Call for EOIs: Child Education and Protection Services in Gobolka Bay (Somalia)

Deadline: 10-Feb-2026

UNICEF invites civil society organizations in Somalia to implement integrated community-level interventions in Bay Region, targeting children and families. The programme focuses on education, child protection, social policy, inclusion, gender equality, and disaster preparedness, aiming to strengthen resilience, equity, and long-term wellbeing.

The UNICEF Bay Region Grant Programme supports civil society organizations to deliver comprehensive, community-driven interventions that improve outcomes for children and families. By integrating education, protection, social policy, and cross-sectoral priorities, the initiative addresses interconnected challenges to foster sustainable development and community resilience.

Programme Objectives

• Expand access to quality education, including early childhood development and services for out-of-school children

• Strengthen child protection systems and safeguard children and families from violence, abuse, and neglect

• Promote gender equality, disability inclusion, and women’s empowerment

• Enhance community resilience through emergency preparedness and disaster risk reduction

• Support social policy and advocacy to improve social protection systems and citizen engagement

• Align activities with national strategies and international frameworks, including the CRC, SDGs, and UN Somalia Cooperation Framework 2026–2030

Key Focus Areas

Education

• Early childhood development and general education

• Support for out-of-school children and reintegration programs

• Improving learning outcomes and quality educational environments

• Developing skills that support long-term development and opportunity

Child Protection

• Child protection services and family reunification

• Prevention and response to gender-based violence

• Legal assistance and access to justice

• Community-level interventions to prevent crime and violence

Social Policy and Advocacy

• Strengthening social safety nets and shock-responsive social protection programs

• Enhancing citizen engagement and accountability

• Integration with health, nutrition, and other sectors to promote equitable services

Cross-Cutting Priorities

• Disability inclusion and social inclusion

• Gender equality and women’s empowerment

• Emergency preparedness and disaster risk reduction

• Integration across humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding initiatives

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Be civil society organizations registered in Somalia

• Have at least five years of experience in child protection, education, social policy, or social protection

• Maintain operational presence in the proposed districts

• Comply with UN eligibility requirements and submit applications via the designated UN partnership platform

How to Apply

1. Confirm that your organization meets eligibility criteria

2. Prepare a proposal detailing interventions across education, protection, social policy, and cross-cutting priorities

3. Highlight integration of equity, resilience, and community engagement

4. Submit the application through the UN partnership platform by the specified deadline

5. Include organizational background, operational capacity, and prior relevant experience

Why This Programme Matters

• Addresses interconnected factors affecting child and family wellbeing

• Strengthens local capacity and community resilience

• Ensures vulnerable children and families are reached effectively

• Integrates education, protection, and social policy for sustainable impact

• Aligns with national and international frameworks to advance children’s rights and development

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals without cross-sectoral integration

• Overlooking vulnerable populations, including children with disabilities and displaced families

• Failing to demonstrate local operational capacity

• Neglecting to align projects with national strategies and UN frameworks

• Missing the submission deadline

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can apply?
Civil society organizations registered in Somalia with at least five years of relevant experience.

Which region is targeted?
The programme focuses on Bay Region, requiring operational presence in proposed districts.

What sectors are covered?
Education, child protection, social policy, inclusion, gender equality, and disaster preparedness.

Are cross-cutting priorities mandatory?
Yes, including disability inclusion, gender equality, and emergency preparedness.

How should applications be submitted?
Via the designated UN partnership platform within the specified deadline.

What frameworks guide the programme?
Aligned with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, SDGs, UN Somalia Cooperation Framework 2026–2030, and Somalia National Transformation Plan.

Is local operational presence required?
Yes, applicants must demonstrate operational capacity in the proposed districts.

Conclusion

The UNICEF Bay Region Grant Programme empowers civil society organizations to deliver integrated, community-based solutions that enhance education, protection, and social services. By focusing on resilience, equity, and sustainable impact, the initiative strengthens local systems and improves the long-term wellbeing of children and families in vulnerable communities.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.