Call for EOIs: Strengthening WASH and Energy Resilience in Ukraine

UNICEF’s WASH program in Mykolaiv and Odesa oblasts, Ukraine, rehabilitates and modernizes water, sanitation, and hygiene systems, with a focus on schools and healthcare facilities. Using a Nexus approach, the program combines humanitarian aid and long-term development to ensure safe, reliable, and inclusive access to water, sanitation, hygiene, and energy services for children and vulnerable communities.

Overview

UNICEF’s WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programming in southern Ukraine addresses urgent humanitarian needs while supporting long-term recovery. The initiative focuses on rehabilitating and modernizing water supply, sanitation, and hygiene systems, particularly in schools and healthcare facilities, to safeguard children’s health, maintain education, and provide essential community services.

Program Focus Areas

The program covers the following areas:

• Water: Safe and reliable water supply restoration

• Sanitation: Rehabilitation of wastewater and sewage systems

• Hygiene: Promotion of hygiene practices and WASH facilities in public spaces

• Energy: Integration of energy solutions to support sustainable WASH operations

• WASH in emergencies: Rapid response interventions to meet immediate needs

Nexus Approach

The program adopts a Nexus approach, combining:

• Humanitarian assistance to fill urgent service gaps

• Development-oriented strategies to ensure systemic and sustainable improvements
  This approach aligns with Ukraine’s national WASH strategy, recovery priorities, and EU water and environmental directives. All interventions are age-appropriate, gender-sensitive, and inclusive, ensuring equitable access for diverse populations.

Implementation Strategy

UNICEF leverages its local presence, technical expertise, and partnerships with authorities and institutions to:

• Deliver contextually appropriate, evidence-based interventions

• Strengthen community resilience and energy independence

• Support sustainable development of WASH infrastructure

• Ensure continuous access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene for children and vulnerable groups

Objectives and Expected Impact

The program aims to:

• Restore and modernize essential WASH infrastructure in schools and healthcare facilities

• Promote safe hygiene practices and reduce waterborne disease risks

• Ensure uninterrupted education and healthcare services

• Build long-term resilience and sustainability in water and sanitation services

Conclusion

UNICEF’s WASH program in Mykolaiv and Odesa oblasts addresses immediate humanitarian needs while promoting sustainable, resilient water, sanitation, hygiene, and energy systems. By integrating emergency response with long-term development, the program ensures safe and equitable access to essential services for children and vulnerable communities, supporting health, education, and overall well-being.