Call for Expression of Interest: Implementing partner (local...

Call for Expression of Interest: Riyada Project 

Contracting Authority – SPARK

SPARK develops higher education and entrepreneurship to empower young, ambitious people to lead their fragile and conflict-affected societies into prosperity. SPARK is a dynamic and growing international not-for-profit development organization with 100+ staff members in more than 14 offices around the world.

SPARK supports refugees in the Middle East by providing them with scholarships in universities and higher education institutions in the region. SPARK also supports young entrepreneurs in fragile states to start or grow their own businesses.

Introduction 

SPARK’s RIYADA project funded by ARAB FUND FOR ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT aims to enhance resilience and reduce poverty among Palestinian youth and women by creating a total of 70 direct jobs. The initiative intends to reach and support young individuals and strengthen the capacity of over five local beneficiaries: local Business Support Centres (BSCs) in the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). To achieve its objectives, the project will focus on Three main activities: Business Support Centres are supported to increase their capacity to provide business support services to SMEs, scaling up; high-growth SMEs to generate job opportunities for at-risk youth, particularly women, Start-Up; establishing new businesses to provide sustainable employment for at-risk youth. This effort will target youth in Palestine (including East Jerusalem, West Bank). The program aims for a minimum of 40% women's participation in its activities, promoting women's inclusion in education, training, and formal employment, challenging traditional gender roles, and providing tailored support to meet the specific needs of women.

SPARK is currently seeking an implementing partner (local Business Support Centres (BSCs)) in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to assist in the implementation of Riyada project. The selected BSCs are responsible for project activities, with continuous, tailor-made technical support from SPARK.

SPARK invites eligible applicants focusing on Business Support Centre at the Higher Education Institutions sector and youth employment in Palestine including incubators, accelerators, business hubs, university innovation hubs, etc., to submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) to become an implementing partner for the Riyada project.

To review the full terms of reference, please visit the following link: 

Terms of Reference

For any questions, feel free to contact Spark [email protected]. The last Date for Questions and Answers (Q&A) January 16, 2024 (17:00 Local Time), Application Deadline January 18, 2024 (17:00 Local Time)