PROJECT PROPOSAL TO UNFPA

 PROJECT PROPOSAL TO UNFPA

Prepared By Tahir Ali Shah – Proposal Development Specialist

Title: Strengthening Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response in Hard-to-Reach Areas of Northeast Nigeria

Submitted to: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

Submitted by: Neem Foundation – Maiduguri, Borno State, North East Nigeria

Start Date: 1 July 2025

1. Executive Summary This proposal outlines a 24-month initiative, with a total requested budget of $2,850,000 USD, aimed at enhancing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention and response services in the underserved and hard-to-reach areas of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) States in Northeast Nigeria. Building upon insights from the 2025 desk review, the project seeks to address critical gaps through a survivor-centered, human rights-based, and community-driven approach. Key interventions include expanding mobile GBV outreach, integrating Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) referrals, strengthening community-based structures, enhancing the capacity of local actors (particularly women-led organizations) with a gender-transformative lens, and improving the quality and coverage of GBV services in rural and conflict-affected Local Government Areas (LGAs).

This project directly aligns with UNFPA's Strategic Plan 2022-2025, particularly its transformative result of ending GBV, and contributes to ending unmet need for family planning and ending preventable maternal deaths through integrated service linkages. It is also in line with [Specify relevant UNFPA Nigeria Country Programme Objective(s) concerning GBV, gender equality, and protection]. With UNFPA’s technical leadership and funding support, the project will implement a multi-sectoral, conflict-sensitive strategy that integrates GBV risk mitigation, ensures accountability to affected populations (AAP), upholds Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) standards, and actively promotes Do No Harm principles. Special attention will be given to addressing caseworker burnout, referral inefficiencies, and gender staffing gaps, while championing gender-transformative change.

2. Background and Rationale Since 2009, the humanitarian crisis in Northeast Nigeria has disproportionately affected women, girls, and other vulnerable populations, including adolescents. As of May 2025, 8.4 million people remain in need, with GBV identified as a critical protection concern. Despite expanded services in urban centers and increased coordination, significantly led by UNFPA in its recognized role as the lead agency for GBV coordination in Nigeria, vast rural and hard-to-reach areas remain critically underserved.

The 2025 Desk Review highlights alarming trends: · A projected $3.7 million funding gap threatens 23 implementing partners. · Only 38% of GBV requirements in the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) were met as of April 2025. · Caseworkers are overburdened, especially in LGAs like Gwoza and Marte. · Local NGOs, while growing in number, remain dependent on external funding. · Cultural sensitivities, access barriers, and staffing shortages (especially female GBV staff) hinder effective programming. · [If available, cite specific UNFPA reports/assessments on GBV in Northeast Nigeria that corroborate these points].

This project is designed to address these gaps by directly supporting UNFPA's strategic goal of strengthening GBV response systems, promoting local ownership, and delivering survivor-centered, rights-based services. It embraces a Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) by ensuring all interventions are guided by principles of participation, accountability, non-discrimination, empowerment, and explicit linkage to international human rights standards. Furthermore, it adopts a gender-transformative approach, aiming not just to provide services but to actively challenge and change the underlying harmful gender norms, power imbalances, and structural inequalities that perpetuate GBV. The project will operate with strict adherence to Do No Harm principles and conflict-sensitive methodologies given the operational context.

3. Overall Goal, Outcomes, and Key Results/Outputs

Overall Goal: To enhance access to quality, survivor-centered GBV prevention and response services, including linkages to SRH services, for vulnerable populations in hard-to-reach and underserved areas of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States, fostering gender-transformative change.

Outcome 1: Increased access to timely, quality, and survivor-centered GBV services, including comprehensive SRHR linkages, for vulnerable populations (especially women, adolescent girls, and youth) in hard-to-reach areas. * Key Result 1.1: Mobile GBV outreach missions deployed, providing case management, psychosocial support, and dignity kits in at least 15 underserved LGAs across BAY states. * Key Result 1.2: An average of 20 mobile GBV outreach missions conducted per month in target LGAs, reaching remote communities. * Key Result 1.3: Clear and functional referral pathways established and utilized for comprehensive SRH services, including Clinical Management of Rape (CMR), emergency contraception, STI/HIV prevention (PEP), and voluntary family planning counseling for survivors.

