RFAs: Scaling Up Child Protection Case Management and Mental Health Support (South Sudan)

UNICEF invites registered local NGOs in South Sudan to apply for a 13-month partnership supporting children, adolescents, and youth affected by conflict and displacement. The opportunity focuses on child protection case management and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in four counties across Jonglei and Upper Nile states. Applications must be submitted through the UN Partner Portal by 16 October 2026. The partnership seeks to expand essential protection services for children, adolescents, and youth affected by emergencies in South Sudan. Conflict and displacement have increased protection needs while limiting access to essential services. UNICEF’s work aims to prevent violence, abuse, and exploitation and strengthen national and local government capacity to deliver sustainable, responsive child protection services by 2027. The selected partner will support the transition toward a government-led case management system while maintaining life-saving services for children affected by emergencies. The opportunity involves a 13-month implementation partnership with UNICEF. The supplied information does not specify: Applicants should consult the specific opportunity documents on the UN Partner Portal for financial conditions and implementation requirements.

Applicants must:

Women-led and youth-led organisations are prioritised. This preference does not replace the other eligibility requirements. The initiative also prioritises the recruitment of women and youth into staffing and leadership roles. The partnership focuses on children, adolescents, and youth affected by conflict and displacement, including children with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

Priority activities include:

Activities will take place in Fangak, Pigi/Canal, Panyikang, and Renk counties. Child protection case management is a structured approach to identifying a child’s protection needs, planning support, coordinating services, and following up on their situation. The partnership seeks consistency across providers while strengthening government leadership. Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) encompasses support for psychological wellbeing and the social relationships that help people cope with difficult experiences. This opportunity includes expanding such support through safe youth spaces. Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) concerns measures to prevent and respond to exploitation and abuse by personnel involved in assistance. Applicants must complete the required capacity assessment through UNPP. Children affected by conflict and displacement need accessible protection services and support for their wellbeing. Combining case management with MHPSS can help address individual protection needs alongside the effects of distress and disrupted social support. The partnership also connects emergency service delivery with longer-term system strengthening. Its emphasis on government leadership, coordinated approaches, and inclusion supports more consistent child protection services. The provided link leads to the general opportunities page rather than a direct application page.

1. Who can apply for this UNICEF partnership?

Registered local NGOs in South Sudan that meet the coordination, reporting, and PSEA assessment requirements can apply. Women-led and youth-led organisations are prioritised.

2. What is the application deadline?

Applications must be submitted electronically through UNPP by 16 October 2026. Check the specific listing for the closing time and time zone.

3. How long will the partnership last?

The stated duration is 13 months. Start and end dates are not specified in the supplied information.

4. Which locations are covered?

The partnership covers Fangak and Pigi/Canal counties in Jonglei, and Panyikang and Renk counties in Upper Nile.

5. What activities are prioritised?

Priorities include child protection case management, MHPSS, support for children affected by armed conflict, standard child protection and GBV activities, and inclusive services.

6. Is a PSEA capacity assessment required?

Yes. All partners must complete a PSEA capacity assessment on the UN Partner Portal.

7. How much funding is available?

The supplied information does not specify a funding amount. Applicants should review the financial conditions in the specific opportunity documents. This UNICEF partnership offers eligible local NGOs an opportunity to strengthen child protection and psychosocial support in conflict-affected areas of South Sudan. Organisations should review the complete UNPP listing, complete the required assessment, and submit their expression of interest by 16 October 2026. For more information, visit the UN Partner Portal opportunities page.