Transformative Capacity Development Program focusing on Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and CSO Coalitions in Zimbabwe

Date: 30 July 2025
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1. Introduction

The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum and COSPE, with co-funding from the European Union, are pleased to announce a Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from eligible Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and CSO Coalitions operating in Zimbabwe to participate in a Transformative Capacity Development Program. The targeted CBOs, CSOs, and Coalitions will include those working with marginalized groups such as women, youth, children, People with Disabilities (PwDs) and other vulnerable communities. This transformative capacity development program aims to strengthen the functions and structures relating to organisational governance, management, and leadership of local organizations, enabling them to more effectively address critical developmental and human rights challenges in different communities.

2. Background

The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum and COSPE, with co-funding from the European Union, are implementing a program titled CS4ZIM: Civil society actors as drivers of transformative change in Zimbabwe. As part of this program, the Forum and COSPE intends to select a total of 40 CSOs, CBOs, and Coalitions drawn across all the 10 provinces in Zimbabwe, who will take part in the transformative capacity development program. Specifically, the transformative capacity development program will target entry level, mid-career level, senior management, and board representatives from these organizations through offering tailor made capacity development opportunities based on their competencies, capabilities, and needs. This strategy has been offered to help address specific needs and skills gap at each level, creating a platform for continuous learning, mentorship and knowledge sharing in a manner that is different to the traditional one size fit all approach. It will also serve the purpose of motivating staff at different levels with networking opportunities, and succession planning within the civil society. Selected and successful CSOs, CBOs and CSO Coalitions into the Transformative Capacity Development program will be given an opportunity to apply for sub-grants that can support the operationalisation of the acquired skills and competences to address their priority needs over the project duration.

3. Program Overview (Objectives)

The Transformative Capacity Development Program will offer a wide suite of interventions tailored to the identified needs and priorities of participating organizations on a case-by-case basis. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Organizational Development: Strengthening internal governance, compliance to regulations such as PVO, strategic planning, financial management, human resource management, and operational efficiency.
• Programmatic Enhancement: Improving project design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting for greater impact.
• Advocacy and Communication: Building skills in effective advocacy, public engagement, media relations, and strategic communication to influence policy and public opinion.
• Resource Mobilization: Enhancing capabilities in fundraising, proposal writing, and diversifying funding streams.
• Networking and Collaboration: Facilitating partnerships, coalition building, and knowledge sharing among organizations.
• Specialized Thematic Training: Depending on the needs of selected organizations, these may include digital transformation, documentation, Gender Equality, Disability, Youth, and Social Inclusion.

The program will utilize blended delivery and learning approaches, combining workshops, coaching, mentorship, peer-to-peer learning, and use of online resources. Program success will require genuine learning commitment by participating organizations.

4. Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for this transformative capacity development program, interested CBOs, CSOs and Coalitions must meet the following minimum criteria:

• Legal Status: Must be a legally registered Private Voluntary Organization (PVO) in Zimbabwe, OR provide evidence of progress towards registration as a PVO.
• Equal Opportunities: CSOs/CBOs/Coalitions should not be currently directly benefiting from other major funding programs active in Zimbabwe
• Operational Presence: Must have a record of operational presence and demonstrated work within the specified area e.g., at national, provincial, district or community level in Zimbabwe. Priority will be given to grassroot organizations, CBOs/CSOs/Coalition led by1 women, youth (18-35 years), and PLWDs and vulnerable communities.
• Location: priority will be given to CBOs based in marginalised, remote and or rural areas of Zimbabwe. It will be an added advantage if the same CBOs are members of CSO coalition/ Associations.
• Mission Alignment: The organization’s mission and activities must align with principles of human rights, community development, good governance, and social justice.
• Demonstrated Need: Clearly articulate specific capacity development needs and how participation in this program will address these gaps.
• Commitment: Demonstrate a strong commitment from leadership and staff to be available and actively participate in all program activities and to apply learned skills to improve practice.
• Track Record: The organisation should be in good standing in the communities in which they serve and those with advanced readiness to implement community interventions will be given preference.
• No Conflicts of Interest: Must not have any conflicts of interest that would prevent fair and transparent participation.
  1 ‘led-by…’ should be understood in a broad sense to mean that the organisation must have a majority or significant number of members of the Management Team AND the Board/ Executive Committee (or any organisation’s decision-making structure) fall within specified groups of interest.
• Thematic Areas: In addition to the principles expressed above under mission alignment, consideration will be given to CBOs, CSOs, and registered Coalitions working on:
  -PVO Amendment Act monitoring and implementation
  -Service delivery
  -Socio-economic inclusion
  -decision and policy making processes
  -media and digital literacy/ engagement
  -art and culture
  -monitoring and protection of human rights