Outcome 2: Enhanced capacity of local women-led organizations (WLOs) and community structures to independently and sustainably prevent GBV and provide quality, survivor-centered responses, incorporating gender-transformative strategies. * Key Result 2.1: At least 12 women-led organizations trained and mentored in GBV prevention, survivor-centered case management, PSEA, coordination, gender-transformative programming, and organizational development. * Key Result 2.2: Supported WLOs demonstrate increased capacity to design, implement, and manage GBV projects effectively.

Outcome 3: Improved quality, safety, and effectiveness of GBV case management and PSEA protocols in line with international standards and best practices. * Key Result 3.1: 300 caseworkers (with a focus on female staff) trained, mentored, and supervised in GBVIMS+, ethical and safe case management, PSEA protocols, and survivor-centered care. * Key Result 3.2: Fully functional and context-appropriate referral pathways with confidential follow-up mechanisms established and maintained in 90% of intervention sites.

Outcome 4: Increased community engagement and adoption of gender-equitable norms and behaviors to prevent GBV, with active participation of men, boys, and community leaders. * Key Result 4.1: 100 community leaders (religious, traditional, youth leaders) and 200 men and boys actively engaged through gender-transformative dialogues and campaigns to challenge harmful norms and promote positive masculinities. * Key Result 4.2: Female staffing increased by 40% in supported service points in rural areas, enhancing accessibility and appropriateness of services for female survivors. * Key Result 4.3: Community-based prevention initiatives implemented, fostering local ownership and sustained action against GBV.

4. Target Beneficiaries The project will prioritize reaching the most vulnerable, with data disaggregated by age (children, adolescents, adults, elderly) and disability where feasible.

Direct Beneficiaries: · 8,000 GBV survivors (women, men, adolescent girls and boys, children) receiving comprehensive services, including SRH referrals. · 12 national/local NGOs, with a focus on women-led organizations, receiving capacity strengthening. · 300 GBV caseworkers and frontline staff (prioritizing female staff) trained and mentored. · 10,000 community members (including men, boys, women, girls, religious and traditional leaders, and youth representatives) sensitized and engaged in prevention activities.

Indirect Beneficiaries: · Host communities and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in target LGAs (estimated 250,000 people) benefiting from increased awareness, safer environments, and improved service availability.

5. Implementation Strategy This project will employ a multi-faceted, conflict-sensitive, and human rights-based strategy:

Geographic Focus: Underserved and high-risk LGAs in: · Borno State: Gwoza, Marte, Ngala · Adamawa State: Michika, Madagali · Yobe State: Geidam, Gulani

Core Approaches:

