Quality Label Humanitarian Aid - Full Procedure

The Quality Label for Humanitarian Aid Volunteering under the European Solidarity Corps certifies organizations capable of executing high-quality solidarity activities in line with humanitarian standards. This certification is essential for organizations wishing to participate in humanitarian aid volunteering projects.

Eligible applicants include nonprofits, NGOs, and humanitarian organizations, as well as public-private partnerships established in EU member states and associated countries like the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership regions. Organizations can apply individually for either a support role, which involves preparation and support for volunteers, or a host role, focused on hosting volunteers and managing their activities.

The funding structure is unique as it does not provide direct financial support; instead, it offers a Quality Label that grants access to future funding opportunities within the European Solidarity Corps framework.

The application process is ongoing with set deadlines, and submissions are evaluated continuously at defined intervals. The application process consists of three stages: submission, assessment, and awarding of the Quality Label, which is subject to reassessment throughout the programming period from 2021 to 2027. Organizations must demonstrate operational readiness, compliance with safety and quality standards, and the ability to adequately support and train volunteers.

Quality standards emphasize equal opportunities, avoidance of job substitution, decent living conditions for volunteers, and the overall safety of participants. No co-funding is required for the Quality Label itself, and participation in volunteering must be free of charge for volunteers, with limited contributions to travel costs permissible.

Success rates reflect a competitive environment, with previous calls receiving varying numbers of submissions. The most recent call closed on September 21, 2023, with 49 proposals submitted. Evaluation results for this round are expected in February 2024, while future applications will continue to be accepted with the next deadline set for September 24, 2024.

This initiative aims at ensuring high-quality volunteer involvement in humanitarian contexts while fostering sustainable practices and strong partnerships within the European humanitarian framework. Organizations interested in applying must adhere closely to the outlined eligibility requirements and evaluation criteria to successfully attain the Quality Label.

The Quality Label for Humanitarian Aid Volunteering

What is the Quality Label? The Quality Label for Humanitarian Aid Volunteering certifies that an organisation can carry out high-quality solidarity activities in compliance with the principles, objectives, and requirements of the European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps. Obtaining this label is a precondition for participating in volunteering activities supporting humanitarian aid operations.

What are the different types of Quality Label? Applicant organizations can choose one of the following roles:

Support role: This involves supporting, preparing, and/or training participants before departure, mediating between them and their host organizations, and providing support upon their return. This role also allows the organization to submit project applications and coordinate partnerships for Humanitarian Aid Volunteering projects.

Host role: This covers all activities related to hosting a Solidarity Corps participant, including developing a program for the young person's activities and providing guidance and support during all phases.

How does it work? The Quality Label is awarded following a three-stage selection process: application submission, assessment, and award. Applications can be submitted continuously during the programming period to the Executive Agency, the sole implementing body. Evaluations occur at set intervals according to an annual timetable aligned with the Humanitarian Aid Volunteering call for projects. Applications are assessed against eligibility, selection, exclusion, and award criteria. Successful organizations receive the Quality Label, which the Executive Agency monitors for compliance and may reassess periodically. The label is valid for the programming period and until the end of the last project the organization is involved in. To facilitate partner-finding, profiles of Quality Label holders are published in a database on the European Solidarity Corps Portal. Organizations can use the partner searching tool on the Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal to identify potential partners. Once awarded, organizations can access the European Solidarity Corps Portal to advertise activities and search for partners and participants. Information in the database is published as formulated in the Quality Label application form.

Simplified Host Procedure: An organization in a programme country applying for a support role can also apply for a host role on behalf of its branches in non-programme countries with the same legal personality. The applicant supporting organization is accountable for the quality and safety of activities offered by its simplified hosting organizations.

Quality Standards: The European Solidarity Corps guarantees high-quality volunteering through the Quality Label process. Participating organizations must adhere to the following principles and standards:

Equal opportunities and non-discrimination: Volunteers are selected fairly, transparently, and objectively, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, political opinion, or disability. No specific qualifications, education, experience, or language knowledge is required, although a specific profile may be justified by the activity's nature or project context. Participation must be free of charge, except for possible travel cost contributions if not fully covered by the grant. Activities should respect the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Avoidance of job substitution: Volunteering activities must not replace traineeships or jobs, complementing paid staff's work without undercutting their pay or conditions.

