, we are still not on track to meet our targets set out in the Millennium Declaration in In light of this situation, the EU has been increasingly active in promoting gender equality i n its external action, including in its development cooperation and humanitarian aid. The EU Consensus on Development (2005) recognises gender equality as a goal in its own right and identifies it as one of the five essential principles of development cooperation. In April 2007, building on the Consensus, the Commission adopted a Communication on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment (GEWE) in Development Cooperation. The subsequent Council Conclusions on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in Development Cooperation called on the Commission and Member States to promote clear objectives and indicators on gender equality and by assigning clear tasks and responsibilities to lead donors to this effect in all sectors. In 2008 the EU adopted an Agenda for Action on MDGs to step up efforts to achieve the MDG targets by 2015 that contained a strong focus on gender equality. Moreover, in December 2008, the Council adopted the EU Guidelines on Violence against Women and Girls and Combating All Forms of Discri mination against them which outline the criteria for intervention regarding women's rights and are the basis for EU intensified action to combat violence and discrimination against women and girls in the world. This work is part of a broader EU policy on gender equality, as reflected in the Commission's Roadmap for Equality between Women and Men ( ), which covers both internal and external EU policies, and aims at improving coherence between these two pillars. In parallel to these initiatives, the 2005 Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness brought about significant changes in both the architecture and the modalities of aid delivery. These changes have implications for all aspects of development policies, including gender equality, as the principles of ownership, harmonisation, Page 4 of 27

5 alignment, mutual accountability and managing for results have triggered a shift towards general budget support. As a follow-up to the Paris Declaration, the 2008 Accra Agenda for Action stressed the importance of gender equality to aid effectiveness by stating that: 'developing countries and donors will ensure that their respective development policies and programmes are designed and implemented in ways consistent with their agreed international commitments on gender equality ( ). Fostering GEWE is also crucial for achieving peace and security. Adopted by the Council in December 2008, the Comprehensive Approach to the EU Implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs) 1325 and 1820 on Women, Peace and Security recognises the close links between issues of peace, security, development and gender equality. It is necessary to provide sustained support for the protection of women in armed conflict as well as for women s participation in peace-building and postconflict reconstruction and in the political arena. This has a direct link to wider development considerations, such as women's economic security and access to economic opportunities as well as to health services and education. The EU Gender Action Plan has been conceived against this background. In response to the comprehensive policy framework outlined in the 2007 Communication and Council Conclusions on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in Development Cooperation, this Action Plan is meant to be an operational document that concentrates on a selected number of objectives where the EU has a clear comparative advantage. It proposes a series of activities to be carried out by the EU Member States and the EC for the period 2010 to Specific background Somalia, has not signed up to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discriminations Against Women (CEDAW). It signed in 1991 the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and in 2006 the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People's Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, without ratifying them. Somalia has not adopted the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa (SDGEA). UNSC Resolution 1325 is yet to be converted into a Somali Action Plan. The absence of precise objectives in relation to increasing the position of women at the political level suggests that the international sponsors of Somali politics have yet to demonstrate a serious commitment to Somali women s political rights and aspirations. The UNSC Resolution 1820, for which all parties to armed conflict should take appropriate measures to protect civilians, including women and girls, from all forms of sexual violence, and UNSC Resolution 1888, adopted in 2009, which mandates peacekeeping operations to protect women and girls from sexual violence in armed conflict, although not legally binding, are not implemented in Somalia. The national legal framework is based on a combination of systems that includes customary law (tribal rules that are not characterized by respect of gender issues), Islamic Sharia law, and the Penal Code that existed before In the absence of fully effective institutions, this framework is very poorly respected. The Siad Barre s regime adopted both a Family Code, which sets the minimum legal age for marriage for women, and a Labour Code, providing for equal rights for male and female workers. The code was never fully implemented. According to civil legislation, men head their families and have sole parental authority. If a couple divorces or separates, the mother is typically granted custody of boys up to the age of 10 years and girls up to the age of 15 years. Inheritance rights are based on the