Request for EOIs: Protecting Children from Violence in Palestine

Deadline: 15-Jan-2026

UNICEF is seeking national and international NGOs to implement child protection initiatives in the Gaza Strip, focusing on family reunification, gender-based violence, legal assistance, and emergency protection. Partners can access up to 5,000,000 ILS per year to deliver child protection and mental health interventions, with a strong emphasis on coordination, prevention, and response for vulnerable children.

Overview

UNICEF invites qualified NGOs and community-based organizations to express interest in implementing child protection initiatives in the Gaza Strip. The program aims to strengthen child protection systems, provide emergency services, and deliver mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) to children and families in vulnerable contexts.

Programme Objectives

The program focuses on:

• Child Protection – Prevention, mitigation, and response to risks faced by children

• Family Reunification – Support for separated children and families

• Gender-Based Violence (GBV) – Protection, prevention, and response initiatives

• Legal Assistance and Access to Justice – Ensuring children’s rights and legal protection

• Emergency Response – Child protection in high-risk and emergency contexts

• Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) – Providing support services to vulnerable children and families

Who Can Apply?

Qualified national and international NGOs with capacity to operate in Gaza are eligible. Partners should:

• Demonstrate experience in child protection, MHPSS, or related humanitarian services

• Align technically with UNICEF standards and protocols

• Participate in coordination mechanisms under the Child Protection Area of Responsibility (CP-AoR)

• Engage in forums such as case management coordination, Governorate-level Child Protection Networks, and MHPSS Technical Working Groups

Funding Details

• Budget ceiling per partner: Approximately 5,000,000 ILS for 12 months

• Additional support: UNICEF may provide in-kind supplies to support service delivery

• Funding purpose: Enable delivery of child protection services, emergency interventions, and capacity-building for local actors

How to Apply / Submit an Expression of Interest

1. Prepare Organization Profile – Include NGO experience, technical capacity, and governance structure

2. Outline Proposed Activities – Focus on prevention, mitigation, and response activities addressing at-risk children and families

3. Demonstrate Alignment – Show alignment with UNICEF technical standards and coordination requirements

4. Submit Expression of Interest – Follow UNICEF submission guidelines, including all required forms and documentation

5. Engage in Coordination – Participate in CP-AoR, case management networks, and MHPSS working groups as part of project implementation

Why This Program Matters

The UNICEF Gaza Child Protection Program ensures that vulnerable children receive urgent protection services, psychosocial support, and legal assistance while building the capacity of local actors. It contributes to:

• Strengthening child protection systems in emergency contexts

• Promoting safe and protective environments for children and families

• Enhancing coordination among NGOs and humanitarian actors

• Supporting sustainable, rights-based approaches to child protection

Tips for a Strong Expression of Interest

• Clearly outline technical capacity and relevant experience in child protection or MHPSS

• Demonstrate understanding of the local context and urgent child protection needs

• Include coordination and partnership plans with local stakeholders

• Specify measurable outcomes and expected impact

• Ensure budget aligns with proposed activities and funding limits

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for this UNICEF program?

National and international NGOs with experience in child protection, MHPSS, or related humanitarian services in Gaza.

2. What activities are funded?

Child protection, family reunification, gender-based violence prevention and response, legal assistance, emergency protection, and MHPSS interventions.

3. What is the maximum budget per partner?

Approximately 5,000,000 ILS for a 12-month period.

4. Are in-kind resources provided?

Yes, UNICEF may supply additional in-kind support to aid implementation and service delivery.

5. Is coordination with other actors required?

Yes, partners must participate in CP-AoR mechanisms, case management networks, and MHPSS technical working groups.

6. How should proposals address emergencies?

Proposals should focus on prevention, mitigation, and rapid response activities to protect at-risk children and families in emergency contexts.

7. What is the primary goal of this program?

To protect vulnerable children, strengthen local child protection systems, and provide essential emergency and psychosocial services.

Conclusion

UNICEF’s Gaza Child Protection Program provides NGOs with the resources and framework to deliver critical child protection and MHPSS services. By fostering coordinated, technically aligned interventions, the program strengthens local capacity, safeguards children, and promotes resilience in one of the most vulnerable regions.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.