Avoidance of harmful activities: Security and safety of participants, organizations, and target groups must be ensured, including clearance requirements for those working with vulnerable groups, in accordance with applicable national law. Activities should consider unforeseen circumstances like environmental crises, conflicts, or pandemics and respect the EU Guidelines for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of the Child.

Provision of high-quality, accessible, and inclusive activities: Volunteering tasks should develop skills and competencies for personal, social, and civic development. Attention is given to the capacity of hosting organizations in third countries, embedding activities within the local context, and facilitating interaction with local humanitarian actors, the hosting community, and civil society. The value and benefits of volunteering should be recognized through validation of learning outcomes.

Adequate training, working, and volunteering arrangements: Safe and decent living and working conditions must be ensured. A volunteering agreement outlining rights and responsibilities must be signed.

No profit: Beneficiaries must not derive any profit from funded activities. Volunteering should cover participants’ expenditure but not provide salaries or economic benefits.

Tasks and Responsibilities of Organizations Holding a Quality Label for Humanitarian Aid Volunteering: Organizations must demonstrate their capacity to perform tasks and responsibilities relevant to their role. The tasks and responsibilities may overlap between host and support organizations.

Organizations Applying for a Support Role:

Management: Ensure compliance with regulations, effective coordination, risk assessment, security procedures, evacuation plans, monitoring, reporting, evaluation, dissemination, and information activities.

Before the activity: Ensure transparent selection, select trained candidates, ensure a volunteering agreement with provisions for role, duration, performance management, working conditions, financial rights, practical arrangements (medical checks, visas, permits, clearance requirements, induction for working with vulnerable groups), expected conduct, disciplinary policy, mediation mechanism, security management, health and safety, and learning and development. Ensure language preparation, identify learning needs, provide adequate preparation tailored to the project and host country, ensure volunteers meet clearance requirements, ensure participation in pre-departure training including security briefing, ensure pre-deployment medical assessment, ensure insurance coverage, ensure necessary visas and work permits, provide the European Solidarity Corps Info Kit, make or facilitate travel arrangements, take security and safety measures, designate support contact, support settlement and transition, provide additional support to the volunteer and hosting organization, ensure understanding of insurance terms, and support reflection on learning outcomes through EU validation tools.

During the activity: Coordinate with hosting organizations, participate in mid-term evaluation and final reviews, and provide mediation support.

After the activity: Provide medical and psychological examination, support reintegration, provide opportunities to exchange experiences and learning outcomes, encourage involvement in dissemination, provide guidance regarding further education, training, or employment, and ensure participation in the annual European Solidarity Corps event.

Organizations Applying for a Host Role:

Management: Ensure compliance with the European Solidarity Corps Regulation.

Before the activity: Cooperate with the support organization in preparing the activity and volunteers.

During the activity:

Learning, mentoring, and support: Ensure the volunteer attends on-arrival training, including security briefing; ensure organization of mid-term evaluation; ensure the volunteer attends the full Training and Evaluation Cycle (if applicable); offer a well-defined set of tasks, allowing integration of the volunteer’s ideas, creativity, and experience; identify clear learning opportunities; provide task-related support, supervision, and guidance; support language courses; identify a mentor for self-reflection and personal support.

Volunteering living and working conditions: Support visa and work permit applications; ensure safety and security; provide adequate living and working conditions; facilitate integration into the local community; ensure conflict prevention, mediation, and well-being, including psychological support; ensure local transport availability; ensure access to communication; provide due allowances.

After the activity: Provide final performance review and debrief, follow up and evaluation with the support organization, and contribute to impact and dissemination of results.

What are the criteria used to assess the Quality Label?

Eligibility Criteria:

Support role: Any organization legally established in a programme country.

Host role: Any organization legally established in a non-programme country.