• Survivor-Centered Approach: All services and interactions will prioritize the survivor's rights, needs, safety, confidentiality, and choices. This includes ensuring informed consent, non-discrimination, respecting their dignity, and empowering them throughout the recovery process.
• Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA): Interventions will be designed and implemented to uphold and promote human rights, ensuring participation of affected populations, accountability of service providers, non-discrimination, and empowerment of rights-holders.
• Gender-Transformative Approach: Actively work to identify, challenge, and transform restrictive gender norms and unequal power relations that drive GBV. This includes engaging men and boys as allies, promoting women's leadership, and addressing systemic barriers to gender equality.
• Mobile Outreach Units: Deploy multi-disciplinary teams (including female caseworkers) for GBV case management, psychosocial support (PSS), dignity kit distribution, and direct referrals for essential services, including comprehensive SRHR services (CMR, EC, PEP, STI screening, family planning).
• Capacity Strengthening: Support local women-led NGOs with tailored training, ongoing mentorship, technical assistance, and micro-grants to enhance their ability to deliver quality GBV services and engage in gender-transformative programming.
• Community Engagement & Prevention: Conduct culturally appropriate, gender-transformative GBV prevention sessions, including dialogues with religious and traditional leaders, men and boys, women’s groups, and youth networks to challenge harmful norms and promote positive social change. Adolescent-specific programming will use age-appropriate materials and youth-friendly engagement strategies.
• Staff Recruitment and Well-being: Target recruitment and retention of qualified female GBV caseworkers in rural LGAs. Implement robust staff care and support mechanisms to prevent burnout.
• SRHR Integration: Ensure strong linkages and referral pathways to accessible SRH services. Where feasible and appropriate, mobile teams may be equipped to provide basic SRH information and referrals.
• Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP): Establish and maintain accessible and confidential feedback and complaint mechanisms (e.g., hotlines, suggestion boxes, community meetings, post-activity discussions). Feedback will be systematically collected, analyzed, and used to inform program adjustments and decision-making, with communities informed of actions taken.
• Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA): [Your Organization Name] has a zero-tolerance policy towards PSEA. All staff and partners will be trained on PSEA, and robust reporting and investigation mechanisms are in place, as detailed in our organizational PSEA Policy (see Annex).
• Do No Harm & Conflict Sensitivity: All activities will be planned and implemented with a rigorous conflict analysis and Do No Harm lens, ensuring interventions do not exacerbate existing tensions and are sensitive to the local context.
• Coordination: Actively participate in GBV Sub-Sector Working Groups at LGA, State, and National levels. Strengthen linkages and collaborative referrals with Health, WASH, Child Protection, and General Protection Clusters/Sectors, as well as relevant government entities such as the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and the Ministry of Health at state and LGA levels.
• Innovation and Technology: [Describe specific innovative approaches if applicable, e.g., use of mobile technology for remote case management support, innovative IEC materials, digital platforms for training or feedback, etc.]. GBVIMS+ will be a core technological tool.

6. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) A robust MEAL system, aligned with UNFPA standards, will be established to track inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impact. This system will emphasize learning and adaptation, ensuring that data and insights are used for continuous program improvement.

Tools and Approaches: · GBVIMS+: For ethical and safe case documentation, trend analysis, and reporting, adhering to strict data protection protocols to ensure survivor confidentiality and safety. · Progress Reviews: Monthly internal reviews and quarterly joint progress reviews with stakeholders. · Beneficiary Feedback Mechanisms: As detailed under AAP in the Implementation Strategy. Feedback will be regularly analyzed and will directly inform programmatic adjustments. A clear process for responding to feedback will be communicated to communities. · Baselines and Targets: Comprehensive baselines will be established during the project inception phase for all indicators in the Logframe, against which progress and targets will be measured. · Data Protection: All data collection, storage, and sharing will adhere to international data protection principles and GBV-specific information management guidelines, prioritizing survivor safety and confidentiality. · Learning Agenda: Regular learning sessions will be conducted with staff and partners to reflect on MEAL data, identify lessons learned, document best practices, and make adaptive management decisions. Lessons will be shared with UNFPA and other stakeholders to contribute to collective knowledge. · Donor Reporting: High-quality narrative and financial reports will be submitted to UNFPA as per agreed schedules, potentially supported by real-time dashboards for key indicators. · Joint Monitoring: We welcome and propose regular joint monitoring visits with UNFPA staff to project sites for mutual learning and accountability. · Final Evaluation: An independent final evaluation will be commissioned to assess the project's relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability.

7. Risk Analysis and Mitigation Measures (Added PSEA and Low Uptake Risks)

Risk	Likelihood	Impact	Mitigation Strategy
Insecurity and movement restrictions	High	High	Utilize local staff, negotiate access with community leaders, implement flexible mobile deployment schedules, real-time security monitoring, and robust contingency plans. Adhere to conflict-sensitive approaches.
Funding volatility	Medium	High	Advocate for multi-year flexible funds with UNFPA, diversify donor base for future programming, and develop scalable intervention models.
Cultural backlash against GBV/gender initiatives	Medium	Medium	Proactive and sustained engagement with religious/traditional leaders and male champions from project inception. Use culturally sensitive messaging. Co-design interventions with communities. Emphasize a gender-transformative but contextually appropriate approach.
Staff burnout	High	Medium	Limit caseloads, implement peer support systems, ensure regular clinical supervision, provide stress management and wellness protocols, offer regular leave, and foster a supportive team environment.
PSEA by project staff/associates	Low	High	Mandatory PSEA training for all staff, volunteers, and partners; clear codes of conduct; robust and confidential reporting and investigation mechanisms; thorough background checks for new hires; community awareness on reporting channels. Our PSEA policy will be enforced.
Low uptake of services due to stigma/fear	Medium	Medium	Intensive community awareness and sensitization campaigns focusing on confidentiality, survivor rights, and benefits of seeking support. Engage trusted community influencers. Ensure female staff availability. Create safe and welcoming spaces.

