UNICEF Global WASH Systems Strengthening Partnership for Climate Resilience (2026-2031)

The UNICEF Global WASH Systems Strengthening Partnership for Climate Resilience (2026-2031) is a transformative initiative designed to address the intersection of water, sanitation, hygiene, and climate change. With a budget of $500 million, this partnership aims to enhance the resilience of WASH systems in at least 30 climate-vulnerable countries over five years. The initiative recognizes that climate change poses a direct threat to the sustainability of WASH services, as extreme weather events damage infrastructure, alter water availability, and increase the risk of disease outbreaks. Therefore, the focus is not only on building new infrastructure but also on strengthening the entire WASH system—including institutions, financing, human capacity, and governance—to ensure long-term resilience. The partnership is structured around four outcomes: (1) resilient infrastructure, (2) strong institutions, (3) climate-smart communities, and (4) sustainable financing. Proposal must demonstrate how these outcomes will be achieved through a systems-strengthening approach, which includes conducting climate risk assessments, implementing adaptive management, and engaging communities. UNICEF encourages innovative solutions such as green infrastructure, digital monitoring, and public-private partnerships. The initiative is funded through UNICEF’s thematic funds and contributions from bilateral donors, making it distinct from country-specific projects. Eligibility is open to a wide range of organizations, but those with a proven track record in WASH and climate adaptation will be preferred. GSLI’s courses, such as ‘WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene)’ and ‘Project Management for Development’, can equip applicants with the necessary skills to design and implement effective programs. The deadline for expressions of interest is July 30, 2026, with full proposals due December 31, 2026. Considering the urgency of climate change, early submission is advisable. This overview serves as a foundation for understanding the opportunity and how to position an organization for success.

This partnership targets a diverse range of organizations with demonstrated expertise in WASH systems strengthening and climate adaptation. Eligible applicants include international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), local civil society organizations (CSOs), research and academic institutions, social enterprises, and private sector entities specializing in water and sanitation technologies. UNICEF particularly encourages consortia led by organizations that have a proven track record in at least three of the following areas: climate-resilient WASH infrastructure, community engagement and behavior change, policy advocacy for WASH governance, and innovative financing mechanisms. Applicants must have been legally registered for at least five years and have an annual budget exceeding $5 million. The initiative is open to entities operating in UNICEF-eligible countries classified as low or lower-middle-income, with a specific focus on those listed as climate vulnerability hotspots by the IPCC. Priority will be given to organizations that can demonstrate strong local partnerships and community-based approaches. Additionally, UNICEF requires that applicants have a ‘no conflict of interest’ declaration and adhere to its core values of integrity, accountability, and transparency. Organizations that have previously received UNICEF funding must provide performance evaluations from past projects. For smaller organizations, UNICEF offers a mentorship track where experienced international partners can include local entities as sub-grantees. This inclusive approach aims to build local capacity while leveraging global best practices. The eligibility criteria also mandate that applicants must have the financial capacity to pre-finance up to 20% of project costs, with reimbursement expected within 90 days of expense validation. A detailed eligibility checklist is provided in Annex A of the request for proposals (RFP).

UNICEF’s global priorities for this partnership are driven by the need to achieve climate-resilient WASH systems that can withstand extreme weather events and adapt to changing hydrological conditions. The donor’s investment KPIs focus on four main pillars: (1) Infrastructure resilience: at least 70% of WASH facilities in target areas must incorporate climate adaptation features (e.g., flood-proofing, drought-resistant water sources). (2) Institutional capacity: improve the capacity of local governments and service providers to manage WASH services in a changing climate, measured through a standardized Capacity Maturity Model (CMM) score increase of at least 20% over the project period. (3) Community engagement: ensure that 80% of target communities adopt climate-smart WASH behaviors (e.g., rainwater harvesting, water conservation) measured through endline surveys. (4) Funding sustainability: mobilize at least $100 million in co-financing from national budgets, private sector, or climate funds. Additionally, UNICEF emphasizes gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), requiring that 50% of project beneficiaries be women and girls, and that persons with disabilities are explicitly included. The initiative also prioritizes innovation, encouraging the use of smart water meters, solar-powered pumps, and nature-based solutions like constructed wetlands. Cross-cutting themes include conflict sensitivity, especially in fragile states, and data-driven decision-making. Proposals must integrate a ‘theory of change’ that links activities to these KPIs, with a strong M&E framework using UNICEF’s standardized indicators (e.g., WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme indicators). The ultimate goal is to contribute to the progressive realization of the human rights to water and sanitation, with a clear line of sight to SDG targets 6.1, 6.2, and 6.4.

