Deadline: 27-Mar-2026
UNICEF is inviting Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to express interest in implementing sustainable rural sanitation services in Niger, focusing on community-based WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) approaches. The initiative targets the communes of Matamey and Kourni and emphasizes gender equality, youth participation, local governance, and climate-resilient sanitation solutions aligned with SDG 6.
About the Initiative
UNICEF’s call aims to identify CSOs capable of delivering sustainable rural sanitation services using a community-based WASH approach. The programme targets Matamey and Kourni communes and supports:
-
Community-led Total Sanitation (CLTS) and municipal WASH approaches.
-
Strengthening local governance and accountability in sanitation projects.
-
Climate-resilient sanitation solutions to withstand environmental challenges.
-
Inclusive participation of women and youth in project design and implementation.
The initiative aligns with Niger’s PROSEHA 2017-2030, the Water, Hygiene, and Sanitation Sector Program, which establishes frameworks to improve access to WASH services in schools, health facilities, and public spaces while promoting household hygiene practices.
Focus Areas
UNICEF’s initiative spans three main thematic areas:
1. Cross-Sectoral Approaches:
-
Communication for development (C4D)
-
Gender equality and women empowerment
-
Monitoring, evaluation, research, and data analysis
-
Resource mobilization, training, and capacity building
-
Youth leadership and participation
2. Social Policy and Advocacy:
-
Policy advocacy and public finance
-
Local governance
-
General social policy and advocacy interventions
3. WASH and Environmental Areas:
-
Basic sanitation and hygiene
-
Water resource management
-
Natural resource and environmental protection
-
Climate action and pollution management
Background Context
-
In 2017, Niger’s government adopted PROSEHA 2017-2030, integrating the CLTS approach to combat open defecation.
-
The program evolved toward municipal WASH approaches for better local governance and accountability.
-
Only 38 of 365 communes have been certified as open defecation-free, indicating challenges in sustainability and effectiveness.
-
Niger’s climate vulnerability threatens sanitation progress, requiring interventions that reinforce resilience, long-term maintenance, and sustainability of latrines.
-
UNICEF’s initiative supports the Ministry of Water and Sanitation in achieving SDG 6: universal access to water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Who is Eligible
Eligible CSOs must:
-
Be legally registered and in administrative and financial compliance.
-
Not be suspended by authorities.
-
Demonstrate capacity to implement community-based WASH and CLTS projects.
-
Commit to gender-inclusive, youth-oriented, and climate-resilient interventions.
How It Works: Expression of Interest Process
-
Submission of Expression of Interest (EOI): CSOs submit documentation demonstrating experience, technical capacity, and compliance status.
-
Assessment: UNICEF evaluates CSOs based on administrative compliance, technical capacity, past experience, and focus on sustainability.
-
Activation of Lots: UNICEF reserves the right to activate specific project lots depending on funding availability.
-
Project Implementation: Selected CSOs implement capacity-building, sanitation marketing, and sustainable WASH interventions in target communes and municipalities.
Why This Initiative Matters
-
Promotes sustainable rural sanitation services in vulnerable communities.
-
Strengthens local governance and accountability in WASH project management.
-
Incorporates climate-resilient solutions to safeguard sanitation infrastructure.
-
Empowers women and youth in leadership and community participation.
-
Supports Niger in achieving national sanitation targets and SDG 6.
Tips for Applicants
-
Highlight experience with CLTS and municipal WASH programs.
-
Demonstrate gender-inclusive and youth-focused strategies.
-
Include climate-resilient design features for sanitation facilities.
-
Ensure administrative and financial compliance with relevant authorities.
-
Provide clear plans for sustainability and long-term service delivery.
FAQs
1. Which communes are targeted?
Matamey and Kourni communes in Niger.
2. Which regions may CSOs work in?
Tahoua, Diffa, Maradi, and Zinder regions.
3. What thematic areas are covered?
Cross-sectoral approaches, social policy and advocacy, and WASH/environmental interventions.
4. What is the CLTS approach?
Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) is a participatory method to eliminate open defecation and improve hygiene practices at the community level.
5. Are public administrations eligible to apply?
No, only CSOs that meet administrative and financial compliance requirements are eligible.
6. How does UNICEF select CSOs?
Based on technical capacity, compliance status, prior experience, and alignment with sustainable, inclusive WASH approaches.
7. What are the sustainability requirements?
Projects must ensure long-term functionality of WASH facilities, resilience to climate impacts, and continued community engagement.
Conclusion
UNICEF’s consultation offers CSOs a strategic opportunity to advance sustainable rural sanitation in Niger, strengthen local governance, empower women and youth, and ensure climate-resilient WASH solutions. By participating, CSOs can contribute to long-term improvements in sanitation access, hygiene practices, and social development aligned with national targets and SDG 6.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.