Call for EOIs: Operationalization of the Dakar Declaration in Guinea

The UNICEF has launched a Call for Expression of Interest to partner with adolescent girls’ and youth-led civil society organizations in Guinea. The initiative aims to operationalize the Dakar Declaration by strengthening girls’ leadership, improving access to essential services, and advancing gender equality, climate action, and youth participation.

The call by UNICEF seeks to establish strategic partnerships with youth-led and girl-led organizations.

The goal is to translate the commitments of the Dakar Declaration into practical, multi-sectoral actions that enhance the rights, leadership, and resilience of adolescent girls in Guinea, particularly in the Faranah Region.

Programme Objectives

This initiative focuses on:

• Strengthening adolescent girls’ leadership and participation
• Expanding access to health, nutrition, and immunization services
• Promoting menstrual hygiene and economic empowerment
• Supporting youth-led peacebuilding and social cohesion
• Advancing climate resilience and environmental engagement

Key Thematic Areas

Leadership, Governance, and Participation

• Promote adolescent girls’ role in decision-making
• Strengthen girl-led networks and mentorship systems
• Support civic engagement and advocacy

Health, Nutrition, and Well-being

• Improve access to integrated health services
• Strengthen adolescent and sexual reproductive health services
• Enhance immunization and nutrition outcomes

Gender Equality and Protection

• Prevent and respond to gender-based violence
• Address harmful social norms
• Strengthen child protection systems

Economic Empowerment

• Support income-generating opportunities
• Promote financial inclusion and local solutions
• Encourage entrepreneurship among adolescent girls

Youth Participation and Social Cohesion

• Facilitate community dialogue and peacebuilding
• Strengthen youth engagement platforms
• Promote inclusive participation in local development

Climate Action and Environmental Engagement

• Build green skills among youth
• Promote environmental education and advocacy
• Support community-based climate resilience initiatives

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Adolescent girls’ and youth-led civil society organizations
• Organizations operating in Guinea, especially the Faranah Region
• Groups with experience in youth development, gender equality, or community engagement
• Organizations capable of delivering multi-sectoral interventions

UNICEF places strong emphasis on recognizing girl-led organizations as key implementation partners.

How the Partnership Works

Selected organizations will:

1. Implement programmes aligned with the Dakar Declaration
2. Establish safe spaces and mentoring opportunities
3. Strengthen girl-led networks and participation mechanisms
4. Deliver integrated services across sectors
5. Engage in coordinated planning, monitoring, and accountability frameworks

How to Apply

Follow these steps:

1. Review the Call for Expression of Interest requirements
2. Ensure your organization aligns with programme priorities
3. Develop a proposal focusing on adolescent girls’ empowerment
4. Highlight experience in youth-led or gender-focused initiatives
5. Submit your application within the specified deadline

Key Tips for Applicants

• Emphasize girl-led approaches and youth leadership
• Demonstrate measurable impact on adolescent girls
• Integrate multiple sectors (health, education, climate, protection)
• Highlight community engagement and sustainability
• Include strong monitoring and accountability mechanisms

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals without clear girl-centered approaches
• Ignoring multi-sectoral integration
• Providing weak or unclear implementation plans
• Failing to demonstrate local presence or experience
• Overlooking climate and social cohesion components

Expected Results

The initiative aims to achieve:

• Increased leadership and participation of adolescent girls
• Improved access to essential services
• Positive shifts in discriminatory social norms
• Stronger recognition of girl-led organizations
• Enhanced youth contributions to peacebuilding
• Greater engagement in climate and environmental action

Why This Opportunity Matters

This call by UNICEF represents a strategic investment in adolescent girls as agents of change.

It supports:

• Gender equality and inclusive development
• Youth leadership and civic participation
• Sustainable and climate-resilient communities
• Long-term social transformation driven by young people

Funding Information

• Indicative budget: 50,000 (currency as per call guidelines)
• Funding supports coordinated, multi-sectoral interventions
• Emphasis on accountability and results-based implementation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is leading this initiative?

The initiative is led by UNICEF.

What is the Dakar Declaration?

It is a framework guiding commitments to advance adolescent girls’ rights, leadership, and empowerment.

Who can apply?

Youth-led and adolescent girls’ civil society organizations operating in Guinea, especially in the Faranah Region.

What sectors are covered?

Health, nutrition, education, gender equality, climate action, youth participation, and social cohesion.

What is the funding amount?

The indicative budget for this call is 50,000.

What kind of activities are supported?

Activities include leadership development, service delivery, economic empowerment, climate action, and peacebuilding.

What are the expected outcomes?

Improved access to services, stronger youth leadership, and increased participation of adolescent girls in decision-making.

Conclusion

The partnership opportunity by UNICEF offers a powerful platform for youth-led and girl-led organizations to drive meaningful change in Guinea.

By operationalizing the Dakar Declaration, this initiative strengthens leadership, promotes equality, and empowers adolescent girls to shape resilient and inclusive futures.