5. Benefits of Participation

In the year 2026, a Call for Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) will be designed and launched to include the Coalitions, CSOs, and CBOs, that have been selected and participated in the Transformative Capacity Building Programme to operationalise the acquired knowledge and skills.
In addition the, selected organizations will benefit from:

•  Tailored capacity-building interventions designed to meet specific organizational needs.
• Access to expert trainers, mentors, and facilitators.
• Enhanced organizational effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Improved programmatic impact and quality.
• Increased opportunities for networking, collaboration, and peer learning.
• Strengthened advocacy and resource mobilization capabilities.
• Potential for future partnership and funding opportunities

6. Application Process

Interested CBOs, CSOs, and Coalitions are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) by 1 September, 2025
The EOI should be concise, not exceeding [e.g., 5 pages], and must include the following:
1. Organizational Profile:

• Full legal name of the organization/coalition.
• Year of establishment and registration status (attach copy of registration certificate if available).
• Contact person (Name, Title, Email, Phone Number).
• Brief overview of your organization’s mission, vision, and main areas of work.
• Geographic areas of operation.

2. Rationale for Interest:

• Why are you interested in participating in this capacity development program?
• What specific capacity gaps or challenges do you wish to address through this program?
• How do you envision this program contributing to your organization’s goals and impact?

3. Current Capacity Assessment (Brief):

• Briefly describe your organization’s current strengths and areas for improvement across key functional areas (e.g., internal governance, financial management, program management, advocacy).

4. Team Commitment:

• Briefly describe the commitment of your leadership including the Board/ Executive Committee and key staff to participate in the program.

Submission Instructions:

All applicants must submit an online ‘Intention to submit’ by the 18th of August, 2025. Form is accessible on this link: https://forms.gle/p4Dw7C8PDfn4n8ub7

• All EOIs must be submitted electronically to: consortiumrecruit@gmail.com
• The subject line of the email should be: “EOI – Transformative Capacity Development Program – [Your Organization’s Name]”
• Please combine all documents into a single PDF file.
• Due date for submission of the EOI is 1 September 2025

Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) is a network of women’s rights champions and women’s rights organisations in Zimbabwe with national structures established in 1999. WCOZ brings women from diverse backgrounds to advocate for the attainment and enjoyment of their rights and ensure that the women and girls empowerment agenda remains central to the national agenda.

Background of the consultancy

The WCOZ is working on an intervention which seeks to enhance the organisation’s digital visibility, branding and communication, in order to suit the new thrust that the organisation is taking as it embarks on its growth exercise. This includes upgrading the organisation’s website in order to meet WCoZ coordination role and constituency needs. In this vein WCOZ seeks to upgrade its current website and social media sites to make them more interactive, informative and educational on the work of the Coalition as well as its member organisations.

Tasks under consultancy

The consultant will be expected to develop/redesign the organisational website in consultation with the National Coordinator and under supervision from the Programs team.

The consultant shall:

• Develop/redesign the WCoZ website to a modern site that is easily accessible and shows the diversity of women and their voices.
• To ensure the new improved website and social media sites are interactive, informative and educative on the work that the Coalition does.

Deliverables

The Consultancy will be responsible for the following deliverables:

• Develop framework for the redesigned website.
• Develop a dummy website incorporating all stakeholder contributions.
• Conducting a demo-exercise on the upgraded website.

Duration

This is 15 Days Consultancy.

Expected Qualifications, Eexperience of the Consultant

• A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Web Design, Graphics Design or a related field
• Minimum 5 years relevant work experience in web designing and upgrading Knowledge.
• Proficiency in graphic design software including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and other visual design tools.
• Proficiency in front-end development web programming languages such as HTML and CSS, JQuery, and JavaScript. Demonstrated list of at least two complimentary or similar projects delivered in the past 5 years.

