About

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) invites Expressions of Interest from partners to promote sustainable livelihoods, economic inclusion, and peaceful coexistence for refugees and returnees in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This initiative is part of UNHCR’s strategic priority to advance durable solutions by fostering autonomy, resilience, and equitable access to economic opportunities.

By 2030, the program aims for at least 25% of beneficiaries to achieve economic autonomy, reducing dependency on humanitarian aid. Key interventions include strengthening technical, professional, and entrepreneurial skills aligned with local and emerging market needs; improving access to financial systems such as savings, credit, and productive cash transfers; and supporting inclusive livelihood opportunities that enhance self‑reliance, reintegration, and social cohesion.

Projects must be grounded in recent market analyses and value chain assessments, addressing barriers to access and income potential. Proposals should demonstrate partnerships with private sector actors, employers, financial institutions, vocational training providers, cooperatives, buyers, and relevant public services. Outcomes will be measured beyond activity outputs, focusing on employment and self‑employment rates, income growth, sustainability of activities, market integration, financial service access, and reduced reliance on aid.

Applicants are expected to incorporate sustainability and exit strategies, mobilize complementary resources, progressively integrate refugees into national and local economic programs, support durable reintegration of returnees, strengthen institutional capacities, and ensure gradual transfer of responsibilities with clear milestones and indicators.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are organizations with proven expertise in livelihoods, economic inclusion, and reintegration programming. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to design and implement market‑oriented interventions based on documented analyses, and to establish concrete partnerships with private sector actors, financial institutions, training structures, and public services.

Organizations should show evidence of strong project management systems, qualified technical and field staff, local operational presence, and the ability to measure economic outcomes beyond outputs. Proposals will be evaluated on technical capacity, relevance to local market needs, sustainability planning, partnership strength, accountability mechanisms, financial and risk management practices, and adherence to UNHCR’s sectoral standards.

Post Date: September 08, 2026