Scaling Up Community-based Land Registration and Land Use Planning on Customary Land in Kyoga Plains and Mt. Elgon regions in Uganda

Deadline

3 November 2023

The purpose of the Call for Expression of Interest is to solicit interest from national not for profit rural civil society organizations or Universities as Implementing Partners that wish to participate in UN-Habitat operation and contribute complementary resources (human resources, knowledge, funds, in-kind contributions, supplies and/or equipment) to achieving common objectives as outlined below and subsequently agreed in an Agreement of Cooperation

Purpose of CFP: To implement a project in Uganda aimed at improving tenure security and sustainable land use for men, women, and youth on customary land, in a participatory way in the Kyoga plains and Mt. Elgon regions.

Submission Start Date: 16th October 2023

Submission Deadline Date and time: 3rd November 2023, 5 P.M. Nairobi Time

Project Key Information

UN-Habitat Project Title: Scaling up Community-based Land Registration and Land Use Planning on Customary Land in Uganda
Locations
- Three (3) agro-production zones in Uganda, namely; Zone 1: South-western Uganda (Potato production area), Zone 2: The Kyoga Plains (Lowland rice production area) and; Zone 3: Mt. Elgon Region (Potato and upland rice production area). In addition, the project will also work in one selected district in the West-Nile region of Uganda.
Specific Location Sites for this Call for Proposal
- Butaleja District in Kyoga Plains.
- Mbale District in Mt. Elgon Region
- Specific sub-counties to be agreed upon.
Anticipated start date: 1^st December 2023
Maximum proposed value in US$:290,000
Estimated duration of project in calendar months: Eighteen (18) months
Lead Organization Unit: Land, Housing and Shelter Section, Urban Practices Branch.

Brief Background of the Project

The Land, Housing and Shelter Section (LHSS), within the Urban Practices Branch of UN-Habitat, hosts the secretariat of the Global Land Tool Network (GLTN), which is a network of over 80 international institutions that was established in 2006 and since then, has been working to promote secure land and property rights for all, through the development of pro-poor fit-for-purpose and gender appropriate land tools within the continuum of land rights approach. Since 2012, GLTN has started working at country level to test and implement developed land tools and approaches, support land policy development and implementation, undertake capacity development initiatives and awareness and knowledge building initiatives in collaboration with government authorities and partners. Phase 3 GLTN’s phase 3 programme’s overall goal is improving tenure security for women, youth, and vulnerable groups.

The Global Land Tool Network received funding from the Netherlands government through the Netherlands Enterprise and Development Agency (RVO) to implement a phase two of the “Scaling up Community-based Land Registration and Land Use Planning on Customary Land in Uganda” project. Building on the experiences lessons from phase one of the project, the project aims to contribute to the development of a structured and scalable approach towards improved tenure security and sustainable land use for men, women and youth on customary land, in a participatory way.

The project goal will be achieved through the following specific objectives:

Improved tenure security for men, women and youth.
Sustainable, climate-smart and inclusive land use planning.
Improved capacity and awareness of key land stakeholders on customary land registration and land use planning.

This call for proposal contributes to this project with an aim to improve land tenure security of about 5,000 rural smallholder farmers majority of whom are poor women, men, youth and vulnerable group, and enumeration and mapping of at least 2,500 wetland use rights in the Kyoga plains and Elgon regions. The project will also support capacity development of institutions and individuals responsible for customary land registration and sustainable wetland management.The actual target shall be discussed and agreed upon prior to commencement of the project. In implementing this project, UN-Habitat and GLTN tools and approaches are expected to be applied in collaboration with national, local, and traditional authorities. Smallholder farmers in the target areas will be supported to register their customary land rights and to acquire Wetland Resource Use Permits, support the development of wetland management plan with considerations on climate change, natural resource management and environment protection. To achieve inclusive and sustainable change, capacity development and awareness raising on land registration and wetland/land use is needed, especially with attention to the position of women and youth. Also, the project aims to work through a participatory and gender responsive approaches, and therefore stakeholders need to be engaged in the registration and wetland/land use planning activities and or processes. The project will also contribute to the development and implementation of standard operating procedures on customary land registration, alternative dispute resolution and land use planning, and in sharing lessons and capacities to other partners and stakeholders.

