Call for EOIs: Governance Support to UNICEF-Supported Learning Centres in Gaza (Palestine)

Deadline: 23-Jun-2026

UNICEF is seeking applications from NGOs and civil society organizations to support the implementation of governance systems across UNICEF-supported Learning Centres in Gaza. The initiative aims to strengthen participation, accountability, safeguarding, inclusion, community engagement, and learner wellbeing by establishing effective governance structures that ensure learners, caregivers, educators, and communities have meaningful opportunities to participate in decision-making and raise concerns safely.

The programme focuses on education in emergencies, learner participation, caregiver engagement, safeguarding, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), disability inclusion, gender-sensitive programming, disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and community accountability in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

What is the UNICEF Gaza Learning Centre Governance Initiative?

The UNICEF Gaza Learning Centre Governance Initiative seeks to establish practical, inclusive, and accountable governance arrangements across UNICEF-supported Learning Centres operating in Gaza.

Since formal education was disrupted for hundreds of thousands of children following the crisis that began in October 2023, Learning Centres have become critical spaces for education, psychosocial support, routine, protection, and social interaction. As these centres continue to expand, UNICEF is introducing a governance framework designed to strengthen accountability, participation, communication, safeguarding, and community ownership.

Funding Opportunity Overview

• Funding Organization: UNICEF
• Target Location: Gaza
• Eligible Applicants: NGOs and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
• Consortium Applications: Encouraged
• Programme Focus: Learning Centre Governance and Community Participation
• Sector: Education in Emergencies (EiE)
• Beneficiaries: Children, learners, caregivers, educators, and local communities

Key Focus Areas

The initiative supports activities related to:

• Education in Emergencies (EiE)
• Learning Centre governance
• Community engagement
• Accountability mechanisms
• Safeguarding
• Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)
• Learner participation
• Student representation
• Caregiver engagement
• Disability inclusion
• Gender-sensitive programming
• Feedback and complaint mechanisms
• Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)
• Emergency preparedness
• Child protection
• Community-based decision-making

Programme Objectives

The initiative aims to:

• Strengthen governance systems in Learning Centres
• Improve transparency and accountability
• Increase learner participation
• Enhance caregiver and community engagement
• Strengthen safeguarding measures
• Promote inclusive education practices
• Improve complaint and feedback mechanisms
• Support disability-inclusive learning environments
• Strengthen emergency preparedness and safety planning
• Ensure consistent governance practices across Learning Centres

Why This Initiative Matters

The ongoing crisis in Gaza has significantly disrupted access to formal education.

UNICEF-supported Learning Centres have become essential for:

• Continued learning opportunities
• Child wellbeing support
• Social interaction
• Protection services
• Community engagement
• Educational continuity during emergencies

Strong governance systems help ensure that these centres remain safe, inclusive, responsive, and accountable to the communities they serve.

Learning Centre Governance Model

UNICEF is introducing a governance framework that seeks to:

• Clarify roles and responsibilities
• Improve communication among stakeholders
• Strengthen participation and representation
• Support transparent decision-making
• Establish accountability mechanisms
• Improve escalation pathways for concerns and complaints

The governance model is designed to be practical, community-responsive, and adaptable to emergency contexts.

Establishment of Learning Centre Governing Bodies

Selected partners will support the creation and functioning of Learning Centre Governing Bodies.

Key responsibilities include:

• Establishing governance structures
• Ensuring transparent membership selection
• Supporting leadership arrangements
• Promoting diverse representation
• Facilitating governance meetings
• Supporting decision-making processes

Governing Bodies will play a central role in overseeing Learning Centre operations and ensuring accountability.

Orientation and Capacity Building

Partners will facilitate orientation sessions for:

• Governing Body members
• Educators
• Community representatives
• Caregivers
• Other relevant stakeholders

The orientation process will help participants understand:

• Governance responsibilities
• Accountability mechanisms
• Decision-making processes
• Safeguarding requirements
• Community engagement practices

Learner Participation and Student Councils

A major component of the initiative is ensuring meaningful learner participation.

Partners will support:

• Establishment of Student Councils
• Learner representation systems
• Youth participation mechanisms
• Student leadership opportunities
• Inclusive consultation processes

These structures will provide learners with opportunities to express their views and contribute to decisions affecting their educational environment.

Caregiver and Community Engagement

The programme promotes strong collaboration between Learning Centres and local communities.

Partners will facilitate:

• Caregiver participation mechanisms
• Community consultation forums
• Parent engagement activities
• Stakeholder meetings
• Community feedback sessions

These activities help strengthen trust, transparency, and shared ownership.

Feedback and Complaint Mechanisms

Effective feedback systems are essential to accountability.

Partners will support the development and implementation of:

• Feedback channels
• Complaint reporting mechanisms
• Referral pathways
• Escalation procedures
• Confidential reporting systems

The objective is to ensure concerns can be raised safely and addressed appropriately.

