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Call for EOIs: Climate Resilient Community-based Child Protection (Timor-Leste)

Deadline: 20-Mar-2026

UNICEF is seeking expressions of interest from NGOs to strengthen child protection mechanisms in Timor-Leste during climate-induced disasters. With a budget of USD 45,000, the project focuses on training, community engagement, disaster preparedness, and capacity building to protect children in Viqueque and Lautem municipalities.

About the Initiative

UNICEF’s initiative in Timor-Leste aims to strengthen community-based child protection mechanisms in response to climate-induced disasters such as floods, droughts, and cyclones. The program targets vulnerable children in rural and disaster-prone areas, where risks include family separation, violence, neglect, and psychosocial distress.

Key focus areas include:

  • Training and capacity development for child protection in emergencies

  • Prevention of and response to crime and violence affecting children

  • General protection support, including protection advice and guidance

  • Strengthening disaster-resilient child protection systems at the community level

The project emphasizes climate resilience, ensuring child protection systems can respond effectively during emergencies.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants must be:

  • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with experience in child protection in emergencies, particularly climate-related crises

  • Organisations with strong local networks in Timor-Leste

  • Capable of collaborating with UNICEF, local authorities, and community stakeholders

Geographic Focus

The initiative targets two municipalities in Timor-Leste:

  • Viqueque

  • Lautem

Activities will be implemented at the suco (village) and aldeia (sub-village) community levels to strengthen local preparedness and child protection capacity.

Program Components

1. Training and Capacity Building

  • Develop the skills of community members, local authorities, and service providers

  • Enhance capacity to prevent, identify, and respond to child protection risks during disasters

2. Community Engagement and Awareness

  • Implement social and behaviour change campaigns in selected aldeias

  • Engage local leaders, community platforms, and media to promote protective actions

  • Raise awareness about climate-related child protection risks

3. Climate-Resilient Parenting Sessions

  • Strengthen knowledge of parents and caregivers about disaster-related risks

  • Provide practical strategies to prevent harm to children

  • Support families in developing household-level disaster preparedness plans

4. Community Preparedness Plans

  • Collaborate with local authorities and communities to develop suco and aldeia-level disaster plans

  • Establish Child-Friendly Spaces to provide safe environments, psychosocial support, and protection services during emergencies

Expected Outcomes

  • Strengthened community-based child protection systems resilient to climate shocks

  • Increased awareness and preventive actions to protect children during disasters

  • Improved coordination among local authorities, service providers, and communities

  • Creation of household and community-level preparedness plans

  • Safe and functional Child-Friendly Spaces for children in emergencies

Funding Details

  • Indicative budget: USD 45,000

  • Support for NGOs with capacity to implement training, awareness, preparedness, and protection activities

  • Collaboration required with UNICEF and local authorities

How to Apply

  1. Prepare Expression of Interest – Demonstrate experience in child protection in emergencies and local networks in Timor-Leste

  2. Outline Program Approach – Detail training, community engagement, preparedness, and Child-Friendly Space plans

  3. Demonstrate Capacity – Show ability to implement activities at the suco and aldeia levels

  4. Submit Documentation – Include organizational profile, relevant past projects, and proposed budget

  5. Collaborate with UNICEF – Ensure alignment with UNICEF child protection frameworks and guidance

Tips for Applicants

  • Highlight experience with climate-related child protection

  • Demonstrate local networks and relationships in Viqueque and Lautem

  • Include detailed risk mitigation and preparedness strategies

  • Plan for community engagement, awareness campaigns, and Child-Friendly Spaces

  • Ensure alignment with UNICEF child protection in emergencies standards

FAQs

1. Which municipalities are targeted? Viqueque and Lautem in Timor-Leste.
2. What is the budget? Indicative funding is USD 45,000.
3. Who can apply? NGOs with experience in child protection in emergencies, particularly climate-related crises.
4. What activities are funded? Training, community awareness, preparedness planning, and Child-Friendly Spaces.
5. Are partnerships required? Collaboration with UNICEF, local authorities, and community actors is essential.
6. What child risks are addressed? Family separation, violence, neglect, and psychosocial distress during disasters.
7. What is the implementation level? Activities are implemented at the suco and aldeia community levels.

Conclusion

This UNICEF initiative strengthens climate-resilient child protection mechanisms in Timor-Leste, safeguarding vulnerable children during disasters. By supporting training, community engagement, preparedness planning, and safe Child-Friendly Spaces, the program ensures children in disaster-prone areas are protected, supported, and resilient in the face of climate emergencies.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.