Deadline: 20-Mar-2026
UNICEF Montenegro is seeking civil society partners to strengthen parliamentarians’ capacities in promoting social cohesion, preventing hate speech and violence, advancing gender equality, and enhancing civic participation of children and youth. The initiative involves developing a dedicated handbook, delivering capacity-building programmes, and fostering inclusive dialogue platforms with a focus on women’s leadership. The indicative budget for the project is 30,000 USD.
Overview of the Initiative
The UNICEF Montenegro initiative aims to empower parliamentarians to promote social cohesion, prevent violence and hate speech among and against children and youth, advance gender equality, and enhance civic and political participation of young people. The project emphasizes conflict sensitivity, humanitarian access, child protection, gender equality, and training and capacity-building to strengthen governance and community resilience.
Programme Context
This initiative is part of the Joint UN Programme “Together for the Common Good – Enhancing Citizens’ Trust in Institutions and Building Resilient Communities”, implemented by UNDP, UNICEF, and UNESCO in partnership with the Government of Montenegro and funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund. The programme focuses nationwide, with particular attention to Bar, Bijelo Polje, Podgorica, Pljevlja, and Ulcinj. Its objectives include strengthening social cohesion, rebuilding public trust in institutions, and enhancing community resilience.
Key Activities
The initiative includes the following activities:
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Development of a Handbook for parliamentarians with guidance on countering harmful stereotypes, addressing intersectional vulnerabilities, preventing violence and hate speech, and promoting participation of children, youth, and women in political processes.
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Capacity-building programmes for male and female parliamentarians at national and local levels, focusing on inclusive governance, prevention of violence against and among children, gender equality, and youth civic engagement.
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Strengthening dialogue platforms such as Women Clubs to foster inclusive dialogue, leadership, and collaboration among parliamentarians from different political backgrounds.
Expected Outcomes
The project aims to achieve:
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Development and wide dissemination of the parliamentarian handbook.
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Training of at least 100 national and local parliamentarians.
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Identification and support of role models and communication channels promoting positive messages on social cohesion and the prevention of violence and hate speech.
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Enhanced capacity of parliamentarians, particularly women, to advance social cohesion, gender equality, and child and youth participation.
Who is Eligible
UNICEF is seeking a civil society organisation partner with experience in governance, child protection, gender equality, and capacity-building. Eligible organisations should demonstrate the ability to implement activities that strengthen parliamentarians’ knowledge, skills, and leadership in promoting social cohesion and preventing violence and hate speech.
Budget and Funding
The initiative has an indicative budget of 30,000 USD, covering activities such as handbook development, capacity-building programmes, and strengthening dialogue platforms.
Why It Matters
This initiative promotes inclusive governance, child protection, gender equality, and civic engagement. By equipping parliamentarians with practical tools, knowledge, and skills, the project strengthens local institutions, encourages positive societal narratives, and fosters resilient, cohesive communities across Montenegro.
Common Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
Tips for Applicants: Demonstrate experience in child protection, gender equality, and capacity-building; provide clear implementation plans; highlight the ability to reach parliamentarians at both national and local levels. Common Mistakes: Submitting proposals without relevant experience, failing to address the project’s focus areas, or lacking a clear plan for dissemination and training.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply? Civil society organisations with relevant experience in child protection, gender equality, and capacity-building.
2. What is the project budget? 30,000 USD.
3. What are the main activities? Developing a handbook, delivering capacity-building programmes, and strengthening dialogue platforms.
4. How many parliamentarians will be trained? At least 100 national and local parliamentarians.
5. Is there a focus on women parliamentarians? Yes, the project prioritises empowering women leaders and promoting gender-responsive governance.
6. What is the geographic focus? Nationwide in Montenegro, with specific focus on Bar, Bijelo Polje, Podgorica, Pljevlja, and Ulcinj.
7. What outcomes are expected? Enhanced parliamentarian capacities, dissemination of the handbook, strengthened dialogue platforms, and promotion of social cohesion and prevention of violence and hate speech.
Conclusion
The UNICEF Montenegro initiative equips parliamentarians with the knowledge, tools, and skills to foster social cohesion, gender equality, and child protection, while promoting inclusive governance and resilient communities. By strengthening parliamentarian capacities, the project contributes to safer, more equitable, and cohesive communities across Montenegro.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
