Deadline: 22-May-2026
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund is inviting applications to develop a child-focused emergency preparedness and response plan in the Biobío Region, Chile. The programme aims to strengthen protection systems, reduce risks, and ensure children and adolescents have safe, equitable access to essential services during emergencies. It prioritises institutional capacity building, coordination, and inclusive, rights-based response mechanisms.
Programme Overview
This initiative focuses on strengthening emergency preparedness and response systems to protect children and adolescents during crises.
It aligns with UNICEF’s Core Commitments for Children and supports:
- Disaster risk reduction
- Emergency response planning
- Cross-sectoral child protection systems
Purpose and Core Objectives
Core Objectives
- Ensure equitable and safe access to essential services during emergencies
- Strengthen child protection systems across all crisis phases
- Identify, prevent, and mitigate protection risks
- Enhance institutional coordination and capacity
- Promote inclusive and rights-based emergency responses
Key Focus Areas
Emergency Preparedness
- Development of preparedness plans
- Risk identification and mitigation strategies
- Integration of disaster risk reduction into child protection systems
Emergency Response and Management
- Timely and coordinated response mechanisms
- Continuity of essential services during crises
- Protection-focused humanitarian interventions
Cross-Sectoral Coordination
- Collaboration across health, protection, and social services
- Multi-level coordination (local, regional, national)
- Inter-institutional partnerships
Child Protection and Inclusion
- Safeguarding children’s rights and dignity
- Addressing diverse needs based on:
- Age
- Gender
- Disability
- Migration status
- Indigenous identity
Target Population
- Children and adolescents affected by emergencies
- Caregivers and families
- Approximately 5% of the most vulnerable populations in crisis contexts
Expected Results
- Strengthened child protection systems in emergencies
- Improved identification and mitigation of protection risks
- Enhanced institutional capacity and coordination
- Increased access to safe and timely services
- Integration of disaster risk management into child protection frameworks
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
- Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
- Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)
Requirements
- Experience in child protection and emergency response
- Capacity to operate in Chile
- Ability to collaborate with government and institutional stakeholders
Programme Components
1. Preparedness Planning
- Develop comprehensive emergency response plans
- Align with national and regional systems
- Incorporate risk and vulnerability assessments
2. Risk Identification and Mitigation
- Map protection risks in disaster contexts
- Design preventive and mitigation measures
3. Capacity Building
- Strengthen institutional and technical capacity
- Train stakeholders in emergency response and child protection
4. Coordination Mechanisms
- Establish inter-institutional collaboration frameworks
- Improve communication and response efficiency
5. Service Continuity
- Ensure uninterrupted access to essential services
- Maintain protection, health, and social support systems
Why This Programme Matters
Child Protection in Emergencies
- Children face increased risks during crises
- Systems must be prepared before disasters occur
System Strengthening
- Builds resilient and responsive protection systems
- Improves long-term institutional effectiveness
Equity and Inclusion
- Ensures vulnerable groups are not left behind
- Promotes inclusive humanitarian action
How to Apply / What to Do
Step-by-Step Process
- Assess organisational eligibility and experience
- Identify key risks and needs in the Biobío Region
- Develop a comprehensive preparedness and response plan
- Integrate cross-sectoral and inclusive approaches
- Define measurable outcomes and coordination mechanisms
- Submit application to UNICEF
- Participate in evaluation and selection process
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak integration of child protection principles
- Lack of coordination strategy
- Ignoring inclusion and diversity factors
- Limited focus on preparedness (overemphasis on response only)
- Unclear implementation framework
Best Practices for Applicants
- Apply a rights-based and child-centred approach
- Use data-driven risk assessments
- Build strong institutional partnerships
- Ensure scalability and sustainability
- Prioritise vulnerable and high-risk groups
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main goal of this programme?
To strengthen preparedness and response systems for child protection in emergencies.
Where is the programme implemented?
In the Biobío Region, Chile.
Who can apply?
NGOs and civil society organisations with relevant expertise.
What populations are targeted?
Children, adolescents, and caregivers affected by emergencies.
What are the key focus areas?
Preparedness, response, risk mitigation, and coordination.
Does the programme include disaster risk reduction?
Yes, it integrates disaster risk management into protection systems.
What are the expected outcomes?
Improved protection systems, reduced risks, and better access to services.
Conclusion
This UNICEF initiative strengthens emergency preparedness and child protection systems in Chile’s Biobío Region. By focusing on coordination, inclusion, and risk-informed planning, the programme ensures that children and adolescents are protected, supported, and able to access essential services during crises.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
