Supporting the economic empowerment of women in Yemen

Restricted EU call EuropeAid funds projects to support the economic empowerment and formal labour market inclusion of women in Yemen, prioritising Marib, Taizz, Hadramout and the Aden-Lahj corridor. The total envelope is €5,000,000 with individual grants of €2,500,000 to €5,000,000, co-financing required (EU share 50%–90%), project duration 36–48 months. Mandatory concept note submission is via PROSPECT by 03 June 2026 at 12:00 Brussels time and applicants must be legal persons registered per call rules, with non-Yemeni leads required to include a Yemeni co-applicant. The procedure is restricted two-stage (concept note then invited full application) and includes requirements on PADOR/PIC registration, financial capacity checks, safeguards including SEA-H measures, and mandated financial support to third parties where applicable.

Call basics

What it funds

Action grants to support women’s economic empowerment in Yemen through job creation, skills and entrepreneurship development, financial inclusion, market linkages and disability-inclusive approaches. Actions should be gender-transformative, sustainable and coordinate with local authorities and EU programming.

Total budget and grant size:Overall envelope €5,000,000. Grants available: minimum €2,500,000; maximum €5,000,000. EU co-financing: 50%–90% of eligible costs ¹.

1. 1Deadline for concept notes (mandatory first step): 03 June 2026, 12:00 Brussels time; online submission via PROSPECT.
2. 2Two-step restricted call: submit a concept note; shortlisted lead applicants invited to submit full application.
3. 3Project duration: minimum 36 months, maximum 48 months.
4. 4Submission requirements: organisations must register in PADOR and PROSPECT; Yemeni organisations may act as sole lead applicants; non‑Yemeni leads must include at least one Yemeni co-applicant.
5. 5Location focus: Yemen (priority governorates where security/access permits include Marib, Taizz, Hadramout and Aden–Lahj corridor).

Who can apply

Eligible lead applicants:legal persons (e.g., NGOs, international organisations, private non‑profit operators) established in an EU Member State, OECD member, or an ODA‑eligible developing country (see call rules). Lead applicants must be directly responsible for preparing and managing the action. If the lead is non‑Yemeni, at least one Yemeni co‑applicant is required. Co‑applicants and affiliated entities may participate; associates, contractors and recipients of financial support have defined roles under the call.

Selection and key conditions

This is a restricted call:only concept notes are evaluated in the first stage. Full applications from pre‑selected leads will be invited. Actions must align with the call objectives and cross‑cutting priorities (human rights‑based approach, gender equality, disability inclusion). Financial and operational capacity checks apply; grants are normally reimbursement of eligible costs or may include financing not linked to costs where allowed.

How to apply:Register organisations in PADOR, submit concept notes and (if invited) full applications online in PROSPECT. An online information session is scheduled for 05 May 2026 (registration details in call documents). See call documents for mandatory annexes and evidence requirements ¹.

Footnotes

1. 1Full guidelines, application forms, budget and logical framework templates, and Annexes (including PADOR and PROSPECT instructions) are provided in the call documentation on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

Title:Supporting the economic empowerment of women in Yemen (Reference EuropeAid). Publication date: 14/04/2026. Submission deadline for concept notes (mandatory online submission via PROSPECT): 03/06/2026 at 12:00 Brussels time. This is a restricted call for proposals: concept note phase followed by invitation-only full application phase. Total indicative budget available: €5,000,000. Individual grant size: minimum €2,500,000; maximum €5,000,000. Grant forms: reimbursement of eligible costs and/or financing not linked to costs (FNLC) where authorised. Projects must be implemented in Yemen (priority operating areas: Marib, Taizz, Hadramout and the urban corridor Aden-Lahj). All applicants must register in PADOR and submit via PROSPECT. Full guidance and templates are published with the call Guidelines and documents. ¹

Key objectives:Global objective: Support economic empowerment of women in Yemen and their inclusion in the formal economy by creating dignified formal jobs, supporting businesses, linking communities with private finance and markets, and promoting entrepreneurial, digital and financial skills to reduce aid-dependency and enable sustainable livelihoods.