An organization in a programme country applying for a support role may also apply for a host role on behalf of its branches with the same legal personality. Groups of young people are not eligible.

Duration: The whole duration of the programming period, 2021 – 2027, subject to periodical reassessments by the EACEA.

When to apply? Applications can be submitted continuously. Organizations wanting to participate in Humanitarian Aid Volunteering projects under the 2022 call must apply by 22 September 2021 at 17:00 (Brussels time).

Where to apply? To the Education and Culture Executive Agency via Funding & tenders (europa.eu). Call ID: ESC-HUMAID-2021-QUAL-LABEL Topic ID : ESC-HUMAID-2021-QUAL-LABEL-FP

Other Criteria: A declaration of honour signed by the legal representative must be annexed to the application form.

Award Criteria: The awarding of a Quality Label is subject to an assessment of the capacity of the organisation to ensure the relevant tasks and responsibilities, which are mentioned above. The following award criteria will be used to assess applications.

Organizations Applying for a Support Role:

Relevance: The extent to which:

The organisation’s motives for participation in the European Solidarity Corps are convincing and clearly explained.

The organisation’s objectives address issues relevant for the objectives of the European Solidarity Corps.

The organisation’s activities and its experience relevant for the humanitarian aid field and have a strong solidarity dimension.

The organisation demonstrates commitment to the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, as well as with the 'do no harm' principle.

Quality of measures: The extent to which the organisation respects the programme quality standards by:

Carrying out activities that respond to humanitarian aid needs and provide tangible benefits to target groups and local communities.

Ensuring that security, health and safety of participants are guaranteed and any risks concerning the proposed accommodation and work placement are properly tackled.

Taking necessary measures to respect the avoidance of harmful activities principle.

Ensuring adequate practical and logistical arrangements.

Ensuring adequate mentoring support for participants.

Ensuring adequate personal support for participants, including conflict prevention and mitigation measures and psychological support.

Taking adequate measures to ensure appropriate living and working conditions for the volunteers.

Avoiding job substitution, routine tasks and tasks with low learning impact.

Promoting environmental sustainability and responsibility and incorporating sustainable and environmental-friendly practices in activities.

Making use of digital tools and methods to complement and improve activities.

Organisational Capacity: The extent to which:

The organisation has demonstrated the ability, capacity and commitment to allocate appropriate resources to manage the European Solidarity Corps activities in accordance with applicable quality standards, in particular the safety and security standards for the Humanitarian Aid Volunteering.

The organisation has proposed appropriate steps to ensure continuity of activities in case of organisational changes.

The organisation demonstrates a good approach towards working with partners.

The measures for assuring the sustainability of the planned activities are of appropriate high quality.

The organisation ensures quality project management, including proper communication and coordination measures with other support or host organisations.

The measures aimed at disseminating the outcomes of the activities within and outside the participating organisations are appropriate and of high quality.

The measures for monitoring and evaluating the activities are appropriate and of high quality.

Organizations Applying for a Host Role:

Relevance: The extent to which:

The organisation’s motives for participation in the European Solidarity Corps are convincing and clearly explained.

The organisation’s objectives address issues relevant for the objectives of the European Solidarity Corps.

The organisation’s activities and its experience relevant for the humanitarian aid field and have a strong solidarity dimension.

The organisation demonstrates commitment to the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, as well as with the 'do no harm' principle.

Quality of measures: The extent to which the organisation respects the programme quality standards by:

Carrying out activities that respond to humanitarian aid needs and provide tangible benefits to target groups and local communities.

Ensuring that security, health and safety of participants are guaranteed and any risks concerning the proposed accommodation and work placement are properly tackled.

Taking necessary measures to respect the avoidance of harmful activities principle.

Ensure adequate mentoring support for participants.

Ensuring adequate practical and logistical arrangements.

Ensuring adequate mentoring support for participants during the activity.

Ensuring adequate personal support for participants, including conflict prevention and mitigation measures and psychological support.

Taking adequate measures to ensure appropriate living and working conditions for the volunteers.

Avoiding job substitution, routine tasks and tasks with low learning impact.