Bid Format

• The EOI must detail the Consultant’s understanding of the Scope of Work, and should detail work-plan, including dates for when specific tasks will be done. The EOI should also include a detailed budget, indicating a breakdown of all costs for conducting this work such as consultancy daily rate. The EOI must not exceed five pages.
• Cover letter summarizing the applicant’s skills and experience relevant to conducting the outlined SOW. Detailed C.V(s)/resume(s), with names of three referees and their contact details (email and phone)
• At least 2 recent samples similar to that called for in this SOW for which the applicant was a lead developer.
• The complete bidding proposal documents should be submitted to wcozprocurement@gmail.com copying coalitionzw@gmail.com by 24th June 2024 clearly marked PROPOSAL FOR DEVELOPMENT/REDESIGN OF WCOZ WEBSITE.

Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) is a network of women’s rights champions and women’s rights organisations in Zimbabwe with national structures established in 1999. WCoZ brings women from diverse backgrounds to advocate for the attainment and enjoyment of their rights and ensure that the women and girls empowerment agenda remains central to the national agenda.

Background of the Consultancy
The Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCOZ) is seeking a consultant to conduct an intersectional feminist political economic research project. This research aims to critically examine the contextual issues, shifts, and trends that impact women’s representation and leadership in Zimbabwe. The findings will provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the current landscape, inform strategic project implementation, and facilitate the navigation of constraints.

Tasks under this consultancy
The consultancy will be expected to conduct an intersectional feminist political economic research analysis study reporting to the National Coordinator and under the supervision of the Projects team. The Consultant shall:

• Submit a detailed inception report outlining the Consultant’s understanding of the assignment and the approach to be employed.
• Identify challenges and opportunities within the context, strategies for project implementations and navigation of constraints.
• Develop and submit a comprehensive study report, with proposed recommendations and strategies to navigate the constraints as well as opportunities.
• Unpack the research report findings to WCOZ.

Deliverables:
The Consultancy will be responsible for the following deliverables:

• Inception report
• A final comprehensive, detailed report of the intersectional feminist political economic research analysis study reviewed and accepted by the WCOZ. The report may be subjected to peer review.
• Unpacking the final report at a workshop organized by WCOZ.
• Summarized PowerPoint presentation of the Study report.

Duration

This is 15 Days Consultancy.

Expected Qualifications and Experience of the Consultant

• The Consultant MUST have a Master’s Degree in Social Sciences, Gender Studies, or any relevant fields. The consultant must have relevant work experience in APEA.
• Demonstrated expertise in feminist political economy research, with a focus on gender, representation, and leadership.
• Experience conducting intersectional analyses and understanding the complexities of gender in relation to other social identities.
• Familiarity with the Zimbabwean socio-political and economic context, as well as the challenges facing women in leadership positions.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including data collection, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and report writing.
• Ability to communicate complex findings and recommendations in a clear and accessible manner. Commitment to feminist principles, gender equality, and women’s empowerment.

Bid Format

• The EOI must detail the Consultant’s understanding of the Scope of Work and methodological approach. It will also detail the work plan, including dates for when specific tasks will be done. The EOI should also include a detailed budget, indicating a breakdown of all costs for conducting this work such as the daily consultancy rate. The EOI must not exceed five pages.
• Cover letter summarizing the applicant’s skills and experience relevant to conducting the outlined SOW. Detailed C.V(s)/resume(s), with names of three referees and their contact details (email and phone)
• At least 2 recent samples similar to that called for in this SOW for which the applicant was a lead author.
• The complete bidding proposal documents should be submitted to wcozprocurement@gmail.com copying coalitionzw@gmail.com by the end of day 19th April 2024 marked PROPOSAL FOR CONDUCT INTERSECTIONAL FEMINIST POLITICAL ECONOMIC RESEARCH STUDY.

The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) is the coordinating body of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in Zimbabwe. It is a non-partisan, non-profit making, and non-denominational organisation mandated to coordinate and represent the NGO sector in Zimbabwe. Through its mission, NANGO commits itself to lead NGOs, strengthen, represent, and coordinate their work by creating space, and promoting networking, dialogue, and engagement to enable the fulfilment of members’ visions and missions. NANGO seeks to achieve its mission by fulfilling its vision of having a proactive community of NGOs responsive and committed to the sustainable development needs of all people in Zimbabwe and the full realisation of human rights, democracy, good governance, and poverty alleviation.

