UNICEF Call for Proposals: Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Child Protection and Social Services in Humanitarian Settings

This section provides a comprehensive executive review and context of the UNICEF call for proposals. The initiative is designed to address critical gaps in child protection and social service delivery in humanitarian settings worldwide. UNICEF recognizes that in many emergencies, child protection systems are weak or overwhelmed due to lack of trained personnel, inadequate case management protocols, and insufficient community engagement. This call aims to fund projects that build institutional capacity at the local level, ensuring that children receive timely and effective interventions. The funding is part of UNICEF's larger commitment to the localization agenda, which seeks to empower local actors to lead humanitarian responses. With a total envelope of $20 million, individual proposals can request between $500,000 and $2 million, with project durations of 24 to 36 months. The call was released in January 2025 and closes on June 30, 2026, providing a generous window for proposal development. However, due to the high urgency—rated as 'HIGH'—organizations should begin preparing immediately. The target audience includes international and national NGOs, CSOs, academic institutions, and government agencies. Key evaluation criteria include relevance to UNICEF's priorities (30%), technical soundness (25%), capacity of the applicant (20%), budget and cost-effectiveness (15%), and partnership strategy (10%). This call is highly competitive, but organizations that invest in proposal preparation and capacity building through GSLI courses can significantly enhance their chances. The call specifically encourages innovative approaches, such as digital case management systems, remote training for social workers in conflict zones, and community-based feedback mechanisms. Gender, disability inclusion, and mental health are cross-cutting themes that must be integrated into all activities. Successful proposals will demonstrate a deep understanding of the local context, strong partnerships with governments and communities, and a clear plan for sustainability beyond the funding period. This overview sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the strategic value and implementation roadmap. Additionally, the call aligns with several global frameworks, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Core Commitments for Children (CCCs), and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. By strengthening institutional capacity, projects will contribute to building resilient systems that can protect children not only during the project period but also in future emergencies. UNICEF expects that projects will leverage existing national systems where possible, avoiding parallel structures. For example, child protection information systems (CPIMS) should be integrated with national databases. The call also requires that projects include a strong component of accountability to affected populations, with mechanisms for children and caregivers to provide feedback and complaints. This includes ensuring that all staff are trained in PSEA and that reporting channels are accessible to children. The overview also highlights that UNICEF will prioritize proposals that demonstrate value for money, with a detailed breakdown of costs and clear justification for expenses. With these elements in mind, organizations can approach the call with clarity and confidence. The following sections will delve deeper into the strategic value, implementation roadmap, risk mitigation, and the role of GSLI training in achieving success.

Strategic Overview

This section provides a comprehensive executive review and context of the UNICEF call for proposals. The initiative is designed to address critical gaps in child protection and social service delivery in humanitarian settings worldwide. UNICEF recognizes that in many emergencies, child protection systems are weak or overwhelmed due to lack of trained personnel, inadequate case management protocols, and insufficient community engagement. This call aims to fund projects that build institutional capacity at the local level, ensuring that children receive timely and effective interventions. The funding is part of UNICEF's larger commitment to the localization agenda, which seeks to empower local actors to lead humanitarian responses. With a total envelope of $20 million, individual proposals can request between $500,000 and $2 million, with project durations of 24 to 36 months. The call was released in January 2025 and closes on June 30, 2026, providing a generous window for proposal development. However, due to the high urgency—rated as 'HIGH'—organizations should begin preparing immediately. The target audience includes international and national NGOs, CSOs, academic institutions, and government agencies. Key evaluation criteria include relevance to UNICEF's priorities (30%), technical soundness (25%), capacity of the applicant (20%), budget and cost-effectiveness (15%), and partnership strategy (10%). This call is highly competitive, but organizations that invest in proposal preparation and capacity building through GSLI courses can significantly enhance their chances. The call specifically encourages innovative approaches, such as digital case management systems, remote training for social workers in conflict zones, and community-based feedback mechanisms. Gender, disability inclusion, and mental health are cross-cutting themes that must be integrated into all activities. Successful proposals will demonstrate a deep understanding of the local context, strong partnerships with governments and communities, and a clear plan for sustainability beyond the funding period. This overview sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the strategic value and implementation roadmap. Additionally, the call aligns with several global frameworks, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Core Commitments for Children (CCCs), and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. By strengthening institutional capacity, projects will contribute to building resilient systems that can protect children not only during the project period but also in future emergencies. UNICEF expects that projects will leverage existing national systems where possible, avoiding parallel structures. For example, child protection information systems (CPIMS) should be integrated with national databases. The call also requires that projects include a strong component of accountability to affected populations, with mechanisms for children and caregivers to provide feedback and complaints. This includes ensuring that all staff are trained in PSEA and that reporting channels are accessible to children. The overview also highlights that UNICEF will prioritize proposals that demonstrate value for money, with a detailed breakdown of costs and clear justification for expenses. With these elements in mind, organizations can approach the call with clarity and confidence. The following sections will delve deeper into the strategic value, implementation roadmap, risk mitigation, and the role of GSLI training in achieving success.

