UNICEF RFP: Strengthening Monitoring and Evaluation Systems for Nutrition and WASH Programs in Humanitarian Settings

This is an extraordinary opportunity to partner with UNICEF in strengthening the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) backbone of nutrition and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs in humanitarian settings. The RFP calls for proposals to design and implement comprehensive M&E systems that can generate reliable, timely data to inform decision-making and improve program outcomes for millions of vulnerable children and families. In humanitarian contexts, where malnutrition and waterborne diseases are leading causes of death, robust M&E is not just a technical requirement but a moral imperative—it ensures that resources are used effectively and that interventions reach those most in need. The scope of work includes four main components: (1) development of an integrated M&E framework with standard indicators, (2) establishment of data collection systems using innovative digital tools, (3) capacity building of local actors, and (4) promotion of evidence-based adaptive management. The expected outcomes are improved accountability, higher program quality, and enhanced learning. Bidders should propose a realistic timeline of 24 months, with clear milestones and deliverables. UNICEF will evaluate proposals based on technical approach (40%), past performance (30%), and management capacity (30%), with additional points for innovation and localization. The budget should be competitive but realistic, reflecting the complexity and scale of the work. For organizations seeking to differentiate themselves, integrating cross-cutting themes such as gender equality, disability inclusion, and climate resilience will strengthen the proposal. For example, data collection tools should be accessible to persons with disabilities, and indicator frameworks should capture climate-related risks to WASH infrastructure. GSLI's courses in Public Health & Epidemiology and Monitoring & Evaluation provide the technical depth needed to design such integrated frameworks. By partnering with a training institution like GSLI, bidders can demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and capacity building, which aligns with UNICEF's localization agenda. The deadline is August 15, 2026, and early engagement with UNICEF country offices is recommended to refine the proposal approach. This is a high-impact opportunity that can position an organization as a leader in humanitarian M&E.

Strategic Overview

This is an extraordinary opportunity to partner with UNICEF in strengthening the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) backbone of nutrition and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs in humanitarian settings. The RFP calls for proposals to design and implement comprehensive M&E systems that can generate reliable, timely data to inform decision-making and improve program outcomes for millions of vulnerable children and families. In humanitarian contexts, where malnutrition and waterborne diseases are leading causes of death, robust M&E is not just a technical requirement but a moral imperative—it ensures that resources are used effectively and that interventions reach those most in need. The scope of work includes four main components: (1) development of an integrated M&E framework with standard indicators, (2) establishment of data collection systems using innovative digital tools, (3) capacity building of local actors, and (4) promotion of evidence-based adaptive management. The expected outcomes are improved accountability, higher program quality, and enhanced learning. Bidders should propose a realistic timeline of 24 months, with clear milestones and deliverables. UNICEF will evaluate proposals based on technical approach (40%), past performance (30%), and management capacity (30%), with additional points for innovation and localization. The budget should be competitive but realistic, reflecting the complexity and scale of the work. For organizations seeking to differentiate themselves, integrating cross-cutting themes such as gender equality, disability inclusion, and climate resilience will strengthen the proposal. For example, data collection tools should be accessible to persons with disabilities, and indicator frameworks should capture climate-related risks to WASH infrastructure. GSLI's courses in Public Health & Epidemiology and Monitoring & Evaluation provide the technical depth needed to design such integrated frameworks. By partnering with a training institution like GSLI, bidders can demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and capacity building, which aligns with UNICEF's localization agenda. The deadline is August 15, 2026, and early engagement with UNICEF country offices is recommended to refine the proposal approach. This is a high-impact opportunity that can position an organization as a leader in humanitarian M&E.

Who is it For?

This RFP is directed at organizations with proven experience in monitoring and evaluation, particularly in nutrition and WASH programs within humanitarian settings. Eligible entities include international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), local NGOs, research institutions, universities, consulting firms, and private sector companies specializing in data management and evaluation. UNICEF prioritizes partnerships that demonstrate technical expertise in mixed-methods research, capacity building of local stakeholders, and the use of innovative digital tools. Organizations with a strong track record of working in complex emergencies, such as famine, displacement, or disease outbreaks, are highly valued. The target beneficiaries are vulnerable populations, including children under five, pregnant and lactating women, and communities lacking access to clean water and sanitation. UNICEF expects bidders to propose gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches that address the needs of marginalized groups such as persons with disabilities and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Local organizations are encouraged to apply as sub-grantees or consortium partners to ensure context-specific knowledge and sustainability. Financial eligibility requires audited financial statements, proven fund management capacity, and compliance with UNICEF's zero-tolerance policy for fraud and corruption. Organizations must also adhere to UNICEF's policies on safeguarding, data protection, and ethical research. GSLI's courses in Grants Management and Financial Management for NGOs equip bidders with the necessary skills to meet these rigorous eligibility criteria.

