UNICEF is seeking local NGOs to strengthen child-protection case management and mental-health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) for children, youth and adolescents in Jonglei and Upper Nile. The partnership is intended to build a stronger social-service workforce, community safe spaces and government-led protection systems. Application deadline: 16 October 2026.
At a glance
- Issuing agency: UNICEF
- UN Partner Portal reference(s): CEF/SSD/2026/067
- Location: Jonglei and Upper Nile, South Sudan
- Deadline: 16 October 2026
- Indicative project period: 1 December 2026–31 December 2027
- Grant or partnership value: Not disclosed as a confirmed award
- Official application: UN Partner Portal
What the programme aims to achieve
The call includes child-protection case management delivered through qualified social workers working with South Sudan’s Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare. Staff need appropriate supervision, agreed performance standards and use of the national Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS+) within approved arrangements. These responsibilities cannot be replaced by informal volunteer referral lists.
Youth centres and community safe spaces are another delivery channel. Proposed activities include structured psychosocial sessions, referral to vocational or social services and safe environments for children exposed to protection threats. The aim is a coordinated protection pathway, not a one-off workshop or recreational programme.
Partners should demonstrate how youth and community institutions, case-management teams and public protection authorities will coordinate. Data protection, professional judgement and accessible mechanisms for children to communicate concerns are integral to the work. The programme also emphasises government ownership and capacity development.
Who is eligible and who is a good fit?
The EOI is open ONLY to local NGOs, which must be registered on UN Partner Portal and have a verified profile before applying. It requires participation in child-protection coordination and relevant reporting, alongside an existing technical track record and operational presence. Women-led and youth-led organisations may receive priority; the notice describes specific leadership criteria for that prioritisation. An expression of interest does not automatically activate a funded agreement: funding availability is a condition.
How proposals will be assessed
UNICEF scores sector expertise and innovative approach at 25 points each, sustainability at 20, and local presence, cost effectiveness and CSO contributions at 10 each. The technical proposal should show actual child-protection case-management systems and appropriate handling of psychosocial needs.
Five practical preparation steps
- 1. Verify the UNPP profile, local NGO registration, child-protection coordination participation and geographic coverage.
- 2. Document relevant case-management procedures, child safeguarding, supervision, referral pathways and staff qualifications.
- 3. Explain operational coordination with government and use of CPIMS+ only under authorised data-governance arrangements.
- 4. Design meaningful, age-appropriate youth safe spaces with a defined psychosocial and referral programme.
- 5. Provide area-specific costs and evidence of organisational resources, feasible reporting and transition arrangements.
Common mistake to avoid
Do not conflate clinical mental-health treatment with basic psychosocial support or promise case-data sharing without safeguards. The UNPP application route and eligibility are mandatory. Do not claim that an EOI invitation guarantees funding.
Frequently asked questions
Are foreign NGOs eligible?
The call explicitly restricts the EOI to local NGOs.
Can a partner apply for both regions?
The notice permits multiple locations provided the NGO demonstrates existing capacity and track record in each.
Are women-led organisations preferred?
Yes, the notice specifies prioritisation of women-led and youth-led organisations subject to defined conditions.
Does the scope include case-management technology?
The notice describes use of CPIMS+ and government-linked case-management systems, subject to appropriate authorisation.
Is a budget figure given?
An award amount is not disclosed in the call summary.
Application forms and next steps
Find the CEF/SSD/2026/067 notice(s) on the UN Partner Portal. Read the applicable terms of reference, full eligibility requirements, concept-note template, budget instructions, closing time and any updates before submitting. The calls select potential implementing partners; submission does not guarantee an agreement.
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