Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction
UNDRR is the United Nations’ focal point for the coordination of disaster risk reduction, working with countries and a broad range of partners and stakeholders to support the implementation, monitoring and review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 in coherence with the 2030 Agenda and other instruments, for the multi-hazard management of disaster risk in development and the substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses.
UNDRR issues grants, in line with UN Financial Regulations and Rules, to apolitical and not profit-making organizations to facilitate, implement, or carry out activities related to UNDRR’s and the partner’s mandates and work programmes.
To this end, UNDRR invites non-profit organizations with more than 10 years of operation, with demonstrable experience in disaster risk reduction or sustainable development teams and that have developed projects in gender and private sector teams in Honduras, Guatemala or El Salvador to submit grant proposals that focus on the project described below.
A. Rationale
This project addresses the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles within the private sector, particularly in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate action in Central America. Despite progress in gender equality, only 37.3% of managerial roles in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) are occupied by women, limiting their influence in shaping resilience strategies.
The private sector plays a pivotal role in DRR efforts; however, gender considerations are often overlooked in policies and actions. By focusing on Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala, this initiative aims to empower women leaders by providing them with essential knowledge, tools, and networks necessary for integrating gender-responsive DRR strategies into private sector operations. Women bring significant value to enhancing resilience within the private sector through their leadership skills, strategic decision-making capabilities, and adaptability. Their contributions are vital for fostering a resilient and equitable business environment. Therefore, supporting and empowering women in leadership roles is crucial.
To maximize impact and scalability, this project leverages existing leadership within the ARISE network-where nearly 70% of regional networks are led by women-positioning it as a catalyst for change that can effectively promote gender equity while enhancing business resilience across Central America.
B. Purpose
This project aims to empower women to take on leadership roles in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate actions within the private sector. It focuses on documenting best practices, strengthening women’s leadership capacities, and fostering regional collaboration to address gender disparities. Through participatory workshops, research, and knowledge-sharing activities across Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala, the initiative promotes inclusive resilience strategies that prioritize women’s roles within businesses. By aligning with global frameworks like the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 on gender equality and SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth for all and building upon the Paris Agreement’s commitment to integrate gender equality into climate action; this project seeks to have a significant social impact by supporting women in protecting productive assets from disasters while promoting employment generation and enhancing the social function of businesses.
C. Outcome
- Enhanced the leadership skills of women in strategic decision-making for business continuity planning and disaster risk reduction.
- Increased visibility and documentation of gender-responsive DRR practices.
- Enhanced regional collaboration on DRR through shared learning and cross-sector dialogue.
- Development of actionable recommendations for integrating gender considerations into private sector DRR strategies.
- Integrating gender considerations into business operations to contribute to sustainable development goals at the enterprise level.
D. Output
- Three documented case studies highlighting women’s contributions to disaster resilience and business continuity.
- Survey analysis report capturing key insights from at least 80 respondents on challenges and opportunities for women in DRR leadership.
- Capacity-building workshop training at least 15 women leaders in DRR strategies and business continuity planning.
- High-level knowledge exchange event with at least 40 participants fostering collaboration on gender and DRR.
- Comprehensive learning resource guide for private sector stakeholders, distributed to at least 50 key actors.
- Widespread dissemination of materials reaching at least 200 stakeholders through digital platforms and ARISE networks.
E. Suggested activities
The following activities must involve the participation and collection of information, from at least the three primary countries in the project: Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.
- Good Practices Documentation: Conduct field research and stakeholder consultations to identify and document gender responsive DRR practices, ensuring that at least two documented practices are collected for each primary country involved in the project. It is necessary to gather information on the organizations involved, including investment in the practice, location, timeline, scope, key stakeholders, multimedia materials, challenges and setbacks, barriers, implemented activities, impact and results, and lessons learned.
- Survey Analysis: Conduct a regional survey with at least 80 respondents to assess perceptions, challenges, and opportunities in gender and DRR leadership.