Main Outputs and Activities

In close collaboration with UN-Habitat and GLTN Secretariat, Government authorities (MLHUD, NEMA, MWE and JLOS), district and cultural authorities, and other land stakeholders, the Implementing Partner will be undertaking the following key interventions and activities, but not limited to:

On Land Tenure Security:

To mobilize local communities to be project partners in addressing tenure insecurity issues.
To identify and work with change agents in improving tenure security of smallholder farmers in select sub counties in Butaleja district and Mbale district.
Identify appropriate tools and adopt them to improve land tenure security on customary land.
Support communities to apply for Certificates of Customary Ownerships (CCOs).
Undertake mapping, inventory, and enumeration of customary land rights.
Establish and/or strengthen Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms.
Display in the community database and maps produced for validation.
Establish a digital database using UN-Habitat/GLTN tools as appropriate.
Provide the necessary support in the processing and issuance of CCOs.

Expected Result: Improved tenure security for at least 5,000 smallholder farmers including men, women, and youth.

On Land Use Planning:

Mobilize local communities to be project partners in addressing wetland management and wise use issues.
Identify appropriate tools and adopt them to ensure sustainable and inclusive wetland management.
Identify and work with change agents in improving wetland use planning in select wetland areas.
Support small-holder farmers to organize and incorporate into Wetland Management Associations
Undertake mapping, inventory and enumeration of existing wetland use rights.
Develop Wetland Management plans in a participatory way.
Display in the community maps, and wetland management plans developed for validation.
Establish a digital database using UN-Habitat/GLTN tools as appropriate.
Support communities to apply and acquire Wetland Resource Use Permits

Expected Result: Sustainable, climate-smart, and inclusive land use planning whereby two wetland management plans developed, and at least 2,500 wetland user rights enumerated, mapped and database established.

On Awareness Building and Capacity Development:

Undertake stakeholder mapping and analysis.
Develop & disseminate knowledge and awareness materials.
Customize Social Tenure Domain Model (STDM) and other prioritized GLTN tools.
Implement select GLTN’s fit for purpose and gender responsive land tools and approaches.
Organize training and capacity development events for land management institutions and individuals on customary land registration and wetland management. For customary land registration capacity development, a cascade approach will be used, where trainer of trainers (ToT) at national level will build capacity at the district and create a pool of trainers of trainer who in turn will capacitate sub-counties in customary land registration processes.
Organize training and other capacity development events to implement land tools and disseminate good practices and lessons learnt.
Organize and/or support multi-stakeholder workshops, dialogues, meetings, and events.
Develop and implement a communications strategy and risk management plan.
Organize consultation workshops, learning exchanges and related events to improve knowledge and awareness of target groups on issues and measures for improving tenure security, land use planning and influence policy and practice.
Support the implementation of standard operating procedures on customary land registration, land use planning and alternative dispute resolution.

Expected Result: Improved capacity and awareness of key land stakeholders on customary land registration and land use planning in at least 16 sub-counties in Mbale and Butaleja districts.

On Programme Management and Coordination:

To ensure effectively working arrangements with government and traditional authorities and other relevant land stakeholders and institutions and forge partnerships at various levels
Administer feedback mechanisms
To prepare progress and monitoring reports including financial reporting
To document and disseminate key interventions, good practices and lessons learned.

Expected Result: Efficient and effective project management and coordination.

Risk Analysis

The following potential risks may occur so the suggested mitigation factors need to be considered. Constant monitoring is also essential.

