Call for Concept Notes from Local and National NGOs (LNGOs). Literacy for Economic Empowerment (LEE) Project, Rivercess County.

Date of Issue: 16 th July 2026.

Submission Deadline: 31 July 2026.

1. Introduction and Project Background.

1.1 Introduction: Concern Worldwide Liberia is implementing the Literacy for Economic

Empowerment (LEE) Project in Rivercess, an initiative designed to improve functional literacy,

numeracy and socio-economic empowerment among vulnerable adults in rural Liberia. The

project particularly targets women, youth, and other marginalized groups who have limited

access to formal education opportunities. Concern currently does not have Liberian Non

government Organisation (LNGO) in this area. The initiative however builds on Concern’s

commitment to locally-led development by working closely with Liberian Non-Governmental

Organisations (LNGOs) to deliver sustainable, community-driven interventions. The LEE

Project is currently being implemented in 15 communities in Rivercess county where Concern

Worldwide has been working for the past 15 years.

1.2. Brief Background of the LEE Project: The Literacy for Economic Empowerment (LEE)

Project is a 12-month initiative funded by Mission Alliance. The project is implemented by

Concern Worldwide Liberia in Rivercess County to improve functional literacy, numeracy, and

economic empowerment among vulnerable adults, particularly women, youth, and other

marginalized groups who have limited access to formal education. Building on Concern’s

broader Livelihoods, Innovation, Food Security and Entrepreneurship (LIFE) Programme, the

LEE Project seeks to strengthen adult learning opportunities, enhance community ownership

of learning centres, promote inclusive and safe learning environments, and improve

participants’ ability to engage in sustainable livelihood and economic activities.

As part of this approach, Concern Worldwide invites qualified LNGOs to submit Concept Notes

outlining how they would implement literacy and community empowerment interventions

within targeted communities.

2. Purpose of the Call.

The purpose of this Call for Concept Notes is to identify an experienced local implementing

partner capable of delivering high-quality adult literacy and community empowerment

activities that contribute to improved learning outcomes, community ownership and long

term sustainability in Rivercess County.

3. Proposed Intervention Areas.

Interested organizations are expected to propose approaches covering some or all the

following areas:

• Community mobilisation and new learners’ registration.

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• Establishment and/or strengthening of Adult Learning Centres.
• Recruitment, training and mentoring of new Community Learning Facilitators (where

applicable).

• Delivery of functional literacy and numeracy classes.
• Community awareness on the importance of adult education and lifelong learning.
• Promotion of gender equality, inclusion and safeguarding throughout programme

implementation.

• Support for persons with disabilities to access learning opportunities.
• Establishment of sustainability mechanisms, including community ownership and

income-generating initiatives where appropriate.

• Monitoring, documentation of results, learning and success stories.
• Experience or training on the REFLECT methodology is an added advantage.

4. Expected Results.

The proposed intervention should contribute towards results such as:

• Increased access to quality adult literacy and numeracy education.
• Improved literacy and numeracy skills among vulnerable adults.
• Increased participation of women and marginalized groups in learning opportunities.
• Strengthened capacity of Adult Literacy Facilitators.
• Improved community ownership and sustainability of Adult Learning Centres.
• Enhanced inclusion, safeguarding and accountability within programme

implementation.

5. Geographic Coverage.

The intervention will be implemented in Rivercess County across 15 communities identified

by Concern Worldwide.

6. Duration.

The anticipated implementation period is 5 months: August – December 2026.

7. Eligibility Criteria.

Interested LNGOs should demonstrate:

• Legal registration and operational presence in Liberia.
• Proven experience implementing education, adult literacy, community development

or related programmes.

• Strong community mobilisation and facilitation capacity.
• Experience managing donor-funded projects.
• Sound financial management and procurement systems.
• Functional governance structures.
• Demonstrated safeguarding, accountability and complaints response mechanisms.
• Ability to collect, analyse and report programme data.

Previous experience working with Concern Worldwide or other international NGOs will be

an added advantage but is not mandatory.

8. Concept Note Requirements.

Concept Notes should not exceed 8 pages (excluding annexes) and should include:3

1. Organisation Profile.
2. Problem Statement.
3. Objectives (overall and specific).
4. Expected Results and summary of key Activities.
5. Implementation Approach.
6. Community Engagement Strategy.
7. Safeguarding and Accountability approach.
8. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Approach (upscaling).
9. Key Risks and Mitigation Measures.
10. Sustainability Strategy.
11. Organisational Capacity and Relevant Experience.

Annexes:

12. High-Level Budget Estimate.
13. Workplan.
14. Selection Criteria.

Concept Notes will be assessed against the following criteria:

10. Submission Instructions.

The interested LNGO should submit:

▪ Cover Letter.

▪ Organisational Profile.

▪ Certificate of Registration.

▪ Governance Structure and organisational Organogram.

▪ Latest Audited Financial Statements (or management accounts).

▪ Evidence of similar assignments.

▪ References from at least two previous donors.

▪ Concept note (maximum 8 pages) describing the proposed implementation

approach.

Note: Selected Organisation will be requested to share with Concern Relevant Policies

(Finance, Procurement, HR, Safeguarding, Anti-Fraud, etc.) and Strategic Plan (if available)

before contract is signed.

All submissions should be sent electronically to:

Email: concernlr.partnership@concern.net.

Subject: Concept Note Submission – LEE Project, Rivercess County.4

11. Timeline.

Activity

Date

Call for Concept Notes issued

16 July 2026

Deadline for submission

31 July 2026

Additional Information: Concern Worldwide reserves the right to accept or reject any submission without

assigning any reason and is under no obligation to award a partnership agreement following this call. Only

shortlisted organisations will be contacted. Concern Worldwide strongly encourages applications from

competent Liberian NGOs committed to locally-led development, inclusion, safeguarding, accountability

and sustainable community empowerment.