UNICEF Cross-Sectoral Programmes in BAY States (Nigeria)

Deadline: 06-Mar-2026

UNICEF Maiduguri Field Office is inviting qualified partners to implement cross-sectoral programmes in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States from April 2026 to December 2027. The initiative covers Education, Health, Nutrition, Protection, and WASH, focusing on integrated service delivery, emergency response, and sustainable community engagement. Partners with proven capacity, technical expertise, and ability to operate in fragile and hard-to-reach areas are encouraged to apply.

Overview

UNICEF’s initiative in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) aims to strengthen integrated social service delivery in contexts affected by conflict, climate shocks, displacement, and systemic service gaps. The programme supports children, adolescents, and vulnerable populations by improving access to quality services across multiple sectors, while building institutional and community capacity for sustainable delivery.

Focus Areas

Education

• Early childhood development (ECD) programmes.

• Education in emergencies and out-of-school education.

• Skills development for adolescents.

Health

• Adolescent health, including sexual and reproductive health.

• Health in emergencies and health system strengthening.

• Routine immunization and preventive health services.

Nutrition

• Infant and young child feeding (IYCF).

• Prevention and treatment of malnutrition.

• Nutrition interventions in emergencies.

Protection

• Birth registration and child protection services.

• Family reunification for separated children.

• Gender-based violence prevention and response.

• Legal assistance, access to justice, and protection in emergencies.

WASH and Environment

• Basic sanitation, hygiene promotion, and safe water provision.

• WASH services in emergency contexts.

• Climate-resilient and sustainable environmental interventions.

Who Can Apply

• Qualified implementing partners with proven institutional capacity and technical expertise.

• Organizations able to deliver cost-effective, accountable, and sustainable interventions in hard-to-reach and fragile areas.

• Partners complying with HACT (Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers) and PSEA (Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) standards.

Objectives of the Programme

• Strengthen integrated service delivery across Health, Nutrition, Education, WASH, Child Protection, Social and Behavioural Change, Resilience, and Emergency programming.

• Enhance equitable access to quality social services for children, adolescents, and vulnerable populations.

• Improve institutional capacities in planning, coordination, financing, monitoring, and accountability.

• Increase coverage and quality of lifesaving and life-sustaining services in both development and emergency contexts.

• Promote community engagement, social cohesion, and behaviour change.

How the Programme Works

1. Partner Selection

   • UNICEF identifies partners with the technical and operational capacity to deliver services in fragile contexts.

   • Partners must demonstrate compliance with HACT and PSEA standards.

2. Integrated Service Delivery

   • Implementation of cross-sectoral interventions covering Education, Health, Nutrition, Protection, and WASH.

   • Coordination across sectors ensures holistic support for children and vulnerable communities.

3. Capacity Building

   • Strengthening local institutions and community structures for planning, coordination, financing, and monitoring.

   • Training and support for local actors to sustain quality service delivery.

4. Emergency Preparedness and Response

   • Services are adapted for conflict-affected, displaced, or climate-impacted populations.

   • Rapid response mechanisms are integrated into programme delivery.

5. Monitoring and Accountability

   • Systematic data collection, monitoring of service quality and coverage, and accountability mechanisms for beneficiaries.

   • Continuous evaluation to guide programme adjustments and improvements.

Why This Initiative Matters

• Ensures no child is left behind, particularly in conflict-affected and fragile areas.

• Reduces risks of child mortality, malnutrition, and lack of education.

• Strengthens resilience and social cohesion in communities.

• Enhances preparedness and response for future emergencies.

• Builds sustainable systems for long-term service delivery across sectors.

FAQs

1. What states are covered under this programme?
Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States in northeastern Nigeria.

2. What sectors does UNICEF focus on?
Education, Health, Nutrition, Protection, and WASH/Environment.

3. Who can apply to implement these programmes?
Qualified implementing partners with institutional capacity, technical expertise, and experience in fragile or hard-to-reach areas.

4. What is the programme duration?
From April 2026 to December 2027.

5. Are emergency contexts included in the programme?
Yes, interventions are designed to operate in both development and emergency contexts, including conflict and climate-affected areas.

6. What compliance standards must partners meet?
Partners must adhere to HACT (Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers) and PSEA (Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) standards.

7. What outcomes are expected?
Improved child survival, learning outcomes, protection from violence and exploitation, sustainable WASH services, strengthened systems, and enhanced emergency preparedness.

Conclusion

The UNICEF Maiduguri Field Office programme is a comprehensive, cross-sectoral initiative that aims to ensure children, adolescents, and vulnerable populations in BAY States receive equitable, quality, and sustainable services. By partnering with capable organizations, UNICEF strengthens community resilience, builds sustainable systems, and addresses urgent humanitarian and development needs while leaving no child behind.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.