UNICEF Call for Proposals: Strengthening Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Systems in Schools and Healthcare Facilities

The UNICEF Call for Proposals on Strengthening Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Systems in Schools and Healthcare Facilities is a strategic funding opportunity aimed at reversing the global crisis in basic WASH access affecting billions. Announced on the official UNICEF procurement page (URL: https://www.unicef.org/procurement/rfp-wash-schools-healthcare-2026), the call invites qualified organizations to submit comprehensive proposals that address systemic weaknesses in WASH governance, infrastructure, and behavior change in educational and health settings. The total grant envelope is estimated at $50 million, with individual project budgets ranging from $500,000 to $5 million. Projects must be implemented over 3 to 5 years, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, national ownership, and measurable impact. The call is structured around three interconnected outcomes: (1) improved access to and use of WASH services in schools and healthcare facilities; (2) strengthened local and national institutions for planning, financing, and managing WASH services; and (3) enhanced community capacity to maintain WASH behaviors and infrastructure. Target countries are primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and other regions with high WASH deficit and weak institutional capacity. The call also incorporates cross-cutting themes such as gender equality, disability inclusion, climate resilience, and emergency preparedness. Proposals are evaluated on a weighted criteria: technical relevance (30%), organizational capacity (15%), sustainability (15%), cost-effectiveness (15%), gender and equity integration (15%), and monitoring and evaluation (10%). The deadline is firm for August 1, 2026, with concept notes submitted by June 1, 2026, for pre-screening. This overview emphasizes that both INGOs and local organizations are eligible, but consortia are encouraged to bring complementary expertise. A critical factor is that the proposal must include a detailed capacity development plan for local authorities and community-based organizations, which is where GSLI courses can be strategically embedded to strengthen the proposal's capacity-building component. The strategic value of this call lies in its alignment with the 2030 Agenda and its focus on systems strengthening rather than standalone infrastructure. Historically, many WASH projects have failed to sustain due to lack of attention to local governance, financing models, and behavioral determinants. UNICEF's call explicitly requires applicants to propose interventions that address all elements of the service delivery chain: from source to tap, from fecal containment to treatment, and from awareness to sustained practice. This holistic view offers a significant opportunity for organizations to design integrated programs that create lasting impact. Moreover, the call establishes clear KPIs—such as 80% coverage of basic WASH in target schools—which provide measurable targets for success. For organizations with proven experience in community mobilization and institutional capacity building, this call is particularly advantageous. The funding is also flexible in terms of allowable technical approaches; for example, innovations like solar-powered pumps, decentralized wastewater treatment, or mobile-based monitoring are welcomed. The call explicitly invites novel financing mechanisms, including results-based financing and social impact bonds, which can attract private sector participation. Implementation of this call follows a phased model that prioritizes evidence-based planning and piloting before full-scale rollout. The first phase involves baseline studies and stakeholder engagement to identify context-specific bottlenecks. The second phase focuses on building capacity at the institutional and community level, followed by infrastructure development in the third phase. The final phase emphasizes sustainability and exit strategies. This structured approach ensures that resources are used efficiently and that interventions are adapted to local realities. A strong M&E framework, integrated from the start, allows for continuous learning and adaptive management. The call also requires a commitment to transparency and accountability, including regular reporting to UNICEF and independent audits. Overall, this overview underscores that the call is a prime vehicle for advancing the global WASH agenda and for organizations to demonstrate their leadership in this sector.

