UK Integrated Security Fund

Description

1) Objective

The UK Integrated Security Fund (UKISF) for Iraq invites bids by 3 May 2024 for a programme to strengthen civil society organisations working on women, peace and security issues in the Federal and Kurdistan regions of Iraq.

Bids should contribute to these objectives:

• empower women’s organisations across Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), to advance a localised WPS agenda and sustain progress towards women’s rights and equality
• strengthen women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in society and decision-making at a local and national level

This could be achieved by:

• working under multiple WPS-related themes by issuing and managing a grant scheme to Iraqi civil society organisations
• where opportunities are identified or present themselves, provide direct support to the Government of Iraq (GoI) and Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to progress the Iraqi National Action Plans on WPS. This can be delivered directly by the successful applicant and/or through the CSOs grant activities
• supporting Iraqi CSOs through training, capability and capacity building, as well as strengthening networks. The grant scheme should be open to women-led CSOs based in Iraq, as well as CSOs that demonstrate a connection to WPS issues in Iraq. Disbursement and oversight of grants will be managed by the successful applicant. Grants will range in size and scope

2) Eligibility

The successful applicant will have previous experience working in Iraq or the Middle East, with deep, relevant thematic experience on women, peace and security objectives. They should understand the importance of supporting local civil society to implement self-defined and locally-driven priorities.

3) Location

Actions must take place in Iraq.

4) Budget

The programme delivery period will be for an initial 3-year contract with a total allocation of up to £5 million. They envisage the funding breakdown will be through an initial allocation of £1 million to cover activity over financial year 2024 to 2025. On assessment of performance at the end of financial year 2024 to 2025, the grant would continue for the next 2 years, with an allocation of up to £2 million per financial year. This would be subject to confirmation of funding allocations and satisfactory performance.

5) Application