Application process

In order to minimize the burden on UN Country Teams and local partners, where possible, the Fund will normally apply a two-stage application process. Initial applications to Fund windows will normally be on the basis of an abbreviated ‘Concept Note’ which will provide the basis for technical vetting and approval of a funding allocation. Elaborated programme designs will be requested only where the Steering Committee has provided this in-principle approval.

The Fund will solicit applications to its Country Thematic Windows through a Request for Proposals (RfP). Multiple rounds of RfPs are expected to be launched over the life of the Fund. Eligible UN Country Teams will apply to specific Thematic Windows on the basis of a ‘Concept Note’ which will be submitted formally to the Fund by the UN Resident Coordinator. The format for Concept Notes can be found here. Only one Concept Note per thematic window, per country, can be submitted in any given RfP round. More than one thematic window can be applied to however. Applications should have a duration of not less than one and not more than three years, and an annual budget of not less than one and not more than four million US dollars.

RfP rounds will be announced on the Fund web site, and by email to Resident Coordinators in all 57 eligible countries and to the headquarters of UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes. Further details on the application process for Country Thematic Windows will be made available on the Fund’s web site.

Applications will be submitted through the Fund’s On-line Project Application System (OPAS) which will be available through the Fund’s home page.