Apply Now: Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion for Displaced and Host Communities (Sudan)

Deadline: 15-Sep-2026

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is inviting NGOs and international NGOs to submit expressions of interest for livelihoods and economic inclusion interventions supporting forcibly displaced populations (FDPs) and host communities in Sudan. The initiative focuses on sustainable income opportunities, climate-smart agriculture, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and local economic development, with particular attention to North Kordofan amid the ongoing crisis. What Is the UNHCR Sudan Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion Initiative? UNHCR’s call aims to reduce economic vulnerability and dependency among displaced people and host communities affected by the conflict in Sudan. The initiative promotes economic inclusion by helping forcibly displaced populations participate more effectively in local markets and livelihoods while also strengthening opportunities for host communities. Create opportunities for displaced people and host communities to generate income. Strengthen peaceful coexistence through shared economic opportunities. Why It Matters Sudan’s ongoing conflict has severely disrupted livelihoods, markets, employment, agricultural production, and access to financial services. For refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and vulnerable host communities, limited access to economic opportunities can increase poverty and dependence on humanitarian assistance. UNHCR’s approach links humanitarian support with longer-term economic inclusion. The program is intended to help communities move toward: The emphasis should be on sustainable economic activity rather than short-term income generation alone. Climate-Smart Agriculture Climate-smart livelihood pathways are another major priority.

Supported approaches may involve:

Crop production. Livestock production. Fisheries. Climate-resilient agricultural practices. Improved production techniques. Market linkages. Diversification of agricultural livelihoods. Climate-smart approaches are particularly relevant where communities depend heavily on natural resources and agriculture while facing climate and conflict-related shocks. Financial Inclusion The initiative also seeks to improve access to financial services. Potential interventions may help eligible beneficiaries connect with: Financial institutions. Savings mechanisms. Appropriate financial products. Business finance. Market-based financial services. Improving financial access can help entrepreneurs and households invest in productive activities and strengthen their economic resilience. Support for SMEs and FDP-Led Organizations UNHCR also highlights support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and forcibly displaced persons-led organizations (FDPLOs). Micro start-up grants may be provided, including through cash-based interventions, to help stimulate local economic activity. Such support can potentially help organizations and businesses: Start or expand economic activities. Purchase essential productive assets. Increase local market participation. Create income opportunities. Strengthen supply chains. Contribute to local economic recovery. Creating an Enabling Economic Environment The initiative is not limited to direct beneficiary support. It also seeks to create an environment where livelihoods can become more sustainable through engagement with key institutions.

Relevant stakeholders may include:

Government authorities. Financial institutions. Private-sector businesses. Market actors. Local organizations. Community structures. Other development and humanitarian partners. This systems-level approach can help address barriers that prevent displaced people and host communities from participating fully in the economy. Who Is Eligible? The call is aimed at non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) with the capacity to implement livelihoods and economic inclusion interventions in Sudan. Eligible organizations should be able to demonstrate capacity to: Organizations should also have relevant technical, operational, financial, and partnership capabilities appropriate to the proposed intervention. Geographic Focus The initiative focuses on Sudan, with particular attention to North Kordofan. Applicants should therefore demonstrate a strong understanding of the local economic environment, displacement situation, market conditions, livelihood opportunities, and operational challenges in their proposed areas of intervention. How the Program Works The intervention is designed around several interconnected components:

Assess livelihood opportunities: Identify viable market-based opportunities appropriate to local conditions.

Support entrepreneurship: Facilitate self-employment and business development.

Strengthen climate resilience: Promote climate-smart agriculture and diversified livelihoods.

Improve financial access: Connect beneficiaries and businesses with appropriate financial services.

Provide targeted start-up support: Support SMEs and FDP-led organizations through mechanisms such as micro start-up grants and cash-based interventions.

Build partnerships: Work with government, financial institutions, private-sector actors, and other stakeholders.

Promote sustainable inclusion: Ensure interventions contribute to longer-term economic participation rather than temporary assistance alone.

How to Prepare an Expression of Interest Organizations interested in responding should develop an expression of interest that clearly demonstrates their capacity and proposed approach.

1. Confirm Organizational Eligibility

Verify that the organization:

Is an eligible NGO or INGO. Has relevant operational capacity in Sudan. Can work with displaced and host populations. Has experience implementing livelihoods or economic inclusion programs. Can coordinate with government and other stakeholders.

2. Define the Economic Problem

Explain the specific barriers facing target communities. These c