1- Introduction

The Skills, Training, and Education Program (STEP) partners are pleased to announce this call for proposals (CfP). STEP Strategic Partners include: the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), Spark, International Islamic Charity Organization (ICCO), Qatar Charity, Al Awn Foundation for Development, Jusoor, and Shaikh Abdullah Al Nouri Charity Society. 

STEP is derived from the operational strategy and five-year action plan of the IsDB's fragility and resilience policy, aimed at reducing poverty and improving livelihoods through supporting refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), and host communities in IsDB member countries.

STEP is designed to address the needs of refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and host communities in IsDB member countries that are hosting large forced displaced populations exceeding one million (1 million), these countries are (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Chad, Cameroon, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Türkiye, Palestine, Uganda, and Yemen). The program's development goal is to contribute to reducing poverty in IsDB member countries focusing on supporting young refugees, IDPs, and vulnerable hosting communities. More specifically, STEP will contribute to:

1. Increasing access to education, focusing on smart education.
2. Providing skills development and entrepreneurship incubators; and
3. Creating green jobs for the beneficiaries.

By the end of 2027, the program is expected to benefit 650,000 children and youth of refugees, IDPs, and host communities. The program will also contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); SDGs 1, 4, 5, 8, 16, and 17.

This CfP aims to empower marginalized forcibly displaced communities through transformative initiatives that equip them with essential tools for sustainable socioeconomic progress by addressing educational and skills development gaps and inspiring hope, purpose, and self-sufficiency among young refugees, IDPs, and vulnerable host communities.

Interested organizations are invited to submit their proposals using the application form provided. For further information and to access the application form, please visit this link or contact the STEP Program Management Team (PMT) at STEP@isdb.org .

2- General Information

RFP No. / Program title:  RFP No. 1 / The Skills, Training, and Education Program (STEP)

RFP Start Date: 17 February 2025. Due Date for Questions: 24^th February 2025

• Submission of questions or requests for clarification will only be accepted in writing via email to (STEP@isdb.org), by 5:00 P.M. Jeddah time.
• Answers will be shared through an online meeting and via email on 27^st February 2025.

Deadline for Proposals: 17^th March 2025

• Proposal submission (single pdf document according to STEP template including all supporting documents) due by 5:00 P.M. Jeddah time by email to (STEP@isdb.org).
• Proposals shall be in English language.
• Insert the following in the email subject line: STEP RfP1: Title of the proposal-Implementation Country-Implementing Agency
• Incomplete proposals and/or proposals received after the deadline will not be considered.

Notification of results: 15^th April 2025

3- Eligibility Criteria

Organizations eligible to apply must:

• Be an NGO, civil society organization, or an academic institution or a consortium of any of them. 
• To have a physical office and an implementing capacity in one of the countries targeted by the Program (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Chad, Cameroon, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Türkiye, Uganda, Palestine, and Yemen).
• Have a minimum of three years' experience or one year of experience supported by two recommendation letters from STEP partners in delivering relevant services.
• Have a proven track record in similar projects related to STEP determinants.
• Demonstrate their achievements to date.
• Demonstrate good practice in corporate governance and financial management (attach an NGO profile, Audit reports, reference letters, certificates, and recognition letters).
• Demonstrate capacity to contribute financially (i.e. state clearly the financial funds available for the project) or mobilize additional resources for the project of focus (i.e. demonstrate capability and plan to secure additional funding required for the proposed project) to maximize the impact of the project.
• The NGO must be prepared to submit an endorsement letter (No Objection Letter) from the governor—typically the Ministry of Finance—of the member country where the project will be implemented, upon project approval.

4- Instructions for the Preparation of the Proposal

The proposal should follow the attached STEP template and should include all the required details and content within 20-30 pages maximum.

Each organization shall submit only one proposal, and the proposal shall be valid for 90 days.

5- Funding

Successful applicants will be awarded the requested funding based on the strength and impact of their proposals, given the STEP partners accepted to fund. IsDB has the right to reject or accept in full or partial any submitted proposal.

