CSO PARTNERSHIP

About SOS Children’s Villages

SOS Children’s Villages International is a global, independent, non-governmental organization dedicated to ensuring that children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it, grow up in a supportive and caring family environment.

Our mission is to build families for children in need, support them in shaping their own futures, and contribute to the development of their communities. This mission is realized through integrated interventions that include providing quality alternative care for children without parental care, strengthening vulnerable families to prevent separation, empowering young people for independent living through education and skills development, advocating for the protection and fulfilment of children’s rights, and delivering emergency humanitarian support to children and families affected by crises.

Operating in over 130 countries and territories, SOS Children’s Villages adapts its programmes to local contexts and works in partnership with communities, governments, and other stakeholders to promote the rights and well-being of children and young people worldwide.

Description of Project

SOS Children’s Villages, Ghana with funding support from the Norwegian Agency for Development Corporation (NORAD) is implementing a project called “ Protecting Children at Risk of Losing Parental Care Project”  which operates in five districts (5) across four (4) regions ( Bono East Region- Sene west district, Volta Region-Adaklu district, Greater Accra Region- Ada East and West and Central Region-Ekumfi district )

This project aims at improving the self-reliance of families and communities to provide quality care and protection for children and young persons. By the end of the project period, it would have economically strengthened the capacity of 2000 socially vulnerable families and 1000 youth to care for and support 6400 children. 10,000 socially vulnerable children, young people, and families have improved access to MHPSS and SRHR services; and child protection structures have strengthened on prevention, rescue, rehabilitation, and prosecution of child rights abuses such as child marriage, child labour, and trafficking. Furthermore, 10,800 vulnerable Children and young people have improved learning outcomes, 16 vulnerable communities have enhanced capacity to prevent, manage, and respond to emergencies and climate change, and the capacity of key implementing partners has strengthened between 2025-2029.

It is in this backdrop that the project seeks to engage a civil society organization (CSO) in the Ekumfi District for project implementation in selected communities.

Partnership Requirement

These are the minimum conditions needed to ensure credibility, safety, and basic ability to deliver.

1. Legal and Governance

• Officially registered and recognized in Ghana
• Operating in line with national NGO regulations and tax requirements
• Clear mission that fits the purpose of the project
• A functioning leadership structure (e.g. Board or oversight body)
• Basic internal policies that guide how the organization works

2. Financial Integrity

• Reliable system for managing funds and keeping records
• Ability to follow donor financial rules
• Recent independent audit reports available
• Clear separation of financial responsibilities to prevent misuse of funds

3. Safeguarding and Protection

• A child protection and safeguarding policy in place
• Commitment to preventing sexual exploitation and abuse (PSHEA)
• A system where communities can report complaints or concerns safely

4. Presence in Ekumfi District

• Already working in Ekumfi or has a real operational presence there
• Able to implement activities directly within the district

5. Basic Data and Reporting

• Ability to collect and share basic programme information and reports

 Important Strengths (Preferred)

The capabilities, experiences and quality of work of all CSOs who will apply for the partnership will be assessed and scored.

Experience and Technical Skills

• Experience working in areas such as child protection, family support, or community development
• Proven results from past donor-funded projects
• Staff with relevant qualifications and practical experience
• Good understanding of local community challenges

Ability to Deliver Programmes

• Strong planning and organization of activities
• Ability to mobilize communities effectively
• Adequate staff and logistics to support field work
• Track record of delivering projects on time and within budget

Community Trust and Relationships

• Strong acceptance and trust from local communities
• Good working relationships with:
• Department of Social Welfare
• District Assembly
• Schools and health services
• Traditional leaders
• Experience working with vulnerable groups in a respectful and inclusive way

Monitoring, Learning and Accountability

• Ability to track progress and produce clear reports
• Uses data to improve programmes over time
• Includes gender and inclusion in monitoring systems
• Has ways for beneficiaries to give feedback

Partnership Working

• Willingness to collaborate openly with other partners
• Clear and respectful communication practices
• Transparent decision-making and sharing of information
• Ability to complement the work of others

Inclusion and Sustainability

• Strong focus on gender equality and social inclusion
• Practical efforts to support persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups
• Environmentally responsible ways of working
• Commitment to “Do No Harm” in all activities

Innovation and Growth

• New or creative approaches to solving community challenges
• Strong culture of learning and improving work over time
• Ability to attract additional resources or partnerships

Reputation and Influence

• Strong credibility with donors and local stakeholders
• Experience working in partnerships or consortiums
• Ability to reach hard-to-access or underserved communities

• To facilitate the submission process, CSOs shall submit their proposals electronically in PDF format to martina.deri@sosghana.org.  All proposals must be duly signed and stamped.

• The titles of submitted documents should clearly state “EKUMFI NORAD PROJECT PARTNERSHIP

Closing date of submission of Documents is on 27th May 2026