1. BACKGROUND

The present call for proposals is organized by UNDP project “Civil Society and Youth Support” funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a nation-scale 4-year initiative which runs from 1st January 2023 until 31st December 2026. The Civil Society and Youth Support Project (CSYP) builds on many years of joint programming by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DMFA) and UNDP supporting civil society and youth empowerment. CSYP contributes to the following long-term result: “Ukraine's civil society and youth are impactful players in strengthening the country's resilience and recovery, democracy and human rights agenda, including issues of respect to diversity and women's rights and social cohesion“. The project has a three-dimensional approach. 

First, it works to strengthen civil society organizations, focusing first and foremost at the subnational level, to enable active civil society participation in strengthening Ukraine’s resilience, sustainable recovery and development processes, and to link established CSOs with youth groups – especially new initiatives that emerged after February 2022 – to ensure the cross-fertilization of skills.

Second, the project works at the central level to create a more enabling policy environment for CSOs and support the national "youth machinery." 

Third and finally, the CSYP is empowers young Ukrainians’ to actively participate in the country’s recovery by honing their skills in good citizenship and leadership. The project supports youth-driven projects and exposes young women and men to how local governments operate to implement locally relevant social cohesion initiatives.

Through support of youth-driven projects, CSYP engages young people in recovery efforts, the development of youth infrastructure, and the promotion of innovative, best-practice approaches on all levels. The CSYP is built on strong partnerships with national and local governments, CSOs at both national and subnational levels, as well as youth organizations and initiative groups.

The project actively collaborates with the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service (NAUCS) and the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) to empower youth to engage in public service and decision-making processes, while fostering a culture of integrity and transparency in public life.

In 2024, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, in partnership with the NAUCS, the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS) and NGO “TYZMINY” piloted the programme of youth internships at local self-government bodies. The initiative was designed to equip public servants with the tools and knowledge necessary to attract, recruit, and mentor young people interested in exploring careers in public service at the subnational level through structured internship opportunities. The pilot was successfully implemented across nine communities.

Building on the success of this initial phase, UNDP and its partners are now preparing to launch the second wave of the internship programme for youth in 2025.

In parallel, CSYP supports the “Transparent Universities” initiative, launched in 2023 and aimed at enhancing transparency in higher education institutions. Led by the NACP’s Office of Integrity and the Ministry of Education, the initiative’s activities have been incorporated into the  in Plan for the Open Government Initiative. A working group, comprising of government representatives, civil society experts, and experts from international organizations including UNDP, developed a set of methodological recommendations for higher education institutions to promote transparency, academic integrity, and accountable governance in the education sector. The recommendations were officially adopted in 2025 by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine . Their adoption marked a significant step forward, bringing together all key stakeholders in a joint effort to strengthen integrity and transparency in the higher education sector. 

Through this Call for Proposals (CfP), UNDP aims to achieve the following objectives: 

Lot 1: Select experienced CSO to contribute to strengthening academic integrity within higher education institutions. In partnership with the NAPC, the selected organization will support the implementation/adaptation of methodological recommendations on academic integrity in target universities. This will include close collaboration with pre-selected academic institutions and key stakeholders to foster a culture of transparency and accountability in the higher education sector.

Lot 2: Select an experienced civil society organization that, in partnership with the MYS and NAUCS, will support the implementation of youth internship programme in 15 local self-government bodies.

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE COMPETITION

Lot 1

CSO project proposals submitted under Lot 1 should aim to support the pilot of the newly adopted methodological recommendations on academic integrity and transparency in higher education institutions. A maximum of 10 universities will be selected by UNDP, the NACP, and the selected CSO partner to participate in the pilot initiative.

Proposals submitted under this Lot should be designed to achieve the following key objectives:

1. Support the implementation of methodological recommendations: assist selected universities in applying the NAPC’s methodological recommendations on promoting academic integrity. This includes providing hands-on guidance and technical support to adapt the recommendations to each university’s context. Support may include training sessions, development of practical tools, and tailored consultations for university communities.

