Deadline: 23-Apr-2026
The Mastercard Foundation–UNICEF Community Health Workforce Development Programme in Zimbabwe strengthens primary health care systems while promoting youth economic empowerment. Targeting young community health workers, the initiative integrates nutrition improvement with entrepreneurial skills, creating sustainable livelihoods and better early childhood health outcomes.
Overview
The programme, led by UNICEF in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, focuses on enhancing community-based health systems in Zimbabwe while creating economic opportunities for young people. Implementation is centered in Harare and extends to selected districts including Umzingwane, Bulilima, Mudzi, Mutoko, Chiredzi, Mwenzi, Goromonzi, Chipinge, Mutasa, and Mbire.
Key objectives include:
- Strengthening primary health care through community health workforce development
- Promoting youth self-reliance and entrepreneurship
- Improving nutrition outcomes for infants, young children, and caregivers
Core Components of the Initiative
The programme operates under two integrated components:
1. First Foods Nutrition Initiative
This component focuses on improving early childhood nutrition by:
- Promoting optimal infant and young child feeding practices
- Encouraging the production and consumption of locally available, nutrient-dense complementary foods
- Engaging caregivers to increase nutrition awareness and behavioral change
Expected impacts include better infant nutrition, reduced malnutrition risks, and strengthened community knowledge on food and micronutrient use.
2. Youth Economic Empowerment Component
Using the UPSHIFT methodology, this component equips young community health workers (ages 18–35) with:
- Entrepreneurial and innovation skills
- Tools to design solutions for local health and nutrition challenges
- Guidance to launch sustainable income-generating enterprises
This dual approach links health improvement with economic empowerment, fostering resilience and self-reliance among youth.
Who is Eligible?
- Young people aged 18–35 with an interest in community health and entrepreneurship
- Residents of targeted districts in Zimbabwe
- Individuals committed to participating in community health initiatives and implementing innovative solutions
Why This Programme Matters
- Addresses critical nutrition gaps among infants and young children
- Strengthens community-based health systems
- Provides youth with skills for entrepreneurship and economic independence
- Aligns with national priorities such as human capital development, food security, and youth employment
Expected Outcomes
The programme aims to achieve:
- Improved access to nutritious foods
- Better infant and young child feeding practices
- Increased caregiver and adolescent nutrition awareness
- Development of youth-led businesses and innovative solutions
- Sustainable income generation for households
- Evidence-based models to inform policy and scale-up initiatives
How to Apply / How It Works
- Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission: Interested candidates submit their EOI through UNICEF’s official channels.
- Eligibility Screening: Candidates are evaluated based on age, residency, and interest in community health and entrepreneurship.
- Training & Capacity Building: Selected participants undergo UPSHIFT and nutrition-focused training.
- Implementation & Mentorship: Participants apply learned skills in their communities with continuous support and mentoring.
- Business Development & Monitoring: Youth launch enterprises addressing local health or nutrition needs, monitored for impact and sustainability.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incomplete or late submissions for the EOI
- Lack of commitment to community health activities
- Failure to integrate local context in proposed entrepreneurial solutions
- Neglecting caregiver engagement when implementing nutrition activities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can participate in this programme?
Young community health workers aged 18–35 residing in the selected districts of Zimbabwe.
2. What skills will participants gain?
Participants develop entrepreneurial, innovation, and community health skills, alongside practical training in nutrition improvement.
3. Where is the programme implemented?
The programme is based in Harare and several districts including Umzingwane, Bulilima, Mudzi, Mutoko, Chiredzi, Mwenzi, Goromonzi, Chipinge, Mutasa, and Mbire.
4. What are the expected impacts?
Enhanced nutrition outcomes, improved community health practices, and sustainable youth-led economic initiatives.
5. How is this programme funded?
The initiative has an indicative budget of USD 625,000 and is funded by the Mastercard Foundation in partnership with UNICEF.
6. Can the programme model be scaled?
Yes, it aims to generate evidence-based models that inform policy dialogue and can be scaled nationally.
7. How does the programme integrate health and entrepreneurship?
By linking nutrition improvement with business skills, youth create solutions that improve community health while generating income.
Conclusion
The Mastercard Foundation–UNICEF Community Health Workforce Development Programme is a strategic investment in Zimbabwe’s youth and health systems. By integrating nutrition education with entrepreneurial empowerment, it builds resilient communities, strengthens primary health care, and creates sustainable economic opportunities for young people, especially women.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.