CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR

“INSTITUTIONAL AND CAPACITY BUILDING SUPPORT TO TOWNSHIP LEADING GROUPS OF SELF RELIANCE GROUPS IN MYANMAR”

1. BACKGROUND

The present Country Programme (2013-2015) of UNDP in Myanmar comprises of 3 pillars, namely: Pillar 1 – Local Governance; Pillar 2 – Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Disaster Risk Reduction; and Pillar 3 – Democratic Governance and Development Effectiveness. There are 5 outputs envisaged under the Pillar 1 (Local Governance) namely: output 1 – strengthened institutional capacity of local government; output 2&3 – strengthened institutional capacity of civil society organizations and local media institutions; output 4 – strengthened institutional capacity of micro-finance service-providers and output 5 – improved livelihoods and social cohesion.

UNDP, during the implementation of Human Development Initiative (HDI) programme for over two decades had focused predominantly on livelihoods and food security activities through the formation and mobilization of community based organizations (CBOs) including Self Reliance Groups1. By the end of HDI in Dec 2012, over 8,000 villages in 63 townships across Myanmar received assistance and 5,503 SRGs were formed and supported with accrued membership of about 78,000.

During the HDI transition phase (November 2012 – September 2013), UNDP promoted a concept of federating SRGs with 3-tiered federated approach to ensure the sustainability of such groups. First step was that the grassroots level SRGs federated at the cluster level, thus forming Cluster Leading Groups (CLG). The second step was the further agglomeration of CLGs in to Township Leading Groups (TLGs). The TLGs principally serve as the apex of a 3-tiered institutional model. As a result, 56% (3,100 out of 5,503) of these SRGs undertook concrete steps to consolidate and continue their activities, leading to the formation of 112 Cluster Leading Groups (CLGs) and 28 Township Leading Groups (TLGs). Though initially, 28 TLGs were fostered, two TLGs have since collapsed and further five new TLGs were formed. As of early Aug 2014, over 22,000 women members are directly participating and benefiting from 1,979 SRGs which are federated into 112 CLGs and 31 TLGs in 8 Regions/States of Myanmar (Annex 1). Additional steps were taken by some SRGs to register themselves with the Cooperatives Department of the government; hence there are now 167 Cooperative Societies.

1 SRG, on average, comprise of 10-15 women members living in a close proximity and having close affinity.

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While the HDI focused on direct service delivery to the grassroots and community levels, the present Country Programme is more targeted at policy development, creating dialogue spaces amongst stakeholders and building capacity at all levels of the government, and also of the Civil Society Organizations (CSO). In this context, the SRG-based TLGs will potentially have a critical role in terms of UNDP’s support to CSOs. Accordingly, the UNDP’s proposed support will focus on institutional capacity building of their parent organization, i.e. the TLGs, this means that while UNDP will not necessarily engage in the same manner as it did under the HDI, but focus more and align its support within its overall programme framework.

Against this background, through this Call for Proposal (CFP), UNDP Myanmar wishes to support the existing TLGs for strengthening their capacity through Institutional Support Grant mechanism and seek a separate proposal from each interested and eligible TLG in order to avail such grant.

2. PURPOSE

The overall objective of this initiative under the Output 2 of Pillar 1 is to build the institutional capacity of the Township Leading Group so that it provides a medium to enhance the voices of rural women particularly in matters of local development and governance as well as a platform for those women to engage in local service delivery and advocacy while also supporting the overall improvement in living standards for their respective member households.

This initiative aims to support the existing eligible TLGs for setting up their offices and strengthening the capacity of TLGs so that they provide effective services to their member CLGs and SRGs. This will also enhance the linkages among the member SRGs, with local administration and relevant government departments and with civil society organisations and other stakeholders. This will also help to improve SRG members’ access to government services.

Overall Result Output 2: Citizens and communities engaged in local development and monitoring of service delivery.

Key activity results Sub activity results 2.1 Activity Result: Township level community Support to CBOs for institutional and centers established and enabled to provide a organizational development including Self-reliance platform for dialogue and engagement in Groups (SRG) cluster leading groups and local development federations, SRG registration and support to 2.1.1 Action: Capacities of CSOs/CBOs to interested SRGs in cooperative formation (HDI engage in public decision making planning follow-up action under new program) and monitoring strengthened

3. SCOPE OF WORK AND DELIVERABLES

A recent assessment (April 2014) of the 31 TLGs indicated that only 23% TLG have offices, 71% have set up TLG fund, 74% had Executive Committee, 55% had a General Body, 42% had trained leaders, 74% visit government offices, 39% visit local NGOs, 23% visit market organisations, 13% have gender skills, 19% have networking skills, 35% mobilise some local resources, and 55% are planning to register themselves. There are variations found between TLGs across the States/Regions as well as within States/Regions.