2. Monitor the implementation process and provide feedback for ongoing improvement: closely monitor the implementation process in target universities and collect insights, feedback, and lessons learned to improve university practices and the NACP’s methodology.

3. Develop institutional capacity of the selected universities: supporting the integration of integrity principles into institutional policies, curricula, and administrative practices. Encouraging the development or improvement of internal procedures to prevent, detect, and respond to academic misconduct. A special focus should be placed on building sustainable mechanisms that remain in place beyond the duration of the pilot.

4. Communication support of pilot implementation: develop and implement a communication strategy to raise awareness of methodological recommendations, integrity and transparency culture among university communities and other target audiences as well as promoting the results of the universities in improving the integrity practicies on the institurional level. Communication activities should include both internal (within the university) and external outreach to foster broader engagement and understanding.

All project activities must be carried out in close coordination with the NACP and UNDP.

Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the proposed activities will support universities in effectively implementing the methodological recommendations and contribute to fostering a culture of transparency and integrity in higher education. Successful proposals should be innovative, evidence-based, and grounded in a strong understanding of the needs and aspirations of students, faculty, and academic institutions. Projects are expected to reflect an understanding of the specific institutional contexts and challenges of each participating university.

Lot 2

The successful proposal will involve collaboration with 15 local self-governments throughout Ukraine, specifically in communities where youth-related initiatives are not currently supported by other international technical assistance projects. Local governments and communities will be selected by NAUCS, Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, UNDP and a selected partner on a competitive basis. Each local self-government will participate in the educational sessions provided by NAUCS and UNDP in Ukraine to equip HR departments and/or other related departments with tools and knowledge needed to attract, engage, and mentor young people interested in pursuing careers in public service. After the education sessions, each local government team would organize internships for 3-7 young people from their respective communities. The internships are planned to take place between September and October each lasting 1 to 2 months. Please note: participation in internship programme may be full-time or part-time, depending on the needs and capacities of youth and the local self-governments. Successful proposals should focus on, but not be limited to, the following areas:

1. Supporting Local Self-governments: assisting local self-government bodies in implementing the internship programme using the guide developed by UNDP and the NAUCS methodology, along with lessons learned from the pilot programme (will be shared with selected CSO). Assist self-local governments in preparing and executing all stages of youth internship programmes – preparation, execution and evaluation. This includes providing support during the NAUCS-led training for selected local self-government representatives, assisting with preparation of internal regulations on internships, internship design, support with recruitment and interviews, support with preparation of internship plan, internship execution, collection of feedback from local-self-governments and young people about the program. In addition, providing mentoring support to the local government teams that will be responsible for internships.
2. Communication support of the programme: develop and execute communication plan (in line with communication messages of NAUCS, MYS and UNDP) to promote the programme among young people and other stakeholders. This includes providing support to local governments with announcements to recruit young people, communication updates of the programme for social media, and capturing and presenting achievements and lessons learned.
3. Support the exchange of experience between local governments: create possibilities for local governments who took part in the programme to share their successes and lessons learned with one another, including if possible engaging representatives of local governments who participated in the programme in 2024.
4. Enhance the institutional capacity of local governments: providing mentoring and (online) training to strengthen their ability to engage with young women and men. Develop practical guidance and recommendations for effective youth engagement strategies, and support the institutionalization of youth participation in the internal processes of self-government bodies.
5. Promoting youth participation: empowering young women and men to contribute to democratic development and social cohesion through increasing their knowledge and understanding of how local governments work and how they can get involved in decision-making processes. 

Proposals should be designed to address all five objectives and should clearly articulate how the proposed project will enhance the capacity of local self- governments to engage meaningfully with young people. Successful proposals will be innovative, evidence-based, and grounded in a clear understanding of the needs and aspirations of young people and local communities.

3. PARTICIPANTS OF THE COMPETITION

Non-profit organizations, in particular charitable organizations, public associations (including civil society organizations and unions) that are officially registered in Ukraine.  Under the contest, grants will not be provided to profit organizations, political parties, state authorities, local governments, religious communities and private (physical) individuals and entrepreneurs.