Strategic Overview

The UNICEF Call for Proposals on Strengthening Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Systems in Schools and Healthcare Facilities is a strategic funding opportunity aimed at reversing the global crisis in basic WASH access affecting billions. Announced on the official UNICEF procurement page (URL: https://www.unicef.org/procurement/rfp-wash-schools-healthcare-2026), the call invites qualified organizations to submit comprehensive proposals that address systemic weaknesses in WASH governance, infrastructure, and behavior change in educational and health settings. The total grant envelope is estimated at $50 million, with individual project budgets ranging from $500,000 to $5 million. Projects must be implemented over 3 to 5 years, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, national ownership, and measurable impact. The call is structured around three interconnected outcomes: (1) improved access to and use of WASH services in schools and healthcare facilities; (2) strengthened local and national institutions for planning, financing, and managing WASH services; and (3) enhanced community capacity to maintain WASH behaviors and infrastructure. Target countries are primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and other regions with high WASH deficit and weak institutional capacity. The call also incorporates cross-cutting themes such as gender equality, disability inclusion, climate resilience, and emergency preparedness. Proposals are evaluated on a weighted criteria: technical relevance (30%), organizational capacity (15%), sustainability (15%), cost-effectiveness (15%), gender and equity integration (15%), and monitoring and evaluation (10%). The deadline is firm for August 1, 2026, with concept notes submitted by June 1, 2026, for pre-screening. This overview emphasizes that both INGOs and local organizations are eligible, but consortia are encouraged to bring complementary expertise. A critical factor is that the proposal must include a detailed capacity development plan for local authorities and community-based organizations, which is where GSLI courses can be strategically embedded to strengthen the proposal's capacity-building component. The strategic value of this call lies in its alignment with the 2030 Agenda and its focus on systems strengthening rather than standalone infrastructure. Historically, many WASH projects have failed to sustain due to lack of attention to local governance, financing models, and behavioral determinants. UNICEF's call explicitly requires applicants to propose interventions that address all elements of the service delivery chain: from source to tap, from fecal containment to treatment, and from awareness to sustained practice. This holistic view offers a significant opportunity for organizations to design integrated programs that create lasting impact. Moreover, the call establishes clear KPIs—such as 80% coverage of basic WASH in target schools—which provide measurable targets for success. For organizations with proven experience in community mobilization and institutional capacity building, this call is particularly advantageous. The funding is also flexible in terms of allowable technical approaches; for example, innovations like solar-powered pumps, decentralized wastewater treatment, or mobile-based monitoring are welcomed. The call explicitly invites novel financing mechanisms, including results-based financing and social impact bonds, which can attract private sector participation. Implementation of this call follows a phased model that prioritizes evidence-based planning and piloting before full-scale rollout. The first phase involves baseline studies and stakeholder engagement to identify context-specific bottlenecks. The second phase focuses on building capacity at the institutional and community level, followed by infrastructure development in the third phase. The final phase emphasizes sustainability and exit strategies. This structured approach ensures that resources are used efficiently and that interventions are adapted to local realities. A strong M&E framework, integrated from the start, allows for continuous learning and adaptive management. The call also requires a commitment to transparency and accountability, including regular reporting to UNICEF and independent audits. Overall, this overview underscores that the call is a prime vehicle for advancing the global WASH agenda and for organizations to demonstrate their leadership in this sector.

Who is it For?

This call is open to a broad range of eligible entities including international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), national and local NGOs, community-based organizations (CBOs), research institutions, social enterprises, and public-private partnerships. UNICEF particularly encourages applications from organizations with a proven track record in WASH service delivery, infrastructure development, behavior change communication, and community mobilization. Eligible applicants must be legally registered in the country of implementation, possess a valid registration certificate, and demonstrate financial stability through audited financial statements for the past two years. For consortia, a lead applicant must be designated, and each member must meet eligibility criteria. Organizations should have at least five years of experience in WASH programming, with specific expertise in school and healthcare facility settings. Previous experience working with UNICEF or other UN agencies is an advantage but not mandatory. Sub-national entities such as district health or education offices are eligible if they have financial autonomy and can fulfill reporting requirements. Faith-based organizations and women-led organizations are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must have administrative capacity to manage grant funds equivalent to the requested amount and adhere to UNICEF's zero-tolerance policy on fraud, corruption, and sexual exploitation. Organizations currently under investigation or suspended by any UN agency are ineligible. Capacity in monitoring and evaluation, data management, and knowledge sharing is essential. The call welcomes applicants from all regions, with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and fragile states affected by conflict or natural disasters.

Priorities

UNICEF's global WASH strategy for 2026-2030 places priority on systems strengthening, sustainability, and equity. Specific investment KPIs include: (1) Increase in the percentage of schools with basic WASH services from baseline to at least 80% coverage within the project period; (2) Reduction in healthcare-associated infections by 30% in target facilities; (3) Establishment or strengthening of at least two district-level WASH coordination mechanisms; (4) Integration of climate-resilient WASH infrastructure in all new constructions; (5) Gender-responsive facilities including menstrual hygiene management provisions in at least 90% of target schools; (6) Demonstration of cost-sharing or co-financing of at least 15% from local governments or other donors; (7) Capacity building of at least 100 local technicians on operation and maintenance; (8) Adoption of market-based sanitation approaches in at least 50% of target communities; and (9) Systematic collection and use of disaggregated data for decision-making. The donor prioritizes interventions that address the entire WASH service chain—water supply, sanitation, hygiene promotion, and waste management—with a strong focus on behavior change and institutional strengthening. Cross-cutting themes include gender equality, disability inclusion, social accountability, and private sector engagement. UNICEF expects proposals to outline clear pathways for national ownership and government co-funding, as well as sustainability beyond the project cycle. Proposals that incorporate innovative financing mechanisms such as micro-loans for sanitation, results-based financing, or public-private partnerships will be viewed favorably. Additionally, interventions in fragile or humanitarian contexts must demonstrate conflict sensitivity and do-no-harm principles.