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8. Sustainability Plan Sustainability is a core component of this project design: · Capacity Building of Local Structures: Embed services and knowledge within local NGO/WLO structures and community-based protection mechanisms through intensive training, mentorship, and joint implementation. · Transition to Locally-Led Models: Strategically transition mobile outreach and other service components to locally-led and managed models by the end of the project, supported by ongoing remote technical advice if needed. · System Strengthening with Government: Advocate with and support local and state government authorities (e.g., Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Health) to integrate GBV prevention and response into their existing programs, policies, and budget allocations. This includes capacity building of relevant government personnel where feasible. · Development of GBV Risk Mitigation Action Plans: Co-develop GBV Risk Mitigation Action Plans with local authorities and community structures to ensure continued focus and local ownership of prevention efforts. · Knowledge Transfer and Documentation: Document and share best practices, lessons learned, and successful models with local partners, government, UNFPA, and other stakeholders to inform future programming. · Ongoing Donor Engagement: Create donor engagement packages showcasing impact and future needs to support local partners in securing continued financing post-project.

Detailed Budget

Budget Category	Description	Amount (USD)
1. Staff Salaries and Benefits		$820,000
- Project Manager (24 months)	Oversees project implementation and coordination.	$120,000
- GBV Specialists (3 positions)	Provide technical support, training, and mentorship.	$180,000
- Caseworkers (10 positions)	Deliver direct support to GBV survivors.	$300,000
- MEAL Officer	Monitors and evaluates project activities, manages data.	$60,000
- Finance & Admin Staff (2 positions)	Manage financial records and administrative tasks.	$80,000
- Staff Benefits (health, insurance)	Comprehensive benefits package for all staff.	$80,000
2. Mobile Outreach Operations		$450,000
- Vehicle Leasing (3 vehicles)	Transportation for outreach teams.	$90,000
- Fuel and Maintenance	Operational costs for vehicles.	$60,000
- Outreach Supplies	Materials for mobile services (e.g., tents, chairs).	$50,000
- Dignity Kits (8,000 kits)	Essential items for GBV survivors.	$160,000
- Security Provisions	Measures to ensure staff safety during outreach.	$40,000
- Communication Equipment	Radios, phones, and other devices for coordination.	$50,000
3. Local NGO Capacity Strengthening		$350,000
- Training Workshops (12 NGOs)	Sessions on GBV prevention, response, PSEA, gender-transformative programming. (Narrative: Detail costs per workshop: venue, materials, facilitators, per diems x # workshops)	$120,000
- Micro-Grants for WLOs	Financial support to implement GBV activities.	$180,000
- Mentorship Programs	Ongoing support and guidance for NGOs.	$50,000
4. GBV Case Mgt Tools & Kits		$280,000
- GBVIMS+ Software, Licenses & Support	Data management system for case tracking.	$60,000
- Case Management Kits (300 units)	Tools and materials for caseworkers.	$90,000
- Training on PSEA Protocols	Workshops on PSEA for staff, partners, communities.	$80,000
- Referral Pathway Dev. & Support	Establishing, strengthening, and supporting referral systems including SRHR.	$50,000
5. Community Sensitization & Prev.		$200,000
- Community Dialogues (100 sessions)	Engagements with local leaders and communities.	$80,000
- IEC Materials (Gender-Transformative)	Information, education, communication materials.	$60,000
- Media Campaigns (Radio/TV)	Radio and TV spots to raise awareness.	$40,000
- Male Engagement Programs	Initiatives targeting men and boys for gender equality.	$20,000
6. Training & Recruitment (Female Staff)		$300,000
- Recruitment Drives	Efforts to hire qualified female staff for rural areas.	$80,000
- Staff Training Programs	Capacity building for newly recruited & existing staff.	$120,000
- Retention Strategies & Staff Care	Incentives, wellness programs, and support to retain staff.	$100,000
7. MEAL and Coordination		$200,000
- Monitoring Tools and Systems	Development and maintenance of MEAL systems.	$80,000
- Evaluation Studies (inc. Final Eval.)	Periodic assessments of project impact.	$60,000
- Coordination Meetings & Travel	Regular meetings with stakeholders, partners, clusters.	$40,000
- Reporting and Documentation	Preparation of reports and documentation of best practices.	$20,000
8. Administrative and Overhead Costs (ISC)	(Align with UNFPA's ISC policy/rate)	$250,000
- Office Rent and Utilities	Costs for office space and utilities.	$100,000
- Office Supplies and Equipment	Procurement of necessary office materials.	$50,000
- Communications (Office)	Phone, internet, and other communication expenses.	$40,000
- Legal and Audit Services (External)	Professional services for compliance and auditing.	$60,000
9. UNFPA Visibility Materials	Materials to ensure UNFPA visibility.	$5,000
10. Contingency	(e.g., 5% if allowable), calculated on total before submitting.	$142,500
Total Requested Budget		$2,997,500