Priorities

UNICEF's global priorities for this RFP center on strengthening national and local M&E systems to generate reliable data for decision-making. Key investment KPIs include percentage of programs with functional M&E frameworks, reduction in malnutrition rates (e.g., global acute malnutrition), increased access to safe water and sanitation, and improvement in hygiene practices. The donor emphasizes outcome-level indicators such as reduced stunting and diarrhea prevalence, as well as process indicators like the number of staff trained in M&E. Beyond measurement, UNICEF prioritizes the use of evidence to adapt programming—closing the loop between data collection and action. The integration of nutrition and WASH is critical because poor WASH conditions undermine nutritional outcomes; thus, the RFP seeks holistic M&E systems that capture cross-sectoral impacts. Innovation is a key priority: UNICEF encourages the use of low-cost digital tools, real-time data dashboards, and community-based monitoring approaches. Additionally, the donor stresses the importance of sustainability—ensuring that M&E systems are owned by local institutions and can operate beyond the project cycle. Equity and inclusion must be embedded, with disaggregated data by sex, age, disability, and displacement status. From a geopolitical perspective, UNICEF aims to strengthen the evidence base for humanitarian interventions in regions like the Sahel, Horn of Africa, and South Asia. GSLI's courses in Public Health & Epidemiology and Project Management for Development directly align with building the analytical and managerial skills needed to address these priorities.

Eligibility

Comprehensive eligibility requires compliance with UNICEF's financial, legal, and technical standards. Financially, bidding organizations must demonstrate sound financial management through audited statements for the past three years, a minimum annual operating budget of $500,000 (or equivalent), and the ability to manage multi-million-dollar grants. They must have a valid registration as a non-profit or for-profit entity in their country of operation, with clear legal status and governance structure. Spatially, organizations must have operational presence (or ability to quickly establish) in humanitarian settings, particularly in UNICEF's priority regions. This includes having security clearance, logistics capacity, and access to remote or conflict-affected areas. Legally, bidders must comply with UNICEF's Supplier Code of Conduct, which prohibits child labor, forced labor, and corruption. They are also required to submit a self-declaration on anti-terrorism and money laundering. For technical eligibility, organizations must have at least five years of experience in M&E for nutrition and/or WASH programs, with a portfolio of similar projects. Key personnel must include an M&E specialist with a master's degree in public health, statistics, or related field and at least seven years of experience. Additionally, the organization must have a data protection policy aligned with GDPR or equivalent. Local partnerships are strongly encouraged but not mandatory; if partnering, a consortium agreement is required. GSLI's courses in Procurement & Supply Chain and Writing Winning Proposals help organizations navigate these complex eligibility requirements and present a compelling case.

Path to Success

To successfully secure this UNICEF RFP, organizations should follow a strategic roadmap that leverages GSLI training to build competitive capacity. Step 1: Build a Strong M&E Foundation. Enroll key staff in GSLI's Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) course to master results-based management, logical frameworks, and indicator selection. In parallel, complete the WASH course to understand sector-specific M&E nuances, from water quality testing to hygiene behavior change indicators. This dual training ensures your technical approach is both robust and sector-relevant. Step 2: Develop a Compliance-Ready Proposal. Use GSLI's Writing Winning Proposals course to structure a response that addresses UNICEF's scoring criteria: technical approach (40%), past performance (30%), and management capacity (30%). The Grants Management course will help you design a budget that aligns with UNICEF's cost principles, including direct and indirect costs, and ensures financial accountability. Prepare a consortium agreement if partnering with local organizations, leveraging the course on Procurement & Supply Chain for logistical planning. Step 3: Demonstrate Innovation and Localization. Propose a technology-enhanced M&E system, such as mobile data collection using ODK or CommCare, and a community feedback mechanism. Highlight capacity building of local M&E officers, which aligns with UNICEF's sustainability goals. Use GSLI's Public Health & Epidemiology course to frame your approach within epidemiological best practices for nutrition and WASH. Ensure your team includes a mix of international and local experts, with clear roles defined in the management plan. Step 4: Submit with Strategic Partnerships. Before submission, conduct a mock evaluation using UNICEF's evaluation criteria. Engage GSLI's Financial Management for NGOs course to fine-tune your budget narrative and compliance checklist. Finally, leverage GSLI's Fundraising & Resource Mobilization course to position your proposal as a replicable model, potentially attracting co-funding from other donors. This integrated approach ensures your submission is comprehensive, technically sound, and compliant, significantly increasing your chances of award.

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Deadline: 2026-08-15

Persona: General

Urgency: Normal