Specific objectives:1) Create dignified job opportunities for women across diverse groups through gender-transformative skills, entrepreneurship and equitable labour market access in emerging locally viable sectors. 2) Enhance financial inclusion and access to finance for women and women-led enterprises through gender-responsive regulatory, product and infrastructure solutions (including disability-inclusive design). 3) Establish women-led trade and business linkages with EU, Middle East and Gulf supply chains and B2B networks.

Eligibility and applicant requirements

Summary of who can apply and how:The lead applicant must be a legal person and one of the permitted organisation types (NGOs, private non-profit operators, international organisations, public bodies as specified). The lead applicant must be effectively established in an EU Member State, in an OECD member country, or in developing countries and territories on the OECD DAC list (exceptions for international organisations). A Yemeni organisation may act as sole lead applicant. A non‑Yemeni lead applicant must include at least one Yemeni co-applicant. Co-applicants and affiliated entities must meet the same eligibility criteria. A single application per lead applicant is allowed (a lead applicant cannot submit multiple applications or be co-applicant/affiliated entity in another application).

Eligible applicant types

Eligible applicant types (explicit in the guidelines and annexes):non-governmental organisations (local and international), private sector operators (non-profit use of profits for the beneficiaries), international intergovernmental organisations, public bodies (subject to identification forms). Co-applicants may include universities, research institutes, vocational and academic institutions, financial institutions, business associations, private sector partners, organisations of persons with disabilities, local CSOs and Yemeni diaspora organisations. Associates, contractors and recipients of financial support (third parties/sub‑grantees) are allowed under defined conditions.

Funding details and financial rules

Total contracting authority allocation:€5,000,000. Individual grants must be between €2,500,000 and €5,000,000. Co‑financing requirement: the EU contribution must be between 50% and 90% of total eligible costs; the remainder must be provided from other sources (applicant’s own contribution or other donors) and cannot be EU general budget/EDF. Grants are paid under the standard grant contract (Annex G) or a contribution agreement where applicable. Eligible costs and cost types follow Annex II (General Conditions); simplified cost options (unit costs, lump sums, flat rates) are possible where authorised. Indirect costs can be claimed as a flat rate up to 7% of eligible direct costs (except where the beneficiary already receives an operating grant financed by the EU). A contingency reserve up to 5% may be included but requires prior written approval to use. VAT and taxes: eligibility depends on the tax regime; applicants must check Annex J and national arrangements.

Funding type

Primary financial mechanism:Grant (Action grants). Forms available: reimbursement of eligible costs (actual costs and/or simplified cost options) and financing not linked to costs (FNLC) where explicitly authorised in the call and applied to pre-agreed results/indicators.

Consortium and partnership rules

Consortium requirement:If the lead applicant is non‑Yemeni it must submit the application with at least one Yemeni co-applicant. Yemeni leads may apply alone. Co‑applicants share technical and financial responsibility and must sign mandates (Annex A.2). Affiliated entities (structural links such as control or membership) may participate and their costs accepted as eligible but they do not become contracting beneficiaries. Associates and subcontractors are allowed but each actor may only have one role (no double roles).

Geographic eligibility and beneficiary scope

Geographic eligibility:Actions must take place in Yemen. Applicants (lead applicant and co‑applicants) must be effectively established in either an EU Member State, an OECD member country, or in countries listed as ODA recipients by the OECD DAC (developing countries and territories). International organisations are eligible regardless of establishment rule. Priority operational locations for implementation (to facilitate coordination with EU Delegation) are Marib, Taizz, Hadramout and the Aden‑Lahj urban corridor, but projects may scale up geographically when security and access permit.

Mentioned countries and locations:Yemen (implementation); priority governorates and areas: Marib, Taizz, Hadramout, and Aden‑Lahj urban corridor. Regional exchanges and linkages expected with the EU, Middle East and Gulf countries. Information sessions and partner meetings will be organised in Amman. Applicant establishment: EU Member States, OECD members, and ODA‑listed developing countries.