principles of Sharia law. As a result, daughters inherit only half the amount awarded to sons. No information is available about the inheritance rights of widows. Currently, the Transitional Federal Charter (TFC) provides for a quota of 12% in the Transitional Federal Parliament (TFP). In addition, a2005 Decree approved a 30 % quota for women in all public institutions Social, Economic and Political Context for women in Somalia Social relations in Somali society are mostly based around kinship and a pastoral way of life. They are patriarchal and a rigid sexual division of labour exists. The breakdown of Somali society and infrastructure as a result of the conflict has led to increased participation or visibility of women in the economic arena, in petty trading and has led to a shift in attitudes towards greater respect for women s workload and the constraints they face. For some women this has been reflected in changes in their conjugal relationships. Page 5 of 27

6 However, recognition of women s increased burdens does not necessarily imply progressive change in gender relations. Simultaneously, there has been a rise in traditional and conservative attitudes towards women, linked to, but not exclusively the result of, rising radical Islamic influence in Somalia. About 73% of the population in Somalia live on less than two US dollars per day. Women are generally far poorer than men as wealth is unevenly distributed in the household as well as across the economy as a whole. Most of the wealthiest private sector enterprises are run by men, who have easier access to trade a nd markets internally and abroad. Siad Barre s two decade-long apparent promotion of women s rights actually touched the lives of very few, mostly urban and educated women. Chronic under-development throughout the country ensured that the majority of rural women never felt any benefits and continued to live lives in which all the power was held by men and male-dominated institutions. Somalia is well below average on most social indicators (even though statistics are difficult to establish). School enrolment in 2006/2007 was in total 30.7%, of which girls: 24.6% and boys 36.6%. Although this is a substantial improvement from the previous gross enrolment rate for girls, female adult literacy remains a challenge. This is due to the fact that both more conservative Somali tradition and radical Islam hold that women have no role outside the home or in decision-making. According to these beliefs, girls do not require education (beyond basic learning of the Koran). Those who insist are seen as undermining the Som ali culture the religion. In contrast, others argue that both Somali culture (xeer) and Islam guarantee women the right to education and to own and run businesses if they wish. Maternal mortality is amongst the highest globally. 16 women die per 1,000 live births, and 22% of babies die before they reach 5 years old. 26% of all children are underweight. There are in Somalia only 39 qualified doctors per one million people, unequally distributed throughout the country, and concentrated in the main towns, and barely 300 midwives in Somalia, generally poorly qualified. Many health facilities are now run down or under-equipped and they tend to be concentrated in urban areas. With regard to their political role, Somali women are not formally represented in tra ditional male-dominated decision-making structures. This is true in customary law as well as at the formal political level. Although Siad Barre s 1978 Constitution provided equal rights and duties for women and men, it was never fully respected. Despite provisions in the transitional Charter and the 2005 Decree, only 8% of the seats in the previous Transitional Federal Parliament were held by women. Currently, there are 31 women MPs who have been nominated to Parliament in Djibouti (amounting to 5% of the total numbers of MPs), while the new TFG cabinet has two women ministers. In the Independent Federal Committee for the Constitution (IFCC), there are 7 women out of 30 members, with one being the Chair of the Drafting Committee. The Chair of the Mogadishu City Charter (MCC) is a woman, (a total of 3 out of 11). There are two women directors in the TFG administration, one at the Budget Directorate of the Ministry of Treasury, and one at the Local department of the Ministry of Interior. In the local Government of Benadir, out of 59 members, three are women. Out of 16 districts in Mogadishu, the Wardigley district commissioner is a woman. There are two Somali women Ambassadors. The situation in the regional administrations of Puntland and Somaliland is somehow more encouraging. Puntland has two women MPs in its Parliament. In the Puntland Government, the Ministry of Gender and two deputy ministries, for Health and for Gender and Family Affairs are women. In Somaliland there are only 3 women in the House of Representatives, one elected and two nominated, and one in the Guurti house as she succeeded when her husband died. The new Cabinet has two women Ministers, for Higher education and for Social and labor affairs. The chair of the SL National HR Commission is also a woman. A committee for women and marginalized groups has been recently established in order to determine how to define quotas for the next local elections. This is indeed an incredible step forward bearing in mind that only 2 out of 350 local councilors elected in Somaliland in 2003 were women. Traditional clan cultural beliefs and practices, along with a patriarchal interpretation of Shari a law, have sought to keep women out of politics and decision-making. Nevertheless, Somali women are widely regarded as strong and capable of mobilising and organising strong resistance. Mogadishu s women played a prominent role in recent political processes and continue to represent a key component within the Somali civil society. Page 6 of 27

