Call for Partners: UNFPA Eastern Europe and Central Asia Programme in Turkey

The UNFPA Eastern Europe and Central Asia Regional Programme (2026–2029) invites organizations to support regional development and humanitarian initiatives with a focus on gender equality, youth leadership, disability inclusion, and emergency response. Centered in Istanbul, Turkey, this programme seeks partners capable of delivering inclusive, sustainable, and impactful interventions across health, education, protection, and social policy sectors.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is seeking grant applications from eligible organizations to implement its Eastern Europe and Central Asia Regional Programme. This initiative is designed to foster partnerships that produce meaningful development outcomes, strengthen humanitarian response, and advance social inclusion across the region.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Promote gender equality and women’s empowerment

• Support youth leadership and engagement of men and boys

• Enhance disability inclusion and accessibility in services

• Strengthen emergency preparedness, disaster risk reduction, and response

• Deliver impactful health, education, and social policy interventions

• Build institutional and community resilience through capacity-building and partnerships

Geographic Focus

• Primary location: Istanbul, Turkey

• Regional scope: Eastern Europe and Central Asia

• Organizations operating in or connected to the regional context are prioritized for partnership

Key Areas of Focus

Health and Education

• Comprehensive sexuality education

• Out-of-school education

• Adolescent health and sexual/reproductive health services

• HIV/AIDS awareness and interventions

• Health systems strengthening and continuity of care in emergencies

Protection and Social Policy

• Prevention and response to gender-based violence

• Protection measures in emergencies

• Advocacy for social policy improvements

• Support for public finance and local governance initiatives

Emergency Preparedness and Humanitarian Response

• Disaster risk reduction strategies

• Emergency response planning and coordination

• Strengthening the resilience of institutions and communities to crises

Who is Eligible?

Eligible organizations include:

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations with relevant regional experience

• Agencies with capacity to implement cross-sectoral programs in health, education, protection, and social policy

• Organizations capable of providing technical expertise, service delivery, and research in the regional context

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility and capacity to operate within the region

2. Develop a proposal aligned with UNFPA’s programme priorities and objectives

3. Demonstrate organizational experience in relevant sectors, including health, education, protection, and emergency response

4. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the UNFPA application portal

5. Highlight potential for sustainable impact, cross-sectoral collaboration, and regional partnerships

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals that do not align with UNFPA’s programme priorities

• Failing to demonstrate capacity for cross-sectoral or regional collaboration

• Omitting evidence of past experience in health, education, protection, or emergency interventions

• Ignoring the Istanbul coordination hub requirement or regional relevance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can apply?

Organizations with expertise in health, education, protection, social policy, and humanitarian interventions in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

What is the geographic focus?

The programme is centered in Istanbul, Turkey, with activities spanning Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

What are the priority sectors?

Gender equality, women’s empowerment, youth leadership, disability inclusion, emergency preparedness, health, education, protection, and social policy.

Is prior regional experience required?

Yes, organizations with proven experience in the regional context are preferred.

What types of activities are expected?

Capacity-building, service delivery, research, policy advocacy, disaster risk reduction, emergency response, and program implementation.

How is the application submitted?

Through the UNFPA Expression of Interest portal.

What is the duration of the programme?

The programme runs from 2026 to 2029, with partnerships expected to align with this timeline.

Conclusion

The UNFPA Eastern Europe and Central Asia Regional Programme offers a strategic opportunity for organizations to contribute to sustainable development and humanitarian impact across the region. By partnering with UNFPA, organizations can support inclusive health, education, protection, and social policy interventions while strengthening resilience, fostering gender equality, and delivering long-term regional benefits.