UNICEF Global WASH Capacity Strengthening Partnership 2027-2031

The UNICEF Global WASH Capacity Strengthening Partnership 2027-2031 is a flagship initiative that aims to fundamentally reshape how WASH services are delivered by focusing on the human and institutional capacities necessary for long-term sustainability. This partnership is not a typical project funding mechanism; it is a strategic collaboration intended to build enduring capabilities within governments, local NGOs, and communities. The total funding available is estimated at $500 million, allocated across 20-30 countries over five years. Funding is performance-based, meaning partners receive payments upon achieving pre-agreed capacity milestones. For example, 20% of the budget may be released upon completion of a baseline assessment, 30% upon delivery of training modules, and 50% upon demonstrated improvement in capacity indicators. This approach aligns incentives with outcomes and reduces risk. The partnership is part of UNICEF's broader commitment to shift from delivering aid in a fragmented manner to system strengthening, as outlined in its 'WASH Strategic Framework 2026–2030'. This framework emphasizes local leadership, integration with health and nutrition, and climate resilient programming. The deadline for expressions of interest is August 15, 2026, with final awards expected by March 2027. Organizations interested in this opportunity must demonstrate not only technical WASH knowledge but also expertise in organizational development, change management, and adult learning. They must also have a robust M&E system capable of tracking capacity indicators over time. Given the complexity, GSLI recommends that bidding organizations form consortia that combine international reach with deep local roots. The partnership presents a significant opportunity for organizations to influence global WASH policy and practice while securing multi-year funding. This opportunity is particularly timely as the international community faces a financing gap for SDG 6. According to the World Bank, achieving universal WASH access by 2030 requires tripling current investment to $114 billion per year. UNICEF's capacity strengthening approach aims to make existing resources go further by improving efficiency and accountability. The partnership's focus on sub-national institutions is critical, as weak local governance is a major bottleneck. UNICEF's own evaluations (2023) found that only 40% of WASH projects were sustainable after donor funding ended, often due to lack of local capacity. This partnership directly targets that problem by investing in people and systems. The call for proposals is competitive, with a shortlisting rate of approximately 15%. GSLI's courses can provide a competitive edge by helping organizations articulate a clear theory of change and robust capacity strengthening approach. The deadline of August 15, 2026 offers ample time for preparation, but organizations should start immediately to conduct a self-assessment, identify partners, and enroll staff in relevant training. The scope of the partnership is substantial, requiring partners to operate in multiple countries and manage a complex consortium structure. UNICEF has identified key geographical priorities: Sub-Saharan Africa (with focus on Ethiopia, Uganda, Mozambique, Malawi, and South Sudan), South Asia (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan), and the Middle East (Yemen, Syria, Iraq, and Sudan). In these regions, the partnership will invest in a range of activities from strengthening government regulatory capacity to training community health workers on hygiene promotion. The partnership also includes a strong research and learning component, with partners expected to document lessons learned and contribute to global knowledge. This opens an opportunity for academic organizations to play a role. In summary, this partnership is a once-in-a-decade opportunity for WASH organizations to secure significant funding while contributing to systemic change. GSLI's training ensures that your team has the skills to design a winning proposal and deliver impactful results.

