Apply for Prevention and Response to Female Genital Mutilation and Gender-Based Violence Program in Djibouti

Deadline: 24-Sep-2026

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is seeking a local NGO in Djibouti to implement integrated community-based interventions addressing female genital mutilation (FGM) and gender-based violence (GBV) in the Tadjourah region. The programme aims to prevent harmful practices, strengthen protection mechanisms, improve access to essential services, and support girls and women who are at risk of or have experienced FGM and GBV.

About the UNICEF Programme

FGM and GBV remain deeply rooted challenges in Djibouti, particularly in the Tadjourah region, where prevalence rates remain among the highest in the country. Although national efforts have contributed to a gradual reduction in FGM, recent data indicate that significant disparities persist, particularly in rural areas. Continued community-based action is therefore needed to address harmful social norms and strengthen systems that protect girls and women. The UNICEF initiative focuses on integrated community interventions that combine prevention, early identification, referral, protection, and comprehensive support. Purpose of the Opportunity The programme seeks to work with a qualified local NGO capable of delivering community-based interventions in Tadjourah. The selected organization will contribute to efforts to: - Prevent FGM and GBV - Raise awareness of the consequences of harmful practices - Strengthen community protection mechanisms - Identify girls and women at risk - Support survivors of FGM and GBV - Improve access to essential services - Engage men and boys in positive change - Strengthen community surveillance and response - Build the capacity of community and institutional actors - Use programme data to guide implementation and accountability Key Programme Objectives Raising Community Awareness The programme aims to increase awareness among communities, families, and local leaders about the consequences and risks associated with FGM and GBV. Community awareness activities will support greater understanding of the harmful effects of these practices and encourage communities to participate in prevention and protection efforts. Engaging Men and Boys A key component of the initiative is the active engagement of men and boys. The programme seeks to promote positive masculinity and encourage men and boys to become part of efforts to prevent FGM, GBV, and other harmful practices. This approach recognizes that sustainable social change requires the participation of different members of the community. Improving Referral and Access to Services The initiative aims to ensure that girls and women at risk or survivors of FGM and GBV can receive timely support. Referral pathways will help connect individuals with relevant: - Psychosocial services - Health services - Legal services - Protection services The goal is to improve access to comprehensive and timely assistance based on individual needs. Strengthening Community Surveillance and Response The programme will reinforce community-level surveillance and response mechanisms. Stronger community systems can help identify risks earlier, facilitate referrals, and improve responses to FGM and GBV cases. Building Local Capacity Another objective is to strengthen the capacity of community and institutional actors involved in prevention and response. Building local capacity can support stronger protection mechanisms and contribute to the sustainability of programme interventions. Using Data for Accountability The programme also emphasizes the use of regular programmatic data. Data will help guide implementation, monitor progress, strengthen accountability, and support informed decision-making throughout programme delivery.

Target Region: Tadjourah

The programme will be implemented in the Tadjourah region of Djibouti. The region has been identified as an important area for intervention because FGM and GBV remain significant challenges and social norms continue to expose girls and women to risks. The focus on community-driven interventions is intended to support locally relevant approaches to prevention, protection, and social norm transformation. Who Can Apply? The opportunity is specifically intended for legally registered local NGOs or associations in Djibouti. Applicants must meet several organizational and operational requirements.

Eligible organizations should have:

- Legal registration in Djibouti - A physical presence in the target region - At least five years of relevant experience - Experience in child protection - Experience in GBV and/or FGM prevention and response - Strong knowledge of women’s rights - Experience in community mobilization - Demonstrated financial management capacity - Demonstrated operational management capacity - Capacity to work in line with UNICEF standards - Strong community anchoring Organizations should also be prepared to collaborate closely with local authorities and relevant technical partners. Required Experience and Expertise Applicants should demonstrate substantial experience relevant to the programme’s objectives.

Particularly valuable areas of experience include

- Child protection - FGM prevention and response - GBV prevention and response - Women’s rights - Community mobilization - Community-based protection - Referral systems - Psychosocial support - Coordination with authorities and technical partners - Financial and operational management Applicants should demonstrate not only technical knowledge but also the ability to work effectively within local communities. Strong Community Anchoring A strong connection with local communities is an important requirement of the opportunity. Community anchoring can help organizations understand local social norms, identify risks, engage community leaders and families, and develop interventions that are appropriate to the local context. Applicants should therefore clearly demonstrate their existing community presence and relationships in the target region. Collabora