Development and Implementation of an Integrated Parametric Agricultural Insurance and Credit Guarantee Scheme (CGS) to Enhance Climate Resilience for Smallholder Farmers in Burundi

The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), on behalf of the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), invites qualified and interested firms to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for participation in an upcoming solicitation for the implementation of technical assistance on an Integrated Parametric Agricultural Insurance and Credit Guarantee Scheme (CGS) to Enhance Climate Resilience for Smallholder Farmers in Burundi. UNEP, on behalf of CTCN, seeks to engage a qualified institution to deliver the required technical assistance as endorsed by the National Designated Entity (NDE) of Burundi. The objective of this assignment is to design and validate an integrated financial mechanism combining parametric agricultural insurance and a Credit Guarantee Scheme (CGS) to enhance climate resilience and financial inclusion for approximately 5,000 smallholder farmers. Burundi’s economy is highly dependent on rain-fed agriculture, making it particularly vulnerable to climate variability, including droughts and floods. The absence of agricultural insurance and limited access to finance constrain farmers’ ability to invest in climate-smart technologies, perpetuating vulnerability and low productivity. This technical assistance will develop innovative financial instruments that de-risk agricultural lending, leveraging tools such as climate data modelling, parametric insurance, and risk-sharing mechanisms. The project will include pilot implementation with local financial institutions and development of a scaling strategy to support national replication. Expected outputs include: 1. Project Management (mandatory output); 2. Design of a parametric agricultural insurance product, including actuarial modelling and reinsurance strategy; 3. Development of a Credit Guarantee Scheme (CGS) structure and regulatory roadmap; 4. Pilot implementation with local financial institutions and development of operational systems; 5. Capacity building and development of a scaling-up strategy and business plan. Detailed requirements will be provided in the solicitation documents to be issued following the closure of this EOI. Specific Requirements/Information The purpose of this REOI is to identify suitable firms who may be invited for the Request for Proposal after the REOI is closed. In addition to CTCN registration, all applicants should also be registered (free of charge) at United Nations Global Marketplace (www.ungm.org). IMPORTANT: Please note that this REOI is not an invitation for submission of tenders. Its purpose is to identify companies that would be interested and eligible to participate in the solicitation when issued. UNON will examine the outcome of this request for EOI and will consider those companies that have expressed their interest . UNON reserves the right to change or cancel the requirement at any time during the EOI and/or solicitation process. Thus, submitting a reply to this Request for EOI does not automatically guarantee your company will be considered for receipt of the solicitation when issued.