Call for Applications 

 

IOM invites communities from Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv and Kyiv oblasts to join the project strengthening social cohesion and community security, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). Through this call of applications, IOM aims to identify communities ready for active involvement to increase the community’s social cohesion and communal security by designing and implementing 1) community resilience plans and 2) community security plans. 

 

TERRITORIES OF THE COMPETITION: 

Communities based in Chernihiv Oblast, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Kharkiv Oblast, Kyiv Oblast are encouraged to participate in this call. Project activities will be implemented in communities under the control of the Government of Ukraine and where the security situation allows the implementation. 

 

COMMUNITIES (HROMADAS) INVITED FOR PARTICIPATION SHOULD MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Local authorities of community have a strong intention to progress toward durable solutions and community security the community members; 

  • Development-focused local CSOs/ NGOs are operating in community; 

  • There are diverse and active community members willing to participate in initiative group (IG) among different social groups in an inclusive manner (youth (under 35 years old)), elderly persons (above 60 years old), IDPs, returnees, persons with disability, representatives of national minorities, members of low-income families, member of large families and others) 

  • Community hosts IDPs, and both communities and IDPs who are willing to participate together in the IG and design and implement inclusive community initiatives. There is an existing facility in communal ownership, based on which community gathering may be facilitated (including dialogue sessions, presentations and community consultations). 

 

HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COMPETITION: 

To participate in the competition, the initiative group must fill out the application form attached to this announcement and send a signed and scanned copy and editable document (MS Word) of it by 9 September 2024 (inclusive) to the email address way2pds@iom.int, indicating in the subject line of the email “______(hromada name)– Application form". IOM will select communities for an assessment visit or online meeting (selected communities will be determined based on the results of the visit) on a rolling basis. The date and time of the visit will be agreed with the relevant initiative group. Please note that incomplete, not signed application form or application form received after the specified date will not be considered. 

 

 

ACTIVITIES TO BE CONDUCTED UPON SELECTION: 

  1.  Initiative group (IG) establishment and strengthening 

The IG will play a key role in building their communities’ resilience through the development and implementation of community resilience plans and community security plans for their communities. One IG should be composed of at least 10 members. The composition of an IG should reflect diverse social groups to inclusively represent the community (including IDPs, returnees, host community members, CSOs, women, men, and more, as deemed necessary). It is important that the includes at least one or two CSOs. The IG members and CSOs will also receive training based on their needs.  

 

  1. Dialogue sessions and consultation sessions 

The IG will consult local stakeholders during community-inclusive dialogue sessions (four per community) with the aim of discussing priorities for the community resilience plan and community security plan. The proposed initiatives should address needs identified by the community and should be designed to benefit the wider community.  

In addition to the dialogue sessions, IOM will facilitate at least one consultation session between IGs and regional authorities per oblast. During the consultation sessions, communities will have the opportunity to present their plans and receive feedback from each other.  

 

  1. Drafting and implementing durable solutions and resilience plans and community security plans 

Each community will develop one community resilience plan and one community security plan with budget. It is possible to combine the two plans, but the two elements (community resilience & community security) should be distinct and separately outlined within the plan. The plans will be evaluated based on their feasibility, sustainability, visibility, safety, and relevance to the project’s objective. The project will allocate approximately USD 30,000 (in-kind support) per community to implement the durable solutions and resilience plan and USD 15,000 (in-kind support) to implement the community security plan. The grant amount will be distributed to the IGs through the purchase of said equipment, materials, etc.  

 

  1.  Protection 

To complement previous activities, protection mechanisms will be strengthened for community members to safely refer individuals with protection needs. The project will provide specialized protection services to survivors of human trafficking, exploitation, and other human rights violations. Assistance will include psychological and legal support, in-kind assistance, and referrals for access to secondary legal aid, social services, and healthcare. IOM will also coordinate with health facilities to prepare them to receive possible case referrals. IOM will also conduct an information campaign at the community level about the protection risks and available services. Lastly, IOM will support the community through sensitization sessions to increase the understanding of protection concepts as well as safe referrals.