7 Gender-based Violence A feature of the war and its consequences In Somalia, women s gender roles have been stretched beyond traditional limits to meet the new domestic, social and economic needs of the family and local community. Women have taken up the main role in domestic decision-making and are working in whatever way they can to provide an income for their families, even where men are present in the household. Although it is very difficult to obtain statistics to assess the scale of violence against women, gender-based violence has been a significant feature of the war in which customary conventions to protect women and children and preserve human dignity have been violated. Women and girls have been targeted for rape, abduction and sexual slavery as well as clan-related revenge killings. Families have broken up as married men and women have had to seek protection from their own clans, in case of different belonging. Displacement, loss of male breadwinners and collapse of community resources made women more vulnerable to chronic economic and food insecurity creating an "increasing feminization of poverty". Furthermore, there is a regression to more conservative social attitudes concerning the women s role, which is typical of civil conflict globally. In South Central Somalia the absence of law and order, and the diminishing clan-based forms of violence control, has allowed rape to become a common -place criminal activity. In Puntland, the rate of rape increased by 23% from 2006 to In Somaliland, there has been a recent recorded increase in the number of gang rapes, primarily in poor neighborhoods and among immigrant populations. The area of South and Central Somalia is currently governed by the Transitional Federal Government (TFG); however, much of the area under the mandate of the TFG is controlled by the militant group Al Shabaab, which has in the past issued extreme decrees limiting and violating the rights of women and girls. The decrees have reinforced traditional and cultural prejudices, while imposing an array of new rules which continue to undermine the rights of women and girls. Furthermore, the TFG has failed to control and deter human rights violations, including violations against women and girls in areas under its control. The number of reported GBV cases in South Central Somalia has nearly quadrupled, with 332 incidents reported from January to July 2011 in comparison with 86 incidents reported during the same period in The Special Representative to the Secretary General on Sexual violence in conflict recently issued a statement expressing concern over reports that women and girls fleeing famine are subjected to sexual violence and/or forced into marriage by bandits and armed groups. 2 Displaced women in South and Central Somalia are at heightened risk of GBV, as they lack adequate security in the IDP settlements and while on transit. Reports have indicated that armed groups break into IDP settlements at night and rape women, and in certain instances, abduct the women to more secluded areas where they are continually subjected to rape. 3 Reports have also indicated that sexual violence against women and girls in transit is perpetrated by armed men, including uniformed officers, along desolate transit routes throughout South and Central Somalia. 4 Probably the most effective way to enhance the protection of women and girls in this context, would be for an end to the impunity that rape perpetrators have enjoyed for so long and reconciliation between groups who have been in conflict leading to the establishment of a secure peace in which sustained law and order can be developed in all areas, urban and rural. 1 Please note that the figures here are of all forms of GBV, though most reports are of incidents of sexual violence. 2 2 Most recently, the Special Representative to the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Margot Wallström, issued a statement on the GBV situation in Somalia, available at: 3 Reports received from IASC Protection Cluster Partners Somali People Displacement and Development Organization (SOPDDO), Assessment on Gender-Based Violence in Banadir Region, carried out 2 nd April 6 th April, 2011, available at: 4 Reports received from IASC Protection Cluster Partners CISP, Report on GBV cases in Dobley and vicinities, 11 th August IRC, The Hidden Side of the Famine: Violence against women and girls fleeing Somalia, July 2011 available at: Page 7 of 27

8 Response In the Somali context, the NSA play a crucial role in delivering services, such as health, education, water and sanitation in a context of weak or inexistent administrations. Their existing and potential role in peace building and conflict prevention also contributes to poverty reduction. Within the grouping of NSA, civil society is a key vehicle for change, in particular for women's rights. In Somalia, civil society can be defined as comprising all individuals or groups who do not posses legislative or executive powers, are unarmed and actively pursue the well-being of the society at large through peaceful means. Local organisations gain increasing credibility with the communities they serve as they become more involved in the successful delivery of developmental social services. Gradually, such organisations will be enabled to play an increased role of advocacy for the benefit of the community at large. In this context, women organisations have been more and more active not only in service delivery, but also in women's rights defence and advocacy. Media women associations are fighting to maintain independence and freedom of expression and human rights activists