UNICEF Responding to the Mpox Outbreak in the DRC: Strengthening Community-Based Child Protection Systems

With the escalating Mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, UNICEF seeks to reinforce community-based child protection mechanisms to mitigate the disproportionate impact on children. This RFP focuses on integrating child protection within the public health emergency response, ensuring that vulnerable children receive psychosocial support, family tracing, and reintegration services. The grant aims to build the capacity of local NGOs and government actors to deliver accountable, evidence-based child protection interventions that align with the Minimum Standards for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action (CPMS).

Strategic Overview

With the escalating Mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, UNICEF seeks to reinforce community-based child protection mechanisms to mitigate the disproportionate impact on children. This RFP focuses on integrating child protection within the public health emergency response, ensuring that vulnerable children receive psychosocial support, family tracing, and reintegration services. The grant aims to build the capacity of local NGOs and government actors to deliver accountable, evidence-based child protection interventions that align with the Minimum Standards for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action (CPMS).

Who is it For?

International and national NGOs, community-based organizations, and academic consortia with demonstrated expertise in child protection in humanitarian settings, particularly in complex epidemics.

Priorities

Aligned with UNICEF's Global Humanitarian Response Plan and the Core Commitments for Children (CCCs), emphasizing child safeguarding, mental health, and community engagement during health emergencies.

Eligibility

Proven track record in child protection case management, experience working in conflict-affected eastern DRC, adherence to Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) policies, and robust M&E frameworks.

Path to Success

Phase 1: Assess existing child protection gaps through a rapid needs assessment using data analysis tools (GSLI course: Data Analysis for Project Management). Phase 2: Design a capacity-building program for local frontline workers on child protection protocols (GSLI course: Child Protection in Humanitarian Setting). Phase 3: Implement community-level psychosocial interventions with embedded monitoring and accountability systems (GSLI: Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning). Phase 4: Document best practices and conduct longitudinal impact validation to inform future programming. Cross-selling these two courses equips GSLI partners to design data-driven, rights-based interventions that meet UNICEF's stringent accountability standards, significantly increasing proposal competitiveness.

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Deadline: 2026-06-30

Persona: Public Health

Urgency: Normal