Strategic Advisory on Humanitarian Programming

Summary

This tender seeks strategic advisory and technical support for GIZ’s EMPOWER project in Ukraine on humanitarian programming, donor relations and the development of locally led action. The services include monthly briefings on DG ECHO policy and funding; strengthening the GIZ–DG ECHO partnership; advising on programme design and supporting DG ECHO funding applications and reporting; building local partners’ capacity; preparing a lessons-learned and strategic recommendations report; and delivering up to eight training or advisory sessions. The contract runs from 16 November 2026 to 31 December 2028. At least one business trip to Ukraine is envisaged for each key expert; additional trips may be required to Poland, Belgium and Germany. The travel budget is EUR 20,000 and the budget for offsetting emissions from air travel is EUR 500, both reimbursed against supporting evidence. A further EUR 10,000 is earmarked for flexible remuneration, which requires GIZ’s prior written approval. Bids must be submitted in English by 12:00 noon Berlin time on 27 October 2026. Tenderers must provide the completed eligibility self-declaration and annexes, a technical bid (including both experts’ CVs and a concept), and a separate financial bid. The technical assessment accounts for 70% and the financial assessment for 30%; only bids scoring at least 500 technical points proceed to financial evaluation. There will be no negotiations. Eligibility requires average annual net turnover of at least EUR 30,000 and qualifying project references from the previous three years: at least three references worth at least EUR 5,000 each in humanitarian programming and donor engagement, and at least one reference worth at least EUR 5,000 in Eastern Europe. Two highly experienced key experts are required: one specialising in humanitarian strategy and DG ECHO engagement, and the other in humanitarian strategies and DG ECHO application processes. Detailed qualifications are set out in the suitability criteria.