Call for EOIs: Enhancing WASH Governance and Climate Resilience (India)

The UNICEF Maharashtra WASH Programme provides funding to strengthen climate-resilient water supply and sanitation systems through technical assistance, capacity building, and evidence generation. With an indicative budget of ₹80 lakh, the initiative focuses on sustainable rural water systems, institutional WASH, and climate adaptation.

About the Programme

The programme is launched by UNICEF to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) systems in Maharashtra.

It aims to enhance the sustainability and climate resilience of water supply and sanitation services through system strengthening, training, and knowledge-driven interventions.

Key Focus Areas

The initiative covers a wide spectrum of WASH and climate priorities:

• Water supply and basic sanitation
• Hygiene promotion and behaviour change
• Climate-resilient WASH systems
• Natural resource management and environmental protection
• WASH in emergencies
• WASH in institutions (schools, Anganwadis, healthcare facilities)
• Operations and maintenance systems
• Community participation and inclusion
• Knowledge management and evidence generation

Funding Details

• Indicative budget: ₹8,000,000
• Funding type: Grant-based project support
• Focus: System strengthening and technical assistance

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Improve access to safely managed water and sanitation services
• Strengthen operations and maintenance systems
• Build climate-resilient rural water infrastructure
• Support evidence-based policymaking
• Enhance institutional WASH practices
• Promote inclusive and community-driven approaches

Key Programme Components

1. Water Systems Strengthening

• Develop training modules for operations and maintenance
• Conduct capacity-building programmes for government officials
• Create communication materials for community awareness
• Develop technical manuals, case studies, and policy briefs
• Facilitate policy dialogues and stakeholder workshops

2. WASH in Institutions

• Improve WASH in schools, Anganwadis, and healthcare facilities
• Scale up trained women (Adisakhis) for system maintenance
• Support WASH assessments and institutional ratings
• Promote menstrual hygiene management
• Develop inclusive WASH solutions for persons with disabilities

3. Climate Resilience and Sustainability

• Assess climate risks (floods, droughts, cyclones)
• Develop climate-adaptive water system models
• Strengthen rural water system sustainability
• Build capacity of government and technical staff
• Produce knowledge resources on groundwater and climate impacts

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants typically include:

• Non-profit organisations and NGOs
• Research and academic institutions
• Technical agencies and consulting organisations
• Civil society organisations with WASH expertise

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Experience in WASH, climate resilience, or public health
• Capacity to deliver training, research, and technical support
• Ability to work with government stakeholders

Why This Programme Matters

This initiative is critical because it:

• Addresses climate risks impacting water and sanitation systems
• Strengthens long-term sustainability of rural water supply
• Improves public health and hygiene outcomes
• Supports inclusive and gender-sensitive WASH solutions
• Enables evidence-based planning and policymaking

How to Apply

Follow these steps:

1. Review programme objectives and eligibility criteria
2. Develop a proposal aligned with WASH and climate priorities
3. Prepare required documents:
   • Technical proposal
   • Budget and cost justification
   • Organisational profile and experience
4. Highlight expertise in capacity building and system strengthening
5. Submit the application through UNICEF’s official procurement or grants platform

How the Programme Works

• UNICEF selects qualified organisations through a competitive process
• Selected partners deliver technical assistance and programme activities
• Capacity-building and system-strengthening interventions are implemented
• Outputs include training, tools, policy inputs, and knowledge products
• Programme impact is monitored through measurable indicators

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting generic proposals without WASH focus
• Weak climate resilience integration
• Lack of implementation strategy
• Inadequate stakeholder engagement plan
• Missing documentation or unclear budgets

Tips for a Strong Application

• Align clearly with climate-resilient WASH systems
• Demonstrate experience with government collaboration
• Include measurable outcomes and impact indicators
• Focus on sustainability and scalability
• Highlight innovation and evidence-based approaches

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the total budget of the programme?
The indicative budget is ₹8,000,000.

2. What is the main objective?
To strengthen climate-resilient water and sanitation systems in Maharashtra.

3. Who can apply?
Organisations with expertise in WASH, climate resilience, or public health.

4. What types of activities are supported?
Training, technical assistance, research, system strengthening, and awareness initiatives.

5. Does the programme include institutional WASH?
Yes, it supports WASH improvements in schools, Anganwadis, and healthcare facilities.

6. Is climate adaptation a key focus?
Yes, climate resilience is a central component of the programme.

7. What outcomes are expected?
Improved water system sustainability, enhanced capacity, and stronger WASH services.

Conclusion

The UNICEF Maharashtra WASH Programme is a strategic initiative to build climate-resilient and sustainable water and sanitation systems. By combining technical expertise, capacity building, and evidence-based approaches, it aims to improve public health outcomes and ensure long-term resilience in vulnerable communities.