Deadline: 27-Mar-2026
UNICEF is inviting Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to submit expressions of interest to support sustainable rural sanitation services in the communes of Bosso and Toummour in Niger’s Diffa region. The initiative focuses on Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS), sanitation marketing, and municipal WASH governance to help reduce open defecation and strengthen long-term sanitation systems. The project contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) through community engagement, climate-resilient sanitation solutions, and local capacity building.
Overview
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is launching a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to identify qualified Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) capable of implementing programs that strengthen rural sanitation services.
The project focuses on the communes of:
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Bosso
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Toummour
Both are located in the Diffa region of Niger.
The initiative aims to promote community-led sanitation approaches, behavior change, and sustainable WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) services while strengthening municipal governance and community participation.
Through partnerships with CSOs, UNICEF intends to support the Government of Niger in improving sanitation access and eliminating open defecation in targeted rural communities.
Background: Niger’s WASH Strategy
The initiative builds on Niger’s Water, Hygiene and Sanitation Sector Program (PROSEHA 2017–2030).
This national strategy outlines key objectives such as:
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Expanding access to WASH services in schools and health facilities
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Promoting hygiene practices in households and public spaces
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Strengthening water and sanitation governance
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Eliminating open defecation
A key component of the strategy is the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach.
CLTS encourages communities to take collective responsibility for sanitation by:
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Ending open defecation
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Constructing and maintaining latrines
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Promoting hygiene practices
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Encouraging community monitoring and accountability
Initially implemented at the village level, CLTS is now evolving into a municipal-level WASH governance approach to strengthen the role of local authorities and improve the sustainability of sanitation programs.
Current Sanitation Challenges in Niger
Despite ongoing efforts by the government and partners such as UNICEF, sanitation challenges remain significant.
Key indicators include:
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68.7% national open defecation rate in 2017
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Government target to significantly reduce this rate
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66% open defecation rate in 2024
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Only 38 of 365 municipalities certified as Open Defecation Free (ODF)
These figures highlight the need for stronger behavior change strategies, improved sanitation infrastructure, and sustainable governance systems.
The UNICEF initiative therefore focuses on strengthening CLTS implementation, sanitation marketing, and municipal capacity building.
Key Focus Areas of the Project
The project integrates several thematic areas to ensure a holistic approach to rural sanitation development.
1. WASH and Environmental Sustainability
Core priorities include:
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Basic sanitation infrastructure
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Hygiene promotion
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Water resource management
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Environmental protection and pollution control
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Climate action and sustainable sanitation systems
2. Communication and Community Engagement
Behavior change is essential for eliminating open defecation.
Activities may include:
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Communication for development (C4D) campaigns
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Community awareness programs
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Local sanitation advocacy
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Community participation in sanitation monitoring
3. Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment
The project encourages the active participation of women and girls in sanitation initiatives.
Key actions include:
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Supporting women’s leadership in community sanitation programs
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Promoting inclusive sanitation access
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Strengthening women’s role in local decision-making processes
4. Youth Leadership and Participation
Youth engagement is an important component of the initiative.
Projects may involve:
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Youth-led sanitation campaigns
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Training programs for young community leaders
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Participation of youth in monitoring sanitation progress
5. Policy Advocacy and Governance
The program also focuses on strengthening local governance systems.
This includes:
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Policy advocacy for improved sanitation services
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Public finance and resource mobilization for WASH
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Strengthening municipal planning and accountability mechanisms
6. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research
To ensure sustainable outcomes, projects will include:
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Monitoring and evaluation frameworks
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Data collection and analysis
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Evidence-based program adjustments
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Impact assessment of sanitation interventions
Climate Resilience and Sustainable Sanitation
Niger faces increasing climate-related risks, which can affect water availability and sanitation infrastructure.
To address these risks, the initiative promotes climate-resilient sanitation solutions, including:
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Durable and flood-resistant latrine designs
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Sustainable water management practices
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Long-term maintenance strategies for sanitation facilities
These measures help ensure that sanitation systems remain functional and sustainable even under climate stress.
Who is Eligible?
The call targets Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) capable of implementing WASH and sanitation programs.
Eligible Applicants
Organizations must:
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Be legally registered CSOs
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Demonstrate administrative and financial compliance
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Provide proof that they are not listed among suspended organizations
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Have experience in community development, WASH programs, or sanitation initiatives
Applicants must also demonstrate the capacity to manage projects, collaborate with municipalities, and engage communities effectively.
Geographic Scope
The project specifically targets:
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Bosso Commune
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Toummour Commune
Both communes are located in Lot 6 municipalities within the Diffa region of Niger.
Additional project lots may be activated depending on available funding.
Why This Initiative Matters
Access to safe sanitation is essential for health, environmental protection, and social development.
This initiative contributes to:
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Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
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Reducing waterborne diseases and environmental contamination
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Strengthening community ownership of sanitation services
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Improving local governance and accountability
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Promoting inclusive participation of women and youth
By strengthening local systems and community engagement, the project aims to create sustainable sanitation services that continue beyond the life of the project.
How the Program Works
Selected CSOs will partner with UNICEF and the Ministry of Water and Sanitation (MEHA) to implement sanitation programs and capacity-building initiatives.
Key Implementation Activities
Projects may include:
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Implementing Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) initiatives
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Developing sanitation marketing strategies
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Training municipal authorities and community leaders
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Supporting community monitoring systems
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Promoting behavior change campaigns
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Strengthening local WASH governance structures
The program emphasizes consultation, accountability, and community ownership.
Tips for a Strong Expression of Interest
Organizations can strengthen their submissions by:
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Demonstrating experience in WASH, sanitation, or community development
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Highlighting expertise in CLTS implementation
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Showing strong community engagement strategies
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Including plans for gender inclusion and youth participation
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Providing a clear monitoring and evaluation framework
Strong proposals typically combine technical expertise with strong local partnerships.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid the following issues:
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Submitting unclear or incomplete project proposals
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Failing to demonstrate organizational capacity
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Ignoring gender and youth participation elements
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Providing insufficient information on sustainability and governance
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Submitting applications without required administrative documentation
Careful alignment with WASH and sanitation priorities improves the likelihood of selection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main objective of this UNICEF initiative?
The project aims to develop sustainable rural sanitation services and reduce open defecation through community-led WASH approaches.
2. Which communes are targeted by the program?
The initiative focuses on Bosso and Toummour communes in the Diffa region of Niger.
3. What sanitation strategy is central to the initiative?
The project is based on the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach.
4. Who can apply for this call for expressions of interest?
Eligible applicants are Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with administrative and financial compliance and experience in WASH or community development.
5. How does the initiative support Sustainable Development Goals?
The program contributes to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation by improving sanitation access and promoting hygiene practices.
6. Why is climate resilience important in sanitation programs?
Climate change can damage sanitation infrastructure and water systems, so climate-resilient solutions ensure long-term sustainability.
7. Can additional project areas be added?
Yes. Additional project lots may be activated depending on available funding.
Conclusion
The UNICEF Call for Expressions of Interest offers an opportunity for Civil Society Organizations to contribute to sustainable sanitation development in Niger. By implementing Community-Led Total Sanitation, sanitation marketing, and municipal capacity-building programs, selected partners will help reduce open defecation and improve rural sanitation systems.
Through collaboration with UNICEF and national authorities, the initiative aims to strengthen local WASH governance, promote inclusive community participation, and ensure long-term access to safe sanitation services in the Diffa region.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