NANGO, in partnership with Forus supported by the European Union (EU), is implementing an initiative to strengthen Civil Society’s engagement and influence in Zimbabwe’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) Process.  The project seeks to promote inclusion and effective participation of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the VNR process to ensure all voices, especially from the marginalised groups are heard. Broadly, the projects seek to strengthen CSO participation in the 2024 VNR process and contribute towards a more inclusive and participatory approach to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) implementation in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is one of the 42 countries that volunteered to present their National VNR reports at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) to be held from 8 to 17 July 2024.  Through this initiative, NANGO seeks to engage a consultant to develop a CSO Position Paper to input into the national VNR report and, develop a CSOs Alternative VNR Spotlight Report. These deliverables will be used to engage key stakeholders during the planned stakeholder engagement meetings.  The main objective of this assignment is for the consultant to provide technical assistance in the development of the position paper for the national VNR report and the development of a CSOs Alternative VNR Spotlight report.  The deliverables will be products of wider CSOs sector consultations and desk review processes on SDG implementation, identify challenges and opportunities to accelerate SDG implementation in Zimbabwe.  The assignment is expected to cover a wide range of parameters such as CSOs knowledge of SDGs implementation in Zimbabwe and how CSOs can contribute to the attainment of the SDGs.

Background and Rationale

Zimbabwe recognises the importance of the SDGs and has so far submitted two VNR reports in 2017 and 2021 respectively. However, there is a need for a more inclusive and participatory process to ensure all voices, especially marginalised groups, are heard. While the previous VNR processes for Zimbabwe, included some stakeholder consultations, there were concerns about the depth and inclusivity of engagement with non-state actors and communities. On the other hand, CSOs had missed opportunities for spotlighting local perspectives in the previous VNR processes. Critiques of the previous reports have identified a lack of bottom-up data and insights from communities and grassroots organisations leading to an incomplete picture of progress and challenges. It is, therefore, key to advocate for a robust VNR process with active CSO participation to hold the government accountable for its SDG commitments. To redress these identified gaps, this project will help in building CSOs’ knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively engage in the VNR process, facilitate inclusive consultations, provide evidence-based inputs, recommendations, and alternative narratives; and raise public awareness about the SDGs and the VNR process.

Purpose of the Consultancy

The consultant will provide technical assistance in the development of a Position Paper for the National VNR Report and develop a CSOs Alternative VNR Spotlight Report.  The report will gather the inputs and perspectives of CSOs on SDGs implementation and these will be shared with key stakeholders.

Methodology

The consultant must adopt robust and credible methodologies, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. The project team will work with the consultant to develop data collection tool(s). The analysis should be conducted in a way that the findings are relevant, easily accessible, widely usable, and can be regularly updated.

Scope of the Study

The scope of the assignment should have national coverage.

Practical Details

The consultant is likely to commence by the 26^th of February 2024.

Consultant Profile

The consultant should have the following qualifications and experience:

• At least a Master’s Degree in Development Studies, Public Policy Analysis, Economics, or any other relevant field.
• Minimum of five years of working experience in the NGO sector of Zimbabwe and/or international development with previous experience in conducting assignment(s) of similar focus and scope.
• Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and deliver on time.
• Written and spoken fluency in English is required.
• Excellent presentation, interpersonal, and facilitation skills preferred.

How to Apply

Interested Consultants are invited to submit the following:

1. Submit a technical and financial proposal (4 pages maximum). This should outline your motivation, proposed approach, the steps you will take to complete the assignment, and details regarding your availability.
2. A CV (max 3 pages) of the consultant.
3. A capacity statement that outlines the consultant’s qualifications and experience.
4. At least three contactable referees preferably from reputable institutions involved in SDGs implementation.

The deadline for submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) is Friday 16 February 2024. EOIs should be sent via email to ngorecruitmentzw@gmail.com copy admin@nangozim.org with “EOI for the Zimbabwe VNR Report” in the subject line. EOIs received after the deadline will be automatically disqualified.

The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) is the umbrella coordinating body of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in Zimbabwe. It is a non-political, non-profit making and non-denominational organisation mandated to coordinate the activities of NGOs and represent the NGO sector. Through its mission, NANGO commits itself to lead NGOs, to strengthen, represent and coordinate their work by creating space, and promoting networking, dialogue, and engagement to enable the fulfilment of members’ visions and missions. NANGO seeks to achieve its mission by fulfilling its vision of having a proactive community of NGOs responsive and committed to the sustainable development needs of all people in Zimbabwe and the full realisation of human rights, democracy, good governance, and poverty alleviation.

