European Commission’s Open Call for Proposals in Sierra Leone

The European Commission’s thematic programme, “Non-State Actors and Local Authorities in Development aims at strengthening the capacities of civil society organizations and local authorities as a pre-condition for a more equitable, open and democratic society through support to their “own initiatives.”

“The global objective of this call for proposals is strengthening the capacity of civil society organisations and local authorities in Sierra Leone, with a view to facilitating their participation in defining and implementing poverty reduction and sustainable development strategies particularly within the areas of Health and Water & Sanitation.

The specific objective is to improve the MDG health indicators and to increase the percentage of the population in target areas with access to health services, water supply and a safe and reliable sanitation.

Actions must correspond to at least one or both of the two thematic areas (1) health and 2) Water & Sanitation) identified as specific objectives and should always contain a significant element of capacity building geared towards local development actors, be it NSA, LA or more informal groupings of beneficiaries. Therefore a participatory approach, empowering local communities, should be ensured.

Whenever possible, particular attention should be paid to cross-cutting issues contributing to the achievement of the global objective of poverty reduction, such as the promotion of gender equality, human rights and democracy, the protection and promotion of children’s rights, integration of environmental questions, respect of the rule of law and fight against HIV/AIDS.”

In this open call for proposals, both concept note and the full application form should be completed and submitted by mail to the office of the Delegation of the European Union in Sierra Leone. Applicants need to be registered at PADOR. The deadline is 28 May 2010. For more information, visit this link.