As a country with relatively ample resources and a healthy economy, Australia plays a significant role in providing assistance both financial and in kind to our neighbouring countries. A number of foreign aid programs are run out of several departments, with the majority managed through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) under the Australia Aid Program. This program focusses on developing nations across the Pacific, Asia and as far as the Middle East and the Caribbean providing a broad range of services including educational programs, infrastructure building, emergency assistance and health services. This week we look at 2 opportunities from DFAT’s Australian Aid Program seeking industry expertise and assistance.
Pacific Partnerships for Social Protection (P4SP) Program – The P4SP is a program aimed at providing tailored assistance to support countries to advocate for, build and strengthen effective, sustainable, gender-responsive and shock responsive social protection systems in our region. DFAT is calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from interested parties to manage this project which will be focussed on minimising impacts of the COVID-19 crisis in pacific island countries. This will be a four year initiative to support analysis for system and program development, facilitate cross country cooperation and learning and fund pilot programs, where required. It will be a scalable flexible mechanism that allows bilateral programs to buy into the investment. The overarching goal of the proposed program is greater coverage and quality of social protection systems in the Pacific, to reduce vulnerability and to enhance stability and economic recovery, through Australian support.
As an EOI, this is the first step in a two stage process, that will see successful applicants shortlisted to participate in the second stage. Note that DFAT will be accepting partial responses and may facilitate teaming between several organisations if deemed suitable. This program is intended to run for four years from August 2021, with an option to extend for a further four years. This EOI closes 26 Feb 21.
South Asia Regional Infrastructure Connectivity – Training Component (SARIC) – The South Asia Regional Infrastructure Connectivity (SARIC) program is an Australian Government funded $32 million initiative that commenced in early 2020 with the goal of identifying a pipeline of transport and energy projects that connect the economies of the South Asia region. DFAT has a requirement for the provision of short course training and networking services as a component of SARIC that covers technical content relevant to individuals working on the preparation of specific projects as well as general course work covering regional integration, best practice in planning, financing, and implementation of infrastructure projects. Both streams will incorporate G20 principles in infrastructure development, including gender considerations, climate change and disaster resilience, and the importance of inclusive planning in infrastructure projects. Training programs will be delivered to:
– Individuals from the public and private sector directly involved in the preparation and/or eventual delivery of the projects; and
– Senior decision makers in the infrastructure sector, covering private and public sector officials, academics, and senior civil society members.
This opportunity is also an Expression of Interest (EOI) run as the first part of a 2 stage process. The contract is expected to commence July 2021 and run for 4 years. This EOI closes 9 Feb 21.
If you are after further advice on this topic or any opportunity listed below, feel free to contact us. You can also subscribe to this newsletter for regular weekly updates.