NANGO is implementing the Action to Protect and Enhance Civic Space in Zimbabwe (APECS) project  in collaboration with Centre for Humanitarian Analytics (CHA) and, the Citizens in Action Southern Africa (CIASA). The project is contributing to the broader program of the Citizen Engagement for Accountability Activity (CEAA). The overall goal of the project is to defend and enhance civic space in pursuit of an enabling operating environment for CSOs in Zimbabwe at multiple levels of CSOs influence and operations.  Through the project, the consortium is seeking to engage a consultant to develop the State of Civil Society Operating Environment in Zimbabwe – Watch Report. The main objective of this assignment is to examine the internal and external factors and trends that have impacted CSO operations, programmes, and operating space over this period. The study will cover a wide range of parameters such as CSOs internal governance, financing, government/CSO relationships, and operating space. This process comes at a critical time, as the civil society sector in Zimbabwe is experiencing seismic changes threatening the operating environment due to various administrative, legal and policy instruments promulgated by the authorities such as the Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO) Amendment Bill, the recently enacted Criminal Law (Codification and Reform), etc.

Background

CSOs in Zimbabwe have evolved significantly in the last three decades. The CSO landscape has transformed dramatically in scale and profile since NGOs became prominent actors in development and the democratisation process.  Civil society in Zimbabwe is as diverse as it changes, reflecting Zimbabwe’s broader social and political trends, and linking with the State and the citizens in evolving ways. The sector has evolved and grown in size and scope, playing a significant part in shaping public policy and ensuring State accountability by creating awareness, delivering social services, participating in policy processes, organizing and building the capacity of citizens, and challenging State excesses.

The operating space for civil society in Zimbabwe is fluid and constantly changing. The state of the operating environment is highly influenced by evolvements in the socio-economic and political development discourse of the country. CSOs are facing challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic that has been affecting resource mobilisation; restricted operational ability due to lockdown restrictions and the need for updated modus operandi, as well as systemic attacks on CSOs through threats and introduction of suppressive regulatory measures. The Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Bill which has provisions purported to attempt to streamline the activities of NGOs and ensure Zimbabwe’s compliance with the Financial Action Taskforce (FATF) Recommendation 8 poses a threat to the existence and independence of NGOs in Zimbabwe. The amendments have various regulatory implications which may further shrink the civic space. CSOs should have inherent quality of flexibility and adaptability to respond to new developments in the ever-evolving working environment.

Purpose of the Consultancy

The consultant will provide technical assistance in the development of the State of Civil Society Operating Environment in Zimbabwe – Watch Report. The report will document the factors and trends that have affected the CSO sector in Zimbabwe and capture the dynamics of civil society over a period of 3 years (2021 – 2023).

Objectives of the Assignment

The main aim of this study is to investigate the internal and external factors and trends that have affected CSO operations since 2021. The study will cover a range of aspects, such as CSOs internal governance, funding, State-CSO relations, and operating environment.

Specifically, the report will seek to establish:

1. The socio-economic and political developments and trends that have impacted the operations and programs of the CSO sector between 2021 and 2023.
2. Key challenges (internal and external) affecting the growth and development of the civil society sector in Zimbabwe.
3. Examine the state of civic space and its effect on the operations of CSOs.
4. The opportunities that the sector can leverage to overcome the key challenges identified.
5. Recommendations on key interventions from various stakeholders, i.e., the government, development partners, and CSOs to improve the sustainability and resilience of the civil society sector.

Methodology

The consultant must adopt robust and credible methodologies, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. The consultant must come up with tools to collect data from CSOs and other key stakeholders. The analysis should be conducted in a way that the findings are relevant, easily accessible, widely usable, and can be regularly updated.

Scope of the Study

The analysis should have national coverage.

Expected Outputs

The major output within the above-stated objectives is a comprehensive report of the State of Civil Society Operating Environment in Zimbabwe. The specific outputs are:

• Inception report for the study with detailed methodology and draft assessment instructions/tools.
• Draft and final report.

Practical Details

The consultancy is likely to commence by the 15^th of October 2023 and be finalised by mid-November.