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While 29% of TLGs are assessed to be above average, 71% are assessed as average or below average. Therefore, in order to fully harness the potential of TLGs, further institutional development and capacity building supports are realized to be very important.

The Institutional Support Grant will be provided in three tranches in the entire duration of 15 months (Oct 2014 – Dec 2015).

1. Year 1 (Oct 2014 – Dec 2014)

In a recent capacity assessment of the TLGs (April 2014), institutional support for setting up TLG offices and equipping it with minimal equipment (furniture, computer and related items, training equipment, etc.) was realized to be the priority by almost all the TLGs. TLG members were unanimous in their view that an office would not only facilitate the TLG to play more effective role in its support to CLGs and SRG and also that this office would add to the local prominence of TLG and facilitate it to develop further links with local administration, Departments, media, CSOs/NGOs and market. Considering this fact, the year 1 (Oct 2014 – Dec 2014) grant will be provided to all the selected TLGs based on their capacity assessment and evaluation of the proposal to accomplish the following deliverables (as per the need).

. Establish a dedicated office space/house of the TLG in the Township headquarters. This can include a meeting/training room. . Arrange IT equipment (computer, multi-purpose printer) and simple internet access. In most locations, a small fuel powered generator or solar panel will be useful to provide electricity. . Personnel cost for running the office as necessary. . Maintain book keeping records and accounts including filing system for receipt/invoices. . Purchase required office stationary to support the day to day operations of the TLG. . Any other activities/items deemed essential by the TLG.

2. Year 2 (Jan 2015 – Dec 2015)

Similarly, the capacity assessment of the TLGs (April 2014) also revealed the variability in their level of maturity and performance. In order to enable TLGs to move forward towards their vision and to meet their objectives, they need capacity building and institutional support. A number of immediate capacity building supports have been identified by the Executive Committee Members of the existing TLGs. Therefore, the second and third tranches of the grant support will be provided to the TLGs in the year 2 programme (Jan 2015 – Dec 2015), upon satisfactory completion of the year 1 deliverables, presentation of detailed Action Plan for rest of the period, their performance evaluation and existence of sustainability plan, in order to accomplish the following deliverables mainly focusing on capacity building activities.

. Organize training on TLG management and financial management for the TLG executive body focusing mainly on institutional capacity development of TLGs and address the actual capacity gaps. The objective should be for TLGs to become service providers to respond to needs of members and individual SRGs. This should also include the trainings for the CLG and SRG Members that could be organized by the TLGs. . Preparation and distribution of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials relating to SRGs and their Federations, as well as accessing IEC materials from other organisations for sharing with TLG/CLGs/SRGs. . Organize a Township level Convention of TLG.

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. Organize an exposure visit to best TLGs within the country.

5. GEOGRAPHIC AREA COVERAGE

A total of 31 TLGs from 30 Townships of 8 States/Regions (Table 2) will be the potential beneficiaries of the Institutional Support Grant support. Each TLG will have to submit a separate proposal.

Table 2: Summary of the Potential TLGs for the Institutional Support Grant support.

States/Regions No. of TLGs Townships

Chin 6 Falam, Mindat, Matupi, Kanpetlet, Haka, Tonzang Rakhine 3 Kyauktaw, Marauk Oo, Rathidaung Kachin 3 Myitkyina, Waingmaw, Putao Dry Zone 4 Pakokku, Sinbaungwe, Thayet, Kanma Shan 4 Nyaungshwe, Thibaw, Kyaukme, Naungcho Kayah 1 Loikaw Mon 2 Bilin, Kyaikhto Delta 8 Laputta, Pyinsalu, Mawlamyaing Gyun, Kyaiklat, Ngapudaw (ICDP), Ngapudaw (Nargis Recovery), Yaekyi, Bogalay. Total 31

6. DURATION

The time-period for implementation of the project is 15 months, from 01 Oct 2014 to 31 Dec 2015.

7. MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

The TLG bears full responsibility for the overall management of activities with supports from member CLGs and SRGs, and bears all substantive, operational, financial, monitoring and evaluation responsibilities. The Offeror is expected to develop a workplan consistent with the scope of work mentioned above and in line for approval of UNDP prior to implementation.

8. MONITORING AND REPORTING

The TLG is expected to provide a finalized Work Plan prior to implementation. The Offeror is expected to provide monthly progress report including detailed updates on implementation progress, results against deliverables, challenges and forward planning, 10 days following the end of the month. The Offeror is expected to provide a 5-page quarterly (cumulative) progress report on implementation progress, results against deliverables, challenges and forward planning and financial delivery and forecasts 15 days following the end of the quarter. Provide a comprehensive narrative and financial completion report including lessons learned, 01 months following the end of the project. The final financial report should be audited by well-established and the TLG is allowed to include the cost of auditing in their proposal. UNDP and the TLGs will agree on the specific monthly, quarterly and completion reporting formats.