Comprehensive eligibility audits require applicants to undergo a thorough financial, spatial, and corporate legal review. Financially, organizations must provide audited financial statements for the last three years, demonstrating that at least 50% of annual expenditures are programmatic and that the organization has a positive net asset balance. A financial capacity assessment will evaluate liquidity ratios, debt-to-equity ratios, and overhead costs; organizations with a current ratio below 1.5 may be required to secure a bank guarantee. Spatial audits involve verifying that the proposed intervention areas are within UNICEF’s priority list; applicants must submit GIS coordinates of target communities and demonstrate access rights (e.g., Memoranda of Understanding with local authorities). Corporate legal audits require submission of certificate of incorporation, tax registration, and proof of non-profit or for-profit status if applicable. For international organizations, proof of registration in the country of operation is mandatory. Additionally, UNICEF conducts background checks on key personnel and board members for sanctions, debarment, and human rights violations. Organizations must have a whistleblower policy and a code of conduct that aligns with UNICEF’s PSEA (Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) standards. The eligibility review also includes a conflict-of-interest assessment: organizations that have provided consulting services for UNICEF’s WASH division in the past two years are ineligible. A mandatory pre-qualification questionnaire must be completed via UNICEF’s procurement portal (UNGM) before the deadline. For consortia, each member must individually meet eligibility criteria, and a lead partner must be designated with a signed consortium agreement outlining roles, responsibilities, and financial liability. Failure to meet any of these criteria may result in disqualification without review of the technical proposal.

To secure funding under this partnership, organizations must follow a strategic roadmap that integrates GSLI training to enhance bid competitiveness. Step 1: Strengthen Institutional Capacity with GSLI Courses. Begin by enrolling key staff in GSLI’s 'WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene)' and 'Project Management for Development' courses. These courses provide foundational knowledge on climate-resilient WASH technologies and results-based management, directly aligning with UNICEF’s requirements. The WASH course covers topics like water safety planning and sanitation marketing, while the project management course includes risk management and stakeholder engagement—critical for proposal design. Also consider 'Writing Winning Proposals' to refine narrative skills. Step 2: Conduct a Needs Assessment and Align with KPIs. Use the GSLI 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' course to design a robust needs assessment framework that maps community vulnerabilities to climate hazards. Identify at least three districts per country that meet UNICEF’s vulnerability criteria (e.g., flood-prone, high water scarcity). Collect baseline data on WASH service levels (e.g., JMP ladders), institutional capacity (CMM score), and gender disparities. This data will directly feed into the proposal’s results framework. Step 3: Forge Partnerships and Develop a Consortium. Use GSLI’s 'Fundraising & Resource Mobilization' course to understand donor co-financing strategies. Identify local NGOs, private sector partners (e.g., water tech companies), and research institutions that can bring complementary expertise. Draft a consortium agreement that outlines shared responsibilities and financial contributions. Ensure that at least 30% of the budget is allocated to local partners to meet UNICEF’s localization agenda. Step 4: Write a Technically Compliant Proposal with Risk Mitigation. Leverage GSLI’s 'Grants Management' and 'Financial Management for NGOs' courses to develop a detailed budget narrative and procurement plan that complies with UNICEF’s double-entry accounting requirements. Include a risk register covering climate uncertainties (e.g., drought cycles), political instability, and supply chain disruptions. Propose adaptive management strategies, such as flexible fund reallocation between activities. Ensure the proposal is submitted via UNICEF’s online portal by the deadline, with all supporting documents (audited accounts, CVs of key personnel, partnership letters) attached. After submission, participate in UNICEF’s Q&A sessions and, if shortlisted, the due diligence site visit. GSLI alumni can request recommendations from instructors, adding credibility. By systematically building capacity, aligning with donor priorities, and adhering to compliance standards, organizations can significantly increase their chances of success.