Risk Assessment	Mitigating Factors
Inadequate commitment by local government and traditional authorities, and key partners	Sensitization process and dialogues with local government, traditional authorities and key champions within the line Ministries and other key partners
Limited commitment and financial support from the Ugandan government.	Active coordination with other donors in the land governance sector is essential to guarantee effective allocation and continued effort from the Ugandan government. The MoU between UN-Habitat and Ugandan government through MLHUD will be considered as a means for both parties to publicly highlight the project’s importance and underline the commitment of both parties.
Conflicts around the land, especially in the wetland areas increase	The project's approach is based on integrating the conflict resolution and mediation/ alternative dispute resolution from the start, the conflicts that might emerge can be dealt with. In the wetlands area, a cautious approach based on trust building needs to be followed in order to decrease conflict possibilities.
Reluctance of farmers to join the project, especially in the wetlands area, because of experiences with large scale agricultural investments and expropriation.	Working with local civil society organizations who are rooted within communities, helps to increase trust. In addition, the project includes continuous awareness raising and capacity development interventions at community level.
Discriminatory social norms against women and youth, including the lack of gender responsive land administration limit women and youth’s ability to fully participate and exercise their land rights.	The project will promote joint registration and ensure at least 40% of all land tenure documents issued under this project in the names of women. In addition, the project, with partners, will engage cultural leaders to influence the change of cultural norms and practices that discriminate against women, youth and vulnerable groups.
Pandemics like Ebola and Covid-19 might have implication on project implementation like quarantine measures that can reduce workforce availability, restrictions on movement causing delays in project activities. The need for social distancing hindering meetings, consultation, and collaborations.	Regular communication with stakeholders about project updates in the face of change. Ensure stakeholders follow recommended guideline. Continuous monitoring and be ready to adjust accordingly. Facilitate remote working.

Eligibility Criteria

Criteria	Submission Details/ Documents Required
Legal Status	Certificate of registration/incorporation i.e., Proof of registration in Country of Origin. Proof of registration of Country of operation Proof of country operational presence
Organization profile and details	Clear organization profile and structure of the organization indicating : Organization’s vision, mission and objectives Management structure Members of the Governing Board and their Designations duly certified by the Corporate Secretary, or its equivalent document Proof of membership to professional associations if any.
Financial Capacity	Audited company financial statements (balance sheet and income statement) and auditors report for the last two years
Exclusive bank account	Is the organization willing and able to have a separate bank account for the funds provided by UN-Habitat?
Integrity and Governance	The organization should complete and submit a signed Partner Declaration Form (Form can be accessed here, also provided on request) Provide the profiles of the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Head of the Organization and Chief of Finance

Submission of Technical and Financial Proposal

A technical proposal should be submitted presenting a detailed discussion of land issues in Uganda, existing policies and programmes, proposed methodology to address the issues, suggested project sites, description and justifications, key milestones, outputs, activities and timelines for delivery (10 pages max).

A budget proposal should accompany the technical proposal, which include the proposed budget per output/activity per different expense class or budget categories and estimated cash and/or in-kind contribution from implementing partners. The templates for technical and budget proposal are available here.

