Deadline: 09-Mar-2026
The United Nations Development Programme is inviting civil society organizations (CSOs) to conduct civic education and outreach across South Sudan in support of the 2026 electoral process. The initiative focuses on strengthening electoral institutions’ outreach, promoting inclusive participation among marginalized groups, and fostering trust and accountability through collaboration between CSOs and electoral bodies. Funding of up to USD 10,000 per area is available for CSOs to implement localized civic education programs.
Program Overview
The UNDP, through the United Nations Integrated Electoral Assistance Team (UN IEAT), seeks to enhance citizen engagement and democratic participation in South Sudan’s historic elections.
Key objectives include:
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Strengthening the outreach capacity of the National Elections Commission (NEC) and State High Election Committees (SHECs)
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Promoting inclusive civic participation, prioritizing women, youth, internally displaced persons (IDPs), persons with disabilities (PWDs), and other marginalized groups
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Enhancing collaboration between electoral institutions and civil society to foster trust, accountability, and sustainable engagement
Eligible Activities
CSOs will implement activities across all ten states and two administrative areas, including:
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Designing and delivering localized civic education programs in line with NEC and SHEC outreach strategies
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Conducting awareness campaigns to inform citizens about electoral processes and democratic institutions
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Engaging marginalized populations to increase participation and representation
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Supporting feedback and consultation mechanisms between citizens and electoral institutions
Geographic Coverage and Funding
Activities will take place from 15 March 2026 to 31 May 2026 across:
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States: Northern Bahr El Ghazal, Western Bahr El Ghazal, Upper Nile, Jonglei, Lakes, Warrap, Central Equatoria, Unity, Eastern Equatoria, Western Equatoria
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Administrative Areas: Ruweng and Pibor
Funding:
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Up to USD 10,000 per area
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Funds cover program implementation, outreach materials, community engagement, and operational costs related to civic education activities
Who is Eligible
Eligible organizations must:
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Be legally registered with the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission
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Have mandates aligned with civic education and outreach activities
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Maintain an established office with qualified staff in the area of intervention
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Demonstrate experience in similar civic education initiatives
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Possess operational capacity in hard-to-reach communities
How to Apply
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Confirm Eligibility: Ensure registration, mandate alignment, and operational capacity
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Develop a Proposal: Include detailed plans for civic education activities, target populations, and outreach strategy
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Submit Application: Follow UNDP guidelines for proposal format and submission
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Implement Activities: Execute programs in coordination with NEC, SHECs, and UN IEAT
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Monitor and Report: Provide updates on outreach, participation metrics, and engagement of marginalized groups
Why This Program Matters
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Empowers citizens, especially marginalized groups, to participate meaningfully in elections
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Supports inclusive, credible, and peaceful electoral processes
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Builds trust and accountability between civil society and electoral institutions
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Strengthens local capacity for civic engagement and democratic governance
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Failing to align organizational mandate with civic education objectives
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Overlooking the coordination requirement with NEC, SHECs, and UN IEAT
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Submitting proposals without evidence of experience in outreach to hard-to-reach communities
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Neglecting inclusion of marginalized groups in project design and implementation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply?
Legally registered CSOs with experience in civic education and operational presence in South Sudan.
2. What is the maximum funding per area?
Up to USD 10,000 per area.
3. What geographic areas are covered?
All ten states (Northern Bahr El Ghazal, Western Bahr El Ghazal, Upper Nile, Jonglei, Lakes, Warrap, Central Equatoria, Unity, Eastern Equatoria, Western Equatoria) and two administrative areas (Ruweng, Pibor).
4. What is the duration of activities?
2 ½ months, from 15 March 2026 to 31 May 2026.
5. What populations are prioritized?
Women, youth, IDPs, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups.
6. What is the role of NEC and SHECs?
To provide institutional guidance, coordination, and outreach support for civic education initiatives.
7. How will success be measured?
Through citizen awareness, participation levels, inclusion of marginalized groups, and strengthened trust in electoral institutions.
Conclusion
The UNDP Civic Education and Outreach Initiative ensures that citizens across South Sudan are informed, empowered, and engaged in the 2026 elections.
By supporting CSOs to implement targeted civic education programs, the initiative fosters inclusive participation, strengthens democratic institutions, and contributes to credible and peaceful electoral processes nationwide.
For more information, visit UNDP.
