Call for EOIs: Sustainable Rural Sanitation in Gazaoua and Gangara (Niger)

UNICEF is inviting Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to support sustainable rural sanitation services in Niger using a community-led WASH approach and sanitation marketing. The initiative strengthens municipal capacities, promotes youth and women’s participation, integrates climate resilience, and aims to sustain Open Defecation Free (ODF) practices across targeted regions.

Overview

UNICEF’s program aims to enhance rural sanitation and hygiene services in Niger by partnering with CSOs. The initiative builds on Niger’s Water, Hygiene, and Sanitation Sector Program (PROSEHA 2017-2030) and emphasizes:

• Community-led WASH strategies using the CLTS (Community-Led Total Sanitation) approach

• Sustainability and climate resilience in sanitation infrastructure

• Capacity-building for municipalities to manage sanitation services effectively

• Inclusivity, with a focus on youth and women’s participation

Background: WASH in Niger

• PROSEHA 2017-2030 provides a framework to improve access to WASH in schools, health facilities, public spaces, institutions, and households

• CLTS was introduced to eliminate open defecation, evolving from village-level projects to municipal-level WASH programs

• Current statistics show only 38 out of 365 municipalities certified ODF, and the national open defecation rate has only decreased from 68.7% in 2017 to 66% in 2024

• Niger’s climate vulnerability threatens sanitation gains, highlighting the need for robust and adaptable latrine and infrastructure design

Objectives of the UNICEF Initiative

1. Implement community-led WASH approaches to improve rural sanitation services

2. Strengthen municipal capacities to manage WASH projects with consultation and accountability

3. Promote participation of youth and women in sanitation planning and monitoring

4. Integrate climate resilience to ensure sustainable sanitation infrastructure

5. Develop sanitation marketing strategies to encourage behavioral change and service sustainability

Focus Areas for CSOs

The initiative encourages CSOs to develop projects in the following areas:

• Cross-sectoral support: communication for development, gender equality, women empowerment, youth leadership, monitoring and evaluation, training, capacity building, research, data analysis, and resource mobilization

• Social policy and advocacy: policy advocacy, public finance, local governance, and general social policy development

• WASH and environment: basic sanitation, hygiene promotion, water management, natural resource management, climate action, and pollution control

Targeted Regions

• Tahoua

• Diffa

• Maradi

• Zinder

Projects should focus on strengthening CLTS, developing sanitation marketing strategies, and ensuring long-term sustainability of WASH services.

Eligibility Criteria for CSOs

Applicants must:

• Be administratively and financially compliant

• Provide proof of eligibility to partner with UNICEF

• Have the capacity to implement municipal-level sanitation projects

• Demonstrate experience in community-led approaches and capacity-building initiatives

Why This Initiative Matters

• Promotes Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)

• Reduces open defecation and improves rural hygiene practices

• Strengthens local governance and municipal accountability

• Enhances climate resilience and sustainability of sanitation infrastructure

• Encourages inclusive participation, especially for youth and women

How CSOs Can Apply

1. Confirm eligibility based on UNICEF requirements

2. Develop a project proposal addressing CLTS, sanitation marketing, and WASH sustainability

3. Submit expression of interest with proof of administrative and financial compliance

4. Coordinate with local municipalities to ensure alignment with local governance and accountability frameworks

Tips for Successful Submissions

• Emphasize community ownership and behavioral change strategies

• Include climate-resilient designs for sanitation infrastructure

• Highlight capacity-building components for local municipalities

• Demonstrate experience in cross-sectoral WASH interventions

• Provide clear objectives, expected outcomes, and measurable impact

Conclusion

This UNICEF initiative offers CSOs an opportunity to transform rural sanitation services in Niger by combining community-led approaches, municipal capacity building, and climate-resilient strategies. By participating, CSOs will support sustainable WASH services, improve health outcomes, and foster inclusive community participation in the targeted regions.