 

 

Budget Category	Description	Amount (USD)
1. Staff Salaries and Benefits		$820,000
- Project Manager (24 months)	Oversees project implementation and coordination.	$120,000
- GBV Specialists (3 positions)	Provide technical support, training, and mentorship.	$180,000
- Caseworkers (10 positions)	Deliver direct support to GBV survivors.	$300,000
- MEAL Officer	Monitors and evaluates project activities, manages data.	$60,000
- Finance & Admin Staff (2 positions)	Manage financial records and administrative tasks.	$80,000
- Staff Benefits (health, insurance)	Comprehensive benefits package for all staff.	$80,000
2. Mobile Outreach Operations		$450,000
- Vehicle Leasing (3 vehicles)	Transportation for outreach teams.	$90,000
- Fuel and Maintenance	Operational costs for vehicles.	$60,000
- Outreach Supplies	Materials for mobile services (e.g., tents, chairs).	$50,000
- Dignity Kits (8,000 kits)	Essential items for GBV survivors.	$160,000
- Security Provisions	Measures to ensure staff safety during outreach.	$40,000
- Communication Equipment	Radios, phones, and other devices for coordination.	$50,000
3. Local NGO Capacity Strengthening		$350,000
- Training Workshops (12 NGOs)	Sessions on GBV prevention, response, PSEA, gender-transformative programming. (Narrative: Detail costs per workshop: venue, materials, facilitators, per diems x # workshops)	$120,000
- Micro-Grants for WLOs	Financial support to implement GBV activities.	$180,000
- Mentorship Programs	Ongoing support and guidance for NGOs.	$50,000
4. GBV Case Mgt Tools & Kits		$280,000
- GBVIMS+ Software, Licenses & Support	Data management system for case tracking.	$60,000
- Case Management Kits (300 units)	Tools and materials for caseworkers.	$90,000
- Training on PSEA Protocols	Workshops on PSEA for staff, partners, communities.	$80,000
- Referral Pathway Dev. & Support	Establishing, strengthening, and supporting referral systems including SRHR.	$50,000
5. Community Sensitization & Prev.		$200,000
- Community Dialogues (100 sessions)	Engagements with local leaders and communities.	$80,000
- IEC Materials (Gender-Transformative)	Information, education, communication materials.	$60,000
- Media Campaigns (Radio/TV)	Radio and TV spots to raise awareness.	$40,000
- Male Engagement Programs	Initiatives targeting men and boys for gender equality.	$20,000
6. Training & Recruitment (Female Staff)		$300,000
- Recruitment Drives	Efforts to hire qualified female staff for rural areas.	$80,000
- Staff Training Programs	Capacity building for newly recruited & existing staff.	$120,000
- Retention Strategies & Staff Care	Incentives, wellness programs, and support to retain staff.	$100,000
7. MEAL and Coordination		$200,000
- Monitoring Tools and Systems	Development and maintenance of MEAL systems.	$80,000
- Evaluation Studies (inc. Final Eval.)	Periodic assessments of project impact.	$60,000
- Coordination Meetings & Travel	Regular meetings with stakeholders, partners, clusters.	$40,000
- Reporting and Documentation	Preparation of reports and documentation of best practices.	$20,000
8. Administrative and Overhead Costs (ISC)	(Align with UNFPA's ISC policy/rate)	$250,000
- Office Rent and Utilities	Costs for office space and utilities.	$100,000
- Office Supplies and Equipment	Procurement of necessary office materials.	$50,000
- Communications (Office)	Phone, internet, and other communication expenses.	$40,000
- Legal and Audit Services (External)	Professional services for compliance and auditing.   To ensure UNFPA visibility 5% if allowable	$60,000   $5,000   $142,500
UNFPA Visibility Materials   Contingency
Total Requested Budget		$2,850,000