Eligibility

Comprehensive eligibility criteria require applicants to submit: (1) A valid registration certificate from the national authority (e.g., NGO Bureau, Registrar of Societies); (2) Audited financial statements for the last two fiscal years, with certification from a recognized audit firm; (3) Organizational policy on anti-fraud, anti-corruption, and child safeguarding; (4) A clear governance structure with documented board oversight; (5) Proof of technical capacity in WASH, including CVs of key personnel and examples of past projects; (6) A financial management system capable of tracking expenses at activity level (UNICEF may request an internal control assessment); (7) For consortia, a memorandum of understanding outlining roles, responsibilities, and fund flow mechanisms; (8) A completed due diligence questionnaire (UNICEF standard format). Geographical eligibility: projects must be implemented in countries where UNICEF has a presence and where the national WASH sector plan is active. Applicants must not be debarred or suspended by the World Bank, UN, or any international financial institution. Organizations must demonstrate that they are not involved in any litigation or adverse audit findings. Financial capacity: the proposed budget must not exceed 20% of the organization's total annual expenditure unless co-financing or guarantee is provided. For multi-country proposals, the lead applicant must have a legal presence in each target country or a formal partnership with a locally registered entity. All activities must align with national WASH standards and policies. UNICEF also requires compliance with its Environmental and Social Safeguards framework, including environmental impact assessment for infrastructure construction. Failure to provide any of the above will result in immediate disqualification. Pre-qualified organizations under UNICEF's vendor roster may have expedited review.

Path to Success

Establishing a winning proposal requires a strategic roadmap integrating technical excellence, organizational due diligence, and targeted capacity strengthening through GSLI courses. The following four-step pathway optimizes your bid: Step 1: Rapid Organizational Readiness Assessment. Immediately conduct a gap analysis comparing your current capabilities against UNICEF's eligibility criteria. Use GSLI's 'Financial Management for NGOs' course to strengthen your financial systems and ensure compliance with auditing standards. Simultaneously, enroll key staff in 'Procurement & Supply Chain' to design transparent procurement plans for WASH materials. This proactive step demonstrates fiduciary responsibility and reduces disqualification risk. Step 2: Deep Dive into Technical Design. Develop a comprehensive intervention logic aligned with UNICEF's priorities. Utilize GSLI's 'WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene)' course to stay abreast of cutting-edge approaches like climate-resilient water safety planning and behavior-centered design. The 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' course is critical for constructing a results framework with SMART indicators that resonate with UNICEF's KPI matrix. For instance, integrate indicators on menstrual hygiene management and disability access to showcase inclusivity. Step 3: Partnership and Consortium Building. Identify synergies with local NGOs, government agencies, and private sector actors. Draft a partnership agreement that clarifies roles, risk sharing, and fund flow—topics covered in GSLI's 'Writing Winning Proposals' and 'Grants Management' courses. Submit a pre-proposal query to UNICEF for feedback on your consortium composition. This step enhances credibility and coverage. Step 4: Final Review and Submission. Use GSLI's 'Project Management for Development' to create a meticulous timeline and deliverable tracker. Conduct a dry run of the submission process, ensuring all attachments are in required formats (PDF, Excel). Anticipate review criteria: relevance (30%), effectiveness (25%), efficiency (20%), sustainability (15%), and cross-cutting integration (10%). Allocate time for a final peer review using a checklist derived from UNICEF's evaluation guidelines. Post-submission, actively engage with UNICEF's evaluation team for clarifications. GSLI courses not only build capacity but also signal to donors your commitment to professional development and governance excellence, which are decisive factors in award decisions.

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Deadline: 2026-08-01

Persona: General

Urgency: Normal