Expression of Interest Grant Agreement for Digital approaches for social cohesion & youth promotion activities / UDP_NL project

1.  Background

In the framework of the Lebanese-German cooperation between the government of Lebanon and the government of Germany, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in close cooperation with the Lebanese Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) is implementing the “Local Development Programme for Urban Areas in North Lebanon” (UDP_NL). The programme is commissioned by Federal Republic of Germany and co-financed by the European Union.

UDP_NL proposes to contribute to social stability in North Lebanon, namely in Tripoli and the five districts of Al-Koura, Batroun, Bcharre, Zgharta and Minieh-Dannieh. The main target groups are youth and women from vulnerable areas.

This request for Expressions of Interest (EOI) is launched to support module 3 of UDP_NL which aims to strengthen social cohesion among young Lebanese (15-29 years). The module seeks to conduct inter-exchange events with youth from different communities. So far, most inter-exchange events focused on sports or arts/culture. The objective is to foster empathy, understanding, knowledge of other communities, and ultimately, social cohesion. The current measures in response to the Corona virus made physical inter-exchange meetings impossible.

1. Objective

This request for Expression of Interest (EOI) is intended to identify implementing partners for fostering social cohesion through a digital approach (i.e. gaming, competition, etc.). The objective is to provide a digital space for communication and interaction of participants, resulting in new relationships, including digital gatherings and events. This instrument will allow individuals coming from different backgrounds to socialize virtually for the purpose of engaging and sharing stories, experiences, etc.

Digital social cohesion

UDP_NL aims at strengthening social cohesion, meaning strengthening inter-communitarian relations and attitudes towards other communities. The target group are youth (15-29 years), at least 30% should be female. The intervention should contribute to the following objective: “youth and children of different ethnic religious communities (minimum of 30% girls/female youth) have participated in inter-exchange events”.

All inter-exchange events should involve the possibility for participants to express their thoughts and ideas, foster exchange between different participants and youth’ creativity. A total of at least 500 youth should be reached.  The intervention should start in May/June 2020 at the latest.

Further specifications:

• All inter-exchange events should be held online. Power cuts and limited data volume should be taken into account: for example, participants could enter data when offline that will be uploaded when online again.
• If the situation permits, they should be transferred to a physical meeting. Online events need to be free of charge for beneficiaries, mobile-friendly, and use as little data volume as possible.
• The platform should ensure the ease of use especially for those with individuals who are with little or no experience of digital development.
• Available in English and Arabic languages
• Security of information received and the confidentiality of users’ data need to be ensured.

1. Qualifications and Requirements

The service providers should have proven experience in the following fields:

1. Implementing interventions to foster social cohesion through creative approaches
2. Implementing similar interventions that include digital methods and platforms and target youth (15-29 years)
3. Access to all necessary software needed to implement digital approaches and virtual inter-exchange events

Interested non-profit NGOS will be selected based on proposed capacities and innovation of the concept provided.

Eligibility Criteria of the service provider:

• Registration under the Lebanese rules and regulations. It should be an non-profit entity.
• A registered NGO with strong expertise and experience in the implementation of digital instruments for social cohesion.
• Technical experts/ IT professionals with a proven experience of 5 years or more in developing online interactive approaches
• Execution of previous projects with international or local parties that targets vulnerable communities in Lebanon, preferably in North Lebanon, similar to the proposed project. 
• Having experience in North Lebanon context is a plus.