Who is it For?

This call for proposals is open to a broad range of entities, but UNICEF has set specific criteria to ensure only those with demonstrated capacity and alignment can apply. Eligible applicants include international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), national NGOs, civil society organizations (CSOs), academic and research institutions, and public sector agencies (e.g., government social service departments) operating in humanitarian contexts. However, preference will be given to organizations that have a proven track record in child protection systems strengthening and social service workforce capacity building, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected states. Applicants must have been legally registered for at least three years in the country of operation and must submit audited financial statements for the past two fiscal years. UNICEF strongly encourages applications from organizations based in the Global South, including those in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East, where child protection needs are most acute. Local organizations must be able to demonstrate strong community ties and cultural competence, while international organizations must show a history of equitable partnerships with local actors. For consortia, the lead applicant must have a minimum annual operating budget of $1 million and at least five years of experience in humanitarian response. Additionally, all applicants must have a clear policy on safeguarding, including child protection and prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), and must have a designated safeguarding focal point. Organizations that have previously received UNICEF funding and have a satisfactory performance record will be viewed favorably. The call is not open to individuals, for-profit entities, or government agencies not directly involved in social service delivery. UNICEF reserves the right to exclude any applicant that does not meet these eligibility requirements, ensuring that funds are channeled to the most capable and committed partners.

Priorities

UNICEF's global priorities for this call are deeply rooted in its Strategic Plan 2022-2025 and the Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action (CCC). The overarching goal is to strengthen the institutional capacity of local and national actors to deliver sustainable child protection and social services in emergencies. This involves four key pillars: (1) enhancing the capacities of social service workers (including social workers, psychologists, and community-based case managers) through training, supervision, and mentoring; (2) strengthening systems for case management, referral pathways, and information management, including the use of digital platforms like Primero; (3) supporting community-based child protection mechanisms, such as child-friendly spaces, family tracing and reunification, and parenting programs; and (4) promoting gender-transformative approaches that address the specific needs of girls, boys, and children with disabilities. Another priority is to ensure that child protection is integrated into broader humanitarian responses, including health, nutrition, education, and shelter clusters. UNICEF expects all proposals to contribute to measurable outcomes, such as a 20% increase in the number of children reached with case management services and a 30% improvement in the competency of social workers post-training. Additionally, the donor emphasizes accountability to affected populations (AAP), requiring mechanisms for community feedback and complaints, especially from children and caregivers. Proposals must also align with national child protection policies and strategies, reinforcing government ownership and sustainability. Innovation is welcomed, especially the use of mobile technology for data collection, remote training, and e-learning for social workers in hard-to-reach areas. Finally, UNICEF prioritizes proposals that demonstrate a clear pathway to localization, with at least 30% of the budget directed to local partners and a robust capacity transfer plan. These priorities reflect UNICEF's commitment to leaving no child behind, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Eligibility