Target sectors, beneficiaries and activities

Target sectors and thematic scope:Women’s economic empowerment, private sector engagement, financial inclusion and microfinance, entrepreneurship and business support, agritech, clean energy and green economy, digital finance and services, care and support sectors, skills and vocational training, inclusive infrastructure (telecommunications, transport, energy, water), and market linkages/B2B and trade facilitation. Cross‑cutting priorities: rights-based approach, gender equality (GAP III), youth participation, disability inclusion, and environmental/climate considerations.

1. 1Primary target beneficiaries: women in all their diversity (including women with disabilities, young women, IDP women and host communities), women‑led enterprises, youth.
2. 2Target groups: local CSOs, private sector partners, financial institutions, vocational/academic institutions, business associations, Yemeni diaspora networks.
3. 3Indicative activities: inclusive skills development and incubators, gender‑sensitive legal and regulatory support, microfinance and community savings (VSLAs), digital financial literacy and tools, partnerships for job placement and supply chain integration, regional exchange and B2B linkages, capacity development of local trainers, disability‑inclusive design and reasonable accommodation, community engagement to address restrictive norms.

All activities must respect EU values and have measures for sustainability and safety (including visibility derogations for security reasons where agreed). Actions should link to or build on existing EU/EU Member States initiatives and include capacity development for Yemeni academia, business associations and local trainers.

Project maturity and expected stage

Expected project stage and maturity:Proposals should already be at implementation‑ready or at advanced piloting/demonstration stage with clear intervention logic (logical framework) and capacity to deliver. Actions should be innovative, scalable, and include monitoring and sustainability measures. Capacity building components for local partners and market assessment/feasibility work are expected where needed.

Application process and timeline

Two‑stage restricted procedure:1) mandatory online concept note (Annex A.1) submitted via PROSPECT by 03/06/2026 at 12:00 Brussels time; administrative checks and evaluation of concept notes using an evaluation grid (maximum score 50; pre‑selection threshold: ≥30). The contracting authority will pre‑select concept notes up to an aggregate amount equal to 200% of available budget. 2) invited lead applicants submit full applications (Annex A.2, budget Annex B, logical framework Annex C) via PROSPECT (deadline to be indicated in invitation). Following full evaluation there is a verification of eligibility of applicants and supporting documents, award decision, notification, and contract signature. Indicative timetable in the guidelines: concept note decision July 2026 (indicative), full application September 2026 (indicative), notification October 2026, contract signature November 2026.

Submission systems and mandatory registrations:Mandatory registrations: Lead applicants, co‑applicants and affiliated entities (legal persons) must register in PADOR and in the EU Participant Register (to obtain PIC) and submit applications in PROSPECT. If technical or security concerns prevent online PADOR registration, offline PADOR forms (Annex F) must be submitted with the full application. Technical support for PROSPECT is available via ec-external-relations-application-support@ec.europa.eu. An online information session is scheduled (05 May 2026); sign-up instructions in the guidelines.

Evaluation, selection and reporting

Evaluation approach:Step 1 administrative check and concept note evaluation against relevance and design (scored out of 50). Step 2 evaluation of full application against selection (financial/operational capacity) and award criteria (quality, impact, sustainability, cost‑effectiveness) scored out of 100. Step 3 verification of eligibility of applicants and supporting documents. A reserve list will be established. Successful applicants must provide additional supporting documentation (statutes, audited accounts where required, declaration on honour, SEA‑H self‑evaluation for grants > €60,000) and may be required to provide a financial guarantee for pre‑financing.

Monitoring and reporting:interim and final narrative and financial reports (Annex VI templates) are mandatory. Where applicable, contractual expenditure verification (AUP) and third party assessment for FNLC results (Annex VII‑A and VII‑B) are required for grants above defined thresholds. Logical framework and corporate indicators (Global Europe Results Framework, GAP III indicators) should be integrated into monitoring. Lead applicants must budget and plan to attend yearly partners meeting in Amman (2 staff x 2 days annually).

Scoring, success rates and competition

Success rates:The contracting authority does not publish an exact numerical success rate for this individual restricted call. The concept note phase will pre‑select proposals up to 200% of available budget (i.e. approximately twice the budgetary envelope) and only concept notes scoring at least 30/50 will be considered for pre‑selection, indicating a competitive procedure. Final selection depends on quality of full applications, eligible budget and verification checks.

