ICIMOD seeks South Asian partners for locally led climate adaptation initiative

The HI-CAS initiative seeks country-specific proposals to support rural women, Indigenous Peoples and local communities through locally led adaptation, sustainable livelihoods and institutional resilience.

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development has invited Expressions of Interest from eligible women’s rights organisations, Indigenous Peoples’ organisations, networks and non-profit organisations to collaborate on climate adaptation solutions in Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal under the HI-CAS project.

The collaboration aims to co-design and promote gender-responsive, Indigenous and locally led climate adaptation solutions.

The Integrated Climate Adaptation Solutions for the Hindu Kush Himalaya Region, known as HI-CAS, is a four-year, multi-country initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented in Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal.

The project aims to strengthen climate-resilient, nature-positive livelihoods for rural women, Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities and other disadvantaged groups through gender equality and social inclusion-responsive, locally led climate adaptation solutions.

HI-CAS combines springshed management, agrobiodiversity, renewable energy, capacity building and knowledge sharing to enhance climate resilience, strengthen local institutions and improve access to sustainable climate investments.

The project aims to benefit around 40,000 people while recognising Indigenous women and Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities as rights-holders and change agents. It also supports Indigenous-led climate adaptation grounded in local knowledge, leadership and collective action.

Interested institutions or organisations are required to submit their Expression of Interest with a cover letter on the organisation’s letterhead, duly signed by the designated contact person, in the specified format.

Submissions must be made no later than 20 July 2026 at 11:59pm Nepal Standard Time, UTC+05:45, to [email protected]. The subject line should read: “EoI for HI-CAS WRO, IPLC”.

The EoI submission will be country-specific. Organisations based in Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh should submit proposals only for their respective countries.

Applicants must present their understanding of the terms of reference and proposed project location in 800 to 1,000 words, covering the background of the project objectives, expected outcomes, scope of work and implementation approach.

They are also required to provide a methodology for project implementation in 1,000 to 1,200 words. The methodology should be developed in line with the basic requirements outlined in the terms of reference and should suggest ways of collaborating with HI-CAS partners and ICIMOD.

Organisations must explain in 800 to 1,000 words why they are well-qualified for the assignment. The submission should demonstrate the organisation’s suitability, based on the objectives, methodology, scope of work, deliverables and required qualifications and experience outlined in the terms of reference.

Applicants have been asked to mention prior experience in climate change, biodiversity, nature-based solutions or community development, with a focus on women from Indigenous, ethnic and most disadvantaged communities at the regional level in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region.

They must separately attach or provide a link to the most relevant work completed by the institution or organisation in the past three years that aligns with the objectives of the assignment. Experience working with international organisations should also be included.

The EoI must also include a proposed timeline, management and operational plan in 500 to 800 words, clearly demonstrating the timeline for detailed project implementation.

Applicants are further required to submit a team composition section of 800 to 1,000 words, listing team members and showing how the proposed team’s composition and expertise align with the requirements of the assignment.

They must provide links to the most relevant work of key team members that aligns with the objectives of the work. The submission should reflect careful consideration of the team composition and balance criteria outlined in the relevant section of the terms of reference.

CVs of all key team members, limited to a maximum of two pages each, must be separately attached or linked.

Applicants must also provide a declaration stating that the organisation is registered, has maintained audited financial accounts for at least the past three years and is compliant with all applicable tax regulations in its country of registration. Copies of financial and tax compliance documents must be submitted with the EoI.

The declaration must also state that the information provided in the EoI is correct and complete and will be used to assess the organisation’s suitability to proceed to the full proposal submission stage.

ICIMOD said it reserves the right to reject an EoI in the event of false or misleading information or any other circumstances it deems disqualifying.

Questions may be addressed to [email protected].