For Lot 1

Applicants must be non-profit organizations officially registered in Ukraine for at least five years and have a minimum of two years of experience in implementing projects at the national level. The applying organization should have demonstrated expertise in addressing issues related to integrity, transparency, and anti-corruption. A proven track record of designing and implementing national-level initiatives, preferably in cooperation with government institutions or within the context of public sector reform is required.

For Lot 2

The applying organization should have demonstrated experience working with youth across various regions of Ukraine, along with at least three years of successful implementation of projects focused on strengthening the capacities of local self-governments, promoting civic engagement, and empowering young people. Proven experience in working with municipalities throughout Ukraine is required.

3.1. Eligible organizations

The parameters that will determine whether an NGO is eligible to be considered for funding by UNDP will be based on the Capacity Assessment Checklist CACHE (Annex 5). 

3.2. Geographic location

UNDP will accept applications from all regions of Ukraine operating on the areas under control of the Government of Ukraine. The applying CSO or consortia must prove its capacity to operate in the proposed area of the intervention which will be assessed by the Grant Selection Committee.

4. BUDGET AND ALLOWED EXPENSES

Eligible costs must:

• be necessary for caring out project activities;
• comply with the principles of sound financial management, in particular value for and cost-effectiveness;
• be properly recorded, identifiable and verifiable, and backed by original supporting documents.

UNDP grant may only be used to cover the following costs:

• Staff salaries and expert fees;
• Purchase of consultative services provided that these are essential for project goals and objectives;
• Consumables and supplies, including minor personal protective equipment;
• Printing and copying;
• Utility services;
• Renting, catering and other services envisaged by the project activities;
• Travel costs (provided that travel complies with internal UNDP regulations).

The following costs are ineligible:

• Costs of project proposal preparation;
• Debts reconciliation;
• International travel;
• Reimbursement of expenses related to exchange rate fluctuations;
• Creation and registration of the organization;
• Direct fiscal support to state authorities;
• Political activity;
• Religious propaganda;
• Activities leading to direct or indirect discrimination of any social strata;
• Projects aimed at gaining profit from activities;
• Construction or repair work;
• Purchase of vehicles and / or luxury goods and related services.

5. FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND TERMS OF IMPLEMENTATION

It is envisioned that the budget within the project proposal should be no more than:

• Lot 1 – up to USD 50,000
• Lot 2 – up to USD 50,000

The contribution from the implementing organization or from other sources will be considered and will be regarded as an advantage for the applicant. This contribution could be made both financially and in non-financial form (for example, remuneration of the personnel of the organization, provision of its office or equipment for project tasks, etc.).

The maximum duration for projects under both Lot 1 and Lot 2 is 8 months.

Nota bene! 

• The Selection Committee reserves the right to recommend adjustments to the proposed budget, including potential increases or reductions, based on the scope and justification of the project activities.
• The final tranche of 10% will be disbursed to the grantee organization upon 100% completion of project reporting, including confirmation of all financial transactions. Upon review and approval of the final financial report, UNDP will reimburse the eligible expenses incurred under the last tranche. 

6. PROJECT PROPOSAL SUBMISSION PROCEDURE

The CfPs will be advertised through the websites of the following organizations: 

● UNDP Ukraine: www.undp.org.ua and its Facebook page 

● as well as other relevant social networks and information portals. 

For Lots 1 and 2

The application package must consist of: 

1. The filled-out Application form (done on a computer as a Microsoft Word file); 

2. Copy of the Charter of the applicant organization (PDF); 

3. Copy of State registration certificate (PDF); 

4. Banking details (PDF); 

5. Resumes of proposed specialists for project implementation (Microsoft Word or PDF) 

6. Self-assessment form (template will be provided, PDF) 

7. Supporting letter from appropriate beneficiaries; 

8. Other relevant supporting documentation, including reference letters, report samples, or others (Microsoft Word or PDF). 

