Procurement policies

As part of UNICEF’s commitment to sustainability and ethical conduct, UNICEF adopts a risk-based, market-informed approach to integrate sustainability into its procurement processes. This mandatory approach to procurement is defined in the UNICEF Procedure on Sustainable Procurement. While this Procedure guides UNICEF’s internal work, suppliers will find sustainability requirements in solicitations and contracts, tailored to the type of goods or services and the associated environmental, social or economic risks.

In addition, all suppliers must adhere to minimum environmental, social and economic requirements. These standards are aligned with and drawn from the General Terms and Conditions of Contract, the UN Supplier Code of Conduct and relevant UNICEF policies. 

The following requirements do not supersede or replace any provisions outlined in the UN Supplier Code of Conduct, the General Terms and Conditions of Contract or UNICEF policies. Rather, they are intended to summarize the sustainability requirements in UNICEF’s policy framework and provide additional guidance to suppliers. 
 

• Human rights: UNICEF expects its suppliers to support and respect internationally proclaimed human rights, including child rights, and to ensure they are not complicit in human rights abuses, including forced labour and human trafficking. Additionally, suppliers and their affiliates must not engage in the sale or manufacture of anti-personnel mines or their components.
   
• Labor practices: UNICEF suppliers must adhere to International Labour Standards set by the ILO, respecting workers' rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining. They must not engage in forced or child labour and should actively work to eliminate child labour. Suppliers must ensure non-discriminatory employment practices, provide fair wages and working conditions, and maintain adequate health and safety measures. They must also create and maintain a respectful environment for all employees, free from threats, harassment, abuse and sexual exploitation.
   
• Environment: UNICEF expects suppliers to have a climate and environmental policy that complies with relevant laws and regulations. This policy should address the management of chemicals, hazardous materials, wastewater, solid waste, air emissions, pollution, climate change mitigation and adaptation, recycling and waste reduction. Suppliers should adopt a precautionary approach to climate and environmental matters, undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility, and encourage the use of eco-friendly technologies and practices.
   
• Safeguarding: UNICEF's Policy on Safeguarding defines safeguarding as actions taken to prevent and respond to harm caused to any individual resulting from contact with UNICEF or the work of the organization – including contact with UNICEF suppliers and contractors. Suppliers must have their own safeguarding policies and standards that are at least as stringent as UNICEF’s. Suppliers are expected to ensure their personnel and affiliates follow safeguarding practices, prevent sexual exploitation and abuse, and prohibit any exchange of money, goods, or services for sexual favours. They must report any safeguarding concerns to UNICEF, conduct investigations and take corrective actions as needed.
   
• Personal data protection is considered part of UNICEF’s broader safeguarding commitments, ensuring that the rights and safety of individuals are respected in both physical and digital environments.  Suppliers must implement appropriate measures and procedures to ensure that UNICEF personal data is handled securely, only processed according to UNICEF’s instructions, and in full compliance with applicable data protection standards and legal requirements.
   
• Economy: UNICEF promotes economic sustainability through whole life cycle costing, circular economies, increased local production, supplier diversity, support for local communities and social investment. During bidding processes, suppliers may be required to provide information on whole life cycle costing, including price, maintenance, operations and disposal. Additionally, suppliers may need to detail their efforts in social investment, community engagement, local sourcing of materials, and support for disadvantaged groups.