Deadline: 08-Jul-2026
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has launched a grant in Homs Governorate, Syria, to reduce Explosive Ordnance (EO) risks and improve civilian safety and humanitarian access. The project focuses on mapping contamination, mitigating explosive hazards, and enabling safe return of displaced populations. It supports humanitarian operations and early recovery in one of Syria’s most heavily contaminated regions.
Overview of the Grant Opportunity
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has introduced a time-bound grant program aimed at addressing Explosive Ordnance (EO) contamination in Homs Governorate, Syria.
The initiative seeks to:
- Reduce civilian harm caused by explosive remnants of war
- Improve access to land, infrastructure, and essential services
- Support humanitarian operations and early recovery
- Enable safe return of displaced populations
Homs is identified as one of the most heavily contaminated regions in Syria, with EO hazards significantly affecting daily life and recovery efforts.
Context and Humanitarian Need
Explosive Ordnance contamination in Homs Governorate continues to cause severe humanitarian and safety challenges:
- Residential areas remain unsafe for return and habitation
- Agricultural land is contaminated, limiting livelihoods and food production
- Critical infrastructure is affected, restricting essential services
- Humanitarian access is constrained due to safety risks
Between December 2024 and May 2026:
- EO-related accidents were recorded across 14 sub-districts
- More than 249 casualties were reported
These conditions severely hinder displacement recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Key Objectives of the Grant
1. Mapping and Information Consolidation
- Collect and consolidate EO contamination data
- Improve sub-district-level understanding of risk areas
- Address gaps in non-technical survey information
2. Risk Mitigation and Response
- Develop responses based on contamination data
- Reduce exposure of civilians to explosive hazards
- Support targeted clearance and risk reduction planning
3. Restoration of Safe Access
- Enable safe access to agricultural land
- Improve access to residential areas
- Support restoration of critical infrastructure access
4. Support for Displaced Populations
- Facilitate safe return of refugees and internally displaced persons
- Reduce barriers to resettlement and reintegration
5. Humanitarian and Early Recovery Support
- Improve operating conditions for humanitarian agencies
- Support early recovery and stabilization activities
Project Scope and Duration
- Duration: 7 months
- Geographic focus: Homs Governorate, Syria
- Funding ceiling: USD 1,103,600
The project is designed as a short-term, high-impact intervention to improve safety conditions and enable recovery planning.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include:
- International non-governmental organizations (INGOs)
- National NGOs and community-based organizations
- Intergovernmental organizations
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Experience in humanitarian operations or EO risk reduction
- Capacity to operate in high-risk environments
- Ability to manage data-driven assessment and mitigation activities
Strategic Alignment
The program aligns with:
- Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)
It supports:
- Civilian protection
- Rule of law and institutional recovery
- Safer environments for post-conflict stabilization
Key Expected Outcomes
- Improved EO contamination mapping and data accuracy
- Reduced civilian casualties from explosive hazards
- Increased access to land and infrastructure
- Improved conditions for humanitarian response
- Enabled safe return of displaced populations
Key Highlights
- Funder: United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
- Location: Homs Governorate, Syria
- Duration: 7 months
- Budget: Up to USD 1,103,600
- Focus: Explosive Ordnance risk reduction and civilian safety
- Applicants: NGOs and intergovernmental organizations
Conclusion
The UNOPS Explosive Ordnance Risk Reduction grant in Homs Governorate is a targeted humanitarian initiative aimed at reducing the life-threatening risks posed by explosive contamination. By improving data collection, enabling risk mitigation, and restoring access to essential land and infrastructure, the program supports civilian protection, humanitarian access, and the safe return of displaced populations in post-conflict Syria.
For more information, visit UNOPS.