Co‑funding and financial obligations

Co‑funding requirement:Yes. The EU will finance between 50% and 90% of total eligible costs. Lead applicants must secure the balance from non‑EU sources (applicant’s own funds, other donors, private sector, in‑kind contributions subject to rules). Volunteers’ work may be declared as in‑kind contributions under specific unit costs rules (up to 50% of all sources of financing) but they are excluded from indirect cost calculation. All applicants must present realistic, justified budgets and may be asked to correct arithmetical errors prior to contracting. Payments follow the schedule in the special conditions and Annex II (pre‑financing(s), interim payments, balance).

Simplified cost options and FNLC (finance not linked to costs)

The call allows reimbursement of actual costs and simplified cost options (unit costs/lump sums/flat rates). Where permitted by the call, financing not linked to costs (FNLC) may be used for pre‑agreed results and indicators. FNLC requires clearly defined results, measurable indicators, baselines and targets in the Logframe (Annex C), and corresponding entries in the Budget (Annex B) stating unit values, targets and maximum amounts. Third party assessment for FNLC outputs/outcomes is required unless otherwise stated. Annex K to the guidelines provides detailed guidance and examples on embedding FNLC in proposals.

Ethics, exclusions and safeguarding

Exclusion and ethics:Applicants must sign a Declaration on Honour on exclusion criteria (Annex H). The contracting authority applies exclusion rules for fraud, corruption, conflicts of interest, grave professional misconduct and other grounds (see Guidelines and Annex H). Zero tolerance to sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEA‑H) is applied: applicants (except individuals, pillar‑assessed entities and governments) must complete a SEA‑H self‑evaluation questionnaire (Annex L) for grants > €60,000. Anti‑corruption clauses, unusual commercial expenses rules and safeguards against conflict of interest apply. Visibility obligations may be limited for security reasons with prior agreement.

Application templates and mandatory annexes

Mandatory templates and annexes published with the call (selected list):Grant application form — Concept note (Annex A.1); Grant application form — Full application (Annex A.2); Annex B — Budget (Excel worksheets 1a/€1B/1c/2/3); Annex C — Logical framework (Excel); Annex F — PADOR offline registration form; Annex G — Standard grant contract and special conditions; Annex H — Declaration of honour (exclusion); Annex J — Tax regime information; Annex K — FNLC clarifications; Annex L — SEA‑H self‑evaluation questionnaire; Annex VII A/B — Terms of reference for contractual expenditure verification and third party assessments. All documents available from the call documentation on PROSPECT and the F&T Portal Call documents.

1. 1How to apply: register organisation in PADOR and in Participant Register (PIC) and submit concept note via PROSPECT (online mandatory).
2. 2Information session: online session planned for 05 May 2026 (register by 30 April 2026 via DELEGATION-YEMEN-CALL-FOR-PROPOSALS@eeas.europa.eu).
3. 3Contact for substantive questions: DELEGATION-YEMEN-CALL-FOR-PROPOSALS@eeas.europa.eu (deadline for Q&A: 21 days before the relevant submission deadline).
4. 4Technical assistance for PROSPECT: ec-external-relations-application-support@ec.europa.eu.

Administrative checks, evaluation grids and scoring

Concept note scoring (max 50):relevance (20) and design (30) sub‑criteria with 1–5 scoring per sub‑item (and design subsection multiplied by 2). Concepts must score ≥30 to be considered. Pre‑selection will then take the top‑ranked concept notes up to 200% of available budget. Full application evaluation (max 100) covers selection criteria (financial and operational capacity) and award criteria (relevance, design, implementation approach, sustainability and budget efficiency). Full application financial/operational capacity section must score at least 12/20 (and no subsection score = 1) to pass selection threshold.

Number of application stages:Two evaluation submission stages (concept note, full application invited only) plus supporting document eligibility checks and contracting (practically three major procedural phases).