Selection Criteria

Criteria	Submission Details/ Documents Required	Weight
1. Technical capacity		30%
1.1 Does the organization have the relevant experience and proven track record in implementing activities in the areas of the project? Has it managed in the past projects of similar technical complexities and financial size? Is the project linked with the core business of the IP?	· List of projects executed in the last 2 years (value, location, donors, nature of projects, execution stage – completed or ongoing). · Demonstrate how the experiences in past projects are relevant in the execution of the current proposal · References from past donors (if available)
1.2 Does the organization have qualified technical staff with the experience and the technical skills required by the project? What is the staff size, type, qualification and education background?	· CVs of key management staff, technical and non-technical staff that will be involved on the project · How many technical staff do you have in the concerned Country for implementing the project? Is there reasonable assurance that such technical staff required by the project will continue to be available as needed in the Project? Will there be plans to recruit more technical staff? What would be the qualifications?
1.3 Does the organization have a clear and strong link with an identifiable constituency relevant to the targeted population of the project? Does it have the ability to impact on the targeted population and on the issues? Does it have strong presence in the field and for how long? Does it have adequate capacity to work in key areas/regions where the proposed field activities will be implemented?	· Demonstrate, describe and provide proof of local operational presence, including link and ability to impact the targeted population. · If applicable, name local partner organizations in the proposed project sites
1.4 Does the organization possess adequate physical facilities, office equipment, transport, etc. to implement the activities?	· Provide location and list of office facilities, vehicles and office equipment locally available to implement the project. · If applicable, provide plans to secure additional office facilities, vehicles and office equipment
1.5 Does the organization have formal procedures to monitor project execution (e.g. milestones, outputs, expenditures…)	· Provide formal project monitoring policies and procedures · Provide a description on how the IP will monitor and document project activities
2. Financial and administrative capacity		20%
2.1 Has the organization been in operation over a period of at least 2 years to demonstrate its financial sustainability and relevance?	· State the years of operation · Financial statements for the last 2 years
2.2 Does the organization have qualified staff in Finance? Is the current accounting system computerized and does have the capacity to collect and provide separate financial reports on the activities executed under the Agreement of Cooperation? Does it have systems and practices to monitor and report whether the project deliverables and expenditures are within agreed time and budget? Does it have minimum segregation of duties in place (separation between project management, finance/accounting and executive office)	· CVs of key finance and accounting staff · Description and key features and controls of the accounting system used · Organization structure/ Organogram
2.3 Does the organization have the capacity to procure goods and services on a transparent and competitive basis?	· Copies of procurement policies and procedures. The procedures should show how you procure locally and internationally. · Describe how to procure goods and services on a transparent and competitive basis
2.4 Does the organization have formal procedures and controls to mitigate fraud such as multiple signature signatories on bank accounts, reporting and prosecution of incidences of fraud?	· Describe anti-fraud controls and provide formal procedures
2.5 Does the organization have capacity to provide in-kind, financial, personnel contribution as UN-Habitat Implementing Partner in this present project? Please give details of contribution nature and size.	· Describe nature and value of contribution (in-kind or cash) · Describe this in the budget proposal
3. Financial Proposal		20%
3.1 Is the budget for each component of the activity to be performed by the Implementing Partner (i) cost-effective (i.e. the cost should be economical and prudently estimated to avoid any under/over estimation) (ii) justifiable/well supported and (iii) accurate and complete	Budget Proposal · BOQ (if applicable) · Other supporting documents
4. Technical Proposal		30%
4.1 The technical proposal is sound and responds adequately to the specifications and requirements?	Technical Proposal document
Cumulative score for ratios		100%

Expression of Interest must be delivered in electronic format no later than 3rd November 2023 to Simon Peter Mwesigye at the following email address simon.mwesigye@un.org with a copy to Ms. Evelyne Ajambo email address: evelyne.ajambo@un.org. All related questions or clarifications must also be coursed through the above email addresses. Upon request to the same email addresses, all related forms and templates will also be shared.

Disclaimer: Please note that this notice does not constitute a solicitation and UN‐Habitat reserves the right to change or cancel this project at any time in the process. Submitting a reply to an EOI does not guarantee that the submitting organization will be selected to carry out the implementation of the project

Notes:

Interested Organizations must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (brochure, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc.).
The CFP and accompanying documents must be received in accordance with instructions provided. CFP submitted to a different email address other than the specified one will not be considered.
CFP from applicants failing to provide the complete information to fulfill the basic eligibility criteria will be considered non-responsive.
CFP received after the above deadline will not be considered
Organizations will be selected in accordance with the procedure set out in the UN-Habitat IP Management policy and Standard Operating Procedures.
CFP from applicants failing to provide the requested information will be disregarded.
This CFP does not entail any commitment on the part of UN-Habitat, either financial or otherwise. UN-Habitat reserves the right to accept or reject any or all Proposals without incurring any obligation to inform the affected applicant(s) of the grounds.
All prices must be in USD