Strategic Overview

The UNICEF Global WASH Capacity Strengthening Partnership 2027-2031 is a flagship initiative that aims to fundamentally reshape how WASH services are delivered by focusing on the human and institutional capacities necessary for long-term sustainability. This partnership is not a typical project funding mechanism; it is a strategic collaboration intended to build enduring capabilities within governments, local NGOs, and communities. The total funding available is estimated at $500 million, allocated across 20-30 countries over five years. Funding is performance-based, meaning partners receive payments upon achieving pre-agreed capacity milestones. For example, 20% of the budget may be released upon completion of a baseline assessment, 30% upon delivery of training modules, and 50% upon demonstrated improvement in capacity indicators. This approach aligns incentives with outcomes and reduces risk. The partnership is part of UNICEF's broader commitment to shift from delivering aid in a fragmented manner to system strengthening, as outlined in its 'WASH Strategic Framework 2026–2030'. This framework emphasizes local leadership, integration with health and nutrition, and climate resilient programming. The deadline for expressions of interest is August 15, 2026, with final awards expected by March 2027. Organizations interested in this opportunity must demonstrate not only technical WASH knowledge but also expertise in organizational development, change management, and adult learning. They must also have a robust M&E system capable of tracking capacity indicators over time. Given the complexity, GSLI recommends that bidding organizations form consortia that combine international reach with deep local roots. The partnership presents a significant opportunity for organizations to influence global WASH policy and practice while securing multi-year funding. This opportunity is particularly timely as the international community faces a financing gap for SDG 6. According to the World Bank, achieving universal WASH access by 2030 requires tripling current investment to $114 billion per year. UNICEF's capacity strengthening approach aims to make existing resources go further by improving efficiency and accountability. The partnership's focus on sub-national institutions is critical, as weak local governance is a major bottleneck. UNICEF's own evaluations (2023) found that only 40% of WASH projects were sustainable after donor funding ended, often due to lack of local capacity. This partnership directly targets that problem by investing in people and systems. The call for proposals is competitive, with a shortlisting rate of approximately 15%. GSLI's courses can provide a competitive edge by helping organizations articulate a clear theory of change and robust capacity strengthening approach. The deadline of August 15, 2026 offers ample time for preparation, but organizations should start immediately to conduct a self-assessment, identify partners, and enroll staff in relevant training. The scope of the partnership is substantial, requiring partners to operate in multiple countries and manage a complex consortium structure. UNICEF has identified key geographical priorities: Sub-Saharan Africa (with focus on Ethiopia, Uganda, Mozambique, Malawi, and South Sudan), South Asia (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan), and the Middle East (Yemen, Syria, Iraq, and Sudan). In these regions, the partnership will invest in a range of activities from strengthening government regulatory capacity to training community health workers on hygiene promotion. The partnership also includes a strong research and learning component, with partners expected to document lessons learned and contribute to global knowledge. This opens an opportunity for academic organizations to play a role. In summary, this partnership is a once-in-a-decade opportunity for WASH organizations to secure significant funding while contributing to systemic change. GSLI's training ensures that your team has the skills to design a winning proposal and deliver impactful results.

Who is it For?

This partnership opportunity is designed for a diverse range of organizations that can demonstrate capacity to work at scale and in complex environments. Primary targets include international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) with a proven track record in WASH capacity strengthening, such as WaterAid, Oxfam, and Plan International. Also eligible are local and national civil society organizations (CSOs) from priority countries, particularly those with strong community networks and experience in advocacy. Academic institutions and research organizations specializing in WASH system strengthening, public health, or social accountability are encouraged to apply. Private sector entities, including consulting firms with expertise in institutional development, supply chain management, and digital health, may also qualify if they can demonstrate non-profit orientation or social impact clauses. UNICEF particularly values organizations with experience in fragile and conflict-affected settings, as well as those that can integrate cross-cutting themes like gender equality, disability inclusion, and climate resilience. Consortia and partnerships are welcome, but a lead applicant must be clearly identified. Additionally, organizations must have a minimum annual budget of $10 million, three years of audited financial statements, and a proven ability to manage multi-country programs. Sub-national actors are strongly encouraged to partner with international entities to meet the capacity and compliance requirements. Ultimately, this opportunity targets entities that can contribute to UNICEF's goal of reaching 200 million people with sustainable WASH services by 2031.