Promoting environmental sustainability and responsibility and incorporating sustainable and environmental-friendly practices in activities.

Making use of digital tools and methods to complement and improve activities.

Organisational capacity: The extent to which:

The organisation has demonstrated the ability, capacity and commitment to allocate appropriate resources to manage the European Solidarity Corps activities in accordance with applicable quality standards, in particular the safety and security standards for the Humanitarian Aid Volunteering.

The organisation has proposed appropriate steps to ensure continuity of activities in case of organisational changes.

The organisation demonstrates a good approach towards working with partners.

The measures for assuring the sustainability of the planned activities are of appropriate high quality.

The organisation ensures quality project management, including proper communication and coordination measures with the support organisation.

The measures aimed at disseminating the outcomes of the activities within and outside the participating organisations are appropriate and of high quality.

The measures for monitoring and evaluating the activities are appropriate and of high quality.

Monitoring, Reporting and Quality Assurance:

Changing/Updating the Quality Label: Organizations holding a Quality Label must notify the awarding body of any changes that should be reflected in their label.

Monitoring and Checks: The Quality Label will be periodically reassessed. The Executive Agency may conduct regular or ad hoc monitoring visits to verify compliance with quality standards.

Termination: In cases of serious underperformance, failure to comply with instructions or deadlines, or repeated violations of Programme rules, the Quality Label can be withdrawn. The Executive Agency will give due consideration to each case of non-compliance and will prompt the organisation well in advance to allow enough time to take corrective measures. The awarding body may also terminate a Quality Label if the organisation ceases to exist.

The call ESC-HUMAID-2021-QUAL-LABEL - Quality Label Humanitarian Aid has closed on the 21 September 2023 at 17:00:00 (Brussels time). 49 proposals have been submitted. The results will be available on February 2024. The new submission session is now available for: ESC-HUMAID-2021-QUAL-LABEL. Next deadline is 24 September 2024 at 17:00:00 (Brussels time).

Previous call closures and proposal numbers:

Call ESC-HUMAID-2021-QUAL-LABEL closed on 22 September 2022, with 49 proposals submitted: 12 for Light Procedure and 37 for Full Procedure. Evaluation results were expected in February 2023.

Call ESC-HUMAID-2021-QUAL-LABEL closed on 24 March 2022, with 24 proposals submitted: 11 for Full Procedure and 13 for Light Procedure. Evaluation results were expected in September 2022.

Call ESC-HUMAID-2021-QUAL-LABEL closed on 22 September 2021, with 120 proposals submitted: 89 for Light Procedure and 31 for Full Procedure. Evaluation results were expected in February 2022.

All applicants with branch offices must fill in the Annex Tpl List of Branches. Answers related to award criteria for branches must be in Part B of the application, specifying certification status. Applicants applying for the Light Procedure with EUAV-certified branches should answer award criteria questions in Part B following instructions for the light procedure. For non-EUAV certified branches, answers must follow instructions for the full procedure. The excel table [Tpl_List of Branches (ESC HUMAID Quality Label] to be downloaded on the Platform with Part B has to be filled in for all branches (simplified hosting organisations), on behalf of which the support organisation applies.

Eligible countries, eligibility and admissibility conditions, evaluation criteria, scoring, threshold, and process are described in the Call document and related legal documents.

The indicative timetable for evaluation and grant agreement is as follows: Publication of the call: EAC/A02/2021 (15 April 2021); Deadline for submitting applications: 22 September 2021 year 17:00 (Brussels Time); Applications can be submitted on a continuous basis; Organisations willing to take part in Humanitarian Aid Volunteering projects under the 2022 call must submit their application for Quality Label by 22 September 2021 at 17:00 (Brussels time); Evaluation period: October 2021- February 2022; Information to applicants: March 2022.

Proposal templates, guidance, and model grant agreements (MGA) include a standard proposal template and the call document.

For help related to this call, contact: EACEA-SOLIDARITY-CORPS@ec.europa.eu.

