Call for EOIs: Strengthening Child Protection Competencies for Social Workers (Phase 2) – Philippines

Deadline: 15-Jan-2026

UNICEF has launched a Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) to strengthen child protection competencies among social workers in the Philippines, focusing on the National Capital Region and CALABARZON. The initiative aims to develop and pilot competency-based training modules and assessment tools to ensure frontline child protection officers are equipped with standardized, high-quality skills aligned with national systems.

About the Initiative

This project represents Phase 2 of UNICEF’s broader effort to operationalize the Enhanced Child Protection Competency Model. It seeks to equip social workers and child protection officers with consistent, high-quality competencies aligned with national child protection standards. The initiative emphasizes evidence-based training, contextually relevant content, and strong stakeholder engagement.

Key Objectives

• Develop, validate, and pilot competency-based training modules and assessment tools for social workers.

• Conduct a gap analysis of existing local and global child protection training resources to avoid duplication and ensure coherence.

• Engage stakeholders, including practitioners, institutions, and policy frameworks, to inform module design.

• Create a comprehensive training suite with facilitator guides, learner manuals, case studies, and assessment activities.

• Align competency assessments with the DSWD Academy certification system.

• Pilot the training through a three-cluster approach covering Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, refining the package based on evidence from field implementation.

Who is Eligible?

Organizations or institutions with:

• Experience in developing and delivering child protection training for social workers or related professionals.

• Knowledge of competency-based training models and assessment systems.

• Capacity to engage multiple stakeholders and conduct participatory processes.

• Ability to align programs with national child protection policies and frameworks.

Why It Matters

The initiative addresses the need for a professional, standardized child protection workforce in the Philippines. Social workers equipped with consistent, high-quality skills will improve the effectiveness and responsiveness of child protection services nationwide. This contributes to stronger systems, better outcomes for children, and institutional sustainability.

How It Works / How to Apply

1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Provide organizational details, technical expertise, and prior experience.

2. Demonstrate Capacity: Show experience in developing and piloting competency-based training programs.

3. Outline Methodology: Include approach to gap analysis, stakeholder engagement, module development, and piloting.

4. Provide Timeline and Budget: Include a detailed implementation plan covering Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao clusters.

5. Ensure Compliance: Align submission with UNICEF requirements and national child protection standards.

Key Components of the Project

• Gap Analysis: Review existing global and local resources to ensure alignment and efficiency.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Conduct focused group discussions and technical working groups.

• Module Development: Produce facilitator guides, learner manuals, case studies, and assessment activities.

• Competency Assessment Tool: Standardized tool with guidance on administration, scoring, and analysis.

• Pilot Implementation: Three-cluster pilot to refine and validate the training package.

• National Roll-Out Preparation: Final package ready for institutional adoption.

Tips for Applicants

• Emphasize prior experience in competency-based child protection training.

• Highlight ability to engage multiple stakeholders effectively.

• Include evidence-based approaches in training and assessment design.

• Ensure alignment with national child protection policies and DSWD certification systems.

• Provide a clear plan for piloting, evaluation, and refinement of modules.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the goal of this UNICEF initiative? To strengthen child protection competencies for social workers and child protection officers in the Philippines.
2. Who can apply? Organizations or institutions with experience in child protection training, competency-based program design, and stakeholder engagement.
3. Which regions are covered in implementation? National Capital Region (NCR), CALABARZON, and piloting across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
4. What is included in the training package? Facilitator guides, learner manuals, case studies, assessment tools, and standardized competency assessment instruments.
5. How will competency assessment be implemented? Through a standardized tool aligned with the DSWD Academy certification system, including scoring and analysis guidance.
6. Is stakeholder engagement required? Yes, module design is informed by focused group discussions and technical working groups involving practitioners and institutions.
7. What is the expected outcome? A validated, competency-based child protection training package ready for national institutional adoption.

Conclusion

This UNICEF initiative provides an opportunity to enhance the skills, consistency, and professionalism of child protection officers and social workers in the Philippines. By developing and piloting competency-based modules and assessments, the project strengthens child protection systems, ensures standardized high-quality services, and contributes to better outcomes for children nationwide.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.