UNICEF Call for Proposals: Strengthening Child Protection Systems in Fragile Contexts – Technical Assistance for Capacity Building

UNICEF invites proposals from institutions to provide technical assistance and capacity building to government and civil society actors in fragile and conflict-affected states for strengthening child protection systems. The focus is on enhancing capacities in child protection in humanitarian settings, case management, data privacy, and accountability mechanisms. The partner will develop training curricula, deliver workshops, and support the rollout of national child protection information management systems. The assignment covers at least 5 priority countries in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, with a total budget of $8-12 million over 3 years. Required technical expertise includes child protection, M&E, data protection, and governance. The intervention must adhere to UNICEF's Child Protection Strategy and the Minimum Standards for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action (CPMS). Success will be measured by improved workforce competencies, system strengthening, and measurable outcomes for vulnerable children, including those affected by conflict, displacement, and family separation.

Strategic Overview

UNICEF invites proposals from institutions to provide technical assistance and capacity building to government and civil society actors in fragile and conflict-affected states for strengthening child protection systems. The focus is on enhancing capacities in child protection in humanitarian settings, case management, data privacy, and accountability mechanisms. The partner will develop training curricula, deliver workshops, and support the rollout of national child protection information management systems. The assignment covers at least 5 priority countries in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, with a total budget of $8-12 million over 3 years. Required technical expertise includes child protection, M&E, data protection, and governance. The intervention must adhere to UNICEF's Child Protection Strategy and the Minimum Standards for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action (CPMS). Success will be measured by improved workforce competencies, system strengthening, and measurable outcomes for vulnerable children, including those affected by conflict, displacement, and family separation.

Who is it For?

International NGOs, academic institutions, or specialized consultancies with proven expertise in child protection capacity building in fragile contexts. Eligible entities must have offices or partnerships in at least 3 UNICEF program countries. Target beneficiaries include national child protection authorities, social workers, police, and judiciary in countries such as Yemen, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, and Bangladesh.

Priorities

Aligns with UNICEF's Strategic Plan 2022-2025 Goal Area 1: Every child survives and thrives, and Goal Area 3: Every child is protected from violence, exploitation, and abuse. Priority thematic areas: ending child marriage, birth registration, alternative care, mental health, and psychosocial support. Emphasis on data-driven decision-making and system-strengthening approaches.

Eligibility

Applicants must demonstrate at least 10 years of experience in child protection programming, certified trainers in CPMS, and robust safeguarding policies. Technical submission must include a theory of change, work plan, and budget. Compliance with UNICEF's PSEA (Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) and data privacy standards (e.g., UN Data Protection Principles) is mandatory.

Path to Success

Phase 1 (Months 1-3): Conduct a capacity needs assessment using GSLI's tools from Child protection in humanitarian setting and Data Privacy and Protection courses, focusing on gaps in case management and data security. Phase 2 (Months 4-12): Deliver a modular training program for national trainers, covering child protection core concepts, M&E, and accountability (Health in complex humanitarian emergencies & Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning). Phase 3 (Year 2): Establish a community of practice and refresher workshops, integrating leadership and governance modules (Leadership, governance and accountability for the humanitarian sector) to institutionalize learning. Phase 4 (Year 3): Conduct outcome evaluations and knowledge management. GSLI courses ensure that staff are equipped with UNICEF-compliant child protection competencies, data handling protocols, and M&E frameworks, which directly address donor expectations for quality and impact.

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Deadline: 2026-06-30

Persona: Public Health

Urgency: Normal