UN-Habitat Urban Water Security and WASH Governance Capacity Building Program for Secondary Cities

The UN-Habitat Urban Water Security and WASH Governance Capacity Building Program is a funding opportunity aimed at secondary cities in developing countries. It focuses on strengthening local capacity to manage water and sanitation services, with an emphasis on governance, sustainability, and inclusion. The program targets cities with populations between 100,000 and 1 million that face serious water challenges due to rapid urbanization and limited infrastructure. Through a combination of technical assistance, training, and small-scale pilot projects, the program aims to improve access to safe drinking water, reduce waterborne diseases, and enhance resilience to climate shocks. The program is aligned with the UN-Habitat strategic plan and the global push to achieve SDG 6. It provides a platform for NGOs, research institutions, and local governments to collaborate on innovative solutions. The total budget per city is $5-$10 million over 3-5 years, and the deadline for expressions of interest is November 15, 2026. Proposals must demonstrate a clear understanding of the local context and a commitment to gender equity and social inclusion. The program requires a consortium approach, encouraging partnerships between different sectors. Successful applicants will receive both funding and direct technical support from UN-Habitat experts. This is an excellent opportunity for organizations to scale up their work in urban water security and gain international recognition.

This program is specifically designed for secondary cities in low- and middle-income countries that are experiencing rapid urbanization and face significant gaps in water and sanitation services. Eligible applicants include national and local government agencies, water utilities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), research institutions, and private sector entities with a track record in urban water management, public health, or community development. The program targets cities with populations between 100,000 and 1 million that lack adequate water infrastructure and governance capacity. Priority will be given to cities in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, but applications from other regions are also welcome. Organizations must demonstrate experience in capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and project implementation in the water sector. They must also have a strong understanding of local governance structures and the ability to work with multiple stakeholders, including marginalized communities, women, and youth. The program encourages consortia that bring together technical, financial, and operational expertise. For-profit entities may apply if they can demonstrate a clear public service mandate and compliance with UN procurement rules. Additionally, applicants must be legally registered in the country of implementation and have the financial capacity to manage grants of up to $2 million per year. GSLI recommends that organizations without prior experience in UN-funded projects consider partnering with an experienced lead to strengthen their eligibility.

The UN-Habitat Urban Water Security and WASH Governance Capacity Building Program is aligned with the donor's strategic priorities of promoting sustainable urbanization, achieving SDG 6, and enhancing climate resilience. The key investment KPIs include: (1) increasing the proportion of population with access to safely managed drinking water services by at least 20% in targeted cities; (2) reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases by 15% within three years; (3) improving wastewater treatment coverage to at least 50% of generated wastewater; (4) strengthening institutional capacity through training of at least 100 municipal staff per city; (5) ensuring gender-responsive and socially inclusive WASH services, with at least 40% of beneficiaries being women and girls; (6) establishing functional water safety plans and emergency response protocols; (7) mobilizing co-financing from local governments or private sector; (8) fostering knowledge exchange through regional peer-learning networks. The donor also prioritizes integrated approaches that connect water security with urban planning, public health, and climate adaptation. Projects must demonstrate innovation in technology, financing, or governance models. Additionally, the program emphasizes sustainability through ownership by local institutions and cost recovery mechanisms. Monitoring and reporting will be done using the UN-Habitat Urban Water Security Index and standardized WASH indicators. The donor expects quarterly progress reports, annual audits, and a final evaluation.

Eligibility for this program requires organizations to meet stringent financial, spatial, and corporate legal criteria. Financially, applicants must have a minimum annual turnover of $500,000 for the past three fiscal years, with audited financial statements. They must demonstrate the ability to manage funds from multilateral donors, including compliance with UN financial regulations and anti-fraud policies. A clear budget breakdown and cost-sharing plan (at least 10% in-kind or cash co-financing) is required. Spatially, the project must be implemented within the boundaries of a secondary city that meets the UN-Habitat definition: a city with a population between 100,000 and 1 million, not a national capital, and experiencing moderate to high urbanization rates (at least 2% annual growth). The city must demonstrate commitment through a signed memorandum of understanding or letter of support from the local government. Corporate legally, applicants must be a registered legal entity in the country of implementation, with proof of non-profit or for-profit status as appropriate. They must have a valid registration with the UN Global Marketplace or be willing to register prior to award. Additionally, organizations must have a transparent governance structure, including a board of directors, and must not be under sanction or debarment by the UN or World Bank. They must also have a clear environmental and social safeguard policy. GSLI recommends that organizations conduct a pre-eligibility audit using UN requirements as a checklist to ensure compliance.

To successfully secure and implement this grant, organizations should follow a strategic roadmap that integrates GSLI's capacity-building courses. The first step is to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment in the target city, mapping existing water infrastructure, governance gaps, and stakeholder dynamics. This baseline study should be aligned with UN-Habitat's Urban Water Security Index and involve local communities, particularly women and marginalized groups. GSLI's course on 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' can help design a robust data collection framework that captures both quantitative and qualitative indicators. The second step is to form a multi-stakeholder consortium that includes the local municipality, a water utility, a research institution, and an NGO with community reach. This consortium should hold a kick-off workshop to define roles, responsibilities, and a shared vision. GSLI's 'Project Management for Development' course provides tools for managing complex partnerships and iterative planning. The third step is to develop a detailed project proposal with a logical framework, risk matrix, and sustainability plan. The proposal should emphasize gender mainstreaming, climate resilience, and innovative financing mechanisms. GSLI's 'Writing Winning Proposals' and 'Financial Management for NGOs' courses are invaluable for crafting a compelling and compliant budget. The fourth step is to implement the project in phases, starting with quick-win activities like capacity building for municipal staff and pilot infrastructure improvements. Regular monitoring and adaptive management are crucial. GSLI's 'Grants Management' course ensures effective reporting and compliance. Finally, organizations should plan for scalability and replication by documenting best practices and engaging in peer learning networks. Throughout the project, continuous stakeholder engagement and transparent communication will help mitigate risks. GSLI's institutional affiliation can provide added credibility and access to a network of experts in WASH governance.