- Capacity-Building Workshop: Organize a tailored leadership workshop to enhance women’s skills in DRR, climate resilience, and business continuity.
- Knowledge Exchange Event: Support the organization of a high-level roundtable at the ARISE Americas and Caribbean Forum in May 2025 featuring of a representative from the National Government of Honduras to discuss project findings and best practices.
- Development of Learning Resources: Produce a comprehensive guide outlining gender-responsive DRR strategies and disseminate among regional stakeholders.
- Creation of Dissemination Materials: Develop communication materials, policy briefs, and outreach materials for broad stakeholder engagement.
F. Resources
The project requires USD 70,000 from UNDRR to successfully implement its activities, which include the activities described in section E.
The Selected NGO is expected to contribute key resources essential for the project’s success, including the allocation of workspaces for the project team, back-office support, and access to meeting facilities for coordination and stakeholder engagement. Additionally, the provision of relevant reports, studies, and data from previous projects-particularly those related to gender and capacity-building efforts-will be crucial for informed decision-making. The Selected NGO’s institutional influence will also play a vital role in strengthening the project’s impact by facilitating connections with key stakeholders. These contributions will serve as in-kind co-financing, enhancing the project’s implementation capacity and alignment with existing initiatives.
G. Elements specific to the project that the grantee should know
All International and national non-governmental organizations that wish to be considered for partnership opportunities with UNDRR will need to register and create a profile on the United Nations Partner Portal (UNPP). Following verification of the profile information, partners will be eligible to apply to partnership opportunities with UNDRR as well as the UN Secretariat and all other participating UN Organizations.
We encourage you to start the registration as soon as possible to avoid delays. Only registered organizations whose profile has been successfully verified will be considered eligible partners to apply for grant opportunities with UNDRR. For more details on registration procedures please visit the UN Section of UNPP.
Furthermore, the United Nations system requires all partners to be assessed regarding their capacity to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation and abuse. UNDRR encourages implementing partners to use the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) module in the UNPP. For more information please see the PSEA Module User Guide.
H. Budget and administrative-related aspects
The duration of the proposed project cannot exceed 10 months. The maximum amount requested from UNDRR for the implementation of this project cannot exceed USD 70,000. The project proposal must not exceed 10 pages (attachments such as scanned copies of entity’s registration, CVs of staff etc. do not count). For this purpose, please fill in duly all the sections of the application form, include the required documents (scanned copy of NGO/IGO’s registration certificate, CVs of staff etc.) and budget excel sheets, and send the complete application package (application form, budget excel sheets, entity registration certificate, CVs of staff, etc.) to the following email address: [email protected] cc: [email protected], [email protected].
Deadline for applications: 10 March 2025, midnight New York, USA EST (Eastern Standard Time). Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered.
Projects’ activities can include, amongst others, the following: seminars, workshops, trainings; capacity building activities; institutional strengthening activities; and advocacy.
The following types of activity will not be covered: capital expenditure, e.g. land, buildings, equipment and vehicles; individual scholarships for studies or training courses; supporting political parties; and sub-contracting.
Due to the number of applications, only short-listed applicants will be notified.
Please note that the grant payment schedule will be determined with the selected grantee when finalizing the agreement. UNDRR standard practice is not to exceed 40% of the requested amount upon signature of the grant agreement; remaining payments made based on a schedule of payments linked to production of project milestones and the final payment, 20%, will be paid after the end of the project, once final documents have been received, verified and approved by UNDRR.
Refund of grants: UNDRR may request organizations to refund, either in part or in whole any amounts paid in respect of a grant when: the project was not implemented in full or in part; the grant was spent for ineligible expenditures other than those mentioned in the budget proposal submitted to, and approved by UNDRR; no narrative, financial or audit report was submitted within the deadline established by the grant agreement; a narrative report and/or a financial report submitted was determined to be unsatisfactory; a negative evaluation of the project by UNDRR; any other valid reason provided by the UNDRR.