Recruitment of Sub-grantee Partner Community-based Organizations (CBOS) For Implementation of the APESA Project 

CALL FOR PROPOSAL

RECRUITMENT OF SUB-GRANTEE PARTNER COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS (CBOS)
FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE APESA PROJECT

1. BACKGROUND

Transparency International Rwanda (TI-Rw), in partnership with the Partnership for Transparency Fund (PTF) Europe under European Fund, is implementing a 36-month action titled “Alliances and Partnerships for Evidence-led Environmental and Social Safeguarding Accountability (APESA)”, also referred to in Kinyarwanda as “Ijwi Ryanjye mu Iterambere Rirambye – INTERA.”

APESA aims to promote environmental and social justice by strengthening accountability and compliance with safeguards in public infrastructure development. The action will be implemented in 13 selected districts across Rwanda and seeks to work closely with 6 sub-grantee Community-Based Organizations (CBOs).

2. PURPOSE OF THE RECRUITMENT

This recruitment sets the framework and criteria for the competitive selection of 6 qualified CBOs to serve as local implementing partners in the APESA project for a maximum funding of 60,000 Euros each. Selected CBOs will be responsible for community-level implementation of activities that foster environmental and social safeguarding accountability, citizen engagement, and policy dialogue.

3. SCOPE OF WORK FOR SELECTED CBOs

The selected CBOs will work under the guidance of TI-Rw to:

• Mobilize and sensitize local communities on environmental and social safeguards.
• Facilitate citizen engagement with duty bearers and project implementers.
• Support local data collection, monitoring, and feedback mechanisms.
• Identify and document unmet safeguarding liabilities.
• Conduct community score card processes and social audits.
• Support research, citizen-led audits, and safeguard training sessions.
• Disseminate information materials and track responses of duty bearers.
• Host dialogue platforms between project initiators and affected communities.
• Contribute to local ownership, sustainability, and accountability outcomes.

4. TARGET DISTRICTS

APESA will be implemented in 13 selected districts namely; Kicukiro, Nyarugenge, Ngoma, Gatsibo, Rwamagana, Gicumbi, Rulindo, Muhanga, Ruhango, Nyamagabe, Rusizi, Nyamasheke and Rutsiro. Each sub-grantee CBO will be responsible for activities in at least 2 districts, based on proximity and operational capacity.

5. Eligibility Criteria

To qualify as a sub-grantee, a CBO must:

• Be legally registered with the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) and have an official collaboration letter from the selected districts.
• Have an operational office and active presence in at least one of the APESA intervention districts.

• Be capable of deploying a team to a second geographically proximate district under the APESA coverage.
• Demonstrate experience in community mobilization, citizen participation, and environment and climate change governance.
• Have functioning governance structures (e.g., Board of Directors, Executive Committee).
• Show no record of financial mismanagement or malpractice.
• Possess sound financial and management systems.
• Have a strategic plan.
• Commit to principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusion.
• Be ready to participate in a due diligence and capacity assessment process.

6. EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

Each selected CBO will be expected to:

• Develop a localized implementation plan aligned with the APESA project log frame.
• Submit regular narrative and financial reports to TI-Rw.
• Participate in capacity-building sessions, training, and coordination meetings.
• Provide evidence of activities (photos, meeting reports, audit results, etc.).
• Contribute to knowledge generation, case documentation, and success stories.

7. SELECTION PROCESS

The selection will follow a two-stage process:

• Concept Note Submission: Interested CBOs will submit a concept note outlining their interest, relevant experience, and implementation strategy.

• Full Proposal Stage: Shortlisted CBOs will be invited to submit a detailed proposal and undergo a due diligence review and institutional assessment.

All applications will be evaluated based on:

• Relevance and experience (30%)
• Technical capacity (20%)
• Local presence and reach (15%)
• Governance and financial systems (20%)
• Innovation and sustainability approaches (15%)

8. DURATION OF PARTNERSHIP

The sub-grant agreement will cover the implementation period of up to 24 months, depending on availability of funds, and mutual agreement.

9. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested and eligible CBOs are invited to:

Submit a Concept Note (max 2 pages) detailing: organizational background, relevant experience, proposed districts of implementation, and preliminary ideas for community engagement in climate change and environmental related issues.

Attach copies of:

• Registration certificate and district collaboration letters
• Latest strategic plan (if available)
• Latest audited financial statements or financial report
• Organizational profile

All documents must be submitted to TI-Rw through info@tirwanda.org,using the email of the organization
by 15th February 2026. 
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. For further clarification, do not hesitate to contact TI Rwanda on
+250788309563 during working hours.

Done in Kigali, on 19th /01/2026

Apollinaire Mupiganyi

Executive Director