continue to claim a fairer and more accountable legal system. The Cotonou Partnership Agreement is the framework for the participation of NSA as service providers and as partners in dialogue and advocacy agents. Several articles of the Cotonou Agreements explicitly refer to NSA (art. 4, art. 19 and art. 33 for development cooperation; art. 4 for Trade; art. 8 and art. 10 for political dimension) and constitute the legal basis for the EU engagement in this area. The EU promotes, accordingly, the creation of appropriate space and opportunity for civil society and the private sector to contribute to policy making and strategic priority setting. This is complemented by the thematic budget lines such as the Non-State Actor in Development budget line. NSA are encouraged to have a greater voice and participation in the reconstruction of the country as a whole through delivering services, supporting the democratic role of a free media, parliament and other public scrutiny bodies to increase accountability. NSA, including normally excluded groups, is provided with space during the planning and delivery of development programmes supporting the state building process. The EU also provides assistance to other NSA groups (e.g. traditional leaders) to regain and strengthen their status in the reconciliation process. Specific support targets women and women s groups to develop common agendas and to advocate for a fair role in the reconstruction of the country. Given the particular situation of Somali NSA, they are not in a position to fulfil the eligibility criteria to act directly as applicants or as partner organisations (see point and of these Guidelines). Therefore, on an exceptional basis, applications from NSA from other partner countries are accepted under this call. However, as indicated under point 1.2 all actions must be carried out in close cooperation with Somali NSA. For the definition of 'partner country' please refer to point OBJECTIVES OF THE PRO GRAMME AND PRIORITY ISSUES The overarching objective of this programme is the promotion of gender equality and women empowerment in Somalia for an inclusive, transparent and accountable society. It is an actor-oriented programme aimed at strengthening the capacity of civil society organisations as a pre-condition for a more equitable, open and democratic society through support to their own initiatives. The programme therefore supports actions aimed at promoting an inclusive and empowered society in partner countries, able to pave the way for the social contract between the Somali people (women and girls) and the Somali authorities at all levels and to build a sense of citizenship. Under this call for proposals priority will be given to: The promotion of activities that will enhance Somali women capacities in conflict prevention, management and resolution, such as a) training of women as peace mediators, implementation of the UNSCR package and launching an UNSCR 1325 Action Plan for Somalia. Page 8 of 27

9 The promotion of political participation of women such as policy changes that benefit the political representation of women, access of resources and their position in front of public authorities and the recognition of their rights; as well as activities supporting victims of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and their access to justice. The promotion of women economic empowerment. Whenever possible, particular attention should be paid to activities focused for the rehabilitation crosscutting issues contributing to the achievement of the global objective of conflict prevention and poverty reduction, such as the promotion of human rights and democracy, the protection and promotion of children's rights, integration of environmental questions, respect of the rule of law and fight against HIV/AIDS. 1.3 FINANCIAL ALLOCATION PROVIDED BY THE CONTRACTING AUTHORIT Y The overall indicative amount made available under this Call for Proposals is EUR 2,075,000. The Contracting Authority reserves the right not to award all available funds. Similarly, this amount could be increased should more funds become available. Size of grants Any grant awarded under this Call for Proposals must fall between the following minimum and maximum amounts: minimum amount: 200,000 maximum amount: 600,000 The grant may not be less than 50% and may not exceed 90% of the total eligible costs of the action (see also section 2.1.4). The balance (i.e. the difference between the total cost of the action and the amount requested from the Contracting Authority) must be financed from the applicant's or partners' own resources, or from sources other than the European Union budget or the European Development Fund 5. The grant may cover the entire eligible costs of the action if this is deemed essential to carry it ou t. If that is the case, the applicant must justify full financing in Section 2.1 of Part B of the grant application form. 5 Where a grant is financed by the European Development Fund, any mention of European Union financing must be understood as referring to European Development Fund financing. Page 9 of 27