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Additionally, the TLG is expected to maintain regular communication with the respective Area Office Coordinator at State/Region level and the National TLG Coordinator and Output Lead for Output 2 Pillar 1 Programme at Yangon level, to provide regular feedback on implementation progress, results, challenges and bottlenecks.

The TLG is also expected to provide updates and inputs to UNDP where these are needed to respond to corporate and external partners.

9. GUIDELINES FOR PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT AND SUBMISSION

 Eligibility criteria

Requirements Verification

Already established, registered and Detailed profile of the TLG, required functioning TLG with clear vision, mission and legal evidence objectives.

Team of experienced Executive Committee Overview of human resources members with expertise on SRGs concept, (members) within the TLG, with their CV planning, administration, and finance support.

Reports, documents, meeting minutes, Introduction and proof of capability, reliability training attendance sheets and reports, and/or guarantees of good performance in event reports showing the progress and serving the member SRGs and CLGs. achievements so far of the TLG.

 The proposal prepared by the TLG and all related correspondence shall be in English.  The proposal should conform to the attached outline template (Annex 2) provided.  The proposal should attach all required legal evidence, including evidence of legal registration.  Only one proposal can be submitted per TLG.  The deadline for submission of proposal is 17.00hrs, Wednesday 17 Sep 2014.  Proposals should be submitted:

The Proposal and accompanying documents should be emailed to: [email protected] and Cc. to [email protected]

If you wish to send hard copy of the proposal, please send it in a sealed envelope clearly labelled: “CFP- INSTITUTIONAL AND CAPACITY BUILDING SUPPORT TO TOWNSHIP LEADING GROUPS OF SELF RELIANCE GROUPS IN MYANMAR” to:

The Team Leader Pillar 1 UNDP Myanmar, No- 6, Natmauk Road, Yangon, Myanmar.

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OR

The Area Office Coordinator UNDP Area Office in respective State with following detailed address (Table 1).

Table 1: List and Address of UNDP Area Offices and Country Office.

Sr. State/Regions Address Contact Person

No. MaBa/175, Min Bar Gyi Street, Aung Mingalar 1 Rakhine U Khaing Kyaw Htoo Block, Sittway. Rakkhine State. Ma-Tha-02, Bogyoke Road, Myothit Ward, Hakha 2 Chin Daw Naw Nau Htoo Northern Chin State. 241,Sipintharyar Rd, Myayyitquater, Myitkyina,Kachin 3 Kachin U Ye Htut State. No. 19, (A) Ayay Paing Kone Street, Sit Ke Kone Ward, 4 Mon U Kyaw Kyaw Soe Mawlamyaing. Mon State. Shan and 93-12, Yan Gyi Aung Street, Yay Aye Kwin Quaeter, 5 U Myat Thu Kayah Taunggyi. Southern Shan State. 3/64, Bet: 38 & 39 St and 63 & 64 St, Mahar Aung 6 Dry Zone U Aung Linn Myay Tsp, Mandalay. Mandalay Division. UNDP Myanmar, No- 6, Natmauk Road, Yangon, Mr. Christian Hainzl, 7 Delta Myanmar Team Leader Pillar 1

10. CRITERIA FOR PROPOSAL SELECTION

The capacity assessment of the TLGs submitting the proposal and an initial screening of proposals will be done by UNDP. The recommendation will be submitted to independent steering committees - first at area level for recommendation on selection followed by at Yangon level for approval. The selection of proposals will be made taking into consideration the followings.

 The capacity assessment of the TLGs submitting the proposal will be done using the standard CSO Capacity Assessment tool including the following criteria:

 Legal status and history  Mandate, policies and governance  Constituency and external support

 The proposal will be evaluated using the standard Grants Project Proposal Assessment Scoring Sheet including the following criteria.

 Background and establishment of the CSO  Organization’s actual experience with proposed activities and subject matter  Technical Capabilities/Expertise  Methodology/Implementation Strategy  Financial Management.

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For further queries please contact: [email protected] and Cc. to [email protected]

ANNEXES

1. List of the Existing TLGs in eight States/Regions 2. Outline for Project Proposal 3. Outline for Budget Proposal

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ANNEX 1.