6- Evaluation Method

A Technical Committee consisting of representatives from all STEP strategic partners is established to oversee the appraisal and evaluation of the proposals. The STEP Steering Committee will be responsible for the final selection of successful proposals. The evaluation process takes into consideration the following:

1. Innovative approach to addressing critical challenges.

• This criterion requires proposed projects to present new and unconventional solutions to address the significant challenges faced by the target group and the host countries.
• The focus of this criterion is on the project's ability to offer innovative ideas that effectively and efficiently contribute to solving existing problems. The proposed project should include a deep and accurate understanding of the situations of the target group, as well as a realistic understanding of the challenges facing the host countries, both at a macro level and within the micro level of intervention.
• This element of the project is highlighted through its reflection on the work methodology, implementation mechanisms, and methods of delivering services to the target group.

2. Potential for sustainable impact

• This criterion requires evaluating the ability of the proposed project to achieve positive outcomes that persist long after the project has ended. This includes considering the sustainability of results in the long term and the project's ability to generate lasting impact in the lives of beneficiaries and the community. The focus of this criterion is to ensure that projects do not merely achieve short-term goals but go beyond that to build a strong foundation that continues to provide benefits even after the project's duration ends.
• This includes strategies such as building local capacities, encouraging partnerships with local and international organizations, and developing business models capable of achieving self-funding. Additionally, this element is realized in projects that show clear potential to achieve sustainable impact and create real, lasting change in the lives of refugees and displaced persons by improving education levels, enhancing employment opportunities, and providing permanent psychological and social support.

3. Organizational capacity and experience

• This criterion requires evaluating the proposed organization's ability to successfully implement the project based on its previous experience and administrative and organizational capacities. This includes reviewing the organization's structure, available resources, and experience in managing and implementing similar projects. The organization should demonstrate its experience by providing details of at least one previously executed project similar to the proposed one, as well as showcasing its expertise and competence in serving refugees and displaced people and managing similar funding. The organization should support this with data, facts, and success stories.
• Regarding organizational capacity, having a strong and comprehensive administrative structure is an indicator of the organization's ability to fulfill its administrative and operational duties. This includes having qualified and trained teams, effective internal systems for managing the project and achieving its goals, and the ability to handle challenges and problems that may arise during implementation.
• This element is evaluated based on the explanation and attached documents provided in the proposal, the proposed project team's resume, and the organization's successful completion of compliance checks within the bank.

4. Monitoring and evaluation framework

• This criterion requires evaluating the effectiveness of the tools and methods the organization uses to monitor and assess the progress of the project and measure its impact. This includes setting clear performance indicators, timelines for follow-up, and mechanisms for evaluating results and impacts.
• The monitoring and evaluation framework should include clear mechanisms for regularly collecting and analyzing data to ensure the project's goals are achieved and to address any deviations from the planned course. This involves using both quantitative and qualitative tools for data collection. Additionally, there should be a system for continuously documenting and reviewing data and for providing periodic reports to donors and stakeholders on the project's progress and outcomes.
• Projects that include a strong, practical, and realistic monitoring and evaluation framework are more capable of ensuring the achievement of desired results and improving performance over time. These frameworks also help in identifying successes and challenges early, allowing the organization to take corrective actions promptly and ensure the project's sustainability and long-term impact. An effective monitoring and evaluation framework helps build trust with donors and beneficiaries and enhances the overall transparency and effectiveness of the project.

5. Capacity for contributing close to matching fund

• This criterion requires evaluating the proposed organization's ability to provide additional financial resources to support the project, either through the organization's own contribution to the project's funding or by securing complementary funding from other donors. This criterion reflects the organization's commitment to the project and its seriousness in achieving its objectives, as well as its ability to establish partnerships and mobilize resources, which increases donors' confidence in the project's success and sustainability.

The Technical Committee of STEP will review the technical aspects of the proposal and its strength and impact, the committee will also review and determine whether the estimated proposed cost elements are realistic, clear, detailed, and in harmony with the proposed methodology and project components.

Proposals that do not meet the minimum standards of quality (content as per the provided template, page limits, or eligibility) will not be accepted.

Successful proposals will move forward and will be presented by the STEP project management to the Steering Committee for final decision. The STEP program management team shall present the accepted proposals to the Steering Committee providing all related outcomes including the selection process report, evaluation report, project summary, and other needed documents.