EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FROM IMPLEMENTING ENTITIES OF CLIMATE ADAPTATION PROJECTS IN GHANA

Organization Background: Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), founded in 1976, is a global Christian-based nonprofit organization which grew out of an intentionally multi-racial community in rural Georgia. Seeking to put God’s love into action, HFHI brings together people of all faiths and people of no faith to build homes, communities and hope. Working alongside each other, we help families and individuals build and improve places to call home and achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. HFHI seeks individuals who have a willingness to affirm these principles and values.

Project Context: The coastal regions in West Africa are facing various challenges associated with climate change, including coastal erosion and alterations in rainfall patterns. Rising sea levels and more frequent storms are causing destruction of important ecosystems such as beaches, dunes and coral reefs, which protect the coasts from flooding and erosion. The changes in rainfall patterns are causing more frequent and intense droughts and floods, affecting agriculture, fisheries, and water supply. The challenges are also damaging infrastructure, housing, and agricultural land.

In partnership, UN-Habitat, University of Twente, Habitat for Humanity International and Abidjan Convention designed a project with three different but complementary components: spatial planning, concrete interventions, and coordination and governance. The project goal is to improve adaptation of small to medium coastal settlements of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire by reducing climate change impact and establishing resilient economies and communities. The project proposal was approved by the Adaptation Fund in August 2023. The project is scheduled to span four years, commencing with the kick-off event probably in March 2024.

Habitat for Humanity International will be in charge of the implementation of various climate adaptation activities at field level, with a focus on three outputs: (1) early warning systems, preparedness plans and awareness raising; (2) green and blue infrastructure development, mangroves reforestation, and (3) climate-resilient agriculture, and training on climate change adaptation activities.

Call for Implementing Entities: Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) is seeking applications from qualified implementing entities in Ghana to collaborate on a four-year project. Interested entities should possess expertise and experience in projects related to sustainable development, climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and community engagement. The full project proposal can be accessed via this link.

In accordance with a subgrantee contract, the selected entity(s) will be entrusted with executing the project activities in Ghana. This entails establishing a contractual agreement with the entity(s) and compensating them for the services rendered.

In addition to putting in place the necessary resources for successfully executing the planned activities, the partner will also provide or hire the technical capacity required for each output. Note that this is a project with a robust technical dimension.

Depending on the applications received and after a detailed analysis, Habitat may decide to assign the project outputs to one, two or more partners, which will work in a coordinated manner.

Qualifications: The implementing entity/(s) must have the following expertise and capacities:

1. Be legally registered and authorized to operate in Ghana including all required licenses for implementing entity’s sector.
2. Demonstrated Impact and Alignment with Project Goals: Evidence of positive project outcomes and sustainable impacts in relevant climate change adaptation and resilience projects. Strong alignment with the overall goals and values of the Adaptation Fund project.
3. Proven Track Record and Technical Expertise: Successful project management and execution experience, specifically in early warning systems, drainage infrastructure, micro-infiltration cells, bioretention basins, mangrove reforestation, and resilient agriculture. Relevant technical expertise in environmental science and agriculture.
4. Local Presence and Knowledge: Strong local presence and deep understanding of the project regions in Ghana. Commitment to capacity building within local communities.
5. Financial Stability and Legal Compliance: Demonstrated financial stability and responsible fund management. Compliance with all relevant laws and regulations in Ghana. Compliance with HFHI and donor’s (i.e., Adaptation Fund and UN-Habitat) policy requirements.
6. Excellent Collaboration and Communication Skills: Effective communication and collaboration capacities with local communities, government stakeholders, and various project partners. Strong communication and reporting capabilities for clear and transparent project management.
7. Fluency in English and French: Proficiency in both English and French for effective communication and collaboration in Ghana.
8. Innovation and Adaptive Capacity: Demonstrated history of successful innovation and adaptability in addressing challenges within climate change projects, with a commitment to safeguarding, safety and security requirements and best practices.
9. Community Engagement: Proven experience in effective community engagement and participation in project development and implementation.

Selection Process

1. Expression of Interest: Interested entities are required to submit an expression of interest (see below more information about the requested documentation).
2. Preliminary Evaluation: A short list of entities will be chosen from the expressions of interest received. Site visits and/or meetings will be conducted with those on the short list.
3. Detailed Proposal Preparation: Pre-selected entities will receive comprehensive project details to enable them to prepare and submit a comprehensive proposal.
4. Sub-contractors: The final selection of implementing partners will be made based on a thorough assessment of the submitted proposals.

Expression of Interest. Interested entities are invited to submit an expression of interest (EOI) that includes the following information:

1. Contact details of the entity
2. Brief overview of the entity’s experience and expertise in any of the outputs of this project
3. Description of the entity’s organizational capacity and resources
4. Expression of interest in specific project areas or regions
5. Any other relevant information that demonstrates the entity’s suitability for implementing this project