The United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees (Unhcr), Lebanon Invites Interested Non-Governmental; Non-Profit Organizations, Academic Institutions To Submit Concept Notes For Their 2017 And 2018 Program In Lebanon:

UNHCR Lebanon is launching its fourth 2017 Call for Expression of Interest in the following area: 1) All stateless persons and those at risk of statelessness (Protection) The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Lebanon invites interested non-governmental;non-profitorganizations, Academic institutions to submit Concept Notes for their 2017 and 2018 program in Lebanon: EOI/LEB/4/STATELESS/2017 Sector:Protection Location: countrywide Population:All stateless persons and those at risk of statelessness. The Call for Expression of Interest (EoI) is open to all existing and/or new prospective partners who wish to participate in UNHCR’s operations in 2017 in the area ofprotection (statelessness), and participate in achieving common goals and objectives. Based on concept notes received, UNHCR will select the best-fit partner for the relevant sector(s) and area(s). Applicants are encouraged, where applicable, to submit cover letter and concept notes with a countrywide geographical focus, partner capacity allowing. All submissions and annexes should be submitted in English to the email address specifically created for the exercise: lebbeeoi@unhcr.org and on https://partner.unhcr.org The closing date for this call is11th of August 2017– any late submission will not be accepted for review. Objective UNHCR policy on selection and retention is to ensure that UNHCR partners with the most suitable organization in a given operation for the implementation of projects, in order to provide quality protection and assistance to refugees and other persons of concern. As partners bring distinctive attributes and UNHCR operates in varying and challenging environments, it is necessary to identify the Best-Fit Partner. This policy has benefited from close consultation with partners and the outcome of piloting in several operations. Mandatory Process The selection/retention process is conducted with adequate due diligence and evidenced in an objective, consistent, transparent and timely manner. The process involves the following main steps: a) Call for Expression of Interest is issued by UNHCR Office; b) Submission of Concept Note by new or existing partner interested in partnering with UNHCR on a given Project; c) Preparation of lists of applicant organizations and verification of their related documents by the Secretary to the Implementing Partnership Committee (IPMC); Committee’s review and addressing recommendations to the UNHCR Representative; e) Final acceptance or rejection by UNHCR Representative Committee’s recommendations; and f) Communication to applicant organizations of the outcome of the selection/retention process. Submission of Concept Note Interested existing or prospective partners may submit a Concept Note in response to the Call for Expression of Interest. The concept note is to be submitted in line with the provided format. The Concept Note is primarily for an agency to express its unique advantage and added value for the Project objectives. The Concept Note is intended to allow the agency to: Articulate its objectives in undertaking the Project; Briefly describe the implementation approach for realizing the desired outcome of the Project; Demonstrate the unique advantage it brings to the partnership for realizing the desired outcome of the Project; and Demonstrate its complementariness to UNHCR's capacities and resources for the Project. Therefore, the Concept Note should not be a fully developed project proposal and should be concise, contain clear information and not exceed three pages. Once selected, the agency will participate in the design and detailed budgeting of the Project and concluding Project Partnership Agreement. All prospective partners should submit the Partner Bio Data contained in Annex A. Prospective partners, should be registered at UNHCR Partners portal: https://partner.unhcr.org/ Selection Criteria: Concept notes from the prospective partner with required expertise are particularly encouraged. International agencies should be able to demonstrate specialized expertise in the sector, work in collaboration with national NGOs/CBOs and/or a clear exit strategy. Overview of main selection criteria: Sector expertise and experience: Prospective partners are required to have the specific skills, sector specialists, knowledge and human resources. Partners are encouraged - capacity allowing - to submit concept notes providing an integrated multi sectorial response. Proven experience in coordination with government entities is required. Project management: Ability to deliver project objectives, accountability mechanisms and sound financial management (proven external audit of partners’ financial statement is an asset). Coordination with agencies working under the same sector. Local experience, presence and geographical focus: Ongoing programme in the area of operation. Local presence. Knowledge of the geographical location. Experience in working in specific regions in the country. Proven experience and collaboration with other national organizations and local CBOs. Proven working relations and engagement with relevant government authorities. Cost effectiveness and contribution of resources: Level of administrative costs should not exceed 20% imposed on the Project in relation to project deliverables. Proposed budget to be in line with the intended project target. Evidenced and documented contribution of resources to the Project in cash or in-kind (e.g. human resources, supplies and/or equipment) by the partner that are presently available (or potentially mobilized by the partner) in order to supplement UNHCR resources is encouraged. Partner’s capacity to undertake procurement: Evidence/ experience to undertake large procurement >USD 100,000 in line with UNHCR/ UN procurement guidelines. Functioning procurement unit in the country of operation. Established effective internal-controls. Experience working with UNHCR: Global and/or local partnerships including knowledge of UNHCR policies, practices and programme, including an understanding of and ability to work within UNHCR’s funding limitations and associated inherent risks is an asset. Other: Concept notes from national non-profit entities and/or non-governmental organization are encouraged, alternatively evidence of active engagement with national agencies (NGOs/CBOs) is an advantage. Legally registered at the location of the NGO’s Headquarters. Legally registered in Lebanon is encouraged (Ministry of Interior). Registered with Ministry of Finance (VAT exempted or committed to submit net expenditures to UNHCR). Authority to operate a bank account in Lebanon. Registered on UNHCR Partner portal https://partner.unhcr.org/ Security considerations: ability to operate and adapt to security conditions of the Project site or locations. Overview of timeframe Concept notes to be submitted by 11th of August 2017. All prospective partners will receive written notification by 6th September 2017 on the selection. Selected partner will then have bilateral discussions with UNHCR offices to submit and discuss a full-fledged project proposal to enter into a partnership agreement. For further information regarding applications please refer to the documents on the following link: http://data.unhcr.org/syrianrefugees/download.php?id=13792