CFAs: Provision of Services for the Implementation of the Cape Town Mayor’s Challenge Project (South Africa)

Deadline: 14-Sep-2026

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting qualified firms and organizations to submit proposals to implement innovative, community-centered waste management solutions in informal settlements in Cape Town, South Africa. The initiative seeks an experienced service provider to support the City of Cape Town in piloting and scaling innovative approaches to waste management across selected informal settlements. The project focuses on improving environmental outcomes, strengthening community participation, and creating cleaner and healthier living environments. The selected service provider will have a six-month contract, with the duty station based in Cape Town. Purpose of the UNDP Waste Management Initiative The initiative aims to address waste management challenges in rapidly growing urban areas, particularly informal settlements where conventional waste management systems may face significant operational and community-level challenges.

The project seeks solutions that:

- Improve sustainable waste management practices. - Encourage meaningful community participation. - Address environmental challenges associated with waste. - Improve community well-being. - Support cleaner and healthier living environments. - Test innovative approaches that can potentially be scaled. - Strengthen collaboration between communities and local authorities. Focus on Informal Settlements The project specifically targets selected informal settlements in Cape Town. These communities can face complex waste management challenges associated with rapid urban growth, infrastructure limitations and increasing waste generation. The proposed solutions should therefore be community-centered and responsive to local conditions. Applicants should demonstrate an understanding of the communities in which the project will operate and explain how their approach can encourage residents to participate in improved waste management practices. Innovative Waste Management Solutions UNDP is seeking approaches that go beyond conventional waste management activities and demonstrate innovation. Potential solutions could involve new methods of: - Waste collection. - Waste reduction. - Waste separation. - Recycling. - Community-based waste management. - Environmental awareness. - Community participation. - Local waste management systems. Any proposed approach should be relevant to the project’s objectives and demonstrate practical potential for implementation and scaling. Community Participation and Engagement Community engagement is a central component of the initiative. The selected service provider is expected to foster sustainable waste management practices while encouraging community participation. A strong proposal should therefore explain: - How communities will be engaged. - How residents will participate in the project. - How local knowledge will inform implementation. - How awareness of sustainable waste practices will be developed. - How community feedback will be incorporated. - How participation can continue beyond the pilot period. Community-centered implementation can help ensure that waste management solutions are practical, locally relevant and more sustainable. Environmental and Community Benefits The project aims to generate both environmental and community benefits. Improved waste management can contribute to cleaner surroundings and healthier living conditions while helping communities adopt more sustainable practices. Applicants should clearly explain how their proposed solution can contribute to: - Improved environmental outcomes. - Cleaner informal settlements. - Better waste management practices. - Increased community participation. - Improved community well-being. - Sustainable local practices. Piloting and Scaling Solutions The initiative is designed to support the piloting and scaling of innovative waste management solutions. This means proposals should consider not only how a solution can be implemented but also how lessons from the pilot could inform future expansion. Applicants should demonstrate the practicality of their approach and explain how the project could generate useful experience, evidence or models for wider application. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants are legally registered firms and organizations that have the capacity to enter into a binding contract with UNDP. Applicants must also satisfy UNDP’s eligibility and compliance requirements. The opportunity is therefore intended for established service providers with the appropriate legal status, technical capacity and relevant experience. UN and World Bank Eligibility Requirements Applicants must not be listed on any UN or World Bank ineligibility lists. Organizations should ensure that they meet these requirements before submitting a proposal. Relevant Technical Experience Proposers must demonstrate relevant experience and technical expertise.

Important areas of expertise include:

- Waste management. - Community engagement. - Innovation. - Sustainable environmental practices. - Implementation of community-centered solutions. Applicants should provide evidence of relevant previous experience and demonstrate their ability to deliver the proposed services effectively. United Nations Supplier Code of Conduct Proposers must comply with the United Nations Supplier Code of Conduct. Applicants should ensure that their organizational practices and proposed project delivery approach are consistent with the applicable UN supplier requirements. Contract Duration The contract for the selected service provider will have a duration of six months. Applicants should demonstrate that they have the operational and technical capacity to deliver the required activities within this period. Duty Station The duty station for the selected service provider will be: Cape Town, South Africa Applicants should therefore consider their ability to deliver the required services in Cape Town and within the selected informal settlements covered