Deadline: 13-Jul-2026
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting qualified organizations to support mine action interventions in Afghanistan under the WAHDAT Joint Programme. The initiative focuses on reducing explosive ordnance risks in Herat and Farah provinces to enable safe reintegration of returnees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and host communities.
The program includes survey, risk education, clearance, rapid response mechanisms, and capacity building over a 12-month implementation period using gender-sensitive, protection-focused, and risk-informed approaches.
Overview of the Programme
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) initiative supports humanitarian mine action activities in Afghanistan under the WAHDAT Joint Programme.
It targets areas affected by displacement and explosive ordnance contamination, aiming to create safe conditions for recovery, livelihood restoration, and infrastructure development.
The programme operates in Herat and Farah provinces, focusing on high-risk communities including returnees and internally displaced populations.
Programme Objectives
Core Objectives
- Reduce risks from explosive ordnance contamination
- Enable safe access to land, housing, and infrastructure
- Support reintegration of displaced populations
- Strengthen community resilience and safety
- Improve humanitarian response in affected regions
- Promote inclusive and gender-sensitive programming
Strategic Themes
- Humanitarian mine action
- Community safety and protection
- Post-displacement recovery and reintegration
- Risk-informed development planning
- Social cohesion and resilience building
Key Focus Areas
Survey and Assessment
- Non-Technical Survey (NTS) of contaminated areas
- Technical Survey where required
- Identification and verification of hazardous zones
Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE)
- Community awareness campaigns
- Training for returnees, IDPs, and host communities
- Risk prevention education for vulnerable groups
Clearance and Risk Mitigation
- Clearance of explosive contaminated areas
- Risk reduction in high-priority zones
- Safe land access restoration
Rapid Response Mechanisms
- Quick response to newly identified threats
- Emergency risk mitigation actions
- Community reporting systems
Capacity Building
- Training operational teams
- Strengthening mine action safety standards
- Improving field-level response capacity
Geographic Focus
- Herat Province, Afghanistan
- Farah Province, Afghanistan
These regions include displacement-affected communities under the WAHDAT programme.
Programme Approach
The intervention follows a risk-informed and phased strategy.
Key Elements
- Assessment before intervention
- Prioritization of high-risk areas
- Integrated survey and clearance planning
- Community-based risk education
- Coordination with humanitarian infrastructure projects
Expected Outcomes
- Reduced exposure to explosive ordnance risks
- Safer access to land and infrastructure
- Improved safety for displaced populations
- Enhanced community awareness and preparedness
- Stronger reintegration support systems
- Improved coordination of humanitarian operations
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Organizations Must Have
- Experience in humanitarian mine action operations
- Expertise in survey, clearance, and EORE activities
- Operational capacity in Western Afghanistan
- Experience in rapid response mechanisms
- Ability to work in conflict-affected environments
Required Competencies
- Mine action technical expertise
- Community engagement capacity
- Protection and risk management systems
- Gender-sensitive programming experience
- Strong field implementation capability
Implementation Framework
Duration
- 12 months project period
Standards and Compliance
- National mine action standards
- Protection principles
- Social and environmental safeguards
- Accountability and transparency mechanisms
- Gender-responsive implementation
How the Programme Works
Step-by-Step Implementation
- Selection of qualified implementing organizations
- Field assessment of explosive ordnance risks
- Community engagement and risk education rollout
- Identification and prioritization of hazardous zones
- Clearance and mitigation operations
- Rapid response to emerging risks
- Monitoring, reporting, and evaluation
Why This Programme Matters
Humanitarian Impact
- Protects lives in conflict-affected communities
- Reduces casualties from explosive remnants of war
- Improves safety for displaced populations
Development Impact
- Restores access to land and infrastructure
- Enables livelihood recovery and economic activity
- Supports long-term community rebuilding
Social Impact
- Strengthens social cohesion
- Supports safe reintegration of displaced families
- Builds trust in recovery processes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Lack of verified mine action operational experience
- Weak presence or capacity in Western Afghanistan
- Inadequate safety and protection systems
- No experience in EORE (risk education) programming
- Poor alignment with humanitarian standards
- Missing gender or inclusion components
Tips for a Strong Application
- Demonstrate proven mine action field experience
- Highlight previous work in conflict or post-conflict zones
- Show strong community engagement and EORE capacity
- Include detailed safety and risk management systems
- Emphasize gender-responsive and protection-based programming
- Provide clear operational plans for Herat and Farah provinces
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is this UNDP programme about?
It supports mine action interventions to reduce explosive ordnance risks in Afghanistan under the WAHDAT Joint Programme.
Which organization is leading this initiative?
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Where will the programme be implemented?
Herat and Farah provinces in Afghanistan.
What is the duration of the project?
12 months.
What activities are included?
Survey, risk education, clearance, rapid response, and capacity building.
Who can apply?
Organizations with proven mine action experience and operational capacity in Afghanistan.
What is the main goal?
To reduce explosive ordnance risks and enable safe community recovery and reintegration.
Conclusion
The UNDP WAHDAT Mine Action Programme in Afghanistan is a humanitarian initiative focused on reducing explosive ordnance risks and supporting safe recovery in conflict-affected regions. By combining survey, clearance, risk education, and rapid response systems, the program enables safer reintegration, improved livelihoods, and stronger community resilience in Herat and Farah provinces.
For more information, visit UNDP.
