UN Women Programme Office in Tajikistan p lans to engage Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) as Responsible Party for the implementation of activities that contribute to the empowerment of adolescents and young people, both men and women, to equally participate in political, social and economic life and more resilient to violent narratives that play on multiple grievances including injustice, socio-economic exclusion, limited access to decision makers and a lack of belonging. The United Nations of Tajikistan in cooperation with the Government of Tajikistan is implementing the “Empowering youth for a peaceful Tajikistan” project. The project is financed by the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund and implemented by 3 UN Agencies in Tajikistan: UNDP, UNICEF and UN Women. The project aims to increase the resilience of Tajikistan’s young people to violent narratives in areas where risks of violent extremism are exacerbated by vulnerability to extreme poverty and outward migration dynamics, through endowing them with capacities, skills and competencies that open socio-economic opportunities, enable them to participate in political life, and enhance their community participation, sense of belonging and confidence in government. The project is timely, as risks of exclusion in the country are increasing due to persistent economic hardship, social, economic and political exclusion of young people and especially women, and the erosion of social cohesion due to changing identities and shifting social norms. The project will define effective models of prevention work for the scale-up and policy and will catalyze both policy implementation in the country as well as international attention to this problem with a strong focus on inclusion. The project is innovative, as it introduces a new type of programming around the prevention of violent extremism risks with a focus on youth development and participation. First, the project relies on multi-dimensional and comprehensive responses that focuses on addressing root causes, with a long-term look, as opposed to short-term and securitized approaches. Secondly, the project does not see young people as troublemakers or victims but aims to build trust in them and empower them. Third, the project has a strong focus on strengthening gender equality and women’s empowerment through introducing new approaches and perspectives, which has been missing from these types of programmes in the country. In this sense, the project aims to catalyze further funding and interest. Funding Information The budget range for this proposal should fall between a minimum amount of TJS 1,500, 000 and a maximum amount of TJS 2,000,000. The proposals are expected to cover a period of minimum 3 months with a possible 6-month extension with budget and activities adjusted to new timeframe. Competencies Technical/functional competencies required; The Call for Responsible Partners is open to registered CSOs working in Tajikistan. Applications are encouraged particularly from women’s and human rights organizations which focus on: Evidence-based programming, building on lessons learned and recommended practices, to ensure optimal results and use of resources; Human rights-based and gender-responsive approaches that place first priority on promoting, protecting and fulfilling the human rights of women and girls as well as strengthening institutional capacities at local levels to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women; Focus on disadvantaged groups, including those living in poverty or otherwise especially excluded, and ensuring responsiveness to diversity; Coordination and multi-sectorial partnerships, including among government organizations, nongovernmental organizations, women’s and other civil society groups; Commitment to sharing knowledge, by documenting, evaluating and disseminating results, and working with UN Women staff in the process; Priority placed on sustainability of results; Communication and visibility in line with the programme communication strategy, which will be defined at the stage of project proposal finalization. Other competencies, which while not required, can be an asset for the performance of services Transformation of inequitable gender norms and power disparities between women and men, and empowerment of women and girls to thrive as equals; Holistic responses that address women and girls’ inter-related rights and needs, including safety, access to healthcare, education and economic security. For more information, visit UN Women.