Deadline: 31-Dec-2025
UNICEF is seeking grant applications to strengthen operations and maintenance of rehabilitated water systems in 26 rural communities, ensuring sustainable access to safe drinking water for children under five. The initiative focuses on WASH infrastructure, hygiene promotion, and capacity building for long-term water system sustainability.
Overview of the Opportunity
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) invites organizations to submit proposals to improve safe water access for rural populations and children under five. This opportunity focuses on strengthening operations and maintenance (O&M) of rehabilitated water systems to ensure sustainable service delivery under the Ntlafatsa Bana Project.
Objectives and Purpose
The grant aims to:
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Enhance operations and maintenance mechanisms for WASH infrastructure in rural communities.
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Ensure continued access to safe drinking water for children under five and other community members.
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Develop sustainability plans to safeguard rehabilitated water systems.
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Reinforce local capacity and institutional arrangements for long-term management of water infrastructure.
Focus Areas
The initiative focuses on WASH and Environment, with emphasis on:
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Water – maintaining rehabilitated systems to deliver safe drinking water.
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Hygiene – promoting proper hygiene practices among community members.
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Sustainability – creating plans and mechanisms to ensure long-term functionality of water systems.
Target Locations
UNICEF has rehabilitated water systems across 26 communities in five districts, including:
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Leribe
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Mohale’s Hoek
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Quthing
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Qacha’s Nek
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Thaba-Tseka
The grant supports initiatives that strengthen O&M and sustainability mechanisms in these communities to maximize the impact of previous infrastructure investments.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include organizations capable of:
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Managing and operating rural WASH infrastructure.
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Developing and implementing sustainability plans for water systems.
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Building community and institutional capacity for long-term water management.
Applicants should demonstrate experience in WASH programming, community engagement, and infrastructure maintenance.
Implementation Expectations
Selected organizations are expected to:
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Strengthen O&M mechanisms for rehabilitated water systems.
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Develop long-term sustainability plans aligned with community needs.
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Work in partnership with national authorities, including the Department of Rural Water Supply.
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Monitor and report on system functionality, service reliability, and water quality.
Why It Matters
Access to safe drinking water is essential for child health, community well-being, and development. By focusing on sustainable operations and maintenance, this initiative ensures that rehabilitated systems continue to deliver reliable water supply, protecting previous investments and supporting rural populations, especially children under five.
How to Apply
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Confirm Eligibility – Ensure your organization has experience in WASH infrastructure management and rural operations.
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Prepare Proposal – Include objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, timeline, and budget.
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Submit Application – Follow UNICEF submission guidelines and deadlines.
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Implementation Plan – Include strategies for O&M, sustainability, community engagement, and monitoring.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting proposals without clear operations and maintenance strategies.
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Failing to demonstrate community engagement or institutional partnerships.
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Omitting sustainability plans or monitoring frameworks.
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Proposing activities outside the scope of rehabilitated WASH infrastructure.
FAQ
1. What is the primary goal of this grant?
To strengthen operations and maintenance of rehabilitated water systems and ensure sustainable access to safe water.
2. Who benefits from this initiative?
Children under five and rural communities across the five targeted districts.
3. Which districts are covered?
Leribe, Mohale’s Hoek, Quthing, Qacha’s Nek, and Thaba-Tseka.
4. What are the key focus areas?
Water system O&M, hygiene promotion, and sustainability planning.
5. Who can apply?
Organizations experienced in WASH infrastructure management and rural community engagement.
6. What is expected from selected organizations?
Strengthened O&M mechanisms, sustainability plans, capacity building, and monitoring of water systems.
7. Why is this important?
It ensures rehabilitated water systems remain functional, protecting investments and improving child and community health.
Conclusion
This UNICEF grant provides a critical opportunity for organizations to safeguard access to safe drinking water in rural communities. By focusing on operations, maintenance, and sustainability, the initiative ensures that rehabilitated water systems continue to support children’s health, community resilience, and long-term WASH outcomes.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.