1. Location of Implementing Agency
Q: The call states that “proposal lead organizations must be based in the region from which they are applying.” Does this mean their headquarters must be in the region, or is a regional/local office sufficient if the headquarters are elsewhere?
A: The headquarters of the proposal lead organization may be located elsewhere, as long as the organization has a registered office in the region from which it is applying and can demonstrate relevant experience in that region.
2. Nature of the Implementing Organization
Q: Is there any limitation on the type of organization that may apply? The application form lists several types (e.g., Research Institution, NGO, INGO, Grassroots Organization, Intermediary, Government Institution). Does this mean other types—such as private organizations—are not allowed?
A: The call is open to all ARA members and accepts applications from all types of organizations, provided they meet the call criteria. It is not limited to the types listed in the application form.
3. Tracking, Learning, and Sharing Engagements
Q: The call states that implementing partners must attend requested Tracking, Learning, and Sharing engagements. When will these take place, and will they be online?
A: These engagements will take place throughout the six-month grant period and will be conducted online. The schedule will be defined early next year, and grantees will be informed so they can plan accordingly.
4. Scope of the Capacity Development Plan
Q: We understand that the capacity development plan aims to strengthen emerging adaptation professionals’ abilities to contribute to research, especially in relation to journal publications. Is the plan limited to this, or does “capacity building” include additional aspects?
A: The purpose of capacity building for EAPs from the Global South is to address barriers that prevent their work from influencing global policymaking, and to enable continued engagement beyond the life of the project. A range of services is listed under “ARA Members as Implementing Partners” on page 4. The selected partner should deliver these. Additional services—such as support for writing research papers, developing policy briefs, producing written outputs for global processes, or training on how to submit such outputs—are also welcome.
5. Project Timeline and Peer-Reviewed Publication Expectations
Q: By the end of the project, must publications be fully finalized and accepted by journals, or is it sufficient to complete manuscript development and establish connections? Given the six-month timeline, full publication may not be feasible.
A: As stated on page 3: “The focus is not on conducting new research but on assisting EAPs in transforming existing or nearly finished research manuscripts, or practitioner publications, into peer-reviewed articles.” Outputs #4 and #5 indicate that manuscripts transformed and submitted for review count as deliverables. Manuscripts must be accepted for review, but do not need to be fully published, as publication timelines vary.
6. Alignment with IPCC Standards
Q: The call states that journals should align with IPCC standards and WGII thematic areas, with timing aligned to the IPCC review period. Will ARA actively facilitate visibility of outputs to IPCC review teams, or is the expectation that alignment alone increases citation likelihood?
A: The primary intent is that aligning outputs with WGII thematic areas will naturally increase the likelihood of citation in the current and future IPCC AR7 processes. Under the Secretariat’s facilitative role (items #1 and #2), partnerships with journals offering author mentoring and engagement with IPCC authors or senior researchers will support visibility. While the Secretariat will make every effort to engage with IPCC WGII members and make the output visible, the said members may not be part of the review teams.
7. Publication Requirements
Q: Must implementing partners publish in open-access journals, or are other publication avenues acceptable? Open-access fees can be high.
A: As outlined on page 4 under “ARA Members as Implementing Partners” (#2. iv), publishing and translation support, including open-access and article processing fees, is available. The ARA prioritizes publication in journals commonly used by international decision-making bodies, many of which charge open-access fees. While other publication avenues are acceptable, open-access journals are prioritized.
8. Eligibility of EAPs
Q: Does “EAPs” refer only to individual professionals, or can organizations also participate and contribute practice-based knowledge?
A: As defined on page 3, Emerging Adaptation Professionals (EAPs) include early-career researchers, practitioners, and knowledge brokers working on adaptation and resilience. Organizations may participate in their capacity as knowledge brokers.
9. Financial Support for EAPs
Q: Must monetary support be provided directly to EAPs, or is the grant intended only to cover participation-related costs (e.g., mentoring, training, travel, publication fees)?
A: Implementing partners may transfer funds through sub-grants, subcontracts, or consultancy agreements to organizations (including consortium partners, entities designated as EAPs, or service providers) or to individuals designated as EAPs, in line with their internal rules and SEI/FCDO guidelines. Honoraria may also be provided if permissible under these rules. The call document and budget template have been updated accordingly.
10. Mode of Engagement with EAPs
Q: How will engagement with EAPs be carried out? Will capacity-building activities be remote, in-person, or hybrid?
A: The mode of engagement is at the discretion of the implementing partner, as long as clear evidence of the engagement approach is provided.
11. Nature of Support for EAPs
Q: Could you provide more details on the types of support eligible for EAPs? A few examples would be helpful.
A: The objective of capacity building is to overcome barriers that limit the participation of Global South EAPs in global policymaking. The call lists several services under “ARA Members as Implementing Partners” on page 4, which the selected partner should deliver. Additional forms of support—such as training in academic writing, developing policy briefs, producing written outputs for global processes, or guidance on submission procedures—are encouraged.
12. Organizational Experience Requirement
Q: Our organization has experience managing grants from Dutch and German donors. Does this meet the eligibility criteria?
A: Experience managing grants from bilateral aid agencies such as FCDO, USAID, and SIDA is required. If the Dutch and German donors you reference are bilateral aid agencies, then this experience meets the eligibility criteria.