Consultant Profile

The consultant should have the following qualifications and experience:

• At least a Master’s degree in Law or Legal Analysis, Public Policy analysis, Development Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of working experience in the NGO sector of Zimbabwe and/or international development in conducting research and studies related to civil society and governance.
• Demonstrable experience with similar assignments and understanding of civil society in Zimbabwe.
• Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and deliver on time.
• Written and spoken fluency in English is required.
• Excellent presentation, interpersonal, and facilitation skills.

How to Apply

Interested Consultants are invited to submit the following:

• A technical and financial proposal (4 pages maximum). This should outline your motivation, approach, the steps you will take to complete the assignment, any proposed revisions to the proposed approach or timeline, details regarding your availability, and a proposed budget/ financial proposal.
• A CV (max 3 pages) for each consultant involved in the work.
• A capacity statement that outlines the consultant’s qualifications and experience.
• At least three referrals preferably from NGOs.
• The financial proposal for the assignment should not exceed US$3 000.00

The deadline for submission of proposals is 13 October 2023. Proposals should be sent via email to ngorecruitmentzw@gmail.com cc admin@nangozim.org with “EOI for State of Civil Society Operating Environment –  Watch Report Consultancy” in the subject line.

• Purpose: To support projects in Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe that prevent worsening welfare for donkeys and mules through the current period of drought and ensure a sustained recovery in the months ahead.
• Eligibility: Organisations engaged in drought response who can demonstrate a positive impact, whether direct or indirect, on the welfare needs of working donkeys and mules, and the people who depend upon them. For full eligibility criteria please visit the link below.
• Application Deadline: Friday 26th July 2024. Please note applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged where possible.
• Funding Amount: Up to GBP/£100,000 per project.

• Improve working practices for donkeys and mules, seen as a critical area of response to protect donkeys and mules from poor management practices during periods of increased workload.
• Improve nutrition and fodder access, seen as a critical input required to protect donkeys and mules from loss of body condition and/or body weight, malnutrition, and mortality.
• Improve hydration and water availability, seen as a critical input required to protect donkeys and mules from dehydration and mortality.
• Advocate at a national level to garner recognition and protection of donkeys and mules in government drought response programs.

The Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (hereinafter “RWI”), in collaboration with its academic partners under the Zimbabwe Human Rights Capacity Development Programme 2024-2026 (see enclosed Programme summary below), is launching a call (hereinafter “Call”) for participation at the Human Rights Research Academy for Practitioners in Zimbabwe (hereinafter the Research Academy). Individuals from government departments, justice sector institutions, independent commissions, civil society organisations, independent research centres, and any other practitioner working professionally with human rights in Zimbabwe are invited to submit their application for this human rights research academy. The Research Academy will be divided into two sessions. The first session will take place 22-23 July 2024 and the second session will take place 25-27 November 2024 in Harare. The Research Academy for Practitioners forms part of RWI’s Zimbabwe Human Rights Capacity Development Programme 2024-2026 funded by the Embassy of Sweden in Zimbabwe.

The closing date for submitting applications is 5 July 2024.

Aim and Scope of the Research Academy

The overall objective of the Research Academy is to develop the human rights research capacities of Zimbabwean researchers, focusing on strengthening their abilities to plan, design, and develop human rights-related research. During the Research Academy, particular attention will be given to applied research approaches and methodologies, strengthening the capacity of participants to propose innovative solutions to issues affecting individuals or sectors of the Zimbabwean society. To that end, each participant is required to submit a proposal for a human rights research project that he or she would like to further develop during the Research Academy. Linkages with RWI’s thematic focus areas (access to justice, business, human rights, human rights, and the environment, and non-discrimination and inclusion) are encouraged.

A research grant of USD 300 (up to a maximum of SEK 3000) will be awarded to each researcher to conduct the research. Research projects will be carried out in the period between July and November 2024.

For more information, please download the attached document.

The Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (hereinafter “RWI”), Lund, Sweden, in collaboration with its academic cooperation partners under the Zimbabwe Human Rights Capacity Development Programme 2024-2026 (see enclosed Programme summary below), is launching a call (hereinafter “Call”) for research grants proposals. Grants under the Call are awarded to research projects relevant to the theme “Environment, Climate Change and Human Rights in Zimbabwe”. Academic faculty members and researchers from Zimbabwean universities, independent research centres, independent commissions, and civil society organisations are eligible to apply both individually and jointly. Research projects must be carried out during the period 16 July – 20 November 2024 and result in a paper and short policy brief for presentation and publication. Financial support to RWI for the research grants is provided by the Embassy of Sweden in Zimbabwe.

