This initiative focuses on building refugee self-reliance through the training of social workers, provision of temporary shelter, and active multi-stakeholder coordination to ensure inclusive and sustainable support for vulnerable groups.

At the heart of the project is the Social Worker Training Programme, which will train 30 refugee social workers to provide support in areas such as maternal and child health, hygiene, psychosocial care, case management, homelessness services, and cultural orientation. These social workers will play a critical role in linking vulnerable individuals to key services, acting as frontline responders who understand the communities they serve. The project is expected to directly support pregnant women, mothers, children, and individuals experiencing homelessness by bridging service gaps and facilitating rehabilitation access.

To further address urgent shelter needs, the Transit Shelter Programme will connect at least 50 homeless refugees to temporary accommodation. These accommodations will include government-linked shelters and safe community spaces managed by NGOs and community-based groups. The shelter support component is designed not only to provide immediate relief but also to promote long-term stability and social reintegration for those in crisis.

In order to coordinate efforts and avoid fragmentation, a multi-stakeholder platform will be established, involving UNHCR, city councils, government agencies, NGOs, refugee-led groups, and private sector actors. This platform will serve as a space for collaborative planning, information exchange, policy discussions, and service referrals. At least four meetings will be conducted annually to ensure continued coordination, adaptive planning, and shared accountability.

The project aims to reach a wide population, with an estimated 40,510 refugees and asylum-seekers in Kuala Lumpur benefiting from outreach and engagement activities. The selected partner will be responsible for implementing activities with a strong focus on gender balance within their staffing structure, including a full-time coordinator and three full-time caseworkers. Applicants must demonstrate strong human resources and financial management capacity, as well as a commitment to UNHCR’s standards for protection and service delivery.

Data protection is a core requirement for participation in this project. The implementation of activities will involve the collection of personal and sensitive data, including protection concerns, participation in community programming, and service feedback. Partners must ensure that all data is collected ethically and securely using standardized tools and transmitted to encrypted databases with restricted access. Data may be anonymized or pseudonymized for analysis and reporting, and any sharing with external parties must comply with UNHCR’s data protection policies, including obtaining informed consent.

Interested applicants must submit a concept note outlining their objectives, implementation approach, expected outputs, and an indicative budget. The submission should also highlight the unique value the organization brings to the project, as well as measures to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA). The final selection will consider the principle of best value for money and the ability to align with UNHCR’s protection and community-based goals.

This project represents a timely and meaningful opportunity to contribute to refugee resilience and inclusion in Kuala Lumpur, promoting dignity, gender equality, and improved access to basic services for those most in need.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.