Deadline: 20-May-2026
UNICEF is inviting applications to strengthen inter-agency coordination and community-based disaster risk reduction in flood-prone districts of Bihar, India. The initiative focuses on improving emergency preparedness, disaster management systems, local governance mechanisms, and coordinated humanitarian response to reduce risks for vulnerable communities and children.
About the UNICEF Disaster Risk Reduction Initiative
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has launched this initiative to strengthen disaster preparedness and response systems in flood- and disaster-prone districts of Bihar. The programme seeks to improve coordination among stakeholders while strengthening community-level disaster management and climate-resilient systems.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts to integrate disaster risk reduction into local governance structures through Panchayati Raj Institutions and village-level planning processes.
Focus Areas and Program Priorities
The programme focuses on disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, emergency response and management, food assistance, food security, WASH in emergencies, environmental resilience, inter-agency coordination, flood preparedness, community-based disaster risk reduction, local governance strengthening, disaster management planning, climate-resilient sanitation systems, and strengthening unified response systems for humanitarian action.
The initiative aims to improve coordinated planning and emergency management systems across vulnerable communities.
Target Areas
The programme will be implemented in selected flood- and disaster-prone districts of Bihar, including:
• Sitamarhi
• Darbhanga
• Muzaffarpur
• Madhubani
• Supaul
• Additional targeted districts for coordination strengthening
Program Objectives
The initiative aims to:
• Strengthen the Bihar Inter-Agency Group
• Expand participation among stakeholders
• Improve coordination among government departments, NGOs, and civil society organizations
• Strengthen joint assessments and response planning
• Improve humanitarian monitoring systems
• Support local disaster management planning
• Enhance climate-resilient sanitation systems
• Strengthen community-based disaster preparedness
Expected Outcomes
Expected outcomes under the programme include:
• Improved inter-agency coordination for emergency preparedness and response
• Stronger implementation of Unified Response Strategy mechanisms
• Increased capacity of participating organizations and government functionaries
• Enhanced technical support for disaster risk reduction activities
• Strengthened disaster preparedness at local community levels
Why This Initiative Matters
Bihar remains highly vulnerable to multiple hazards including floods, droughts, earthquakes, and extreme weather events. Strengthening preparedness and coordination systems is important to:
• Reduce disaster-related risks
• Protect vulnerable populations and children
• Improve emergency response efficiency
• Strengthen community resilience
• Support continuity of essential services during emergencies
• Enhance local disaster management capacity
Who Can Benefit?
The programme is intended to strengthen systems supporting:
• Government departments
• NGOs
• Civil society organizations
• Local governance institutions
• Panchayati Raj Institutions
• Communities in disaster-prone regions
• Vulnerable populations and children
How the Program Works
Step 1: Strengthen the Bihar Inter-Agency Group through broader stakeholder participation.
Step 2: Improve coordination systems across government and humanitarian partners.
Step 3: Develop local disaster management plans within vulnerable Gram Panchayats.
Step 4: Implement community-based disaster risk reduction activities.
Step 5: Strengthen sanitation systems and emergency preparedness mechanisms.
Step 6: Improve monitoring and coordinated response systems.
Tips for Applicants
• Align proposals with disaster risk reduction objectives.
• Demonstrate experience in community engagement and emergency response.
• Include local governance participation strategies.
• Show clear approaches for coordination and implementation.
• Focus on sustainability and long-term resilience outcomes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Submitting proposals with weak coordination mechanisms.
• Failing to include community participation approaches.
• Ignoring local governance structures.
• Presenting unclear implementation frameworks.
• Excluding preparedness and resilience components.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main objective of this UNICEF initiative?
The initiative aims to strengthen inter-agency coordination and community-based disaster risk reduction systems in flood-prone areas.
Which districts are targeted?
Target districts include Sitamarhi, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Madhubani, Supaul, and additional selected districts.
What areas does the program focus on?
The programme focuses on disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, WASH, food security, coordination systems, and climate-resilient approaches.
Why is Bihar a priority area?
Bihar faces high vulnerability to floods, droughts, earthquakes, and extreme weather events.
What is the Bihar Inter-Agency Group?
It is a coordination mechanism that brings together stakeholders for improved humanitarian planning and response.
Does the initiative support community participation?
Yes. Community-based disaster risk reduction and local disaster planning are central components.
What outcomes are expected?
Expected outcomes include stronger preparedness systems, improved coordination, enhanced local capacity, and strengthened emergency response mechanisms.
Conclusion
UNICEF’s disaster risk reduction initiative aims to improve preparedness and strengthen coordinated humanitarian action in Bihar’s flood-prone districts. Through stronger community engagement, local planning, and improved institutional coordination, the programme seeks to create more resilient systems that better protect vulnerable communities and children during emergencies.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
