Deadline: 20-May-2026
UNICEF is inviting applications to strengthen sanitation market ecosystems in Bihar, India, with the goal of improving safely managed sanitation systems and hygiene outcomes. The initiative supports sanitation infrastructure, market development, livelihood creation, community engagement, and climate-resilient sanitation services while expanding activities into selected areas of Uttar Pradesh.
Focus Areas, Objectives, Priorities, and Themes
The program focuses on basic sanitation, WASH and environment, safely managed sanitation systems, hand hygiene for all, sanitation market ecosystem development, toilet construction and retrofitting, climate-resilient sanitation systems, household sanitation awareness, capacity building of community groups, strengthening self-help groups (SHGs), engagement of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), livelihood generation for women, supply chain strengthening for sanitation products, and improved monitoring and data systems for sanitation service delivery.
About the Program
This UNICEF initiative is being implemented in Bihar with expansion activities planned in Uttar Pradesh. The program aligns with the objectives of the Lohiya Swachh Bihar Abhiyan and the Swachh Bharat Mission–Gramin Phase II.
The initiative seeks to strengthen sanitation ecosystems through community engagement, market development, and institutional coordination to improve access to safe sanitation services.
The program also aims to build sustainable systems that combine public sector support, local entrepreneurship, and community participation.
Program Background
The current initiative builds on achievements from Phase I implementation.
Earlier activities included:
• Household awareness and sensitization on sanitation and hygiene
• Training women masons and sanitation workers
• Strengthening self-help groups
• Engagement of Panchayati Raj Institution representatives
• Establishment of Toilet Clinics
• Improved access to sanitation services and sanitation products
• Support for toilet installation and retrofitting activities
Phase II Implementation Areas
Phase II focuses on expanding and strengthening activities in additional locations, including:
• Muzaffarpur
• Darbhanga
• Supaul
The expansion aims to strengthen institutional systems while reinforcing successful community-based sanitation approaches.
Key Program Components
The initiative follows three implementation approaches:
Convergence Approach
This approach supports alignment with existing government sanitation initiatives and policies.
Activities include:
• Coordination with public sanitation programs
• Integration with ongoing government efforts
• Strengthening institutional collaboration
Catalyze Approach
This approach aims to encourage use of government resources for sanitation improvements.
Activities include:
• Support for toilet construction
• Retrofitting of sanitation facilities
• Promotion of sanitation infrastructure development
Convene Approach
This approach strengthens connections among local stakeholders.
Activities include:
• Market linkages for sanitation products
• Engagement between SHGs and suppliers
• Strengthened stakeholder partnerships
Expected Results
The initiative expects several outcomes, including:
• Increased household awareness of sanitation and hygiene practices
• Greater participation of self-help groups
• Improved engagement of PRI representatives and government officials
• Increased support for toilet construction and retrofitting
• Growth in sales and access to sanitation products
• Strengthened Toilet Clinics as sustainable rural enterprises
• Enhanced livelihood opportunities for women
• Improved sanitation service delivery systems
Who is Eligible?
The opportunity supports organizations and stakeholders capable of implementing sanitation ecosystem development activities aligned with UNICEF objectives.
Potential implementation partners are expected to demonstrate:
• Capacity for WASH implementation
• Experience in sanitation and hygiene initiatives
• Ability to engage community institutions and local stakeholders
• Monitoring and implementation capabilities
• Experience working with government systems and community-based structures
Why This Program Matters
Safe sanitation directly affects health, hygiene, environmental sustainability, and quality of life.
This initiative supports:
• Reduction of sanitation-related risks
• Sustainable sanitation systems
• Community ownership of sanitation services
• Women’s livelihood opportunities
• Stronger local sanitation markets
• Improved public health outcomes
• Climate-resilient sanitation infrastructure
How the Program Works
The implementation process includes:
- Household awareness and community mobilization activities
- Strengthening of self-help groups and local institutions
- Engagement of Panchayati Raj Institutions and government stakeholders
- Support for toilet construction and retrofitting activities
- Strengthening supply chains for sanitation products
- Activation and expansion of Toilet Clinics
- Monitoring and tracking of implementation outcomes
Monitoring and Sustainability Measures
The initiative emphasizes stronger monitoring systems through:
• Results-based monitoring approaches
• Data validation systems
• Improved tracking of sanitation outcomes
• Sustainable rural enterprise models
• Long-term ecosystem strengthening strategies
Common Areas of Focus for Successful Implementation
Implementation efforts should prioritize:
• Strong coordination with government programs
• Active participation of community institutions
• Sustainable business models
• Reliable data collection systems
• Effective market linkages
• Long-term community ownership
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main objective of this UNICEF initiative?
The initiative aims to strengthen sanitation market ecosystems and improve safely managed sanitation systems and hygiene outcomes.
Which states are covered under the program?
The primary implementation area is Bihar, with expansion activities planned in Uttar Pradesh.
What are Toilet Clinics?
Toilet Clinics are community-led models designed to improve sanitation access while supporting livelihood opportunities.
Which districts are included in Phase II?
Phase II includes expansion activities in Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, and Supaul.
What sectors does the initiative support?
The program supports sanitation, WASH, hygiene, livelihoods, community development, and monitoring systems.
How does the program support women?
The initiative promotes livelihood generation through engagement of women in sanitation-related activities and community enterprises.
What monitoring improvements are included?
The project includes results-based monitoring systems, stronger data validation, and improved sanitation outcome tracking.
Conclusion
The UNICEF sanitation market ecosystem initiative seeks to create sustainable, community-driven sanitation systems in Bihar by combining sanitation services, market development, institutional partnerships, and livelihood opportunities. Through strengthened coordination and scalable implementation models, the program aims to improve hygiene outcomes and expand access to safe sanitation solutions.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
