Call for proposals - Training for female leaders in the circular economy sector as part of the MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP)

Women empowerment and climate action are interlinked. Women in the MENA region are making significant contributions to the circular economy, and with the right support, they can strengthen their leadership roles to drive sustainable change. The circular economy is an essential sector of job creation and sustainable development. It is essential to remove barriers, provide training, create inclusive networks, and implement policies that empower women. By doing so, the region can harness the full potential of female leaders in the transition to a more sustainable, circular economy.

To support female leaders working in the circular economy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) the MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP) wants to offer a leadership and mentoring programme. Creating networks that connect female leaders in the circular economy is vital. Female leadership in all spheres of life, and female role-modelling across all areas of the circular economy can have a multiplier effect and play a catalytic role in encouraging women and girls to enter the circular economy.

Intensifying cooperation between the MENA region and the Netherlands has great potential to contribute to the circular economy transition.

This call is open to Dutch training providers who:

• are interested in providing a training for female leaders working in the circular economy sector in the countries of the MSP country list: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman and Tunesia.
• have experience in working in the MENA region and have region-specific knowledge, and expertise in gender dynamics and leadership development.
• have experience and a network in the circular economy sector.
• are interested in providing a hybrid training programme, in one of the countries on the MSP country list (as mentioned above), the Netherlands and/or online.
• agree with the MSP TMT Grant Conditions.
• meet the general MSP criteria as mentioned on the MSP TMT page.

• Support and enhance the leadership skills of women in the circular economy, by providing high-quality leadership training, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
• Equipping participants with the skills, confidence, and networks necessary to advance in leadership roles and support other women.
• Promoting gender equity and inclusion in leadership positions within the circular economy.
• Creating a sustainable network of female leaders who will mentor and support future cohorts.
• Strengthening the relationship between the MSP countries in the MENA region and the Netherlands in the circular economy sector.

• Per country, approximately 2 – 4 women on mid/high management or decision making level in the circular economy from the following countries on the MSP country list: Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman and Tunisia.
• The selection process and selection should be coordinated with Nuffic and if requested with the Embassies of the Netherlands in the respective countries to create synergy and/or complementarity with other programmes financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

Demonstrated potential for leadership:

• Currently working in a leadership role, such as leading teams, managing projects, or influencing key decisions within their organisations or communities.
• Clear ambition to grow as a leader, influence decision making processes, and contribute to shaping the future of the circular economy.
• Openness to receiving and offering mentorship, participating in peer networks, and sharing knowledge with others in the programme.
• Ability to overcome challenges, adapt to changing circumstances, and inspire others through difficult situations.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, different stakeholders, and communities. Circular economy transitions often require cross-sector collaboration.
• Ability to build and sustain relationships within professional networks or interest groups.

Commitment to the circular economy:

• Working for organisations or projects related to circular economy.
• A clear, genuine commitment to sustainable and environmental stewardship.
• Motivation to make impact on the transition to a circular economy, in the own organisation, sector or community.
• Demonstrated advocacy for circular economy principles. This could involve working on policy initiatives, corporate sustainability strategies, or public awareness campaigns.

Participants should benefit from a tailored programme based on a training needs analysis which should be conducted among all participants once a Dutch training provider is selected. The below mentioned suggestions serve as examples of interventions that can support female leaders. The Dutch training provider needs to develop a metric with measurable outcomes to assess participants' growth in leadership and mentorship skills.

• Training sessions
  Training sessions on topics such as negotiation, fundraising, pitching, leadership styles, and public speaking, that address the participants’ needs. Sessions should be led by experts and designed to be interactive, offering hands-on exercises to help participants develop their leadership skills while considering cultural and social diversity.
• Networking and Advocacy
  Participation in a regional conference or event that focus on female leaders. Through dedicated networking events, the participants have the opportunity to engage with policymakers, peers and inspiring role models and engage with other stakeholders within the circular economy. Networking events could also link participants to donors and funding sources.
• Study visit to the Netherlands
  Visits or exchange opportunities to organisations in the Netherlands in relevant fields of work to exchange experiences, ideas and challenges with Dutch female leaders in the circular economy sector.
• Personal mentoring and coaching
  Personal mentoring and/or coaching where participants are matched based on career challenges faced and receive support on their career goals and challenges, creating a space to openly and confidentially share individual challenges.
• Involving men
  Men have a pivotal role in the movement toward gender equality, including supporting female leadership and overcoming glass-ceiling barriers. As allies, mentors, policy advocates, and role models, men can help raise awareness about the importance of equitable representation in leadership and advocate for a more inclusive society where women are empowered to take on leadership roles. These actions will not only benefit women but also contribute to the overall social and economic development.
• Alumni group
  Creating an alumni group, facilitating ongoing communication between the participants. This platform can serve as a hub for networking, sharing events, and staying updated on relevant news within the community.

For all interventions it is of utmost importance to create a cultural sensitive, safe, open, honest environment that stimulates openness, confidence and leads to impact on the individual and group level.

• With this call for proposal Nuffic is aiming to identify a Dutch training provider who has the knowledge and experience to organise a female leadership & mentoring programme for women in the Middle East and North Africa working in the circular economy.
• Nuffic offers suggestions in this call for proposals but Dutch training providers are invited to come up with their own suggestions based on their expertise and experience.
• The training should be provided in English, if of added value for some parts in Arabic.
• The training should take place before 31 December 2025.
• The outcome of the selection will be available within 3 – 6 weeks after the submission deadline.
• Please carefully read the TMT information on our website before submitting a training proposal.
• For any questions please send an email to msp@nuffic.nl

Budget
150.000 Euro

Deadline
Monday, 23 December 2024 23.59 CET

How to apply?
Please apply by sending your application form to msp@nuffic.nl. Find all information on the process of applying and the required documents on the MSP TMT page.