Call for Prevention and Response to Female Genital Mutilation and Gender-Based Violence (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 interventions for the prevention and response to female genital mutilation (FGM) and gender-based violence (GBV) in the Ali Sabieh region. The programme aims to transform harmful social norms, prevent risks, strengthen protection for girls at risk of FGM, and improve care and referral mechanisms for survivors of FGM and GBV through community-based interventions and capacity building.

About the UNICEF Programme

FGM and GBV remain significant threats to the rights, health, and well-being of girls and women in Djibouti. The Ali Sabieh region experiences particularly high prevalence rates, while persistent harmful social norms continue to expose girls and women to significant risks. The UNICEF initiative seeks to strengthen community-based prevention and response mechanisms by combining social and behavioural change, protection, survivor support, capacity building, and improved referral systems. Purpose of the Opportunity The call aims to identify a qualified local NGO or association capable of implementing an integrated community response to FGM and GBV in Ali Sabieh.

The programme will focus on:

- Transforming harmful social norms - Preventing FGM and GBV risks - Protecting girls at risk of FGM - Strengthening support for survivors - Improving referral mechanisms - Building community and institutional capacity - Strengthening community surveillance and prevention systems - Using programme data to improve implementation and accountability Key Expected Results The programme has several expected results designed to strengthen prevention and protection at the community level. Increased Community Awareness The initiative aims to increase awareness among communities about the consequences of FGM and GBV. Improved awareness can help communities better understand the risks and harmful effects associated with these practices and support efforts to transform harmful social norms. Engagement of Men and Boys Men and boys will be actively involved in promoting the abandonment of harmful practices. Their participation is intended to support positive changes in attitudes and behaviours and strengthen community efforts to prevent FGM and GBV. Early Identification and Safe Referral The programme seeks to strengthen early identification of girls and women at risk or survivors of FGM and GBV. Improved referral mechanisms will help ensure that individuals identified as being at risk or requiring assistance can access appropriate support safely and in a timely manner. Strengthened Community Surveillance Community surveillance and prevention mechanisms will be strengthened to improve the identification and response to risks associated with FGM and GBV. Community-level systems can play an important role in identifying risks and connecting individuals with available protection and support services. Enhanced Capacity of Local Actors The initiative will build the capacity of community and institutional actors involved in prevention and response. Strengthening local capacity can help ensure that prevention and protection mechanisms are more effective and sustainable. Improved Use of Programme Data Regular collection and use of programme data will form part of the initiative. Data will help guide implementation and strengthen accountability by providing information that can inform programme decisions and monitoring. Community-Based Approach The programme places strong emphasis on community-based interventions. Community engagement is important because FGM and GBV are closely linked to social norms, attitudes, behaviours, and community-level practices. The programme therefore seeks to involve communities, families, men, boys, local actors, and institutions in prevention and protection efforts. Protecting Girls at Risk of FGM An important focus of the programme is strengthening protection for girls who may be at risk of FGM. Through early identification, community surveillance, prevention activities, and improved referral mechanisms, the initiative aims to strengthen community-level protection responses. Supporting Survivors of FGM and GBV The programme also seeks to strengthen care and referral mechanisms for survivors of FGM and GBV. A coordinated community response can help survivors access appropriate support while strengthening connections between community actors, institutions, local authorities, and technical partners. Who Can Apply? The opportunity is intended for legally registered local NGOs or associations in Djibouti. Applicants must meet several technical, geographical, experience, and organizational requirements.

Eligible applicants must:

- Be legally registered in Djibouti - Be physically present in the target region - Have at least five years of relevant experience - Have experience in child protection - Have experience in GBV and FGM prevention and response - Have strong knowledge of women’s rights - Have experience in community engagement - Demonstrate financial management capacity - Demonstrate operational management capacity - Be willing to collaborate closely with local authorities and technical partners Required Technical Experience Applicants should demonstrate strong experience in areas relevant to the programme.

This includes:

- Child protection - FGM prevention and response - GBV prevention and response - Women’s rights - Community engagement - Community-based prevention - Protection mechanisms - Referral systems - Capacity building - Coordination with local authorities and technical partners Applicants should demonstrate both technical expertise and the ability to work effectively with communities in the target region. Importance of Local Presence A physical presence in the Ali Sabieh region is an important eligibility requirement. Local presence can support effective community engagement, understanding of local social norms, identifica