Deadline: 10-Feb-2026
UNICEF is accepting applications to support education, protection, and social services in Gobolka Bakool, Somalia, targeting community resilience and long-term child wellbeing. The initiative emphasizes inclusive education, child protection, disability inclusion, gender equality, and social protection, with interventions implemented between 2026 and 2027.
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) invites applications to implement programs that strengthen education, protection, and social services at the community level in Gobolka Bakool, Somalia.
The region faces ongoing humanitarian challenges, displacement, and limited access to essential services, making targeted, integrated interventions critical to improving resilience and long-term wellbeing for children and families.
Objectives of the Initiative
The initiative seeks to:
-
Enhance community resilience through cross-sectoral programming
-
Promote disability inclusion, gender equality, and women’s empowerment
-
Expand access to inclusive and equitable education
-
Strengthen child protection systems and social services
-
Support emergency preparedness and response in vulnerable communities
Priority Areas
Inclusive Education
Efforts focus on ensuring all children access quality learning, including:
-
Early childhood development and foundational learning
-
General education and improvement of learning outcomes
-
Reintegration of out-of-school children
-
Strengthening education systems to remain functional during conflict, climate shocks, and emergencies
Child Protection
Key child protection interventions include:
-
Access to inclusive protection services for children and women
-
Support for family reunification and legal assistance
-
Prevention and response to violence, exploitation, and abuse
-
Strengthening mental health and psychosocial support services
-
Implementation of rights-based laws and policies
-
Development of child-friendly justice systems
-
Empowerment of girls and women to access gender-responsive services
-
Engagement with families and communities to prevent harmful practices
Social Policy and Advocacy
The initiative supports government institutions to improve planning and service delivery, including:
-
Use of child poverty data and costed sectoral plans
-
Strengthening social safety nets
-
Expanding shock-responsive social protection systems
-
Ensuring equitable services for households with children
Expected Outcomes (2026–2027)
The programme aims to achieve:
-
Expanded access to quality education and early learning
-
Skills development for adolescents
-
Strengthened child protection services and institutions
-
Increased birth registration coverage
-
Improved social protection for vulnerable households
Who Is Eligible?
Applications are open to civil society organizations (CSOs) with the capacity to:
-
Design and implement integrated, community-responsive interventions
-
Work effectively with local stakeholders and government institutions
-
Address education, child protection, and social services priorities in Gobolka Bakool
Organizations should demonstrate experience in working with children, women, and vulnerable communities in humanitarian or development contexts.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit proposals that include:
-
Organizational background and experience in education, protection, or social services
-
Detailed project plan with integrated interventions reflecting local priorities
-
Timeline and budget for the 2026–2027 implementation period
-
Approach for monitoring, evaluation, and reporting outcomes
-
Strategies for inclusive, equitable, and gender-responsive programming
Proposals must demonstrate how the project contributes to long-term national goals for children’s rights and wellbeing while addressing immediate community needs.
Why This Initiative Matters
This opportunity is important because it:
-
Strengthens resilience in conflict-affected and humanitarian settings
-
Protects vulnerable children and women from violence and exploitation
-
Promotes inclusive education and lifelong learning opportunities
-
Enhances social protection systems to respond to shocks
-
Builds local capacity for sustainable community development
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Proposing interventions without integration across education, protection, and social services
-
Failing to address disability inclusion, gender, or child protection considerations
-
Submitting unrealistic timelines or budgets
-
Ignoring local context and community priorities
-
Overlooking monitoring and evaluation mechanisms
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for this initiative?
Civil society organizations with experience in education, protection, or social services in humanitarian or development contexts.
Which region does this initiative target?
Gobolka Bakool, Somalia, including communities facing displacement and limited access to services.
What is the implementation period?
From 2026 to 2027.
What sectors are prioritized?
Inclusive education, child protection, social services, disability inclusion, gender equality, and emergency preparedness.
How does the initiative support vulnerable children?
Through access to quality education, protection services, mental health support, and social safety nets.
Are partnerships with government institutions required?
Yes, engagement with federal, state, and district-level institutions is encouraged for sustainable impact.
What are expected outcomes?
Expanded education access, strengthened child protection, improved social protection coverage, increased birth registration, and skills development for adolescents.
Conclusion
UNICEF’s initiative in Gobolka Bakool provides a comprehensive opportunity for CSOs to implement integrated, community-responsive programs that protect children, empower women, and strengthen education and social systems. By addressing education, protection, and social services together, the initiative fosters resilient communities and long-term wellbeing for Somalia’s most vulnerable populations.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
