CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST TO
PARTNER WITH GIVEDIRECTLY

GiveDirectly is seeking Expressions of Interest from organizations interested in partnering for a climate-responsive cash research project with the University of Oxford, focusing on early warnings vs anticipatory vs. post-disaster cash assistance for monsoon floods.

About GiveDirectly

GiveDirectly is a non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to delivering unconditional cash transfers directly to people in poverty. Cost-effective, data-driven, and technology-enabled cash transfer models equipped with efficient end-to-end operations has established GiveDirectly as an influential player in the poverty-reduction and humanitarian space. Our programs have undergone over 20 randomized control trials (RCTs) to build evidence and advocate for cash transfers as an effective intervention in both development and emergency contexts.

Today, over 650 million people are living on less than $2.15/day, and cash transfers are a proven way to accelerate their escape from poverty. By delivering your donations and studying the impact, we aim to demonstrate a path to ending extreme poverty. Since 2009, we’ve delivered $800M+ in cash directly into the hands of over 1.6 million people living in poverty. We currently have operations in Bangladesh, DRC, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Morocco, Rwanda, Uganda, and the U.S. Our programs are funded by individual donors, foundations, businesses, and institutions.

Project Background

GiveDirectly launched Bangladesh operations in 2022 in response to slowing poverty reduction progress in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and persistent last-mile extreme poverty. GiveDirectly is implementing an anticipatory cash response to households at risk of flooding in the Kurigram, Gaibandha, Jamalpur, and Sirajganj districts along the Jamuna River Basin. The project combines GiveDirectly’s innovative operational capabilities in digital cash transfer programming with a unique multisectoral public-private partnership model which brings together government, public and private sector innovation teams, and world-class researchers to address core challenges for scaling anticipatory action for flood response.

The project seeks to address these questions through implementing a four-armed randomized control trial (RCT):

  • Treatment 1 (“early warning only”) group will receive an early warning in the form of risk information and preparation advice before the flood peak.
  • Treatment 2 (“early cash”) group will receive early warnings plus a one-off payment before the flood peak.
  • Treatment 3 (“late cash”) group will receive early warnings plus a one-off payment after the flood peak.
  • Pure control group will not receive an early warning or any cash transfer, whether early or late.

Evidence is growing that cash transfers provided to households in advance of a disaster improve resilience and welfare more than post-disaster assistance. The study will analyze the best way to distribute assistance when flood impacts are uncertain, identify which households are best suited for anticipatory versus post-shock assistance, and determine which approach yields the greatest overall social welfare benefit.

About the Expression of Interest

Organizations responding to this Expression of Interest (EOI) are required to:

  • Be legally registered in Bangladesh, with valid registration from the NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB)
  • Possess significant experience in emergency preparedness and response
  • Maintain an established field presence within the Kurigram, Jamalpur, Sirajganj, and Gaibandha districts
  • Have significant experience in community mobilization and resilience building activities
  • Demonstrate robust capacity in project management, procurement, and financial oversight, ensuring compliance with all reporting requirements
  • Have strong relationships with local administration and relevant local and regional institutions
  • Uphold a strong commitment to gender equality and the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) at both organizational and programmatic levels, with a dedication to gender-responsive and inclusive programming.

Roles and Responsibilities

The primary roles and responsibilities of the selected firm will include but not be limited to:

  • Lead the implementation of field-level activities, including awareness raising sessions and community sensitization engagement with potential recipients, in collaboration with GiveDirectly’s field team
  • Conduct regular site visits to assess the implementation and monitor progress and submit periodic event reports
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with local government authorities, partner organizations, community leaders, NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders
  • Participate in various stakeholder meetings at all levels (community, union, upazila, and district)
  • Organize field visits for the project team members
  • Prepare periodic technical progress and financial reports

Duration of the Partnership

The partnership is expected to run from January to November 2025. The detailed scope of work and contract value will be finalized in Phase 2 of the application process, in consultation with the selected firm. Only shortlisted organizations will be contacted to submit a proposal in Phase 2.

How to Apply

All Expressions of Interest must be completed using the template provided in Annex 1 and submitted via email to tahsin.hossain@givedirectly.org no later than 11:59 PM on 4 December 2024.

The email subject line must read “GiveDirectly EOI”.

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered during the review process.