Deadline: 04-Apr-2026
UNICEF Sudan is seeking civil society organizations (CSOs) to join a pool of standby partners supporting education initiatives in conflict-affected regions. The program focuses on early childhood development, education in emergencies, adolescent skills, out-of-school education, and learning outcomes, aiming to benefit 125,000 children, 3,000 teachers, and 1,500 schools across South Area Field Offices. Partners will help ensure access to safe, inclusive, and quality education despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Overview
Sudan is facing a severe education and humanitarian crisis due to ongoing conflict and economic instability:
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Over 30.4 million people require urgent assistance
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11.3 million displaced as of April 2025
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Nearly 8 million children out of school, about half of school-aged children
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Many schools are used as shelters for displaced families
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Only 54% of schools reopened as of October 2025
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Overcrowding, scarcity of learning materials, and understaffed schools limit education quality
UNICEF Sudan, funded by multiple donors, is working to rebuild education systems and learning environments to restore routine, normalcy, and hope for children while supporting peacebuilding efforts.
Program Focus Areas
The initiative targets South Area Field Offices covering:
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Blue Nile
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South Kordofan
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White Nile
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Sennar
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West Kordofan
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North Kordofan
Key program focus areas include:
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Early childhood development
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Education in emergencies
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Learning outcomes improvement
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Out-of-school education
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Skills development for adolescents
Target Beneficiaries
The initiative aims to reach:
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125,000 school-aged children
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6,000 adolescents and young children
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3,000 teachers
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300 education authority stakeholders
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1,500 schools
Key Program Objectives
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Expand access to education
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Rehabilitate learning environments
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Provide essential educational materials
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Engage schools and communities
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Improve quality of education
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Promote safe and inclusive learning environments
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Ensure access to formal and non-formal education for girls and boys
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Focus on hygiene, safety, and accessibility
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Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
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Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working in Sudan
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Organizations with experience in education, early childhood development, or youth skills programs
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Organizations capable of operating in conflict-affected and remote areas
Why This Partnership Matters
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Addresses urgent education needs in a humanitarian crisis
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Provides safe, structured learning for children affected by conflict
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Supports teacher capacity and educational system strengthening
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Fosters community engagement and inclusive education practices
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Contributes to peacebuilding and long-term recovery
How to Apply / Participate
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Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
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Indicate capacity to support education initiatives in conflict-affected areas
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Include experience with early childhood development, adolescent skills, or education in emergencies
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Detail Program Approach
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Plans for rehabilitation of learning environments
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Strategies for teacher training and support
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Community engagement and inclusion measures for girls and marginalized groups
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Provide Organizational Credentials
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Demonstrate prior experience in education and emergency programs
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Include capacity for field operations in South Area Field Offices
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Submit Through UNICEF Sudan Channels
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Applications will be reviewed and qualified CSOs will join the standby partner pool
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Tips for a Strong Proposal
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Highlight experience working in conflict or emergency settings
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Include clear monitoring and evaluation strategies for education outcomes
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Show capacity to reach marginalized and out-of-school children
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Address gender inclusion and safe learning spaces
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting incomplete organizational profiles
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Failing to demonstrate experience in emergency education or early childhood development
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Overlooking gender and inclusion considerations
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Providing vague plans for teacher training or community engagement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply to become a standby partner?
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with experience in education, youth programs, or early childhood development in Sudan.
2. What areas are covered under this initiative?
Blue Nile, South Kordofan, White Nile, Sennar, West Kordofan, and North Kordofan.
3. What are the key focus areas of the program?
Early childhood development, education in emergencies, learning outcomes, out-of-school education, and adolescent skills development.
4. How many children will benefit?
Approximately 125,000 school-aged children and 6,000 adolescents and young children, along with 3,000 teachers and 1,500 schools.
5. What is the expected role of partner CSOs?
Partners will support program implementation, including school rehabilitation, teacher capacity building, material provision, and community engagement.
6. Does the program focus on girls’ education?
Yes. The initiative emphasizes safe and inclusive learning environments, ensuring both girls and boys have access to education.
7. How does UNICEF ensure quality and continuity of learning?
By strengthening teacher capacity, supporting PTAs, and enhancing state education authority coordination, the program aims to improve learning outcomes and education quality.
Conclusion
The UNICEF Sudan standby partner initiative provides a critical opportunity for CSOs to contribute to restoring education in conflict-affected areas, ensuring safe, inclusive, and quality learning for children and adolescents. By joining this program, partners help rebuild communities, strengthen local education systems, and support the long-term development and peacebuilding efforts in Sudan.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.