Success tips and mandatory technical points to include

Practical recommendations (drawn from the guidelines):demonstrate strong, locally grounded market analysis and feasibility studies; include gender‑transformative and disability‑inclusive design and reasonable accommodations; show clear private sector and financial institution partnerships; provide realistic budgets and co‑financing sources; integrate EU corporate indicators and monitoring arrangements; include clear plans for community engagement to shift restrictive norms; include SEA‑H mitigation and safeguarding measures; ensure PADOR and Participant Register (PIC) registration is completed before submission; adhere exactly to concept note and full application templates and page/format limits.

Success rates, risks and competition (practical note)

This restricted call is competitive. The contracting authority will pre‑select concept notes scoring at least 30/50 and will invite full applications from top ranked proposals until the pre‑selection envelope (equal to 200% of available budget) is filled. Applicants should expect a competitive short‑listing and rigorous verification of eligibility and financial capacity. The contracting authority reserves the right not to award all funds.

Templates and application form structure (what to prepare)

Applicants must complete:Annex A.1 (Concept note) for the concept note phase. If invited: Annex A.2 (Full application) including detailed narrative (up to 18 pages description, methodology, implementation plan), Annex B (Budget worksheets 1a/€1B/1c as appropriate plus justification worksheet 2 and expected sources of funding worksheet 3), Annex C Logical Framework (LFM), Annex F (PADOR offline form if relevant), Annex H (Declaration on honour on exclusion), Annex L (SEA‑H self‑evaluation for most applicants where applicable). The Budget templates require detailed unit costs, direct/indirect costs rules and, where FNLC is used, the FNLC tables that link performance indicators to unit values and targets (Annex K clarifies FNLC usage).

1. 1Concept note must follow Annex A.1 instructions exactly; no additional annexes should be sent at that stage.
2. 2Full applications must use Annex A.2, Annex B and Annex C templates; only full application documents will be sent to evaluators.
3. 3PADOR registration is mandatory for legal persons and must be up to date at concept note stage for lead applicants and at full application stage for co‑applicants/affiliated entities.

Co‑funding, budgets and financial rules — practical checklist

Budget rules summary:budgets must be realistic and cost‑effective. Eligible direct costs are defined in Article 14 and Annex II. Indirect costs flat rate max 7% of eligible direct costs (excluding project office and volunteer costs) unless the beneficiary receives an EU operating grant. Contingency reserve up to 5% of estimated direct eligible costs requires prior written approval to use. Financial support to third parties (sub‑grants) is allowed but maximum per third party is €60,000 unless justified by necessity. Volunteers’ work may be declared using unit cost rules as per Commission guidance (may count as in‑kind co‑financing up to 50% of all sources of financing). VAT eligibility depends on national arrangements and Annex J guidance.

Co‑funding requirement:Yes. Lead applicants must finance the non‑EU share (minimum 10% when EU finances up to 90%; in practice EU financing is between 50% and 90% so co‑funding ranges from 10% to 50%).

Risk management, safeguards and ethics

Applicants must include risk analysis and mitigation measures across physical, political, economic, environmental and social risks. Zero tolerance for SEA‑H: include SEA‑H self‑evaluation questionnaire results and mitigation measures where required (Annex L). Applicants must comply with environmental legislation and ILO core labour standards. Visibility and communication must acknowledge EU funding unless derogation for security/political sensitivity is agreed in advance.

Final summary — what is this opportunity about and who should apply

This restricted EU Action Grant call funds large, multi‑year (36–48 months) projects in Yemen that measurably increase women’s economic empowerment, labour market inclusion and women‑led enterprise and market linkages. Projects should be gender‑transformative, disability‑inclusive and link skills, finance and market access — with private sector partnerships and financial institutions. Grants are sizeable (€2.5M–€5M), competitive and are administered through a two‑stage submission (concept note then invited full application) via PROSPECT; legal entities must register in PADOR and in the EU Participant Register (PIC). The call integrates strict EU rules on eligibility, reporting, safeguards, procurement and financial management and may use modern financing modalities including financing not linked to costs (FNLC) for clearly defined, measurable results. Civil society organisations, NGOs, international organisations, academia, vocational providers and private sector consortia with Yemeni partners and demonstrated capacity to operate in the local context are the ideal applicants.