10 2. RULES FOR THIS CALL FOR PROPOSALS These guidelines set out the rules for the submission, selection and implementation of actions financed under this Call, in conformity with the provisions of the Practical Guide to contract procedures for EU external actions, which is applicable to the present call (available on the Internet at this address: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA There are three sets of eligibility criteria, relating to: applicant(s) which may request a grant (2.1.1), and their partners (2.1.2); actions for which a grant may be awarded (2.1.3); types of cost which may be taken into account in setting the amount of the grant (2.1.4) Eligibility of applicants: who may apply? (1) In order to be eligible for a grant, applicants must: be legal persons and be non profit making and be nationals (6) of a Member State of the European Union, of an official candidate country, from MS of the European Economic Area (EEA), an ACP State or a least developed country as defined by the UN (details of the countries can be found in annex A2b of the Practical Guide to Contract Procedures for EU External Relations: ) Given the particular situation of Somali NSA, they are not in a position to fulfil the eligibility criteria to act directly as applicants or as partner organisations and they can therefore not apply as applicant. be a Non-State Actor 7 constituted in accordance with the legislation in force in one of the countries mentioned in the bullet above. A NSA from a Member State of the European Union, candidate country or EEA must have been registered for at least three years at the time of the submission of an application. A NSA from an ACP country or a least developed country must have been registered for at least two years at the time of the submission of an application be directly responsible for the preparation and management of the action with their partners, not acting as an intermediary. 6 Such nationality being determined on the basis of the organisation's statutes which should demonstrate that it has been established by an instrument governed by the n ational law of the country concerned. In this respect, any legal entity whose statutes have been established in another country cannot be considered an eligible local organisation, even if the statutes are registered locally or a Memorandum of Understanding has been concluded. 7 Non-State Actors include: non governmental organisations, organisations representing indigenous peoples, organisations representing national and/or ethnic minorities, local traders' associations and citizens' groups, cooperatives, trade unions, organisations representing economic and social interests, organisations fighting corruption and fraud and promoting good governance, civil rights organisations and organisations combating discrimination, local organisations (including networks) involved in decentra lised regional cooperation and integration, consumer organisations, women's and youth organisations, teaching, cultural, research and scientific organisations, universities, churches and religious associations and communities, the media and any non governmental associations and independent foundations, including independent political foundations. Page 10 of 27

11 International Organisations (as defined by EU rules) are also eligible to apply under this call; they should not fulfil the nationality rules as listed under the third bullet above. (2) Potential applicants may not participate in calls for proposals or be awarded grants if they are in any of the situations which are listed in Section of the Practical Guide to contract procedures for EC external actions (available from the following Internet address: In Part A section 3 of the grant application form ( Declaration by the applicant ), applicants must declare that they do not fall into any of these situations Partnerships and eligibility of partners Applicants may act individually or with partner organisations. Partners Applicants partners participate in designing and implementing the action, and the costs they incur are eligible in the same way as those incurred by the grant beneficiary. They must therefore satisfy the same eligibility criteria as applicable on the grant beneficiary himself. Given the particular situation of Somali NSA, they are not in a position to fulfil the eligibility criteria to act directly as applicants or as partner organisations and they can therefore not apply as partner. The following are not partners and do not have to sign the partnership statement : Associates Other organisations may be involved in the action. Such associates play a real role in the action but may not receive funding from the grant with the exception of per diem or travel costs. Associates do not have to meet the eligibility criteria referred to in section The associates have to be mentioned in Part B section 5 - Associates of the Applicant participating in the Action of the Grant Application Form. Contractors The grant beneficiaries have the possibility to award contracts. Contractors are neither partners nor associates, and are subject to the procurement rules set out in Annex IV to the standard grant contract. Sub-grantees The grant beneficiaries may award financial support (sub-grants) to third entities (the sub-grantees). Subgrantees are neither partners nor associates nor contractors. Sub-grantees are subject to the nationality and origin rules set out in Annex IV to the standard grant contract. The applicant will act as the lead organisation and, if selected, as the contracting party (the "Beneficiary") Eligible actions: actions for which an application may be made Definition: An action (or project) is composed of a set of activities. Duration The planned duration of an action may not be lower than 12 months nor exceed 28 months. Sectors or themes See section 1.2 of the present Guidelines (Objectives of the Programme). Page 11 of 27