Priorities

UNICEF's global WASH priorities for 2027-2031 focus on three strategic pillars: building resilient WASH systems, promoting sustainable services, and fostering innovation. Key investment KPIs include a 30% increase in the number of people gaining access to safely managed water services in partner countries, a 25% reduction in open defecation, and the integration of climate adaptation measures into 80% of supported WASH infrastructure. The donor emphasizes capacity strengthening as a cross-cutting priority, targeting the institutionalization of WASH deliverables within national governments, including at the sub-national level. Specific technical areas of high priority include water quality monitoring, sanitation safety planning, and hygiene behavior change. Additionally, UNICEF seeks partners who can leverage digital technologies for M&E and accountability, such as mobile data collection platforms and real-time dashboards. Funding will prioritize countries with the highest burden of WASH-related diseases, including Ethiopia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Democratic Republic of Congo, but flexibility exists for regional or thematic programs. Another critical priority is local leadership: at least 50% of capacity-strengthening activities must be delivered by local partners or through local systems. Environmental sustainability is also paramount, with a requirement that all funded interventions apply a 'do no harm' principle and where possible generate positive environmental outcomes. The donor also expects partnerships to contribute to evidence generation, such as through case studies and rigorous impact evaluations, to inform global advocacy and policy.

Eligibility

Eligibility criteria are rigorous and designed to select partners with strong financial and technical capacity. At a minimum, organizations must be legally registered in a UNICEF programme country or OECD member state, with a valid registration certificate and tax identification number. They must demonstrate a minimum of five years' experience in WASH programming, with at least three years focused on capacity strengthening. Financial viability is assessed through audited financial statements for the past three years, showing annual revenues exceeding $10 million and a debt-to-equity ratio below 1.5. Organizations must also have established anti-fraud and anti-corruption policies, a child safeguarding policy, and evidence of due diligence processes for sub-grantees. For organizations operating in fragile states, a proven track record of operating in at least two such countries is required. Technically, applicants must demonstrate expertise in adult learning, curriculum development, and training of trainers (ToT) methodologies. Previous experience with UNICEF or other UN agencies is highly desirable but not mandatory. Exclusion criteria include being listed on the UN sanctions list, having a history of fraudulent activity, or failing to provide required documentation. In terms of spatial scope, the partnership is global but activities must be implemented in a minimum of five priority countries identified by UNICEF. All proposals must include a clear capacity-strengthening plan with defined outcomes, indicators, and a sustainability strategy. Finally, the lead applicant must have a minimum of 20 full-time WASH professionals on staff and a presence in at least three countries.

Path to Success

A strategic roadmap for securing this partnership involves four critical steps, each integrated with GSLI's training offerings. Step 1: Organizational Readiness Assessment (Months 1-2). Conduct a gap analysis of your organization's capacity against UNICEF's requirements using the Baseline Organizational Capacity Assessment Tool (BOCA). GSLI's Course #9 'Writing Winning Proposals' directly supports this phase by training staff on how to articulate capacity and compliance effectively. Step 2: Consortium Building and Proposal Development (Months 2-4). Form a consortium with complementary partners, such as a local NGO for community engagement and a research institute for M&E. GSLI's Course #8 'Fundraising & Resource Mobilization' provides advanced techniques for leveraging co-financing and structuring consortium agreements. Simultaneously, enroll key personnel in GSLI's Course #6 'Financial Management for NGOs' to ensure robust financial narratives and budget justifications. Step 3: Technical Approach Design (Months 4-6). Develop a detailed theory of change incorporating UNICEF's five core capacity-strengthening domains (technical, managerial, financial, governance, and advocacy). Use GSLI's Course #7 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' to design a results framework with baseline, milestone, and endline indicators that align with UNICEF's KPI targets. This course also covers the use of digital M&E tools like DHIS2 or Power BI for real-time data reporting. Step 4: Risk Mitigation and Submission (Months 6-8). Finalize the proposal by incorporating a risk matrix covering political instability, fiduciary risk, and staff turnover. GSLI's Course #5 'Project Management for Development' offers templates for risk registers and mitigation plans. Additionally, leverage Course #2 'Public Health & Epidemiology' to demonstrate how WASH interventions will reduce disease burden, a key donor concern. Submit the proposal with all supporting documents, including CVs for key personnel who have completed GSLI's training, certificates of which can serve as evidence of capacity. Post-submission, engage UNICEF through pre-bid webinars and follow-up queries to clarify any points. By systematically strengthening your organization's skills through GSLI courses, you increase your credibility and proposal quality, aligning with UNICEF's demand for experienced and well-prepared partners.

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Deadline: 2026-08-15

Persona: General

Urgency: Normal