Deadline: 10-Feb-2026
UNICEF invites civil society organizations in Somalia to implement integrated, community-level interventions in Galguduud Region aimed at improving child and family wellbeing. The programme focuses on education, child protection, social policy, inclusion, gender equality, and disaster preparedness, supporting vulnerable households and strengthening local resilience.
The UNICEF Community-Level Programme in Somalia provides funding and support for civil society organizations to implement interventions that improve children’s wellbeing and family resilience. The initiative takes an integrated, cross-sectoral approach, combining education, protection, social policy, and inclusion strategies.
Objectives of the Programme
The initiative seeks to:
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Expand access to quality education for all children, including out-of-school and vulnerable learners
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Strengthen child protection services and safeguard children and families from violence and exploitation
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Promote gender equality, disability inclusion, and women’s empowerment
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Enhance community resilience through emergency preparedness and disaster risk reduction
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Support social policy and advocacy to improve social protection systems and safety nets
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Align activities with national strategies, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, SDGs, and UN Somalia Cooperation Framework 2026–2030
Key Focus Areas
Education
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Early childhood development and general education
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Improved learning outcomes and reintegration of out-of-school children
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Skills development for long-term wellbeing and societal participation
Protection
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Child protection services and family reunification
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Prevention and response to gender-based violence
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Legal assistance, access to justice, and community-level crime prevention
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Creating safe environments for children and families
Social Policy and Advocacy
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Strengthening social safety nets and shock-responsive social protection systems
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Enhancing citizen engagement, accountability, and government capacity
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Integrating with other UNICEF sectors such as health, nutrition, and child protection
Cross-Cutting Priorities
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Disability inclusion and social inclusion
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Gender equality and women’s empowerment
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Emergency preparedness and disaster risk reduction
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Integration across humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding programming
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must:
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Be civil society organizations registered in Somalia with a valid registration certificate
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Have at least five years of experience in child protection, education, social policy, or social protection
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Maintain an operational presence in the proposed districts
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Submit applications through the designated UN partnership platform within the deadline
How to Apply
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Ensure your organization meets eligibility criteria
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Prepare a comprehensive proposal outlining interventions across education, protection, social policy, and inclusion
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Integrate cross-cutting priorities such as gender equality, disability inclusion, and emergency preparedness
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Submit the application via the UN partnership platform before the specified deadline
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Include organizational information, operational experience, and local presence in proposed districts
Why This Programme Matters
This initiative is critical because it:
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Addresses interconnected factors affecting child and family wellbeing
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Strengthens local capacity and resilience in the Galguduud region
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Ensures vulnerable children and households are protected and supported
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Integrates education, protection, and social policy for sustainable impact
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Aligns with national strategies and international frameworks for children’s rights and development
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Failing to meet eligibility requirements, including registration and operational presence
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Submitting proposals without cross-sectoral integration or attention to inclusion and gender
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Overlooking the need for alignment with national and UN frameworks
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Missing the submission deadline or not using the designated platform
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 Galguduud Region but may include other districts with operational presence.
What sectors does the programme cover?
Education, child protection, social policy, inclusion, gender equality, and emergency preparedness.
Are cross-cutting priorities required?
Yes, proposals must integrate gender equality, disability inclusion, and disaster preparedness.
How should applications be submitted?
Through the designated UN partnership platform within the specified deadline.
What frameworks guide this 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 necessary?
Yes, applicants must have a demonstrated operational presence in the proposed districts.
Conclusion
The UNICEF Community-Level Programme in Somalia empowers civil society organizations to deliver integrated interventions that enhance child and family wellbeing. By combining education, protection, inclusion, and social policy, the initiative strengthens resilience, equity, and sustainable development in vulnerable communities while advancing national and international priorities for children’s rights.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.