Safeguarding and PSEA Integration

Safeguarding is a core component of the initiative.

Activities include:

• Child safeguarding measures
• Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)
• Confidentiality protocols
• Safe reporting systems
• Protection referral pathways
• Risk mitigation measures

All governance structures will be expected to uphold safeguarding standards.

Optional Training Component

One selected partner will be responsible for developing and delivering a specialized training programme.

Training topics may include:

• Feedback and complaint management
• Safeguarding principles
• PSEA requirements
• Confidentiality standards
• Referral mechanisms
• Governance responsibilities
• Student Council roles
• Ethical complaint handling practices

The training package will also include monitoring and evaluation components.

Documentation and Reporting Responsibilities

Partners will support effective governance documentation, including:

• Meeting records
• Attendance registers
• Action plans
• Follow-up measures
• Escalation reports
• Governance performance tracking

Recurring issues identified across Learning Centres will be consolidated and shared with UNICEF for coordinated action.

Inclusion and Disability-Inclusive Governance

The programme emphasizes inclusive participation.

Governance structures should support:

• Children with disabilities
• Marginalized groups
• Girls and young women
• Vulnerable learners
• Diverse community representation

Inclusive governance helps ensure that all voices are heard and considered.

Gender-Sensitive Programming

Projects should integrate gender considerations throughout implementation.

Activities may include:

• Gender-responsive participation mechanisms
• Safe spaces for girls
• Equal representation opportunities
• Gender-sensitive safeguarding approaches
• Inclusive consultation processes

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Preparedness

Partners will help integrate safety and preparedness into governance systems.

Activities may include:

• Risk assessments
• Emergency preparedness planning
• Evacuation procedures
• Safety monitoring
• Hazard identification
• Incident reporting mechanisms

These efforts support safer learning environments during emergencies.

Expected Outcomes

Governance Outcomes

The initiative seeks to achieve:

• Functional Learning Centre Governing Bodies
• Improved accountability systems
• Stronger stakeholder participation
• Better communication and coordination
• Enhanced decision-making processes

Community Outcomes

Expected community benefits include:

• Increased caregiver engagement
• Greater community ownership
• Improved trust in Learning Centres
• Stronger collaboration among stakeholders

Learner Outcomes

Learners are expected to benefit from:

• Increased participation opportunities
• Improved representation
• Safer learning environments
• Better access to support systems

Protection Outcomes

Expected protection-related outcomes include:

• Stronger safeguarding systems
• Improved PSEA awareness
• Better complaint management
• More effective referral pathways

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
• Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
• Community-based organizations
• Education-focused organizations
• Child protection organizations
• Humanitarian agencies

Consortium applications involving multiple organizations are encouraged.

Preferred Applicant Experience

Organizations should demonstrate expertise in:

• Education in Emergencies
• Community engagement
• Child protection
• Governance systems
• Accountability programming
• Safeguarding and PSEA
• Disability inclusion
• Gender programming
• Humanitarian response

How to Apply

Step 1: Review the Requirements

Carefully review UNICEF’s programme objectives, governance framework, and eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Assess Organizational Capacity

Demonstrate:

• Field presence in Gaza
• Operational capacity
• Community relationships
• Technical expertise
• Humanitarian programming experience

Step 3: Develop an Implementation Plan

Prepare a proposal outlining:

• Governance support activities
• Community engagement approaches
• Safeguarding measures
• Inclusion strategies
• Monitoring and reporting plans

Step 4: Submit the Application

Complete and submit all required documentation according to UNICEF guidelines.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

• Weak community engagement strategies
• Limited safeguarding measures
• Insufficient inclusion planning
• Poor accountability frameworks
• Lack of learner participation mechanisms
• Weak reporting systems
• Inadequate field presence evidence
• Limited experience in emergency education settings

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is funding this initiative?

The programme is funded and managed by UNICEF.

Where will the programme be implemented?

The initiative will be implemented across UNICEF-supported Learning Centres in Gaza.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include NGOs, civil society organizations, and consortiums with relevant humanitarian and education experience.

What are Learning Centre Governing Bodies?

These are governance structures established to oversee Learning Centre operations, support accountability, and encourage stakeholder participation.

What is PSEA?

Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) refers to policies and practices that protect individuals from exploitation and abuse by humanitarian personnel or associated actors.

Will learners participate in governance?

Yes. The initiative includes the creation of Student Councils and learner participation mechanisms.

Is disability inclusion required?

Yes. Disability inclusion is a core component of the programme, and governance structures must ensure equitable participation for learners with disabilities.

Conclusion

The UNICEF Gaza Learning Centre Governance Initiative seeks to strengthen accountability, participation, safeguarding, and community engagement across Learning Centres serving children affected by the ongoing crisis. By establishing inclusive governance structures, empowering learners and caregivers, strengthening feedback systems, and integrating safeguarding and preparedness measures, the programme aims to create safer, more responsive, and community-driven educational environments that support children’s learning, wellbeing, and protection.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.