Comprehensive eligibility requirements for this UNICEF call extend beyond basic registration and legal status. Financially, organizations must demonstrate sound financial management through audited statements showing no major qualifications. The lead applicant must have a minimum of three years of operational experience in humanitarian settings, with a specific focus on child protection or social services. Proposals must allocate at least 30% of the total budget to local partners (defined as organizations based in the country of implementation, with majority national staff and leadership). In terms of physical infrastructure, organizations must have a functional office or capacity to set up operations in the target area within 60 days of award, including secure data storage and communications equipment. Spatially, the intervention must target humanitarian settings as defined by UNICEF's Humanitarian Action for Children (HAC) appeals, such as refugee camps, internally displaced person (IDP) settlements, or conflict-affected zones. Legal compliance includes adherence to UNICEF's General Conditions for Contracts, including zero tolerance for fraud, corruption, and sexual exploitation. Organizations must have a safeguarding policy in place, with evidence of training for all staff. Additionally, applicants must not be listed on any UN Security Council sanctions lists or involved in prohibited activities. For consortia, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) specifying roles and responsibilities must be submitted. Ineligible entities include those with overdue reports from previous UNICEF agreements, those with a history of non-compliance, and those involved in child rights violations. All proposals must be submitted in English or French, with supporting documents in the submission language. Finally, organizations must register in UNICEF's supplier portal (UNGM) and obtain a UN vendor number prior to contracting. These eligibility requirements ensure that only the most responsible and capable organizations are funded, reducing risk and maximizing impact for children.

Path to Success

To succeed with this UNICEF proposal, organizations must follow a strategic roadmap that integrates GSLI training to build institutional capacity and competitive advantage. Step 1: Pre-Proposal Preparation and Capacity Assessment (now - September 2025). Conduct a thorough self-assessment against UNICEF's eligibility criteria: financial audits, safeguarding policies, and past performance. Enroll key staff in GSLI's 'Grants Management' course to understand UNICEF's compliance requirements, and 'Financial Management for NGOs' to strengthen budget development and reporting. This ensures your organization meets the fiduciary standards expected by donors. Also, conduct a needs assessment in your target region to identify specific gaps in child protection and social services, aligning your proposal with UNICEF's priorities. Step 2: Partnership Development and Localization Strategy (October - December 2025). Identify and formalize partnerships with local CSOs, government agencies, and community-based organizations. Ensure that at least 30% of the budget is allocated to local partners, and develop a capacity-strengthening plan for them. GSLI's 'Project Management for Development' course can help structure these partnerships with clear roles, timelines, and communication protocols. Also, consider the 'Procurement & Supply Chain' course to design efficient logistics for delivering supplies to child-friendly spaces. Step 3: Proposal Writing and Technical Design (January - March 2026). Develop a robust theory of change based on UNICEF's Core Commitments for Children. Use the 'Writing Winning Proposals' course to structure evidence-based narratives, logical frameworks, and detailed budgets. Incorporate GSLI's 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' principles to design a results framework with disaggregated indicators (e.g., number of children reached, percent improvement in case management quality). Include innovative approaches such as mobile data collection or e-learning for social workers. Validate your proposal with local communities through participatory workshops, and ensure accountability mechanisms are embedded. Step 4: Submission and Post-Submission Engagement (April - June 2026). Submit the proposal via UNICEF's online portal by the deadline. Engage with UNICEF country offices for feedback and be prepared to provide additional documents (e.g., partner MOUs, audit reports). After submission, continue building capacity with GSLI's 'Fundraising & Resource Mobilization' course to diversify funding sources, and 'Public Health & Epidemiology' to link child protection with health outcomes. Even if not awarded, the process strengthens your institutional readiness for future opportunities. This roadmap, augmented by GSLI training, positions your organization as a credible, compliant, and effective partner for UNICEF.

Recommended GSLI Courses

Deadline: 2026-06-30

Persona: General

Urgency: Normal