Deadline: 04-May-2026
The UNICEF is inviting Expressions of Interest to strengthen and integrate social protection systems for women and children in Madhya Pradesh.
The initiative focuses on capacity building, policy development, and integrated service delivery, including innovative approaches like Cash Plus strategies and local-level social protection clinics.
Programme Overview
This initiative aims to build a coordinated, inclusive, and resilient social protection ecosystem for women and children.
It is implemented by UNICEF in partnership with the Government of Madhya Pradesh, targeting improvements in:
- Policy frameworks
- Institutional capacity
- Service delivery systems
The programme addresses fragmentation across schemes and aims to ensure efficient, last-mile delivery of benefits.
Key Objectives
Strengthening Social Protection Systems
- Harmonise multiple schemes (cash transfers, pensions, food support, etc.)
- Improve coordination across departments and governance levels
Capacity Building and Training
- Develop a comprehensive training programme for government stakeholders
- Enhance understanding of inclusive and sustainable social security systems
Policy Development and Innovation
- Create frameworks for integrated social protection systems
- Develop operational models and guidelines
Improving Service Delivery
- Strengthen local governance-level implementation
- Improve access, efficiency, and accountability
Promoting Inclusion and Resilience
- Address gender and disability inequalities
- Strengthen resilience to climate and economic shocks
Key Focus Areas
- Social security system strengthening
- Integrated service delivery models
- Social registry integration
- Cash Plus strategy implementation
- Local governance capacity building
- Gender-responsive and inclusive policies
Key Concepts Explained
What is Social Protection?
Social protection includes policies and programmes designed to:
- Reduce poverty and vulnerability
- Improve access to essential services
- Provide income and social security support
Examples include:
- Cash transfers
- Pensions
- Food and nutrition schemes
- Employment programmes
What is a Cash Plus Strategy?
Cash Plus combines:
- Direct cash transfers
with - Complementary services such as:
- Healthcare
- Nutrition
- Childcare
- Livelihood support
This approach improves long-term outcomes beyond financial assistance.
What are Social Protection Clinics?
Local-level service centres that provide:
- Access to entitlements
- Counselling and guidance
- Grievance redressal
- Coordination across schemes
Expected Results
Capacity Building Outputs
- Nationwide and state-level training programmes for officials
- Long-term technical support for training systems
Policy and Strategy Outputs
- Development of a Cash Plus Strategy framework
- Policy brief on rights-based social protection
- Concept note for a Care Coalition (childcare services)
Pilot and Implementation Outputs
- Pilot testing of Cash Plus strategies in selected districts
- Integration with social registry platforms
System Strengthening Outputs
- Establishment of integrated social protection systems
- Operationalisation of block-level social protection clinics
Who is Eligible?
While detailed eligibility may vary, typical applicants include:
- Research and policy institutions
- NGOs and development organisations
- Technical agencies and consulting firms
- Organisations with expertise in:
- Social protection
- Public policy
- Governance systems
- Capacity building
Applicants should demonstrate experience in large-scale programme design and implementation.
How to Apply / What to Do
Step 1: Understand Programme Scope
- Review focus areas such as:
- Social protection systems
- Cash Plus strategy
- Capacity building
Step 2: Develop a Technical Proposal
Include:
- Approach to system strengthening
- Policy and training frameworks
- Implementation strategy
Step 3: Design Scalable Solutions
- Focus on state-wide and district-level implementation
- Ensure adaptability across governance levels
Step 4: Highlight Experience
- Demonstrate expertise in:
- Social protection programmes
- Government partnerships
- Policy development
Step 5: Submit Expression of Interest
- Provide:
- Organisational profile
- Technical approach
- Relevant past experience
Why This Initiative Matters
- Strengthens social protection for vulnerable populations
- Improves delivery of government schemes
- Promotes gender equality and inclusion
- Enhances resilience to economic and climate shocks
- Supports system-level transformation in governance
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Proposals lacking integration across schemes
- Weak understanding of local governance systems
- Ignoring inclusion (gender, disability)
- Overly theoretical approaches without implementation strategy
- Lack of scalability and sustainability
Tips for a Strong Application
- Focus on practical, scalable system solutions
- Demonstrate policy and implementation expertise
- Include strong capacity-building frameworks
- Align with Cash Plus and integrated service delivery models
- Show clear pathways for last-mile impact
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main goal of this initiative?
To strengthen and integrate social protection systems for women and children in Madhya Pradesh.
2. What is a Cash Plus Strategy?
It combines cash transfers with complementary services like health, nutrition, and childcare.
3. Who are the key beneficiaries?
Women and children, especially vulnerable populations.
4. What are social protection clinics?
Local centres providing access to schemes, counselling, and grievance redressal.
5. What type of organisations can apply?
NGOs, research institutions, and technical agencies with relevant expertise.
6. Will there be pilot projects?
Yes, including pilot implementation of Cash Plus strategies in selected districts.
7. What is the expected impact?
Improved coordination, accessibility, and effectiveness of social protection systems.
Conclusion
This UNICEF initiative represents a major step toward building a coordinated, inclusive, and efficient social protection system in Madhya Pradesh. By combining policy innovation, capacity building, and integrated service delivery, it aims to transform how benefits reach vulnerable populations.
Organisations with strong expertise in social protection, governance, and large-scale implementation have a significant opportunity to contribute to long-term systemic change and improved outcomes for women and children.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