List of the Existing TLGs in 8 States/Regions of Myanmar

Sr. Township Township Leading Groups Contact Person Phone/E mail Name Chin (6) 1 Falam FMD Daw Khuang 09400905463 2 Mindat Chokhomkyomnak Daw Bu Sein 09-442002190 09-442001618 3 Madupi Bontalar Daw Maw Ni 4 Kanpetlet Luknuuchothitsar Daw Shin Par Naing 96565481 5 Hakha Hakah Cheyry Daw Tum Iang 9400311237 6 Tonzang Daw Cin lawh Mang 931004833 Rakhine (3) 7 Kyauktaw Gispa Arr Mann Daw Htwae Ma Phyu 0949660924 09421761887 8 Mraukoo Myo Thar Gi Ngwe Daw Mya Khaing Than 09421733978 9 Rathidaung Shwe Thazin Daw Ngwe Ngwe Win 0949658326 Daw Kyau Kyau 09421727276 Kachin (3) 10 Myitkyina Mikhin Gabar Daw Khin Htwe Myint 096400121 11 Waingmaw Daw Seng Rar 0947014248 12 Township Leading Group 09400052341 Putao (Putao) Daw Nwet Sandar Lae Mon (2) 13 Daw Chaw Su 9425282785 Bilin Lan Pya Kyai Sin Daw Yin Yin Oo 0933342934 14 Daw Cho Aye 09-255914757 Kyaikhto Susie Arrman Daw Thuzar Myint 9255914756 Dry Zone (4) 15 Pakokku Shwe Nyar Thu Daw Khin Mar Yee 0947219577 Daw San Kyi 097401511674 16 Sinbaungwe Daw Than Than Sae 0949155099 Daw Nu Nu Yi Daw Win Win Htay 17 Thayet Ma Hay Thi Daw Nyein Nyein Wai 09420125909 18 Kanma Phwint Phoe Chin pantai 9401631434 Kayah (1) 19 Loikaw Linn Let Kyar Pwint Daw Su Su Aye 0949400864 Daw Nyunt Yee 09254248347 Daw Nang Sein Kham 09428004834 Shan (4) 20 Nyaungshwe Shwe Inn Lay Daw Myint Aye 936091461 21 0949598291 Thibaw Shwe Thibaw Daw Mahar Si 0936073656

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22 Kyaukme Nang Htike San Daw Saw Nweni 08247046 23 Naungcho Shwe Naung Cho Daw Nyo Nyo San 0936096023 Daw Sein Hla 0947219317 Daw Nang Nang Htike 0936000239 Delta (8) 24 Laputta Swam Saung Shin Daw Aye Aye Maw 9420264019 0949729067 25 Pyinsalu Pin Lail Pyar Yae Phan Sin Daw Khin Pyone Kyi 949600795 Shin Daw Khin Nwenwe Daw Aye Aye Khaine 26 Mawlamyaing Gyun Sein Le Aye Yar Daw Thein Aye 936027608 27 Kyaiklat May Tot Ar Man Daw Htay Htay Win 09-31809349 28 Ngapudaw (ICDP) Daw Khin Mar Kyu Phwint Phoe Wae Sar Tot Daw Chaw Su 9250117423 Aye Yar Daw Thein Win 29 Ngapudaw (Nargis Shwe Kyun Thu Daw Aye Aye Soe 9422520920 Recovery) 30 Yaekyi Lin Yaung Chi Daw Khin Ma Ma 09-422492168 31 Bogalay Kyal Sin May Daw Shwe Yadanar 9422525195 Naing

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ANNEX 2.

Outline for Project Proposal

The Proposal should include the following aspects. This is suggestive, you may include additional information you consider relevant.

1. TLG Profile: Comprehensive profile of your TLG, full contact details, information on progress and achievements so far should be provided along with the proposal. 2. Background information: Context of the proposed project, general information on the area, demographic profile etc 3. Rationale of the project – Why the project is required – Who will it benefit – Long Term benefits envisaged 4. Scope of the project • Area of operation, village, township, • Beneficiary SRGs, CLGs and details 5. Logframe: Key activities and expected outputs, outcomes, impact. 6. Human Resource plan 7. Work plan with budget 8. Summary budget sheet (template attached)

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ANNEX 3

B. BUDGET

TO BE PREPARED BY THE RECIPIENT TLG. THIS BUDGET WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE STEERING COMMITTEE FOR APPROVAL

PROJECT BUDGET OF RECIPIENT INSTITUTION (TLG)

Project Number:

Date:______

Project Title:______Name of the RECIPIENT INSTITUTION (TLG):______Total Amount of Funds under the Agreement:______Date of the Agreement:______

PROJECT BUDGET (in Local Currency)

PERIOD COVERING FROM______TO______

General Category of Tranche 1 Tranche 2 Tranche 3 TOTAL Expenditures (………..) (………..) (………..) Personnel

Transportation

Premises

Training/Seminar/

Workshops, etc.

Contracts (Audit)

Other [Specify]

Miscellaneous

TOTAL * Please note that all budget Lines are for costs related only to programme activities.

** These budget categories and number of tranches are suggested guidelines. The Recipient may choose alternates which more accurately reflect their expense items and needs.

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