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Call for Expression of Interest: Sustainable Rural Sanitation in Bosso and Toummour (Niger)

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Nigeria

Deadline: 27-Mar-2026

UNICEF is inviting Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to submit expressions of interest to support sustainable rural sanitation services in the communes of Bosso and Toummour in Niger’s Diffa region. The initiative focuses on Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS), sanitation marketing, and municipal WASH governance to help reduce open defecation and strengthen long-term sanitation systems. The project contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) through community engagement, climate-resilient sanitation solutions, and local capacity building.

Overview

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is launching a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to identify qualified Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) capable of implementing programs that strengthen rural sanitation services.

The project focuses on the communes of:

Both are located in the Diffa region of Niger.

The initiative aims to promote community-led sanitation approaches, behavior change, and sustainable WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) services while strengthening municipal governance and community participation.

Through partnerships with CSOs, UNICEF intends to support the Government of Niger in improving sanitation access and eliminating open defecation in targeted rural communities.

Background: Niger’s WASH Strategy

The initiative builds on Niger’s Water, Hygiene and Sanitation Sector Program (PROSEHA 2017–2030).

This national strategy outlines key objectives such as:

A key component of the strategy is the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach.

CLTS encourages communities to take collective responsibility for sanitation by:

Initially implemented at the village level, CLTS is now evolving into a municipal-level WASH governance approach to strengthen the role of local authorities and improve the sustainability of sanitation programs.

Current Sanitation Challenges in Niger

Despite ongoing efforts by the government and partners such as UNICEF, sanitation challenges remain significant.

Key indicators include:

These figures highlight the need for stronger behavior change strategies, improved sanitation infrastructure, and sustainable governance systems.

The UNICEF initiative therefore focuses on strengthening CLTS implementation, sanitation marketing, and municipal capacity building.

Key Focus Areas of the Project

The project integrates several thematic areas to ensure a holistic approach to rural sanitation development.

1. WASH and Environmental Sustainability

Core priorities include:

2. Communication and Community Engagement

Behavior change is essential for eliminating open defecation.

Activities may include:

3. Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment

The project encourages the active participation of women and girls in sanitation initiatives.

Key actions include:

4. Youth Leadership and Participation

Youth engagement is an important component of the initiative.

Projects may involve:

5. Policy Advocacy and Governance

The program also focuses on strengthening local governance systems.

This includes:

6. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research

To ensure sustainable outcomes, projects will include:

Climate Resilience and Sustainable Sanitation

Niger faces increasing climate-related risks, which can affect water availability and sanitation infrastructure.

To address these risks, the initiative promotes climate-resilient sanitation solutions, including:

These measures help ensure that sanitation systems remain functional and sustainable even under climate stress.

Who is Eligible?

The call targets Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) capable of implementing WASH and sanitation programs.

Eligible Applicants

Organizations must:

Applicants must also demonstrate the capacity to manage projects, collaborate with municipalities, and engage communities effectively.

Geographic Scope

The project specifically targets:

Both communes are located in Lot 6 municipalities within the Diffa region of Niger.

Additional project lots may be activated depending on available funding.

Why This Initiative Matters

Access to safe sanitation is essential for health, environmental protection, and social development.

This initiative contributes to:

By strengthening local systems and community engagement, the project aims to create sustainable sanitation services that continue beyond the life of the project.

How the Program Works

Selected CSOs will partner with UNICEF and the Ministry of Water and Sanitation (MEHA) to implement sanitation programs and capacity-building initiatives.

Key Implementation Activities

Projects may include:

The program emphasizes consultation, accountability, and community ownership.

Tips for a Strong Expression of Interest

Organizations can strengthen their submissions by:

Strong proposals typically combine technical expertise with strong local partnerships.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid the following issues:

Careful alignment with WASH and sanitation priorities improves the likelihood of selection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main objective of this UNICEF initiative?

The project aims to develop sustainable rural sanitation services and reduce open defecation through community-led WASH approaches.

2. Which communes are targeted by the program?

The initiative focuses on Bosso and Toummour communes in the Diffa region of Niger.

3. What sanitation strategy is central to the initiative?

The project is based on the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach.

4. Who can apply for this call for expressions of interest?

Eligible applicants are Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with administrative and financial compliance and experience in WASH or community development.

5. How does the initiative support Sustainable Development Goals?

The program contributes to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation by improving sanitation access and promoting hygiene practices.

6. Why is climate resilience important in sanitation programs?

Climate change can damage sanitation infrastructure and water systems, so climate-resilient solutions ensure long-term sustainability.

7. Can additional project areas be added?

Yes. Additional project lots may be activated depending on available funding.

Conclusion

The UNICEF Call for Expressions of Interest offers an opportunity for Civil Society Organizations to contribute to sustainable sanitation development in Niger. By implementing Community-Led Total Sanitation, sanitation marketing, and municipal capacity-building programs, selected partners will help reduce open defecation and improve rural sanitation systems.

Through collaboration with UNICEF and national authorities, the initiative aims to strengthen local WASH governance, promote inclusive community participation, and ensure long-term access to safe sanitation services in the Diffa region.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.

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