World University Service of Canada (WUSC) is expanding its “University Now” initiative under the DREEM 2030 project, funded in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. This initiative aims to establish a sustainable, refugee-led recruitment pathway connecting refugee and displaced youth (RDP) to higher education opportunities.
WUSC is inviting eligible urban-based Refugee-Led Organisations (RLOs) in Kenya (operating in areas such as Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Mombasa) to submit proposals and join the existing cohort of Kakuma- and Dadaab-based RLOs.
Key Project Details
- Target Audience: RDP youth aged 18 to 35 (with specific targets of 70% young women and at least 10% persons with disabilities).
- Duration: Minimum 2-year engagement, starting September 2026.
- Overall Goal: Support 2,000 RDP youth across target geographies to access higher education by 2030 through peer advising and community hubs.
Core Objectives & Scope of Work
- Outreach & Information Dissemination: Design targeted, context-relevant campaigns in urban centers and informal settlements to share scholarship opportunities.
- Application Support & Mentorship: Establish physical application hubs (with internet/laptop access) and recruit, train, and supervise 5 RDP peer-to-peer advisors per RLO.
- Consortium Building & Sustainability: Co-design a unified University Now consortium governance framework, charter, and a market-stable Go-to-Market funding strategy for long-term viability beyond WUSC funding.
- Capacity Strengthening: Participate in WUSC-led technical assistance (finance, HR, M&E, safeguarding) and establish direct links with Mastercard Foundation partner universities.
How to apply
Eligibility & Qualification Criteria
To qualify, applicant organisations must meet the following:
- RLO Definition: Must meet Mastercard Foundation’s criteria either at least 2 RDPs in senior management (CEO, CFO, COO) OR a Board with at least 50% RDP representation.
- Location & Registration: Legally registered in Kenya, operating for at least the last 3 years, with an active urban presence.
- Physical Infrastructure: Must possess a safe, accessible physical space equipped with laptops and internet access for applicants.
- Financial & Grant Track Record: Demonstrated experience managing donor-funded projects for at least 1 year with a budget of USD $2,000+.
- Governance & Compliance: Sound commitment to safeguarding, “Do No Harm” principles, anti-discrimination policies, and monthly financial/narrative reporting.
- Women-, youth-, and disability-led RLOs are strongly encouraged to apply.
Key Deliverables
- 24-month work plan & M&E framework.
- Monthly progress and financial compliance reports, plus quarterly impact briefs.
- Recruitment and supervision of 5 trained Peer Advisors.
- Co-creation of the Consortium Transition & Sustainability Charter (service blueprint, governance framework, and Go-to-Market strategy).
Read the full Terms of Reference and submit your application here