DG ECHO Contribution 2021 - 2023: Questions and Answers

Question 1: Would it make sense to propose a cross sectorial approach as we might be looking at greening construction works in humanitarian settlements (shelter +wash) under Item 4-GFP for Advocacy?

Answer: Activity 4, the Global Focal Point for Advocacy, is a role that is also partially funded by the existing BHA grant to the Global Shelter Cluster. We encourage innovative approaches and collaboration with partners to submit responses that demonstrate value for money outcomes. All submitting partners need to ensure that they can meet the Selection Criteria and are eligible to be a UNHCR partner according to the description on the EOI page of the GSC website. Where interested applicants may not fulfil these requirements, they are encouraged to partner with other agencies that do fit the requirements. All applicants should also make sure that they have fully understood what the activity entails and what they are submitting fully responds to the requirements for the particular activity or position they are applying for.

Question 2: In addition to Item4 we would also like to partner with a second organization for Item 6 - Increased Advocacy which would develop tools supporting as well item 4. Could we present both contributions in the same EOI or is it better to send out 2 EOI, one for each item?

Answer: As above, response is also applicable to Question 2. In addition to the responses to Question 1 on suitability of applicants and selection criteria to undertake proposed activities, it is also acceptable that should partners wish to submit for multiple activities that they can provide this submission on the same EOI document, providing additional information as deemed required.

Question3: We are a consortium of organizations, that worked for 1,5 years to develop a technology for recycling plastic waste found locally to make insulation products for warm and safe shelters, and provide work opportunities for displaced people. We are now looking for continued funding for piloting the new approach in refugee camps. As it is on the borderline of what projects you are looking to support I’d like to get your guidance in whether there would be any point for us to apply?

Answer: While the Global Shelter Cluster encourages innovative responses to the call for Expressions of Interest, all submitting partners need to ensure that they can meet the Selection Criteria and are eligible to be a UNHCR partner according to the description on the EOI page of the GSC website. Where interested applicants may not fulfil these requirements, they are encouraged to partner with other agencies that do fit the requirements. The grant can support piloting but does not focus on research and product development at earlier stages.

Question 4: Can we, as organization, submit a specific project proposal, in line with (some of/all ) the expressed 10 items composing the three activities? If so, how to? (I see the table is built in a demand-driven way, so to verify how and if we meet the capacity to fulfill the requested items, and leaves no space for “project brief” or similar).

Answer: All submitting partners need to ensure that they can meet the Selection Criteria and are eligible to be a UNHCR partner according to the description on the EOI page of the GSC website. Where interested applicants may not fulfil these requirements, they are encouraged to partner with other agencies that do fit the requirements. In addition to the EoI document, partners are welcome to submit additional information in a separate document to provide further details on the activity they are proposing.

Question 5: In case we decide to submit our proposal as a consortium, which I see is the preferred strategy, how should we proceed in terms of compilation of the evaluation table? (Should we fill in one unique document accounting for the competencies and contributions of all partners without distinction, and sign it collectively, or should we rather specify the different capacities, their distribution, and budget contribution within the consortium?

Answer: When submitting as a consortium, each partner should describe their own specific experience for the relevant activity. When more than one partner meets the eligibility criteria of an activity, information should be included in the cells described, stating the relevant experience that you would like to be considered by the evaluation committee.

Question 6: At this stage no budget breakdown, schedule, tasks allocation nor CV of partners are required. Only documents needed are: expression of interest “and a Partner declaration form. Could you please confirm?

Answer: In a consortium, the Partner Declaration document should be submitted for the partner that will receive the funds. The proposed budget requirements for activities should be stated in the excel sheet. No CV’s of consortium personnel, activity plans or implementation plans are required but the partner agency role and capacity within the consortium should be described including how the task will be approached, where required depending on the activity chosen. In addition to the EoI document, partners are welcome to submit additional information in a separate document to provide further details on the activity they are proposing.