The document package should be archived as *.zip or *.rar and not password-protected; it shall not be larger than 35 Mb in total. The package shall be sent to the designated e-mail with the letter title containing the name of the competition as stated in the CFP. Applications sent through means other than the one described above will not be considered.

For lot 1

Project proposals are submitted in Ukrainian and sent by e-mail to the addresses:  grants.ua@undp.org and maksym.mazypchuk@undp.org specifying in the subject line, the title of the competition ‘’Lot 1. Strengthening youth engagement in public service and promoting integrity in higher education ".  All applications must arrive to UNDP no later than 23:59 on 30 June 2025.

For lot 2 

Project proposals are submitted in Ukrainian and sent by e-mail to the addresses:  grants.ua@undp.org and maksym.mazypchuk@undp.org specifying in the subject line, the title of the competition ‘’Lot 2. Strengthening youth engagement in public service and promoting integrity in higher education ".  All applications must arrive to UNDP no later than 23:59 on 30 June, 2025.

Contact persons:

Maksym Mazypchuk, Project CSO Development & Outreach Associate, UNDP: maksym.mazypchuk@undp.org @undp.org

7. SELECTION PROCESS

7.1. Assessment procedures

To ensure full transparency and fairness, UNDP establishes a Grant Selection Committee (GSC) to evaluate proposals that pass the initial screening. The GSC is a temporary, authorized body tasked with reviewing, assessing, and recommending proposals for funding. As part of the selection process, the GSC may also request input from independent experts to support its decision-making.

UNDP might invite the selected candidates for the online interview to verify the provided information and ask any additional questions if needed.

The LVG proposal assessment process will follow this sequence: 

● The Project team screens LVG project proposals against the eligibility criteria and CfP relevance; 

● The Grant Selection Committee convenes and reviews all eligible LVG full project proposals based on evaluation criteria and recommends those that have gained the biggest number of points for concluding the agreements. 

● Based on the capacity assessment results of the short-listed CSOs, the Project team submits the Grant Selection Committee minutes (list of CSOs recommended for funding) for approval; 

● UNDP concludes grant agreements with the CSOs. 

To ensure full transparency and equity of the process, UNDP forms a Grant Selection Committee (GSC) that will appraise the proposals that have made it through the first stage. GSC is a temporary authorized body that is responsible for considering, selecting and recommending proposals for funding. The Grant Selection Committee may decide to request additional independent expert opinion during the selection process.

In addition, the Partner Capacity Assessment Tool (PCAT) and/or Partner Self-Assessment Form will be utilized to assess the capacity of the applicants, their potential to implement the grants proposed, included screening on anti-money laundering issues and PSEA capacity. Pre-selected applicants will also be obliged to provide the project team with certificates confirming PSEA Training completion (the link will be provided by UNDP) for all applicants’ staff.

7.2. Criteria for the assessment of proposals 

For Lot 1 the proposals shall be assessed by the GSC in accordance to the following criteria:

For Lot 2 the proposals willl be assessed by the GSC in accordance to the following criteria:

7.3. Additional round of interviews 

After a comprehensive review of project proposals under the Lot 1 and 2, the Grant Selection Committee may recommend additional online interviews with the highest-scoring organizations to finalize project selection. The interview may include questions about the proposed programme, budget, and team composition among other things.

8. REPORTING, MONITORING AND EVALUATION

8.1. Monitoring and evaluation, frameworks for project implementation

The Grantee is responsible for monitoring project implementation and evaluating its results. UNDP will monitor the project through Grantee reports, online consultations, site visits, meetings with project personnel and stakeholders, and participation in project events.

8.2. Reporting

The Grantee shall submit the following reports according to UNDP format:

• Brief reports on demand occasionally requested by UNDP CSYP in cases when information on Programme implementation is required in between reporting periods;
• A Completion report, including a summary of activities and results as well as financial report for total duration of an agreement

ANNEXES

Annex 1. Project proposal

Annex 2. Grant template