UNICEF RFP: Strengthening Community-Led Total Sanitation and Hygiene Behavioral Change in Fragile and Conflict-Affected States (2026-2028)

UNICEF's WASH Section has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a comprehensive program to strengthen Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) and hygiene behavioral change in fragile and conflict-affected states (FCAS) over a three-year period (2026-2028). The program aims to achieve and sustain Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in at least five countries, with an emphasis on integrating Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) and climate-resilient sanitation. The total indicative budget is USD 45 million, with individual awards expected to range between USD 5-15 million depending on scope and geography. UNICEF seeks partners with strong technical, financial, and M&E capacity, as well as a proven track record of working in FCAS. The deadline for concept notes is July 30, 2026, with full proposals due by September 15, 2026. This opportunity is critical for organizations committed to child survival, dignity, and gender equality.

Eligible applicants are legally registered non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, social enterprises, or for-profit companies with at least five years of documented experience in WASH programming, specifically in CLTS and hygiene behavior change in fragile or conflict-affected settings. Organizations must have an annual budget of at least USD 2 million and a proven track record of implementing donor-funded projects (e.g., USAID, DFID, EU, World Bank). Consortia led by an international NGO with local partners are encouraged. Preference will be given to applicants with prior experience in adaptive management and use of digital M&E tools. Additionally, entities must demonstrate strong financial management capacity, including adherence to international auditing standards, anti-fraud policies, and zero-tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA). Local partners must have a minimum of three years of operational presence in the target countries.

UNICEF's global WASH strategy for 2026-2030 emphasizes achieving universal access to safe sanitation and hygiene as a human right, particularly for children and vulnerable populations in FCAS. The RFP prioritizes: (1) sustainability of ODF status through post-triggering follow-up and community-led monitoring; (2) integration of MHH into CLTS programming to address gender norms and reduce stigma; (3) climate-resilient sanitation infrastructure that withstands floods and droughts; (4) behavioral change approaches grounded in social and behavioral science, including nudging and community dialogue; (5) strengthening local government capacity for sanitation planning and budgeting; (6) use of innovative financing mechanisms such as sanitation marketing and microfinance for latrine construction; and (7) rigorous M&E with baseline, midline, and endline surveys, plus process documentation for learning. Key Performance Indicators include % of target communities achieving ODF status, % sustained for at least two years, reduction in open defecation rates, % of schools with gender-segregated sanitation facilities, and % of households with handwashing stations with soap and water.

Applicants must be legally registered in their country of operation and have a valid UNGM (United Nations Global Marketplace) registration. Financial eligibility requires submission of audited financial statements for the past three years, demonstrating positive net assets and no qualifications regarding going concern. Technical eligibility includes submission of at least three references from similar projects in FCAS, with a contract value of at least USD 1 million each. Organizational policies on child safeguarding, PSEA, anti-terrorism, and anti-corruption must be in place. Consortia must have a lead partner who will be contractually responsible and must provide a consortium agreement outlining roles, responsibilities, and financial management. The offeror must have a permanent office or registered presence in at least two of the target countries. Local partners must provide proof of registration and tax clearance.

To win this RFP, organizations must follow a strategic roadmap integrating GSLI training. Step 1: Strengthen Institutional Capacity - Complete GSLI's Grants Management course to ensure compliance with UNICEF's stringent financial and reporting requirements. This includes understanding cost allocation, indirect cost rates, and audit preparedness. Step 2: Develop a Theory of Change - Use GSLI's Monitoring & Evaluation for Development course to design a robust M&E framework with SMART indicators, a learning agenda, and a data quality assurance plan. Incorporate digital tools like KoboToolbox for real-time data collection. Step 3: Build a Consortium - Use GSLI's Project Management for Development to structure the consortium agreement, define roles, and establish communication protocols. Engage local partners with strong community ties and government relationships. Step 4: Craft a Behavioral Change Strategy - Leverage GSLI's Public Health & Epidemiology course to design evidence-based BCC interventions that address cultural norms and barriers to latrine use and handwashing. Pilot a small-scale intervention before scaling. Step 5: Write a Winning Proposal - Enroll in GSLI's Writing Winning Proposals course to learn how to articulate impact, use logical framework analysis, and present a compelling narrative that highlights previous successes and innovative approaches. Focus on sustainability and local ownership throughout the proposal.