10. Annexes

Annex I: Work Plan (Gantt Chart)

Project Duration: 24 months (July 2025 – June 2027)
Key Activities and Timeline:

Activity	Jul–Sep 2025	Oct–Dec 2025	Jan–Mar 2026	Apr–Jun 2026	Jul–Sep 2026	Oct–Dec 2026	Jan–Mar 2027	Apr–Jun 2027
Project Mobilization & Stakeholder Engagement	●	●
Recruitment & Training of GBV Staff	●	●	●
Deployment of Mobile Outreach Units		●	●	●	●	●	●	●
Capacity Building for Women-Led NGOs		●	●	●	●	●	●	●
Community Sensitization Campaigns		●	●	●	●	●	●	●
GBV Case Management & Referral Services		●	●	●	●	●	●	●
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning		●	●	●	●	●	●	●
Sustainability Planning & Exit Strategy					●	●	●	●

Note: "●" indicates active periods for each activity.

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Annex II: Logical Framework (Logframe)

Goal: Enhance access to quality, survivor-centered GBV prevention and response services in hard-to-reach and underserved areas of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States.

Objectives	Indicators	Means of Verification	Assumptions
1. Expand GBV Service Coverage	Number of mobile GBV outreach missions conducted per month- Number of underserved LGAs reached	Monthly outreach reports - Service delivery records	Continued access to target areas - Community acceptance
2. Strengthen Local NGO Capacity	Number of women-led organizations trained - Number of NGOs implementing GBV programs independently	Training attendance sheets - NGO activity reports	NGOs have baseline capacity - Willingness to participate
3. Improve GBV Case Management Quality	Number of caseworkers trained - Percentage of cases managed per GBVIMS+ standards	Training evaluations - GBVIMS+ data analysis	Availability of qualified trainers - Adoption of GBVIMS+
4. Promote Inclusive GBV Prevention Approaches	Number of community leaders engaged - Number of male-focused prevention sessions conducted	Community engagement reports - Session attendance records	Cultural receptiveness - Engagement of male champions

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Annex III: Organizational Capacity Statement

Neem Foundation is a registered non-governmental organization with over [X] years of experience in implementing gender-based violence prevention and response programs in Nigeria. Our organization has:

·       Human Resources: A dedicated team of [number] staff members, including GBV specialists, caseworkers, and community mobilizers.

·       Technical Expertise: Proven experience in deploying mobile outreach units, conducting community sensitization, and providing psychosocial support services.

·       Partnerships: Established collaborations with local NGOs, community leaders, and government agencies.

·       Financial Management: Robust financial systems ensuring transparency and accountability, with successful audits conducted annually.

·       Previous Experience: Implemented similar projects funded by [list donors], achieving [mention key outcomes].

Our organization is committed to upholding the principles of survivor-centered approaches and aligns with UNFPA's strategic objectives.

Annex IV: Letters of Support from Local NGOs

Note: This annex will include letters of support from partner local NGOs expressing their commitment to collaborate on the project. These letters will be added upon receipt.

Annex V: Map of Target LGAs with Access Data

Note: This annex will feature a map highlighting the targeted Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States, indicating access routes, security considerations, and locations of existing GBV services. The map will be developed using GIS tools and added to the proposal.