Practical next steps (minimum checklist):1) confirm legal eligibility and establishment rules (PADOR + PIC), 2) prepare a concise concept note following Annex A.1 length/format restrictions and the evaluation grid, 3) ensure Yemeni partnership where required, 4) prepare market and gender analysis and initial logical framework with corporate indicators, 5) plan realistic co‑financing and budget, and 6) register and familiarise with PROSPECT and PADOR well before the deadline. Full call documentation and forms are available in PROSPECT and in the call annexes Call documentation.

Footnotes

1. 1Full Guidelines for Applicants and all annexes are available from the official call documents published on PROSPECT and the EU Funding & Tenders Portal Guidelines and annexes.

This is a restricted call for proposals under reference EuropeAid, part of the Multiannual Support Programme for Yemen 2025-2027. The global objective is to support the economic empowerment of women and their inclusion in the formal economy by creating dignified formal jobs, supporting businesses, connecting communities to private sector and financial institutions, and promoting entrepreneurial, digital and financial skills that reduce dependency on external aid and allow communities to reach sustainable livelihoods.

Key Dates and Budget

Publication Date:14 April 2026.

Concept Note Deadline:03 June 2026 at 12:00 Brussels time. Online submission via PROSPECT is mandatory.

Information Session:Online session on 05 May 2026 at 10:00 Amman time. Register by 30 April 2026 via email to DELEGATION-YEMEN-CALL-FOR-PROPOSALS@eeas.europa.eu.

Total Budget:€5,000,000. Grants range from €2,500,000 to €5,000,000, covering 50% to 90% of total eligible costs.

Objectives and Priorities

Specific objectives focus on:(1) Creation of dignified job opportunities for women through gender-transformative skills, entrepreneurship, and access to labour markets in high-potential sectors like agritech, clean energy, and digital services; (2) Enhanced financial inclusion via gender-responsive frameworks and partnerships; (3) Women-led trade linkages with EU, Middle East, and Gulf supply chains.

Cross-Cutting Priorities

• Human rights-based approach with principles of participation, non-discrimination, accountability, and transparency.
• Gender equality per EU Gender Action Plan III (GAP III), analysing women's situation and proposing improvements.
• Youth participation, recognising youth as key development actors.
• Disability inclusion, addressing intersectional barriers for women with disabilities.

Eligibility Criteria

Lead applicant must be a legal person:NGO, private sector operator (non-profit for the action), or international organisation, established in EU Member State, eligible developing countries (non-G20 ODA recipients), or OECD countries. Yemeni organisations may apply individually; non-Yemeni must include at least one Yemeni co-applicant. Actions must occur in Yemen, prioritising Marib, Taizz, Hadramout, and Aden-Lahj corridor. Duration: 36-48 months.

Ineligible Actions

• Individual scholarships or sponsorships.
• One-off conferences.
• Core funding or capital expenditure primarily.
• Actions breaching human rights, EU values, or causing environmental harm.
• Proselytism or political party support.

Application Procedure

Restricted procedure:submit concept note (Annex A.1) first via PROSPECT by deadline. Pre-selected applicants submit full application (Annex A.2). Register in PADOR and Participant Register. Documents include guidelines, forms, logical framework, budget. Full applications require statutes, financial statements, declaration on honour.

Evaluation Process

1. 1Step 1: Administrative checks and concept note evaluation (score out of 50; minimum 30 to proceed).
2. 2Step 2: Full application evaluation (financial/operational capacity, relevance, design, sustainability; score out of 100).
3. 3Step 3: Eligibility verification of pre-selected applicants.

Financial Support to Third Parties

Mandatory. Maximum €60,000 per third party (exceedable if objectives impossible otherwise). Define objectives, activities, selection criteria, amounts in full application (Annex A.2, Section 2.1.1). Recipients cannot be on EU restrictive measures lists.

Key Requirements and Conditions

Primary source:EU Funding Portal. Download guidelines and forms there. Questions to DELEGATION-YEMEN-CALL-FOR-PROPOSALS@eeas.europa.eu.

Footnotes

1. 1Dates and amounts from official guidelines published 14 April 2026.