INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR DEMOCRACY AND ELECTORAL ASSISTANCE
OPEN CALL FOR SUBMISSION OF GRANT PROPOSALS FOR INCLUSIVE LESOTHO – PARTICIPATION COMPONENT
Call for Proposal Reference No: 2026-01-084
Deadline for Submissions: Proposals must be submitted on or before 23:59 CET, March 6, 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.
Submission Email: [email protected]
(Auto‑response enabled. If no auto-reply is received, follow instructions below.)
If you do not receive an auto‑acknowledgment, send a text message (no calls) before the deadline to +46725375735 including:
• Tender reference number and title
• Email address used for submission
• Date and time of submission
Also email the same details to [email protected] before the deadline.
Format for Submissions:
Proposals must be submitted by email. Technical and Financial Proposals must be in separate files, using the templates provided.
Email Subject Line:
Tender No: 2026-01-084 Technical and Financial Proposals for Inclusive Lesotho – Participation Component – Do not open before 23:59 (CET), March 6, 2026
Clarifications Email: [email protected]
A Q&A session will be held via Microsoft Teams on February 19, 2026 at 10:00 (Lesotho time).
Clarification requests may be submitted until February 26, 2026.
Responses to all clarifications will be published on: http://www.idea.int/
(Tenderers must check the website regularly.)
INVITATION TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS
Section 1. General Information
1.1 About International IDEA
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1995, supporting sustainable democracy worldwide.
Overview of Inclusive Lesotho Project
International IDEA, in partnership with UNDP Lesotho, has launched a four‑year EU‑funded initiative (2025–2029) to enhance participation and inclusion in Lesotho’s political system and strengthen election administration.
Overall Objective:
Enhance participation and inclusion in Lesotho’s political system, and strengthen election administration.
Specific Objective:
Strengthen participation of women, youth, persons with disabilities, LGBTIQ+ communities, and other vulnerable groups in democratic and electoral processes.
Expected Outputs:
i. Increased participation and inclusion of vulnerable groups in democratic and electoral processes.
ii. Enhanced transparency of elections through CSO and media monitoring.
iii. Improved internal democracy, gender equality, and financial transparency within political parties.
1.2 Call for Proposals
International IDEA invites proposals from qualified Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with presence in Lesotho to support Output 1.
Objectives of the Call
i. Strengthen CSO capacity to promote inclusion in electoral processes.
ii. Enhance collaboration between CSOs and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
Available Output for this Call
Output 1 – Increased participation and inclusion of vulnerable groups in democratic and election processes
Key activities include:
• Development of civic and voter education materials targeting multiple demographics
• Training of community volunteers
• Dissemination of materials in collaboration with IEC and partners
Note: Proposals must demonstrate collaboration with IEC and other project partners.
1.3 Implementation Area
Any of the 10 districts of Lesotho.
1.4 Tentative Timeframe
Grant period: 01 May 2026 – 31 December 2028
1.5 Estimated Budget
Two CSOs will be awarded grants of approximately M600,000.00 each.
Section 2. Preparation of Proposals
Essential Requirements
2.1 Language:
English only.
2.2 Alignment:
Proposals must fully address participation and inclusion of marginalized groups.
2.3 Eligibility Criteria
CSOs must:
i. Have physical presence in at least one targeted district and national influence.
ii. Demonstrate commitment to civic/voter education and democracy work.
iii. Be legally registered in Lesotho for at least 5 years with audited financials.
iv. Show capacity to plan, budget, implement and monitor projects.
v. Demonstrate strong financial management and reporting systems.
vi. Have financial sustainability and robust internal controls.
vii. Provide two most recent audited financial statements (ending 2022).
viii. Provide 2 recommendation letters from past/present international donors.
ix. Demonstrate Gender & Social Inclusion commitment.
Ineligible entities:
• Individuals
• Political parties
• For‑profit organizations
• Government institutions
• Discriminatory faith-based organizations
2.4 Proposal Documents
i. Narrative Proposal using the official template.
ii. Financial Proposal in Loti
Budget structure:
• Staff Costs – max 35%
• Office Costs – max 7%
• Activity Costs – max 58%
• Declaration of Honour Form C
Section 3. Submission of Proposals
• Technical and Financial Proposals must be separate files.
• Proposals must remain valid 90 days after the deadline.
• Submission email and subject line details listed at start of document.
Section 4. Evaluation and Selection
4.1 Administrative Check
Deadline compliance and eligibility verification.
4.2 Full Proposal Evaluation
Scoring Structure (100 points total):
| Criteria | Max Points |
|---|---|
| Relevance of Proposal | 15 |
| Quality / Sustainability | 10 |
| Rationale | 15 |
| Inclusion & Participation | 10 |
| Methodology & CVE Dissemination | 10 |
| Relevant Experience | 10 |
| M&E and Timeframe | 5 |
| Risk Mitigation | 5 |
| Budget & Value for Money | 20 |
Passing thresholds:
• Technical Proposal: minimum 60/80
• Financial Proposal: minimum 15/20
• Combined: minimum 75% to progress to Capacity Assessment
4.3 Capacity Assessment
A detailed organizational assessment will be conducted for shortlisted applicants. Final awards depend on successful assessment and negotiation.
Section 5. Final Considerations
• International IDEA reserves the right not to select any proposal.
• Supporting annexes (A–E) accompany the call.
• All applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome.
• Complaints may be sent to: [email protected]