12 Location Actions may only take place in SOMALIA 8. Methodology The project must comply with the following conditions: All projects must include an updated local conflict analysis, clearly spelling out the potential drivers for conflict and/or for peace building; Coordination and synergy with earlier and/or similar on-going interventions (including with other stakeholders and UN agencies) should be ensured; The total project expenditure in administrative costs is set at 35%, while 65% should be spent for project activities for the direct benefit of the target communities; Projects should contain in addition to the risk analysis a contingency plan addressing different security scenarios in case of serious deterioration in security. Projects should include innovative actions of NSAs support including looking at the new emerging civil society organisations. Methods based on civil society participation in peace processes and state building should apply. Capacity building should be focused and not an outcome per se. Service delivery from NGOs should provide transfer of know how to local authorities. In situations of violence against women, gender discrimination, strengthening female political candidates, gender equality and responsibility for its realisation concerns everyone. It is essential also to reach and involve men and boys through targeted actions. If the political situation does not allow for a meaningful political and policy dialogue in a context of fragility, post-conflict or a repressive regime, assistance to civil society organisations or work with women s rights activists should be privileged. Furthermore, the following principles/orientations should be reflected upon: The Millennium Development Goals set at UN summit in New York, 2000 and confirmed at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002, in particular the ones referred to eliminate gender disparities. Interventions should be based on processes involving stakeholders and relevant authorities, particularly considering participatory approaches (PRA/PICD) to enhance community ownership. The European Strategy for Africa 9 and the European Consensus on Development 10 (OJ 2006/ C 46 / 01). 8 Please note that, in the framework of this Call for Proposals, Actions which will be implemented in more than one country are not eligible Page 12 of 27

13 The OECD/DAC principles of good international engagement in fragile states and situations (2007) 11 including the 2005 Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness and the 2008 Accra Agenda for Action. The Gender Profile on Somalia Communication on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in Development Cooperation of April Council Conclusions on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in Development Cooperation of EU Agenda for Action on MDGs of EU Guidelines on Violence against Women and Girls and Combating All Forms of Discrimination against them of December Roadmap for Equality between Women and Men ( ). The EU Gender Action Plan of The UNSC Resolutions package : 1325, 1820, 1888, The applicants may include a 3-month inception phase at the beginning of the intervention in order to refine the project approach and Logical framework in collaboration with the key stakeholders. Visibility Applications should include a communication and visibility plan, both in the Full Application and the budget, in line with the EU visibility guidelines: Monitoring and Evaluation All actions should include a budget for Monitoring and Evaluation. For grants above the Euro a budget for final expenditure verification should be foreseen. For this verification, the applicants should be assisted by an auditing company which should undertake the expenditure verification in accordance with the Annex VII of the Standard Contract (See Annex F7 of the Gui delines). In addition, the following indicators should be included in the project description and log frame according to the description of the action: # of civil society organisations locally able to improve governance policy and practice at an local, entity and national level which have a direct benefit to lives of target groups; # of local actors enabled to engage with peace-making with their own resources; # of policies and practices changed at a entity, national, regional and international level that create a conducive environment for peace and good governance; # of emerging civil society actors supported to represent community and specific interests through innovative means; % of international and Somali actors showing good utilisation of local s tudies and conflict sensitive and rights based methodologies that improve their relevance and responsiveness to local conditions and needs; Types of activity that can be funded but not limited to: Access to justice for victims of GBV, supporting the advocacy capacity of stakeholders, building-up analytical or implementation capacity, data collection, and/or monitoring activities. Lobbying and advocacy for legislation change; participation in democratization processes; training of women as peace mediators Page 13 of 27

14 Support to women professional associations; market analysis in order to understand economic opportunities for women; tailored vocational skills trainings; support to legislations for boosting women economic activities Support to gender mainstreaming of NSAs, local Authorities and Governmental bodies. Sub-granting In order to support the achievement of the objectives of the action, and in particular where the implementation of the action proposed by the applicant requires financial support to be given to third parties, the applicant may propose awarding sub-grants. However, sub-granting may not be the main purpose of the action and it must be duly justified. In case where the applicant foresees to award sub-grants, it has to specify in its application the total amount of the grant which may be used for awarding sub-grants as well as the minimum and maximum amount per sub-grant a list with the types of activity which may be eligible for sub-grants must be included in the application, together with the criteria for the selection of the beneficiaries of these sub-grants. The maximum amount of a sub-grant is limited to EUR per third party while