Deadline: 15-Feb-2026
UNICEF is seeking a Lead Organization to implement an Accelerator Programme in Kyiv, Ukraine, aimed at strengthening the policy, advocacy, analytical, and operational capacities of Ukrainian civic organizations in social policy and social protection. The programme will select approximately five partner organizations and provide tailored training, technical assistance, and support to enhance their influence on national social policy reforms.
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is launching a capacity-building initiative in Kyiv to enhance the capabilities of civil society organizations (CSOs) engaged in social policy, social protection, and multidimensional poverty reduction. The programme seeks a Lead Organization to manage selection, assessment, training, and ongoing support of partner organizations.
Programme Objectives
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Strengthen analytical and technical capacities of Ukrainian CSOs in social policy, social protection, and advocacy
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Enhance institutional and operational efficiency, including governance, administration, and financial management
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Increase civil society influence on national social policy reforms
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Provide methodological guidance for research, policy development, proposal writing, and advocacy
Key Focus Areas
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Social policy and advocacy: Public finance, local governance, and social protection strategies
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Multidimensional poverty and social safety nets: Program design, evaluation, and advocacy
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Institutional development: Strengthening organizational capacity, operational systems, and compliance
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Policy influence: Enhancing capacity to engage policymakers and influence reforms
Role of the Lead Organization
The Lead Organization will be responsible for:
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Partner Identification and Selection
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Identify and select approximately five Partner Organizations in collaboration with UNICEF Ukraine
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Conduct a transparent selection process with clearly defined eligibility and evaluation criteria
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Capacity Assessment
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Perform rapid institutional assessments to identify gaps and weaknesses
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Use findings to design customized capacity strengthening plans for each partner
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Training and Development
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Develop and deliver targeted training modules addressing common needs:
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Collaborate with Technical Partners to ensure high-quality, relevant training
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Ongoing Technical Assistance
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Provide continuous support to strengthen analytical capacities through:
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Research design and methodology
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Policy analysis and report writing
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Proposal development and fundraising guidance
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Support operational capacities including:
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Compliance with UNICEF standards
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Financial and narrative reporting
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Sub-grant fund management
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Who is Eligible?
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Organizations with experience in social policy, social protection, and capacity building
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Proven ability to manage multi-partner initiatives
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Capacity to deliver training, technical support, and operational guidance to CSOs
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Familiarity with Ukrainian social policy context and governance structures
How the Programme Works
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Selection of Partner Organizations
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Approximately five CSOs will be selected based on defined criteria
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Capacity Assessment
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Rapid evaluation to identify gaps in governance, administration, finance, and operations
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Tailored Training Delivery
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Workshops, modules, and mentoring addressing both common and specific needs
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Continuous Technical Support
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Ongoing assistance in analytical work, reporting, compliance, and policy advocacy
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Monitoring and Evaluation
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Ensure effectiveness of training and support through follow-up and progress tracking
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Key Benefits
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Tailored capacity strengthening for institutional and operational growth
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Enhanced analytical and policy skills for CSOs
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Stronger influence on national social policy and social protection reforms
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Collaborative learning environment with UNICEF and technical partners
Tips for Applicants
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Ensure a demonstrated track record in social policy, advocacy, and CSO capacity building
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Highlight experience managing multi-partner programs and delivering technical training
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Provide a clear plan for selection, assessment, training, and ongoing support
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Include examples of previous impact in similar contexts
FAQ
1. Who can serve as the Lead Organization?
Non-governmental organizations or institutions with experience in social policy, advocacy, and CSO capacity building and the ability to manage multiple partner organizations.
2. How many partner organizations will be supported?
Approximately five Partner Organizations will be selected for capacity strengthening.
3. What types of support will partners receive?
Partners will receive tailored training, mentoring, technical assistance, and guidance on policy analysis, operational management, and reporting compliance.
4. What areas are covered in training?
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Governance, administration, and finance
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Communication, advocacy, and reporting
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Social policy, social protection, and multidimensional poverty analysis
5. How is the selection of partner organizations conducted?
Through a transparent, criteria-based selection process in collaboration with UNICEF Ukraine.
6. Is operational and compliance support included?
Yes, the Lead Organization will provide guidance on financial reporting, project management, and sub-grant compliance according to UNICEF standards.
7. How will the programme impact social policy?
By strengthening CSO capacities, partners will be able to analyze, advocate, and influence social policy reforms at the national level.
Conclusion
The UNICEF Accelerator Programme in Kyiv presents an opportunity for a capable Lead Organization to strengthen the capacity, influence, and operational effectiveness of Ukrainian CSOs in social policy and social protection. This initiative aims to enhance civil society engagement, improve social policy implementation, and support long-term reform efforts in Ukraine.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
