Please RSVP by Monday 13 October under the following link.

Background

The Nexus Funding Facility (NFF) is a regional, multi-donor initiative administered by UNDP to put the Humanitarian–Development–Peace (HDP) Nexus into practice in the Lake Chad Basin. It provides flexible funding for area-based and cross-border projects that not only respond to urgent humanitarian needs but also address the deeper causes of vulnerability, conflict, and underdevelopment.

Based in Dakar, the NFF Secretariat manages daily operations, works closely with national partners, and ensures alignment with agreed national priorities. Guided by it’s Regional Board and supported by an independent review committee, the Facility promotes long-term, coordinated responses over short-term, fragmented ones. Its approach emphasizes local leadership, inclusive partnerships, and sustainable solutions—helping to build resilience and deliver tangible results for affected communities. 

With the first Call for Proposals approaching, this high-level briefing—held under the invitation of the UN Resident Coordinators of Cameroon and Chad—will outline the process, highlight key priorities, and present opportunities for partner engagement. The session will be delivered by the NFF Secretariat.

Purpose

• Present the objectives, priorities, and eligibility criteria of the Call for Proposals.
• Outline application procedures, timelines, and the review process.
• Enable dialogue on partnerships and joint programming.

Target Audience

• Directors and senior representatives of INGOs and UN agencies operating in the region
• Donor governments and development partners  including multilateral development banks and bilateral cooperation agencies.
• Interested regional and sub‑regional bodies

Provisional Agenda (1.5 hours)

1. Opening — UN Resident Coordinators of Cameroon and Chad
2. Overview of the Nexus Funding Facility — NFF Secretariat
3. Presentation of the Call for Proposals — NFF Secretariat
4. Partner perspectives (e.g., Germany / LCBC / others)
5. Q&A and open discussion
6. Closing remarks — UN Resident Coordinators of Cameroon and Chad

Expected Outcomes

• Clear understanding of the Call’s objectives, priorities, and eligibility criteria
• Awareness of thematic and geographic priorities
• Identification of collaboration opportunities

Language: English & French

Please RSVP by Monday 13 October under the following link.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the objective of the Nexus Funding Facility?

The NFF aims to operationalize the Humanitarian–Development–Peace Nexus by funding integrated, cross-sectoral projects that reduce humanitarian need and address structural drivers of vulnerability, conflict, and displacement.

2. Who can apply for funding?

Eligible applicants include consortia composed of UN organizations, international NGOs, and civil society organizations (CSOs), including national NGOs and other not-for-profit entities. All consortia must include at least one CSO from the country of implementation.

During the first allocation round (October-December 2025), the NFF will accept proposals only from the Lake Chad Basin regions of Cameroon and Chad. Eligibility might expand to include other LCB regions in Nigeria and Niger in subsequent rounds.

3. What kinds of projects are eligible?

Projects must:

• Address HDP Nexus priorities validated by National Nexus Task Forces
• Operate in target geographic areas defined in the Call for Proposals (CfP)
• Be area-based and, where possible, cross-border and in hard-to-reach areas.
• Demonstrate conflict sensitivity, inclusion, and adaptability

For more details, refer to the current CfP [insert when available].

4. What is the expected duration and funding range?

Typically, projects are expected to run for 24 months. However, each Call for Proposals specifies the expected project duration and funding envelope.

5. Can one organization submit multiple proposals?

No. Each organization may only participate in one consortium and submit one application per country. However, international organizations with a presence in multiple countries may participate in different consortia across countries, provided they meet the eligibility requirements in each context.

6. How are proposals evaluated?

All proposals are reviewed by the Independent Technical Review Committee (ITRC), a body of independent regional and thematic experts ensuring a fair, transparent, and merit-based selection. Proposals are assessed against clearly defined criteria, including:

• Strategic Relevance: Alignment with national HDP Nexus priorities, regional strategies, and the CfP objectives.
• Technical Quality: Clarity, methodological soundness, and robustness of the results framework.
• Consortium & Local Leadership: Complementarity of partners and meaningful leadership by local/national actors.
• Risk Management: Identification of key risks and credible mitigation measures.
• Value for Money: Budget efficiency in relation to expected results and impact.

The process is independent and governed by strict ethical protocols. Feedback may be provided to applicants based on capacity.

For full details, please refer to the Guidance note of the ITRC [insert when available] as well as the current Call for Proposals [insert when available].

7. How are priorities determined?

Each country’s National Nexus Task Force (NNTF) identifies and validates thematic and geographic priorities based on joint analysis, needs assessments, and national strategies. These priorities guide the scope of each Call for Proposals.

The identification process is inclusive and open to all members of existing Nexus platforms in each country. The specific approach may vary depending on national processes and institutional structures.

8. What is the timeline for proposal selection?

The NFF uses a two-stage application process to reduce applicant burden and support quality review:

• Stage 1 – Concept Note Submission: Following the launch of the CfP, eligible consortia have five (5) weeks to submit a concise Concept Note outlining the proposed intervention, location, and partners as well as a proposed budget. Guidance, templates, and eligibility criteria are shared through the CfP.
• Shortlisting: The ITRC conducts an initial technical and strategic review. Only the strongest Concept Notes are shortlisted for Stage 2.
• Stage 2 – Full Proposal Submission: Shortlisted applicants have ~ four (4) weeks to develop a full proposal with detailed activities, budget, results framework, and risk analysis.
• Final Review & Decision: The ITRC conducts a full technical review and provides recommendations to the Regional Board for decision, which makes final funding decisions.
• Project Onboarding: Selected consortia undergo a financial due diligence review (e.g. HACT), followed by inception workshops and contracting.

09. Where can I get help with my application?

Applicants are encouraged to attend information sessions organized by the NFF Secretariat ahead of the publication of the Call for Proposals and reach out via the NFF email secretariat.nff@undp.org for support on eligibility, consortia requirements, and technical questions.