the total amount which can be awarded as sub-grants to third parties is limited to EUR Note that the applicant must comply with the objectives and priorities and guarantee the visibility of the EU - financing (see the Communication and Visibility Manual for EU external actions laid down and published by the European Commission at (see The following types of action are ineligible: actions concerned only or mainly with individual sponsorships for participation in workshops, seminars, conferences, congresses; one-off conferences: conferences can only be funded if they form part of a wider range of activities to be implemented in the life-time of the action. For these purposes, preparatory activities for a conference and the publication of the proceedings of the conference do not, in themselves, constitute such "wider activities"; actions concerned only or mainly with individual scholarships for studies or training courses; actions in the formal education sector (apart from primary and vocational education), except in special circumstances; actions which consist exclusively or primarily in capital expenditure, e.g. land, buildings, equipment and vehicles, except in special circumstances; actions which discriminate against individuals or groups of people on grounds of their gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or lack of them, or their ethnic origin; actions supporting political parties; actions including proselytism. Number of applications and grants per applicant An applicant may not submit more than 1 application under this Call for Proposals. An applicant may at the same time be partner in another application. Partners may take part in more than one application Eligibility of costs: costs which may be taken into consideration for the grant Only "eligible costs" can be taken into account for a grant. The categories of costs considered as eligible and non-eligible are indicated below. The budget is both a cost estimate and a ceiling for "eligible costs". Note that the eligible costs must be based on real costs based on supporting documents (except for subsistence costs and indirect costs where flat-rate funding applies). Page 14 of 27

15 Recommendations to award a grant are always subject to the condition that the checking process which precedes the signing of the contract does not reveal problems requiring changes to the budget (for instance arithmetical errors, inaccuracies or unrealistic costs and other ineligible costs). The checks may give rise to requests for clarification and may lead the Contracting Authority to impose modifications or reductions to address such mistakes or inaccuracies. The amount of the grant and the percentage of the EU co-financing as a result of these corrections may not be increased. It is therefore in the applicant's interest to provide a realistic and cost-effective budget. Eligible direct costs To be eligible under the Call for Proposals, costs must respect the provisions of article 14 of the General Conditions to the Standard Grant Contract (see Annex G of the Guidelines). Note that taxes, including VAT will only be accepted as eligible costs when the Beneficiary (or, where applicable, its partners) can show it cannot reclaim them. Taxes sha ll in such case be included in the Budget of the Action under each heading. Information on taxes can be found in annex J to these Guidelines. Contingency reserve A contingency reserve not exceeding 5% of the estimated direct eligible costs may be included in the Budget of the Action. It can only be used with the prior written authorisation of the Contracting Authority. Eligible indirect costs (overheads) The indirect costs incurred in carrying out the action may be eligible for flat -rate funding fixed at not more than 7% of the estimated total eligible direct costs. Indirect costs are eligible provided that they do not include costs assigned to another heading of the budget of the standard grant contract. The applicant may be asked to justify the requested percentage before contracting. However, once the flat-rate has been fixed in the special conditions of the standard grant contract, no supporting documents need to be provided. If the applicant is in receipt of an operating grant financed from the EU, no indirect costs may be claimed within the proposed budget for the action. Contributions in kind Contributions in kind are not considered actual expenditure and are not eligible costs. The contributions in kind may not be treated as co-financing by the Beneficiary. Notwithstanding the above, if the description of the action as proposed by the Beneficiary foresees the contributions in kind, such contributions have to be provided. Ineligible costs The following costs are not eligible: debts and debt service charges provisions for losses or potential future liabilities; interest owed; costs declared by the beneficiary and covered by another action or work programme; purchases of land or buildings, except where necessary for the direct implementation of the action, in which case ownership must be transferred to the final beneficiaries and/or local partners, at the latest by the end of the action; currency exchange losses; Page 15 of 27