This call aims to award a Quality Label to organizations that can carry out high-quality solidarity activities in line with the European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps. This label is essential for organizations wanting to participate in humanitarian aid volunteering projects. The application process involves three stages: submission, assessment, and award, with continuous submissions evaluated at set intervals. Organizations can apply for either a support or host role, each with specific responsibilities. The Quality Label is valid for the programming period and is subject to reassessment. The call emphasizes adherence to quality standards, including equal opportunities, avoidance of job substitution and harmful activities, and provision of adequate support and training for volunteers. Evaluation criteria focus on relevance, quality of measures, and organizational capacity. The call is open to organizations legally established in programme and non-programme countries, with specific requirements for organizations with branch offices. The call is managed by the Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are organizations. Specifically, for a support role, any organization legally established in a programme country is eligible. For a host role, any organization legally established in a non-programme country is eligible. An organization in a programme country can also apply for a host role on behalf of its branches in non-programme countries if they share the same legal personality. Groups of young people are explicitly stated as not eligible.

Funding Type: The funding type is a Quality Label. This is not a direct financial grant but rather a certification that allows organizations to participate in volunteering activities in support of humanitarian aid operations under the European Solidarity Corps.

Consortium Requirement: The opportunity does not explicitly require a consortium. Organizations can apply individually. However, the text mentions facilitating partner-finding and setting up project consortia, suggesting that while not mandatory, collaboration is encouraged.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): Organizations legally established in programme countries are eligible for the support role. Organizations legally established in non-programme countries are eligible for the host role. The eligible countries are further detailed in the Call document and the European Solidarity Corps guide.

Target Sector: The program targets the humanitarian aid sector, specifically focusing on volunteering activities.

Mentioned Countries: The opportunity mentions programme countries and non-programme countries, without specifying individual countries. Zambia, Rwanda, Albania, Peru, El Salvador, Slovakia, Hungary, Nigeria, Ghana, Vietnam, and Brazil are mentioned in the list of funded projects.

Project Stage: The project stage is focused on organizations that are ready to implement or host humanitarian aid volunteering activities. This implies a stage of operational readiness rather than idea or research phases.

Funding Amount: The opportunity does not specify a funding amount, as it is a Quality Label. However, it mentions that volunteering should cover the participants’ expenditure arising from participation in such solidarity activities but should not provide them with salaries or an economic benefit.

Application Type: The application type is an open call, with applications submitted on a continuous basis during the programming period. There are set intervals for evaluation according to an annual timetable.

Nature of Support: The support is primarily non-monetary. It involves the awarding of a Quality Label, which provides access to the European Solidarity Corps Portal and the ability to advertise and participate in humanitarian aid volunteering activities. The Quality Label also implies access to resources, networks, and potential partnerships.

Application Stages: The application process involves three main stages: submission of application, assessment, and award.

Success Rates: The success rates are not explicitly mentioned. However, the document provides the number of proposals submitted in previous calls, which could be used to estimate success rates. For example, the call that closed on 22 September 2021 received 120 proposals.

Co-funding Requirement: The opportunity does not explicitly mention a co-funding requirement. However, it states that participation in volunteering activities must be free of charge for the volunteer, with the exception of possible contributions to travel costs if the grant does not fully cover these costs.

Summary:

This opportunity is a call for organizations to obtain a Quality Label for Humanitarian Aid Volunteering under the European Solidarity Corps. The Quality Label certifies that an organization meets the standards to carry out high-quality solidarity activities in compliance with the European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps. Organizations can apply for either a support role, a host role, or both. The application process involves submitting an application that is assessed against eligibility, selection, exclusion, and award criteria. Successful organizations gain access to the European Solidarity Corps Portal, allowing them to advertise activities, find partners, and participate in humanitarian aid volunteering projects. The Quality Label is valid for the duration of the programming period (2021-2027), subject to periodical reassessments. This initiative aims to ensure high-quality volunteering activities, promote equal opportunities, avoid job substitution and harmful activities, and provide adequate support and training for volunteers. The call is continuously open with multiple cut-off dates for evaluation. Organizations legally established in programme countries can apply for a support role, while those in non-programme countries can apply for a host role. The Education and Culture Executive Agency manages the call.