Deadline: 10-Feb-2026
UNICEF has issued a Call for Expression of Interest to improve outcomes for children and adolescents in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, focusing on education, child protection, and social policy interventions.
The initiative seeks partners with local expertise to deliver inclusive, multi-sectoral programmes that enhance learning, protect vulnerable children, and strengthen social protection systems.
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has launched a Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) targeting organizations capable of delivering integrated programmes for children and adolescents in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region.
This initiative aims to address pressing education, protection, and social policy challenges for some of the most vulnerable children while promoting inclusion, resilience, and sustainable community development.
Geographic Focus Area
The programme focuses on Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, which faces challenges such as:
- High levels of child vulnerability due to poverty and conflict
- Limited access to education and learning resources
- Gaps in child protection and social services
- Marginalized populations including girls, children with disabilities, and out-of-school youth
Partner organizations are expected to have operational presence or strong networks within the region to ensure effective implementation.
Key Programme Priorities
UNICEF’s initiative integrates three interrelated pillars:
1. Education and Skills Development
The programme emphasizes strengthening educational outcomes for children and adolescents, including:
- Early childhood development interventions
- Foundational learning and improved school performance
- Support for out-of-school children to re-enter learning pathways
- Skills development for adolescents, including market-relevant vocational and digital skills
- Inclusive approaches to ensure participation of marginalized groups, such as girls and children with disabilities
2. Child Protection
Child protection is a core focus, with interventions aimed at creating safe environments and reducing risks for children, including:
- Prevention and response to gender-based violence
- Protection advice, psychosocial support, and case management
- Strengthening community-based protection mechanisms
- Ensuring protection in emergency and conflict-affected settings
These measures aim to enhance safety, wellbeing, and resilience for children and adolescents.
3. Social Policy and Advocacy
The initiative addresses structural challenges related to child poverty and social protection:
- Supporting policy advocacy and institutional capacity-building
- Strengthening public finance and local governance to improve social service delivery
- Expanding equitable, shock-responsive social protection coverage
- Implementing evidence-based, catalytic interventions that reduce multidimensional child poverty
These activities aim to promote integrated, child-centered development solutions.
Who Can Apply?
The EOI invites organizations that meet the following criteria:
- Strong local presence in Lower Shabelle
- Proven expertise in education, child protection, or social policy
- Capacity to implement integrated, multi-sectoral programmes
- Commitment to inclusive approaches reaching marginalized children
Both national and international organizations with relevant experience are encouraged to submit expressions of interest.
Why This Initiative Matters
Children in Lower Shabelle face multiple vulnerabilities, including poverty, limited education, exposure to conflict, and inadequate protection services. This initiative is critical because it:
- Enhances access to quality education and skills development
- Protects children from violence and exploitation
- Builds community-based protection and social support systems
- Strengthens policies and social protection mechanisms for long-term impact
By focusing on integrated, multi-sectoral solutions, UNICEF seeks to improve child wellbeing and resilience in a sustainable and inclusive manner.
How the Programme Works
The programme is implemented through a collaborative, community-oriented approach:
- Identification of target communities and vulnerable children
- Design and delivery of education, protection, and social policy interventions
- Engagement with local authorities and community networks
- Monitoring and evaluation to ensure accountability and measurable outcomes
- Use of evidence-based strategies to inform policy and programme improvements
UNICEF coordinates with partners to ensure alignment with national standards and local priorities.
Tips for Strong Expressions of Interest
Applicants should focus on clarity, capacity, and relevance:
- Demonstrate proven local presence and operational capacity in Lower Shabelle
- Highlight expertise in one or more focus areas: education, child protection, or social policy
- Explain inclusive approaches and strategies for reaching marginalized groups
- Present clear plans for collaboration with local authorities and community actors
- Emphasize measurable outcomes and sustainable impact
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To increase competitiveness, applicants should avoid:
- Limited understanding of local context or operational presence
- Proposals focusing only on one sector without integration
- Lack of inclusive strategies for marginalized children
- Weak evidence or unclear mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of this EOI?
To identify organizations capable of delivering integrated education, protection, and social policy programmes for children and adolescents in Lower Shabelle.
Who are the target beneficiaries?
Children and adolescents, particularly marginalized groups such as girls, children with disabilities, out-of-school youth, and those affected by conflict.
What areas are covered by the programme?
The programme focuses exclusively on Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region.
What types of interventions are prioritized?
Education and skills development, child protection, and social policy interventions including advocacy and social protection systems strengthening.
Who can apply?
Organizations with strong local presence and expertise in the programme’s focus areas.
Are inclusive approaches required?
Yes. Interventions must ensure equitable access for marginalized and vulnerable children.
How will UNICEF select partners?
Selection is based on demonstrated capacity, local presence, sectoral expertise, and alignment with integrated programme objectives.
Conclusion
UNICEF’s Call for Expression of Interest in Lower Shabelle represents a strategic effort to improve the wellbeing, protection, and education of children and adolescents in one of Somalia’s most vulnerable regions. Through integrated, community-focused programmes, the initiative seeks to foster inclusive, resilient, and sustainable solutions that place children at the center of development and recovery efforts.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.