Call for Expression of Interest for Partnership with Civil Society Organizations

About Plan International

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. Working together with children, young people, supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges girls and vulnerable children face. We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood and enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity. We place a specific focus on girls and young women, who are most often left behind. We have been building powerful partnerships for children for more than 80 years and are now active in more than 70 countries. Plan International Lebanon has a range of programmes throughout the country, focusing on adolescent girls and boys and young people. All programmes are implemented in partnership with national and local partners.

Project Background

In line with the strategy of Plan International and the Swedish government, the new five-year Generation Change 2.0 programme, which Plan Lebanon is part of, will centre on civil society strengthening and achieving a more enabling environment for civil society organisations. Supported by Plan International Sweden, the programme is funded by SIDA (Swedish International Development Agency) and will contribute to the ambitions set out in Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. It will also integrate a human-rights-based approach and the perspectives of vulnerable and excluded groups, and includes a focus on gender equality, conflict sensitivity, and climate/environmental impacts.

Therefore, Plan International is initiating a call for Expression of Interest for local civil society actors who are interested in taking part in this project in partnership with Plan Lebanon. Given Plan International's role as an organization working for and with children and youth, we encourage an increased focus on support to youth/girls-led movements, organisations, coalitions, and networks.

Objective of the Programme

The overall aim of the new Generation Change 2.0 programme is thus to support a vibrant, dynamic, and inclusive civil society, which contributes to the following three global Outcomes:

1.           Increased legitimacy and capacity of civil society organisations working for the rights of children and youth and for gender equality.

The focus will be on enhancing and strengthening the governance structure, organizational and technical capacities of five selected CSOs to promote sustainable programmes to support the rights of children and youth, and gender equality.

2.           Children and youth, particularly girls and young women, having increased knowledge of their rights and take action to organise themselves and influence issues that matter to them. 

 The focus will be on empowering children and youth, especially girls and young women, by equipping them with knowledge about their rights and encouraging them to organize themselves. Through this, they can effectively advocate for and influence issues that are meaningful to them, creating a more inclusive and participatory society where young voices are heard and valued.

3.           The fulfilment of rights of children and youth, with a focus on freedom from violence, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and protection from negative impacts of climate change and conflict.

The focus will be on Plan’s work with the 5 CSOs mainly in the areas of Child Protection, protection from violence, Gender & SRHR, and climate change, etc.

The different areas will focus on preventing and addressing harmful practices, empowering the children and youth to make informed decisions about their bodies, and protecting them from the negative impacts of climate change and conflict. 

Eligibility Criteria

1. Registered and unregistered Civil Society Organizations (youth-led and girls-led organisations, Community-based Organizations (CBOs), coalitions, networks, and movements) are encouraged to apply.
2. Working in one of the following thematic areas is a must: Child Protection, Gender Equality, Environment and Climate Change, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), and Civic Engagement.
3. Targeting children, adolescent girls and boys and young males and females is also a must.
4. Involvement and presence at the local and community level and/or national level with good reputation and acceptance among local stakeholders in the communities and areas of operation.
5. As for the minimum requirements, CSOs must fulfill the below to be able to apply:  

• Demonstrated commitment to democratic working methods and internal structures that embody gender and social equality.
• No political affiliation.
• Consists of at least 8-10 members with a clear structure, roles, and responsibilities.
• Clearly defined mission & vision.
• Proven track record of active engagement in national or community-level initiatives with at least 2-3 initiatives in the last 3 years.

Geographic Coverage

The partnerships planned under this project will seek to cover different geographic areas across Lebanon.

Expression of Interest (EOI) selection process

A selection panel established by Plan will review the submitted EOIs and online applications.  Potential organizations obtaining the highest score in the shortlisting process will be invited for further discussion on the EOI and concept note.

The selection panel on the basis of the score obtained during the selection process, and the outcome of the meeting with the potential partners, will recommend the approval of the potential agency for partnership. Only five selected partner(s) will then undergo an organizational assessment process, before the final sign-off and agreement to partnership.

 Plan International will ensure the selection process is fully impartial and compliant with its policies and guidelines so that the appropriate and most suitable partners get selected.

Application Procedure

1. Timeline:

• Deadline for Submission: Wednesday, August 2, 2023
• Shortlisting of CSOs: Thursday, August 3, 2023
• Meeting with shortlisted CSOs: Wednesday, August 9, 2023
• Notification to shortlisted CSOs: Friday, August 10, 2023
• Consultation with shortlisted CSOs: Wednesday, August 16, 2023