Deadline: 27-Mar-2026
UNICEF is inviting applications for a project that aims to improve access to sustainable sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, promote hygiene behavior change, and strengthen community and institutional WASH systems in targeted communes. The initiative emphasizes climate-resilient sanitation, FDAL certification, and community engagement in schools, health facilities, and households.
Project Overview
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) seeks qualified applicants to implement a sanitation and hygiene project in the Zinder region. The project focuses on expanding sustainable sanitation services, promoting hygiene behavior change at household, school, and health facility levels, and strengthening community and institutional WASH systems. This initiative aligns with national goals, supporting the Ministry of Environment, Hydraulics, and Sanitation to achieve universal and sustainable access to WASH services.
Key Focus Areas
The project integrates multiple thematic areas to ensure comprehensive impact:
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Communication for Development: Promote awareness and behavioral change
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Gender Equality & Women’s Empowerment: Inclusive sanitation planning
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Monitoring & Evaluation: Track outcomes and impact
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Research & Data Analysis: Inform evidence-based strategies
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Resource Mobilization & Capacity Development: Build local skills and funding pipelines
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Youth Leadership & Participation: Engage young community leaders
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Policy Advocacy & Public Finance: Influence local governance and funding
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Basic Sanitation & Hygiene: Ensure safe household and community practices
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Natural Resources & Climate Action: Promote climate-resilient WASH solutions
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Water Management: Sustainable water supply integration
Objectives of the Project
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Achieve universal and sustainable access to sanitation and hygiene services in targeted communes.
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Promote household hygiene practices leading to FDAL certification.
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Develop climate-resilient sanitation services in communities, schools, and health facilities.
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Implement innovative approaches to end open defecation.
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Strengthen WASH system management for long-term sustainability.
Expected Results
The project aims to deliver measurable outcomes:
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All villages and hamlets achieve FDAL certification
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Good hygiene practices adopted in primary schools and health facilities
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Establishment of communal sanitation markets to support household latrines
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Sustained FDAL status and long-term WASH management
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include organizations and consortia that have demonstrated experience in WASH, sanitation, and hygiene projects over the past five years, can present a methodological plan, results framework, and implementation schedule, possess qualified personnel with relevant expertise, and are able to manage community-focused, climate-resilient projects.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit a complete program dossier through the UNPP portal. The submission should include:
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Concept Note – Brief project overview and objectives
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References – Evidence of similar projects completed in the last five years
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Methodological Plan – Detailed strategy and approach
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Implementation Schedule – Realistic timeline for activities
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Team CVs – Qualifications of proposed personnel
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Results Framework – Metrics and indicators for success
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Detailed Budget – Clear financial plan for project execution
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Signed Commune Inventory Sheet – Official endorsement from local authorities
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to refine the program and budget before final selection.
Common Tips & Avoidable Mistakes
Ensure all required documents are submitted; missing items lead to disqualification. Present a realistic budget aligned with proposed activities. Highlight past successful WASH interventions. Use data-driven approaches and measurable indicators. Engage communities and stakeholders to demonstrate local ownership.
Why This Project Matters
This initiative supports climate-resilient sanitation to mitigate environmental impacts, improved public health through hygiene behavior change, sustainable WASH systems for long-term community development, and FDAL certification, which standardizes hygiene and sanitation quality.
FAQs
1. What is FDAL certification? FDAL certification recognizes communities that meet national sanitation and hygiene standards, including safe sanitation facilities and proper hygiene practices.
2. Can international NGOs apply? Yes, both local and international organizations with relevant WASH experience are eligible.
3. Is prior experience in climate-resilient sanitation required? Applicants should demonstrate at least some experience or capacity to implement climate-resilient WASH interventions.
4. What is the application deadline? All submissions must be completed through the UNPP portal before the official deadline specified in the announcement.
5. How will shortlisted applicants be evaluated? Shortlisted applicants will refine their program and budget. Final selection will consider technical quality, feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and community impact.
6. Are partnerships encouraged? Yes, collaborations with local authorities, schools, health facilities, and other stakeholders are strongly encouraged.
7. Can the project include youth-focused interventions? Yes, engaging youth in leadership and community participation is a core component.
Conclusion
UNICEF’s sanitation and hygiene project in the Zinder region is a strategic initiative to ensure universal, sustainable, and climate-resilient WASH services. Through community engagement, FDAL certification, and evidence-based interventions, the project aims to transform hygiene practices, strengthen local systems, and improve public health outcomes across schools, health facilities, and households.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.