16 taxes, including VAT (they can only be considered eligible if the applicant can prove it cannot reclaim them). credit to third parties. 2.2 HOW TO APPLY AND THE PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW Prior registration in PADOR for this Call for Proposals is obligatory. Information in PADOR will not be drawn upon in the present Call. For a restricted call for proposals: - Phase 1, the concept note: Registration in PADOR is obligatory for the applicants and recommended for their partners. - Phase 2, the full proposal: Registration in PADOR is obligatory for all pre-selected applicants and all their partners. PADOR is an on-line database in which organisations register themselves and update regularly their data, through the Europeaid website: Before starting the registration of your organisation in PADOR, please read the "Quick guide" available on the website. It explains the registration process. You have to indicate on the paper version of the proposal the EuropeAid ID (EID). To get this identification, your organisation must register, save and "sign" (committing your responsibility) in PADOR obligatory data (on each screen the fields written in orange) and the related documents (see section 2.4). Notwithstanding the above, if the organisation is in a situation where it is impossible to register in PADOR, it shall submit a justification proving that such impossibility is of a general nature and goes beyond the control of the applicant and or its partner(s). In this case, the applicant and/or the partners concerned shall complete the "PADOR off-line form" 12 in annex of these Guidelines and send it by the submission deadline along with the application to the address indicated in sections and Subsequently, the registration in PADOR will be initiated by the European Commission. If, at a later stage, the organisation wishes to update itself its data, an access request will have to be sent to the PADOR helpdesk. All questions related to the registration in PADOR should be addressed to the PADOR helpdesk at: Europeaid-pador@ec.europa.eu Concept Note content Applications must be submitted in accordance with the instructions on the Concept Note included in the Grant Application Form annexed to these Guidelines (Annex A). Applicants must apply in English. In the Concept note, the applicants must only provide an estimate of the amount of contribution requested from the Contracting Authority. Only the applicants invited to submit a full application in the second phase will be required to present a detailed budget. The elements assessed on the basis of the concept note may not be modified by the applicant in the full application form. The EU contribution may not vary from the initial estimate by more than 20%. The applicant is free to adapt the percentage of co-financing required within the minimum and maximum amount and percentages of co-financing, as laid down in the present Guidelines under section 1.3. Any error or major discrepancy related to the points listed in the instructions on the Concept Note may lead to the rejection of the Concept Note. Clarifications will only be requested when information provided is unclear, thus preventing the Contracting Authority from conducting an objective assessment. 12 Which corresponds to Sections 3 and 4 of Part B of the application form. Page 16 of 27

17 Hand-written Concept Notes will not be accepted. Please note that only the Concept Note form will be evaluated. It is therefore of utmost importance that this document contain ALL relevant information concerning the action. No additional annexes should be sent Where and how to send concept notes The Concept note together with the Checklist for the Concept Note (Part A section 2 of the grant application form) and the Declaration by the applicant for the Concept Note (Part A section 3 of the grant application form) must be submitted in one original and 2 copy in A4 size, each bound. Concept Notes must be submitted as well in electronic format (CD-Rom). The electronic format must contain exactly the same application as the paper version enclosed. Where an applicant sends several different concept notes (if allowed to do so by the Guidelines of the Call), each one must be sent separately. The outer envelope must bear the reference number and the title of the call for proposals, together with the title and the full name and address of the applicant, and the words "Not to be opened before the opening session" Concept Notes must be submitted in a sealed envelope by registered mail, private courier service or by handdelivery (a signed and dated certificate of receipt will be given to the deliverer) at the address below: Postal address Delegation of the European Union in Kenya Somalia Unit Union Insurance House, Ragati Road Attn: Georges-Marc André, EU Representative to Somalia P.O. Box Nairobi, KENYA Address for hand delivery or by private courier service Delegation of the European Union in Kenya Somalia Unit Union Insurance House, Ragati Road Attn: Georges-Marc André, EU Representative to Somalia P.O. Box Nairobi, KENYA Concept Notes sent by any other means (e.g. by fax or by ) or delivered to other addresses will be rejected. Applicants must verify that their Concept Note is complete using the Checklist for Concept Note (Part A section 2 of the grant application form). Incomplete concept notes may be rejected Deadline for submission of the Concept Notes The deadline for the submission of Concept Note is Tuesday, 10 th January 2012 as evidenced by the date of dispatch, the postmark or the date of the deposit slip. In the case of hand-deliveries, the deadline for receipt is at 16h00 local time (GMT+3) as evidenced by the signed and dated receipt. Any Concept Note submitted after the deadline will automatically be rejected. However, for reasons of administrative efficiency, the Contracting Authority may reject any Concept Note received after the effective date of approval of the Concept note evaluation (see indicative calendar under section 2.5.2) Further information for Concept Note An information session on this Call for Proposals will be held on Tuesday, 29 th November 2011, at 14h00. Questions may in addition be sent by no later than 21 days 06 th December 2011 to the below addresses, indicating clearly the reference of the call for proposals: Page 17 of 27