Grants to improve Child Outcomes through Education, Social Protection and Child Protection in Sanaag (Somalia)

UNICEF has launched a call for Expression of Interest (EOI) to partner with organizations in Somalia’s Sanaag region to improve education, protection, and social protection outcomes for children and adolescents. The initiative focuses on integrated, evidence-based interventions that strengthen community resilience, ensure equitable access to services, and support the most vulnerable populations, including girls, children with disabilities, and those affected by conflict.

About the Initiative

This initiative seeks capable partners to implement cross-sectoral programs addressing the complex needs of children and adolescents in fragile, hard-to-reach contexts. The project emphasizes evidence-based, inclusive approaches that embed disability inclusion, emergency preparedness, disaster risk reduction, and the engagement of men and boys. Programs aim to strengthen community resilience and ensure access to essential services for vulnerable populations, particularly those affected by poverty, displacement, or conflict-related shocks.

Key Focus Areas

Education

Education is a central pillar of the initiative. Priority actions include:

Early childhood development and foundational learning using approaches such as Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL).
Education in emergencies and re-engagement of out-of-school children.
Skills development for adolescents, particularly girls and conflict-affected children.
Integration of digital learning tools and market-relevant skills to expand reach and relevance.

Protection

Protection interventions aim to safeguard children and communities. Key measures include:

Addressing gender-based violence and providing legal assistance and access to justice.
Ensuring protection in general, including detention and freedom of movement issues.
Strengthening community-based protection mechanisms for timely, rights-based support.
Supporting survivors and at-risk children with safe, accessible services.

Social Protection and Advocacy

The initiative addresses multidimensional child poverty and gaps in social protection coverage. Objectives include:

Strengthening national and sub-national social protection systems.
Enhancing citizen engagement and accountability.
Expanding integrated, shock-responsive social protection services.
Using schools as community hubs and linking humanitarian, development, and peace efforts to deliver sustainable, child-centred impact.

Who is Eligible?

UNICEF is seeking organizations with:

Experience implementing integrated, evidence-based programs in fragile, crisis-affected, or hard-to-reach contexts.
Proven expertise in education, child protection, or social protection.
Capacity to design inclusive interventions promoting disability inclusion, gender equality, and community resilience.
Ability to engage local communities and collaborate with government and policy stakeholders.

Why It Matters

Children in Somalia’s Sanaag region face high vulnerability due to poverty, displacement, and conflict. Strengthening integrated education, protection, and social protection systems ensures equitable access to services, improves learning and safety outcomes, and contributes to sustainable, community-level resilience.

How to Apply

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Include organizational profile, experience, and proposed approach.
Demonstrate Technical Capacity: Evidence of previous integrated programs in fragile or hard-to-reach settings.
Outline Program Approach: Include strategies for education, protection, and social protection interventions.
Provide Timeline and Budget: Detail implementation plan, resources, and expected outcomes.
Ensure Compliance: Align submission with UNICEF guidelines and national policy frameworks.

Tips for Applicants

Emphasize cross-sectoral, integrated approaches rather than single-sector interventions.
Highlight evidence-based strategies and measurable outcomes.
Include community engagement and participatory approaches.
Address inclusion of marginalized groups, such as girls, children with disabilities, and conflict-affected children.
Define monitoring, evaluation, and learning mechanisms for assessing impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the purpose of this UNICEF initiative? To improve education, protection, and social protection outcomes for children and adolescents in Sanaag, Somalia.
2. Who can apply? Organizations with experience delivering integrated, evidence-based programs in fragile or hard-to-reach settings.
3. What regions are targeted? The Sanaag region of Somalia.
4. What sectors are prioritized? Education, child protection, social protection, gender equality, disability inclusion, and emergency preparedness.
5. Are digital tools encouraged? Yes, digital learning tools and market-oriented skills are encouraged to reach marginalized learners.
6. How will community engagement be ensured? Through participatory planning, local stakeholder involvement, and the use of schools as community hubs.
7. What is the expected outcome? A sustainable, child-centred program that strengthens community resilience and ensures equitable access to essential services.

Conclusion

UNICEF’s call in Somalia’s Sanaag region provides an opportunity for organizations to deliver integrated, evidence-based, and inclusive programs for children and adolescents. By focusing on education, protection, and social protection, and embedding community engagement and resilience, partners can achieve lasting, child-centered impact in the region.