Call for EOIs: Ensuring Child Protection in Jammu and Kashmir (India)

UNICEF is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from eligible organizations to strengthen child protection systems in Jammu and Kashmir. With an indicative budget of ₹5,000,000, the initiative focuses on improving district-level child protection mechanisms, developing community-based protection systems in border villages, and enhancing child-friendly policing through collaboration with civil society and government stakeholders.

UNICEF Child Protection Initiative in Jammu and Kashmir

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is seeking qualified organizations to implement a child protection initiative aimed at strengthening institutional and community-based child protection mechanisms across Jammu and Kashmir.

The project seeks to improve the quality, accessibility, and responsiveness of child protection services while supporting vulnerable children, including children in need of care and protection and children in conflict with the law.

Program Overview

Program Name: UNICEF Expression of Interest – Strengthening Child Protection Systems in Jammu and Kashmir

Organized By: United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

Program Type: Expression of Interest (EOI)

Focus Area: Child Protection

Implementation Area: Jammu and Kashmir, India

Indicative Budget: ₹5,000,000

Program Objectives

The initiative aims to:

• Strengthen child protection systems across Jammu and Kashmir.
• Improve district-level child protection coordination.
• Develop community-based child protection mechanisms.
• Enhance child-friendly procedures within the police system.
• Improve protection services for vulnerable children.
• Foster collaboration between government institutions, communities, and civil society organizations.
• Build sustainable child protection structures at district, block, and village levels.

Background

Jammu and Kashmir has experienced a prolonged history of conflict and violence, affecting children’s rights, safety, education, and overall well-being.

Many children continue to face protection risks, making it essential to strengthen local child protection systems that can respond effectively to their needs. UNICEF’s initiative seeks to build more responsive, coordinated, and community-centered protection mechanisms that ensure children receive timely support and appropriate services.

Focus Areas

The initiative focuses on:

• Child protection.
• Community-based child protection.
• Child rights.
• Protection services.
• Child-friendly policing.
• Capacity building.
• Community participation.
• Multi-sector coordination.
• Institutional strengthening.

Key Project Components

Strengthening District Child Protection Mechanisms

The project will support stronger coordination among district-level stakeholders to improve the delivery of child protection services through a convergent approach.

Community-Based Protection Systems

Community-based prevention and protection mechanisms will be established in five border villages to strengthen local support systems for children and families.

Capacity Building for Police Officers

Police personnel will receive training on child-friendly procedures to improve interactions with children and ensure that child protection principles are integrated into law enforcement practices.

Institutional Strengthening

The project will help establish and strengthen child protection structures at the:

• District level.
• Block level.
• Village level.

These pilot systems are intended to improve long-term child protection governance and service delivery.

Expected Results

The initiative is expected to achieve the following outcomes:

• Stronger district-level child protection mechanisms.
• Improved coordination among government departments and service providers.
• Functional community-based child protection systems in five border villages.
• Enhanced capacity of police officers on child-friendly procedures.
• Increased participation of local communities in child protection efforts.
• Better protection services for children requiring care and protection.

Funding Details

UNICEF has indicated an estimated budget of ₹5,000,000 for this initiative.

Funding will support project implementation, coordination, capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and activities necessary to achieve the programme objectives.

Who Is Eligible?

The opportunity is intended for organizations capable of implementing child protection programmes in collaboration with UNICEF and relevant government stakeholders.

Organizations should demonstrate experience in areas such as:

• Child protection.
• Child rights.
• Community mobilization.
• Capacity building.
• Social development.
• Protection services.
• Collaboration with government institutions.
• Multi-stakeholder programme implementation.

Applicants should also possess the technical and operational capacity required to implement district and community-level interventions.

Why This Initiative Matters

A strong child protection system is essential for safeguarding children’s rights, especially in areas affected by conflict and social vulnerability. This UNICEF initiative aims to strengthen institutional responses while empowering communities to prevent violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

By improving coordination between government agencies, police, communities, and civil society, the programme contributes to creating safer environments where children can access protection services and exercise their rights.

How to Apply

Interested organizations should:

1. Review the UNICEF Expression of Interest requirements.
2. Confirm organizational eligibility and implementation capacity.
3. Develop a technical proposal demonstrating experience in child protection.
4. Prepare an implementation strategy aligned with UNICEF’s objectives.
5. Include organizational profiles and supporting documentation.
6. Submit the Expression of Interest before the official deadline through the prescribed UNICEF application process.

Tips for a Strong Application

To strengthen your proposal:

• Demonstrate experience in child protection programming.
• Highlight partnerships with government agencies and communities.
• Present a clear implementation methodology.
• Include measurable outcomes and monitoring plans.
• Show experience working in challenging or conflict-affected settings.
• Explain how the project will create sustainable child protection systems.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

• Submitting incomplete organizational information.
• Failing to demonstrate child protection expertise.
• Providing unclear implementation plans.
• Ignoring community participation strategies.
• Presenting unrealistic timelines or budgets.
• Not explaining coordination mechanisms with stakeholders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this UNICEF Expression of Interest about?

It is an opportunity for organizations to partner with UNICEF to strengthen child protection systems and services in Jammu and Kashmir.

What is the total indicative budget?

The initiative has an indicative budget of ₹5,000,000.

What are the main focus areas?

The project focuses on child protection, community-based protection systems, district-level coordination, child-friendly policing, and institutional capacity building.

Where will the project be implemented?

The initiative will be implemented in Jammu and Kashmir, India, including pilot interventions in five border villages.

What are the expected outcomes?

Expected results include stronger district child protection mechanisms, community-based protection systems, improved police capacity, and better coordination of child protection services.

Who can apply?

Organizations with demonstrated experience in child protection, community development, capacity building, and collaboration with government stakeholders are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest.

Why is this initiative important?

The project strengthens child protection systems in a region affected by conflict, helping ensure that vulnerable children receive responsive, coordinated, and child-friendly protection services.

Conclusion

The UNICEF Expression of Interest for Strengthening Child Protection Systems in Jammu and Kashmir provides an important opportunity for experienced organizations to improve child protection services through a ₹5,000,000 initiative. By strengthening district institutions, building community-based protection mechanisms, and enhancing child-friendly policing, the programme aims to create safer environments and more effective support systems for vulnerable children across the region.