Deadline: 08-May-2026
UNICEF is inviting expressions of interest from organizations to strengthen child rights advocacy in Maharashtra, India. The initiative focuses on building the capacity of legislators through training, policy engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. With a budget of $3 million, it aims to drive child-responsive governance and measurable policy change.
Overview
UNICEF is seeking qualified organizations to support the engagement and capacity building of legislators in Maharashtra.
The initiative focuses on strengthening child-responsive governance by equipping elected representatives with the knowledge, tools, and platforms needed to advance child rights policies.
Key Objectives
The program aims to:
- Build capacity of legislators on child rights issues
- Strengthen child-responsive governance systems
- Promote cross-sector collaboration and policy advocacy
- Enhance accountability in legislative processes
- Amplify children’s voices in policymaking
Key Focus Areas
The initiative addresses critical child development and protection themes:
- Early childhood development (ECD)
- Child marriage prevention
- Nutrition and child health
- Climate change and its impact on children
- Prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in children
Why This Initiative Matters
Engaging legislators is essential for systemic change. In Maharashtra, this approach helps:
- Translate policy commitments into real outcomes
- Ensure laws and budgets prioritize child welfare
- Strengthen democratic accountability
- Integrate child rights into mainstream political agendas
The initiative also bridges the gap between policymakers and communities by incorporating lived experiences of children into decision-making.
What the Initiative Supports
1. Capacity Building of Legislators
- Training sessions for MLAs and MLCs
- Orientation for newly elected representatives
- Knowledge-sharing on child rights and governance
2. Policy Advocacy and Engagement
- Facilitating dialogue between legislators and children
- Supporting development of child-focused policy agendas
- Influencing party manifestos and legislative priorities
3. Monitoring and Accountability
- Tracking legislative questions, bills, and debates
- Monitoring committee actions and outcomes
- Documenting policy implementation at constituency level
4. Cross-Sectoral Collaboration
- Partnering with civil society organizations
- Engaging multiple sectors (health, education, climate)
- Strengthening institutional coordination
Expected Outcomes
The program aims to achieve:
- At least 2 policy changes through legislative committees
- Increased engagement of first-time MLAs and MLCs
- Publication of opinion articles (op-eds) on child rights
- Introduction of bills related to a Children’s Climate Charter
- Implementation of committee recommendations at constituency level
Funding Details
- Total Budget: $3,000,000 (indicative)
- Funding Use:
- Advocacy and engagement activities
- Capacity building programs
- Monitoring and evaluation systems
Who is Eligible?
Target Applicants
- Civil society organizations (CSOs)
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Policy and research institutions
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Experience working with legislators or government bodies
- Expertise in child rights or relevant sectors
- Strong presence in Maharashtra
- Proven project management and implementation capacity
How the Initiative Works
Implementation Approach
- Identify and engage legislators
- Conduct training and capacity-building sessions
- Facilitate dialogue between children and policymakers
- Monitor legislative actions and policy outcomes
- Support advocacy campaigns and public engagement
- Track impact and document results
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Process
- Review eligibility and program requirements
- Prepare a proposal including:
- Organizational profile
- Relevant experience
- Proposed strategy and methodology
- Align proposal with expected outcomes
- Highlight innovative approaches to legislative engagement
- Submit the proposal through the official UNICEF channel
What to Emphasize
- Experience in policy advocacy and legislative engagement
- Strong understanding of child rights issues
- Innovative and scalable approaches
- Ability to deliver measurable outcomes
- Local presence and partnerships in Maharashtra
Tips for a Strong Proposal
- Clearly link activities to policy outcomes
- Demonstrate past success in influencing policy
- Include measurable indicators of impact
- Show strong stakeholder engagement strategies
- Emphasize innovation in advocacy approaches
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic proposals without local context
- Weak connection between activities and outcomes
- Lack of measurable indicators
- Limited experience in legislative engagement
- Poor stakeholder coordination plans
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is this UNICEF initiative about?
It focuses on strengthening child rights advocacy through engagement with legislators in Maharashtra.
2. Who is leading the initiative?
UNICEF.
3. What is the total budget?
The indicative budget is $3,000,000.
4. Who can apply?
Organizations with experience in policy, governance, or child rights advocacy.
5. What are the expected outcomes?
Policy changes, increased legislative engagement, and stronger child-focused governance.
6. What sectors are covered?
Child development, health, nutrition, climate change, and child protection.
7. Why is legislative engagement important?
It ensures that policies and laws effectively address the needs and rights of children.
Conclusion
This initiative by UNICEF represents a strategic effort to strengthen child rights governance in Maharashtra.
By building the capacity of legislators and fostering meaningful engagement, it aims to drive lasting policy change and ensure that children’s rights remain a central priority in governance and development.
For more information, visit UNICEF.