Deadline: 24-Apr-2026
UNICEF is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) to conduct a comprehensive situation analysis of child protection risks in urban areas of Gujarat. The initiative focuses on mapping vulnerabilities, identifying systemic gaps, and strengthening child protection integration into urban governance. It aims to improve policy planning, coordination, and child-friendly urban development in cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot.
What is This Opportunity?
The UNICEF Expression of Interest (EOI) is a research and analysis opportunity to assess child protection risks in urban environments across Gujarat.
The initiative focuses on conducting a comprehensive situation analysis, which means:
- Collecting and analyzing data on child protection risks
- Mapping vulnerabilities across geographic and social contexts
- Identifying gaps in systems, policies, and services
This is a strategic evidence-generation project aimed at improving child protection outcomes in rapidly urbanizing cities.
Geographic Focus
The analysis will focus on major urban centers in Gujarat, including:
- Ahmedabad
- Surat
- Vadodara
- Rajkot
These cities are experiencing rapid urban growth and increasing migration, leading to complex child protection challenges.
Key Objectives of the Initiative
1. Evidence Generation and Risk Mapping
- Identify and map child protection risks
- Analyze spatial patterns of vulnerability
2. Identify Systemic Gaps
- Assess institutional and service delivery weaknesses
- Highlight coordination challenges across sectors
3. Strengthen Policy and Advocacy
- Integrate child protection into urban planning frameworks
- Support data-driven policymaking
4. Improve Governance and Coordination
- Enhance collaboration among departments such as:
5. Promote Child-Friendly Cities
- Support inclusive, safe, and sustainable urban environments
- Ensure children’s needs are reflected in governance systems
Key Child Protection Challenges in Urban Gujarat
Rapid urbanization has created multi-layered risks for children, including:
- Child labour and exploitation
- Human trafficking and unsafe migration
- Exposure to violence and abuse
- School dropout and limited access to education
- Poor living conditions in informal settlements
Vulnerable Groups
- Children in migrant families
- Children in low-income households
- Children living in informal or slum settlements
Why This Initiative Matters
Addresses Urban Child Vulnerability
Provides a structured understanding of risks in rapidly growing cities.
Strengthens Systems and Policies
Helps governments design integrated child protection strategies.
Improves Service Delivery
Identifies gaps in access to health, education, and protection services.
Promotes Inclusive Urban Development
Ensures cities are safer and more responsive to children’s needs.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
- Research institutions and think tanks
- NGOs and civil society organisations
- Consulting firms with expertise in social research
- Academic institutions
Eligibility Criteria
- Proven experience in child protection, urban development, or social research
- Strong capacity in data collection, analysis, and reporting
- Experience working with government systems and multi-sector stakeholders
- Ability to conduct field-based research in Gujarat
What is Expected from Selected Partners?
Selected organisations will:
- Conduct detailed situation analysis and risk mapping
- Engage stakeholders across sectors
- Identify institutional and policy gaps
- Provide actionable recommendations
- Support evidence-based planning and advocacy
How the EOI Process Works
Step-by-Step Process
- Review EOI Requirements
Understand scope, objectives, and deliverables - Prepare Expression of Interest
Highlight organisational expertise and relevant experience - Submit Proposal
Include methodology, team composition, and past work - Evaluation Process
UNICEF assesses based on technical capacity and relevance - Shortlisting and Engagement
Selected applicants may be invited for further discussions - Project Implementation
Final partners conduct analysis and deliver reports
Key Concepts Explained
Situation Analysis
A systematic assessment of risks, services, and systems affecting children.
Risk Mapping
Identifying geographic and demographic patterns of vulnerability.
Convergence Approach
Coordinating multiple sectors (health, education, protection) to address issues holistically.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting generic proposals without local context
- Weak methodology for data collection and analysis
- Lack of stakeholder engagement strategy
- Ignoring multi-sector coordination aspects
- Failing to demonstrate experience in child protection
Tips for a Strong Application
- Use data-driven and evidence-based approaches
- Demonstrate strong local knowledge of Gujarat
- Highlight experience in urban and child protection research
- Provide a clear and feasible methodology
- Emphasize stakeholder collaboration and policy impact
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the purpose of this EOI?
To select partners for conducting a child protection risk analysis in urban Gujarat.
2. Who is leading this initiative?
UNICEF is leading and managing the programme.
3. Which cities are included?
Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot.
4. What type of organisations can apply?
Research institutions, NGOs, and consulting firms with relevant expertise.
5. Is this a funding opportunity?
It is a partnership opportunity that may include funding for research activities.
6. What is the main outcome of the project?
A comprehensive report with risk mapping and policy recommendations.
7. Why is this study important?
It helps improve child protection systems and urban planning for safer cities.
Conclusion
This UNICEF EOI represents a critical opportunity to strengthen child protection systems in rapidly urbanizing regions of Gujarat. By generating evidence and identifying systemic gaps, the initiative supports more effective policies and coordinated responses.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.