Public Sensitization and Awareness Campaign on Gender-Based Violence - Beirut Mount Lebanon and Bekaa Governorates.

(For more details on the Request for Application, please refer to the attached document.)

This Request for Applications (RFA) invites Local Non-Governmental Organizations (LNGOs) to apply for partnership funding from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to develop a GBV public sensitization and awareness campaign specifically targeting forcibly displaced persons and host communities.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of issues affecting survivors and those at risk of GBV, and to enhance visibility and knowledge of the response and recovery services supported by the project. This project will be implemented primarily in the Beirut-Mount Lebanon (BML) area and the Beqaa. Therefore, the GBV public sensitization campaign should focus on these regions. However, proposals that include nationwide implementation - while ensuring coverage of these key areas - are also welcome. This project is funded by the World Bank.

The deadline for questions on the RFA is June 7, 2025, and the deadline for applications is June 22, 2025.

1- Objective of the Request for Applications

The IRC operates in more than 40 countries, helping people affected by humanitarian crises survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. With funding from the World Bank, the IRC seeks to establish a principled partnership with one LNGO through an open, competitive selection process targeting BML and Bekaa governorates to address critical issues related to GBV.

One qualified LNGO will be selected through this RFA to develop and implement a strategic public sensitization online campaign focused on enhancing community understanding of GBV and promoting preventative measures to mitigate associated risks. The campaign will aim to increase awareness of available support services, empower individuals and communities to recognize and address GBV, and challenge harmful social norms that perpetuate violence against women and girls. This will be achieved using community communication channels and the development of targeted social media content.

Through this partnership, the goal is to effectively disseminate GBV awareness online messaging and create safer, more informed communities. The project aspires to foster resilience and empowerment among individuals at risk of or affected by GBV, while promoting a coordinated and impactful response across Beirut, Mount Lebanon, and the Beqaa.

2- Technical Approach

The partnership seeks to achieve the following objectives:

1. Engage in consultation and coordination with three GBV partner organizations, which are already formally partnered with the IRC, and are currently operating safe shelters and safe spaces as part of this project, within the designated areas of BML and the Beqaa region, to identify existing and potential GBV risks during the design phase.
2. Design and implement a comprehensive Public Sensitization Awareness campaign aimed at increasing awareness of GBV risks and promoting available support services for vulnerable women and girls. This campaign will outline a clear strategy, including target audiences, outreach methods, tools, messaging, and dissemination channels (mainly online with some offline activities) to ensure effective communication and engagement. In addition to awareness-raising efforts, the campaign will prioritize enhancing the visibility of the project to foster community engagement and ensure widespread dissemination of critical messages. The selected NGO will submit a detailed communication plan highlighting proposed visibility actions and strategies. Progress and impact will be systematically documented through quarterly narrative reports, monthly quantitative reports, and communication deliverables.
3. Conduct an awareness survey with a sample of sensitized beneficiaries to assess the impact of the campaign and gather feedback on improved knowledge of GBV. Progress will be reported through quarterly narrative reports and monthly progress reports.

Target:

• Achieve a minimum of 800,000 impressions through public sensitization online campaigns gathered through social media reports.
• Diverse vulnerable communities in BML and the Bekaa who may not be reachable online, alongside the engagement of key local stakeholders.

3- Client and Geographic Focus

This project will be implemented primarily in the BML and the Beqaa areas. Therefore, the GBV public sensitization campaign should focus on these regions. However, proposals that include nationwide implementation—while ensuring coverage of these key areas—are also welcome. Interested applicants are required to submit only one application addressing the objectives outlined above.

This RFA is not intended to support the delivery of direct services to beneficiaries. Instead, it seeks to fund a public sensitization campaign aimed at raising awareness around GBV. Applicants are expected to define their own target audience and suggested activities, in alignment with the focus and objectives of their proposed campaign.

4- Partnership Project Amount and Duration

The project is expected to be implemented between the beginning of August 2025 and March 30, 2026. While the overall implementation period falls within these dates, the specific project timeline, including start and end dates, should be proposed by the implementing organization based on the scope of their activities. The proposed timeline must fall entirely within the defined project period.

The total amount is up to USD 40,000. It is essential that the overall budget does not exceed the specified threshold.

The partner’s budget may include several key categories that should be as direct cost including costs such as: Personnel (salaries and benefits for all team members), detailed breakdown of expenses related to specific activities and production, cost for facility rentals and ongoing operational expenses, costs for equipment, as well as in-country travel and communication, as per the template provided in this RFA.

The proposal does not cover indirect costs, head costs, or overhead expenses.

Evaluation Criteria

(Please refer to the attached RFA for details.)