The closing date for submitting a research grant proposal is 8 July 2024.

Call Objectives and Priority Areas of Research

Human survival depends on the environment for direct and indirect well-being. As such, threats to the environment are threats to human rights, to peace, security and sustainable development. The multiple planetary crises of this age which are made manifest through, inter alia, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, pollution, and climate change threaten human survival. This is exacerbated by growing multidimensional poverty, inequalities, and fragility (UNDP, 2022). Thus, realizing the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, including through strengthening positive environmental management and climate action is critical for addressing inequality and poverty, and enabling long-term prosperity for all (UNEP, 2022; UNDP, 2022).

The recognition in 2022, of the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment by the United Nations General Assembly is a step towards strengthening the global and domestic response to this crisis. This move buttresses the recognition of this right in domestic constitutions in many jurisdictions across the globe. Zimbabwe recognises this right in section 73 of the Constitution (Amendment 20) of 2013. Through this constitutional provision environmental protection (including climate action) has become a key consideration for the country’s ambitions to become a middle-income economy by 2030. Yet, there is still much to be done to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks on human rights, environmental law, and climate change.

To read more, download the attached document:

Opportunity grants aim to nurture and encourage innovative ideas and approaches on SRHR advocacy in new contexts. They allow local, small civil society and grassroots organisations to drive the advocacy agenda and ensure change happens. 

For this Opportunity grant call, AmplifyChange seeks to fund civil society organisations that aim to implement projects focusing on sexual and reproductive health rights.  The duration of an Opportunity grant can be 18 or 24 months. This funding round is open for applications up to £75,000 GBP. We encourage you to be realistic and apply for the amount that is best for your organisation and project.  

Key Dates 

28th March – applications open 

3rd April – applicant webinars in French and English 

• Applicant webinars will give more information about AmplifyChange’s priorities, how to apply for funding, as well as some dos and don’ts. There will be a chance to submit questions and have them answered live. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
  English: 3rd April 2023, 10:00AM UK time. Register here.
  French: 3rd April 2023, 02:00PM UK time. Register here. 

13th April – registrations for new applicants close 

20th April – applications close 

To read more and apply, click here.

We are inviting Applications for Grants!

We’re excited to launch our Grants cycle 51, and we invite applications from organisations led by women and/gender diverse persons/women living with disabilities, on the African continent.

1. GENERAL GRANTS: If your organisation is working to address key issues impacting women and girls in your community, or aims to change social norms, or policy, we’d like to hear from you. We are prioritising applications from organisations whose total 2022 budgets were less than USD200,000.

Click here for guidance document on General Grants

2. KASA: The Kasa! Initiative seeks to achieve the following outcomes:
● Positive attitudes and behaviours towards women’s bodily integrity promoted
● Improved responses to emergencies and adequate support provided to survivors/families
● Leadership by and higher profile of women’s rights organisations at the forefront of ending sexual violence.

Download the Guidance document for KASA! Grants here

3. ECONOMIC JUSTICE FUTURES: We will consider applications from:
– Community organisers, community-based organisations,
– Women’s rights organisations and feminist networks who use innovative and creative approaches working with local communities
– Women and gender diverse people using feminist research to identify and dismantle the barriers to economic justice and equality for African women by reimagining our economies, and rethinking mechanisations, craft, and intellectual knowledge from micro to macro level.

Please click here for Guidance document on Economic Justice Futures

We will open applications on 28^th March 2023.  The deadline for submitting your application is 12pm GMT on 25^th April 2023. We can only accept applications through our online portal which you can access here

What you need to know about the call for applications

If you are interested in applying, please read the Applicant Guidance Document as it contains essential information to help you through the process. If, after reading the applicant guidance document, you are interested in hearing more about the AWDF application process and would like to join one of our potential applicant Webinars, please register  here. The English applicants’ webinar will be held on Monday the 3rd of April 2023 at 10.00am GMT, and the French applicants’ webinar will be held on Tuesday 4th April at 10.00am GMT.

To apply for any of the above grants, please complete the application process online

Guidance for the online platform can be accessed here.

Our Frequently Asked Questions can be found here

Successful applicants will hear from us in August 2023