CFPs: CERF Anticipatory Action in Lumbini Province (Nepal)

UNICEF has launched a Call for Expressions of Interest (CFEI) to support anticipatory action and emergency preparedness activities in flood-prone municipalities of Lumbini Province, Nepal. The programme aims to reduce the impact of anticipated monsoon flooding by providing early assistance, strengthening local preparedness systems, and protecting vulnerable communities, especially children and families at high risk.

The initiative focuses on emergency preparedness, WASH, child protection, cash assistance, temporary shelter, social behaviour change, accountability mechanisms, and early flood response activities.

About the UNICEF Anticipatory Action Programme

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is inviting eligible organisations to participate in an initiative supporting disaster preparedness and early response measures in selected municipalities of Lumbini Province, Nepal.

The programme is implemented under the CERF Anticipatory Action Programme, which focuses on taking early action before disasters occur by using reliable forecasts and risk information.

The initiative aims to reduce the humanitarian impact of monsoon flooding by ensuring vulnerable communities receive timely support before and during emergencies.

Purpose of the Programme

The main objective of the initiative is to strengthen flood preparedness and reduce risks for communities living in flood-prone areas.

The programme aims to:

Support early action before severe flooding.
Protect vulnerable children and families.
Improve emergency preparedness systems.
Strengthen local government response capacity.
Provide timely humanitarian assistance.
Reduce the negative impacts of predictable disasters.

Why Anticipatory Action Is Important

Anticipatory action focuses on acting before a disaster occurs rather than only responding after damage has happened.

The programme uses:

Weather forecasts.
Flood risk information.
Early warning systems.
Pre-identified vulnerable household lists.

This approach helps communities prepare in advance and ensures that assistance reaches people before conditions become critical.

Flood Risk Context in Lumbini Province

The programme responds to increasing concerns about monsoon flooding in Nepal.

Forecasts indicate:

Earlier monsoon conditions.
Possibility of intense rainfall.
Increased flood risks in vulnerable areas.

The initiative focuses on communities located in the Karnali River Basin of Lumbini Province, where flooding and water inundation can significantly affect vulnerable households.

Key Focus Areas of the Programme

The initiative supports multiple sectors required for effective flood preparedness and response.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)

Activities may include:

Providing safe water solutions.
Supporting sanitation facilities.
Promoting hygiene practices.
Preventing water-related diseases during floods.

WASH support helps families maintain safe and healthy living conditions during emergencies.

Child Protection

The programme focuses on protecting children from risks during flood emergencies.

Activities may include:

Child protection services.
Psychosocial support.
Safe spaces for children.
Protection awareness activities.

Children are considered a priority group because disasters can increase risks of displacement, separation, and exploitation.

Social and Behaviour Change (SBC)

The initiative supports communication activities that encourage safe practices.

This may include:

Flood preparedness awareness.
Hygiene education.
Emergency information campaigns.
Community behaviour change activities.

Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP)

The programme promotes two-way communication between communities and service providers.

Activities include:

Sharing information about available services.
Collecting community feedback.
Ensuring accessible communication channels.
Improving response based on community needs.

Cash-Based Assistance and Multipurpose Cash Support

Selected vulnerable households may receive:

Cash assistance.
Multipurpose cash support.
Essential household assistance.

Cash support helps families meet urgent needs during flood emergencies while maintaining dignity and choice.

Temporary Shelter Support

The programme may provide:

Temporary shelter assistance.
Emergency sanitation solutions.
Support for displaced families.

These measures help communities maintain safe living conditions during flood events.

Target Beneficiaries

The programme will support highly vulnerable households identified and registered by municipalities.

Priority groups include:

Families living in high flood-risk areas.
Extremely poor households.
Landless families.
Female-headed households.
Persons with disabilities.
Other vulnerable community members.

Implementation Areas

Activities will be implemented in selected municipalities of Bardiya district, Lumbini Province.

Target municipalities include:

Geruwa.
Madhuban.
Thakurbaba.
Rajapur.

How the Programme Will Work

Step 1: Risk Identification and Preparedness

Local governments identify vulnerable households and prepare emergency response plans.

Step 2: Activation of Early Action Triggers

When flood forecasts meet agreed risk thresholds, authorities activate early response measures.

Step 3: Delivery of Assistance

Support may include:

Cash assistance.
Essential supplies.
Shelter support.
Hygiene materials.
Psychosocial services.

Step 4: Community Communication and Feedback

Affected communities receive:

Emergency information.
Service updates.
Feedback opportunities.

Role of Local Governments and Partners

The programme will be implemented through collaboration between:

Local governments.
Civil society organisations.
UNICEF technical teams.

Local governments will coordinate response activities, while partner organisations will support community-level implementation.

UNICEF will provide:

Technical guidance.
Programme support.
Monitoring assistance.

Expected Outcomes

The programme aims to achieve:

Improved flood preparedness.
Faster emergency response.
Reduced disaster impacts.
Better protection for children and vulnerable groups.
Stronger local disaster management systems.
Increased community resilience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Proposing activities unrelated to flood preparedness.
Ignoring vulnerable population needs.
Failing to include community feedback mechanisms.
Developing plans without coordination with local governments.
Overlooking child protection concerns.

Tips for applicants:

Clearly explain emergency preparedness experience.
Demonstrate knowledge of local communities.
Include strong accountability mechanisms.
Highlight previous humanitarian response capacity.
Develop practical and scalable solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the UNICEF Anticipatory Action Programme in Nepal?
It is an initiative supporting early flood preparedness and emergency response activities in vulnerable municipalities of Lumbini Province.

Why is UNICEF supporting anticipatory action?
Anticipatory action helps communities receive support before disasters happen, reducing risks and humanitarian impacts.

Which areas are covered under the programme?
The initiative focuses on Geruwa, Madhuban, Thakurbaba, and Rajapur municipalities in Bardiya district.

Who will benefit from the programme?
The programme supports vulnerable households, including families at high flood risk, poor households, landless families, female-headed households, and persons with disabilities.

What types of support will communities receive?
Support may include cash assistance, temporary shelter, sanitation solutions, hygiene awareness, psychosocial support, and emergency information.

Who will implement the activities?
Local governments will coordinate implementation with support from civil society organisations and UNICEF.

Conclusion

The UNICEF Anticipatory Action and Flood Preparedness Programme in Nepal represents a proactive approach to disaster response by helping communities prepare before monsoon floods occur. Through early assistance, stronger local systems, and protection-focused interventions, the initiative aims to reduce risks, support vulnerable families, and build long-term resilience in flood-prone areas of Lumbini Province.