Request for EOIs: Facilitating Better Care for Children in Zaporizka Oblast (Ukraine)

Deadline: 10-Dec-2025

UNICEF has launched an open call for an implementing partner to support the rollout of the Better Care Reform in Zaporizhzhya Oblast, focusing on Zaporizhzhia and Shyroke hromadas. The initiative aims to strengthen child protection systems, expand family-based care, and provide humanitarian support for children and caregivers affected by ongoing crises.

Introduction

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is seeking a capable implementing partner to design, execute, and document a comprehensive programme advancing the Better Care Reform in Zaporizhzhya Oblast, specifically in the hromadas of Zaporizhzhia and Shyroke. The initiative focuses on improving child protection systems, expanding access to family-based care, enhancing community resilience, and providing humanitarian support for children and caregivers impacted by ongoing crises.

Programme Objectives

The main objectives of the initiative are:

1. Strengthen Child Protection Systems – Reinforce procedures, integrate services, and ensure safeguarding mechanisms.

2. Expand Family-Based Care – Support foster families and alternative caregivers to provide safe, nurturing environments.

3. Enhance Community Resilience – Promote cross-sector collaboration and comprehensive social support services.

4. Deliver Humanitarian Support – Provide timely protection and assistance to children and families affected by strikes and emergencies.

Key Programme Components

Minimum Package of Social Services

The implementing partner will deliver essential services aimed at improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families:

• Counselling to build resilience

• Mental health and psychosocial support

• Positive parenting programmes

• Social support for families in difficult circumstances

• Services for alternative caregivers

• Day care for children and adolescents with complex disabilities

• Early intervention and crisis support

• Inclusive education support

• Assistance for young care leavers transitioning to independent living

Resilience Service Enhancement

• Improve service quality in Zaporizhzhia hromada

• Strengthen referral pathways

• Promote cross-sector collaboration

• Expand service coverage

Family-Based Alternative Care Support

• Equip foster families and caregivers with resources and training

• Support children with disabilities, teenagers, and large sibling groups

• Reduce reliance on institutional care by promoting family-based environments

Child Protection System Reinforcement

• Implement capacity-building for childcare professionals

• Strengthen case management procedures

• Improve assessment tools

• Integrate services across education, health, and social protection

• Support safeguarding mechanisms for children and caregivers during crises

Better Care Reform Coordination

• Establish clear procedures and oversight mechanisms

• Enable local authorities to monitor children’s well-being

• Support reintegration of children returning from evacuation

• Deliver rapid humanitarian protection services during emergencies

Who is Eligible?

• Organizations with experience in child protection, social service delivery, or humanitarian response

• Entities capable of multi-component programme implementation and documentation

• Partners committed to European child protection standards and systemic change

Why It Matters

The ongoing crises in Zaporizhzhya Oblast have increased risks for vulnerable children. Strengthening family-based care and child protection systems ensures:

• Children grow in safe, nurturing environments

• Families receive timely support and guidance

• Communities become more resilient and responsive to emergencies

• Systemic improvements benefit children beyond immediate interventions

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Submission of Proposal – Interested partners submit a detailed programme design and implementation plan.

2. Evaluation – UNICEF reviews proposals based on experience, technical capacity, and alignment with Better Care Reform goals.

3. Partnership Agreement – Selected partner signs an agreement outlining responsibilities, deliverables, and reporting obligations.

4. Programme Rollout – Implement services, coordinate with local authorities, and deliver direct support to children and caregivers.

5. Monitoring and Reporting – Track outcomes, document impact, and submit regular reports to UNICEF.

Tips and Common Mistakes

• Clearly demonstrate capacity for multi-component, system-level programmes

• Include measurable indicators for child protection and family-based care outcomes

• Avoid vague descriptions of service delivery; provide concrete implementation plans

• Ensure alignment with European child protection standards

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which hromadas are included in this initiative? Zaporizhzhia and Shyroke hromadas in Zaporizhzhya Oblast.
2. What are the core services to be delivered? Counselling, mental health support, parenting programmes, alternative care services, day care, early intervention, inclusive education, and humanitarian support.
3. Who can apply as an implementing partner? Organizations with experience in child protection, social services, or humanitarian programmes aligned with European standards.
4. Will UNICEF provide additional staff? Yes, UNICEF will co-fund additional staff to strengthen service delivery.
5. How will children returning from evacuation be supported? Partners will provide reintegration assistance and support caregivers to help children resume community life.
6. Is there a focus on children with disabilities? Yes, the programme prioritizes inclusive support for children with disabilities, teenagers, and sibling groups.
7. What is the expected impact of the programme? Improved child protection systems, strengthened family-based care, enhanced community resilience, and rapid humanitarian response capability.

Conclusion

UNICEF’s open call for an implementing partner in Zaporizhzhya Oblast seeks to advance systemic change in child protection, expand family-based care, and provide comprehensive humanitarian support. The programme emphasizes capacity building, service integration, and resilience-building to ensure the rights and well-being of children are upheld, even amid ongoing crises. It represents a critical step toward sustainable, community-based child protection reform.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.