Timeline:

• Call for Expression of interest ID – 001-06/2023
• Posted (date) – 26.06.2023
• Clarification Request Deadline – 05.07.2023
• Application Deadline – 15.07.2023
• Notification of Results  – 15.08.2023
• Implementation Start Date – 01.09.2023
• Implementation End Date – 30.04.2024

Locations – Proposed activities need to be implemented and or/include local communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina that are either hosting migrants, asylum seekers and refugees or located along the migration routes.

Sector(s) and area(s) of specialization – Social cohesion and resilience; community participation, civic engagement and media and positive narratives.

Issuing Agency – IOM Bosnia and Herzegovina

Project Background – The International Organization in Bosnia and Herzegovina (IOM) announces a Call for Expressions of Interest from civil society organizations and NGOs to submit project proposals under the project “Individual measure to strengthen the response capacity to manage migration flows in Bosnia and Herzegovina” supported by the European Union (EU) through the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA). The overall objective of the project is to support Bosnia and Herzegovina institutions in the transition to a sustainable system for protection-sensitive reception and service provision that is led by the State authorities. Through a small-grants mechanism, IOM will support civil society to implement interventions that promote social cohesion between the local population and migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, and to improve the interaction between these groups.

The objective of the invitation is to support NGOs and CSOs from local communities with a presence of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, to foster mutual understanding of the needs and rights of the local population and migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, and to improve the interaction between these groups. The International Organization for Migration hereby invites the submission of concept ideas, within the priorities of the mentioned program. Support civil society efforts to foster mutual understanding between migrants, asylum seekers and refugees and local communities

The proposed activities need to be aimed at increasing opportunities for contact between host communities and people on the move, enhancing mutual understanding, promoting common values, creating, and sharing positive stories, strengthening intercultural exchange, and facilitating understanding between the local population and the migrant population/communities.

Through this program, IOM BiH seeks to partner with local civil society, non-governmental organizations, and media from local communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly Sarajevo Canton, Una-Sana Canton, Tuzla Canton, Herzegovina-Neretva Canton and areas along the migration routes and invites all interested parties to submit project proposals corresponding to the program objectives.

Expected Results – Projects should contribute to the achievement of the project results through different activities and initiatives implemented either directly within the local communities, or on state/entity/district level with a clear connection to the set objectives. In that regard the projects are expected to:

• Support community initiatives, which bring together migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, and host communities, such as cultural, educational, sports activities.
• Support advocacy initiatives and raising awareness in local communities about mixed migration issues,
• Promote and create innovative media content aimed at raising public awareness of migration.

Planned project activities should be mindful of:

• contribute to the achievement of project results through initiatives and activities implemented directly in local communities,
• be based on needs identified in local communities where a large number of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees stay or transit,
• need to be linguistically accessible to all participating individuals and communities,
• bring together participants as equals in terms of respect and importance,
• actively engage all participants toward common goal and expected result, where all participants from different groups will be equally involved in implementation of activities,
• to create collaborative environment that has a compelling appeal and relevance for all members of each group involved,
• foster intergroup cooperation and mutual appreciation to allow participants to understand and appreciate each other culture,
• mainstream gender and cultural consideration whenever possible.

Project activities and interventions may include, but are not limited, to activities such as:

• Provision of innovative and inclusive services based on the needs of migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, and local communities using culture, arts, sports and ecology, such as:
  • Training and volunteering through sports activities and community events.
  • Create and perform through visual and performing arts.
  • Celebrate and play through sharing customs, important holidays and playing games related to different cultures.
  • Discover differences that are connective through nature, cultural and history trips and other outdoor activities.
  • Learn and discuss through performative arts and film screenings.
• Activities aimed at raising public understanding on migration and production of media content related to this issue. Where possible, activities should be planned and carried out in cooperation with Universities/ Faculties for Media and Communication.
• Improving the local community’s awareness of the risks and vulnerabilities of migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, and the local population in the context of human rights.

Indicative Budget – The funds will be awarded in the amount of Minimum 10 000 BAM up to 80 000 BAM maximum (excluding VAT). The implementation period of the project should be 4 months minimum up to 8 months maximum. The projects must be implemented within the period from September 1^st, 2023, to April 30^th, 2024.

Selection Criteria:

Name	Description	Weight
Relevance of the proposal to achieving expected results	Proposals should contribute to the achievement of project results through initiatives and activities implemented directly in local communities, and be based on real needs identified in local communities that host migrants, asylum seekers and refugees. Proposals should contribute to improving the awareness of the local community about the vulnerability of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, the risks of irregular migration, the basic rights of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees and available assistance services; improving the local community’s awareness of the risks and vulnerabilities of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees and local residents in the context of human trafficking. Projects that emphasize the possibility of replicating/expanding activities and propose an innovative approach to problem solving will be positively evaluated.	30
Involvement of women and diverse social groups	The proposal should demonstrate how women with different ethnic,  and geographical backgrounds, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups will be included and reached through the planned activities to effectively break down stereotypes and divisions. Fostering intergenerational participation and gender diversity in proposed project activities is also an added value.	20
Sustainability of intervention	An emphasis on the possibility of replicating and/or expanding activities and suggesting an innovative approach to identified issues. The proposal must demonstrate synergies with previous or ongoing similar initiatives and clarify whether and in what way the project builds on the previous achievements and activities, as well as how it will ensure their sustainability after the project completion.	15
Partnerships	Partnerships with public educational institutions (schools, libraries, kindergartens, etc.), local institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises, and other non-governmental organizations and groups working on the same issues is encouraged and scored. In case of  partnership, project proposal should include a clear description of the role of the partner organization/institution, and a plan for sharing resources between the partners. During the project proposal phase, selected applicants whose projects envisage partnership relations will have to submit a letter signed by the partner institution/organization.	15
Support of the local community/consultation with project beneficiaries	Project proposals made in cooperation with the local community and/or target users or with the expressed support of local communities are evaluated positively. Applicants are required to submit an official letter expressing the support of the local community.	10
Previous experience and expertise of the applicant	Expertise and experience in working with international donors, and implementing similar projects and activities. Adequacy and clarity of proposed application, activity design, and budget. Relevant technical expertise and experience in working with youth, and a different range of stakeholders at a national and local level in establishing a youth-sensitive perspective across sectors.	10

Attachments:

Description	URL
ANNEX A – Terms of Reference	ANNEX A – Terms of Reference
ANNEX B – Implementing Partner References Checklist	ANNEX B – Implementing Partner References Checklist
ANNEX C – Implementing Partners General Information Questionnaire	ANNEX C – Implementing Partners General Information Questionnaire
ANNEX D – Concept Note Template	ANNEX D – Concept Note Template
ANNEX – E Budget and Financial Reporting Template	ANNEX – E Budget and Financial Reporting Template
ANNEX – E Narrative Reporting Template	ANNEX – E Narrative Reporting Template
ANNEX F – EU Project Implementation Agreement	ANNEX F – EU Project Implementation Agreement
ANNEX G – Declaration of Conformity for Partners	ANNEX G – Declaration of Conformity for Partners

For more information on this partnership opportunity, and to apply, please visit www.bih.iom.int.