Call for Applications: Improving Child Outcomes in Gedo, Somalia

UNICEF invites expressions of interest from organizations to deliver integrated education, child protection, and social protection programs in Somalia’s Gedo Region. The initiative prioritizes community-level interventions, inclusive education, protection from violence, and shock-responsive social protection to improve outcomes for children and adolescents in fragile and conflict-affected settings.

About the Initiative

UNICEF’s call seeks capable partners to implement integrated, evidence-based solutions across education, child protection, and social protection in the Gedo Region. The initiative targets fragile and conflict-affected communities, focusing on interventions that strengthen local systems, promote equitable access, and address the needs of the most vulnerable children, including girls, children with disabilities, and those affected by armed conflict.

Key Focus Areas

Education

Education is a central component of the initiative. Priority interventions include:

• Early childhood development and foundational learning during primary education.

• Evidence-based approaches, including Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL).

• Re-engagement of out-of-school children.

• Inclusive education models reaching girls, children with disabilities, and conflict-affected children.

• Integration of digital learning tools and market-relevant skills development for adolescents.

Child Protection

Child protection interventions aim to strengthen systems that safeguard children and families at the community level. Key activities include:

• Prevention and response to gender-based violence.

• Family reunification and support for at-risk children.

• Access to legal assistance and justice.

• Protection from crime and violence.

• Utilizing schools as community hubs to promote peacebuilding, social cohesion, and climate resilience through multi-sectoral approaches.

Social Protection and Policy

The initiative addresses multidimensional child poverty and gaps in social protection systems. Objectives include:

• Expanding equitable, shock-responsive social protection services.

• Strengthening national and sub-national social protection systems.

• Enhancing citizen engagement and accountability to ensure sustainable child well-being.

• Targeting high-risk and vulnerable children often excluded from existing programs.

Who is Eligible?

UNICEF seeks organizations with:

• Experience delivering integrated education, child protection, and social protection programs.

• Capacity to work in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.

• Expertise in inclusive education, protection interventions, and social policy advocacy.

• Ability to engage communities and collaborate with local authorities and institutions.

Why It Matters

Children in Somalia’s Gedo Region face compounded risks due to conflict, displacement, and multidimensional poverty. Strengthening education, protection, and social protection systems ensures equitable access to essential services, improves learning and safety outcomes, and builds resilient communities capable of responding to shocks.

How to Apply / What to Do

1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Provide organizational details, past experience, and proposed approach.

2. Demonstrate Technical Capacity: Highlight previous work in integrated child-focused programs in fragile contexts.

3. Outline Program Approach: Include strategies for education, protection, social protection, and community engagement.

4. Provide Timeline and Budget: Detail resources, implementation plan, and expected outcomes.

5. Ensure Compliance: Align submission with UNICEF guidelines, national frameworks, and child protection policies.

Tips for Applicants

• Emphasize integrated, cross-sectoral approaches addressing education, protection, and social protection.

• Highlight experience with inclusive education and marginalized groups.

• Include community engagement and participatory approaches.

• Provide evidence-based strategies with measurable outcomes.

• Demonstrate alignment with national policies and shock-responsive social protection systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the goal of this UNICEF initiative? To improve education, child protection, and social protection outcomes for children and adolescents in the Gedo Region.
2. Who can apply? Organizations with experience in integrated, evidence-based programs in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
3. Which populations are targeted? Children and adolescents, particularly girls, children with disabilities, and conflict-affected children.
4. What education approaches are encouraged? Foundational learning, Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL), digital learning, and skills development.
5. What child protection interventions are expected? Prevention and response to violence, family reunification, legal assistance, and community-based protection.
6. How does social protection fit into the initiative? By strengthening national and sub-national systems and expanding equitable, shock-responsive services for high-risk children.
7. What is the expected outcome? Lasting improvements in child well-being through integrated, community-focused interventions in education, protection, and social resilience.

Conclusion

UNICEF’s call in Somalia’s Gedo Region offers organizations the opportunity to deliver integrated, evidence-based, and inclusive programs that improve child and adolescent outcomes. By focusing on education, protection, and social protection, and leveraging community-level interventions, partners can achieve sustainable, child-centered impact in one of Somalia’s most vulnerable regions.