Deadline: 01-Mar-2026
AI Snippet Summary
UNICEF, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and the Government of Egypt, is seeking a consultancy to pilot sustainable health entrepreneurship pathways for Community Health Workers (CHWs). The consultancy focuses on professionalizing CHWs, building entrepreneurship skills, and improving community health outcomes, with special emphasis on youth and women.
Overview
UNICEF is launching a consultancy aimed at strengthening community health systems in Egypt by piloting sustainable entrepreneurship pathways for Community Health Workers (CHWs). This initiative targets improved maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes, particularly in underserved and low-income communities.
The consultancy forms part of a national initiative in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and the Government of Egypt, focusing on professionalizing CHWs while creating income-generating opportunities that enhance primary health care delivery.
Key Objectives
The consultancy will focus on:
- Professionalization of CHWs: Strengthening career pathways, recognition, and retention.
- Sustainable entrepreneurship models: Piloting income-generating mechanisms for CHWs such as micro-franchises, cooperatives, social enterprises, digital health platforms, service delivery models, product distribution channels, and hybrid approaches.
- Youth leadership and participation: Empowering CHWs, particularly young women aged 18–35, to take on leadership roles.
- Capacity building: Providing training in entrepreneurship, health promotion, communication for development, and operational skills.
- Community health impact: Strengthening delivery of maternal, newborn, and child health services at the local level.
Rationale
Despite national improvements in maternal and child health, disparities persist:
- Under-five mortality: 28 per 1,000 live births.
- Neonatal mortality: 18 per 1,000 live births.
- Vulnerable households: The poorest households continue to experience weak health outcomes.
CHWs, mostly young women, are pivotal in health promotion, early detection, and family counseling, yet face challenges such as limited career progression, low professional recognition, and insufficient financial incentives. The consultancy addresses these barriers by linking CHW work with sustainable income opportunities.
Consultancy Scope
The consultant will:
- Assess entrepreneurship models: Identify feasible approaches suitable for the Egyptian context while ensuring alignment with Ministry of Health and Population regulations.
- Pilot selected models: Test operational feasibility, income potential, and community health impact.
- Capacity building: Develop entrepreneurship skills for CHWs and support business startup processes.
- Data collection and evaluation: Generate evidence to refine the Health Entrepreneurship Pathway and inform scale-up.
Expected Outcomes
- 10,000 CHWs trained annually in entrepreneurship skills.
- 3,000 CHWs start businesses each year.
- Minimum 70% participation by young women aged 18–35.
- Strengthened primary health care delivery at the community level.
- Development of scalable, sustainable CHW entrepreneurship models.
Cross-Sectoral Focus Areas
- Communication for development
- Engaging men and boys in community health
- Training, capacity building, and skills development
- Youth leadership and participation
FAQs
Q1: Who are the primary beneficiaries of this consultancy?
A: Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Egypt, especially young women aged 18–35, and the communities they serve.
Q2: What types of entrepreneurship models will be considered?
A: Micro-franchises, cooperatives, social enterprises, digital health platforms, service delivery mechanisms, product distribution channels, outcome-based incentives, and hybrid models.
Q3: What are the expected outputs of the pilot?
A: Operational feasibility assessment, income potential analysis, community health impact evaluation, and recommendations for scaling the Health Entrepreneurship Pathway.
Q4: How many CHWs are expected to start businesses?
A: At least 3,000 CHWs annually, with a minimum of 70% young women.
Q5: How will this consultancy support maternal and child health outcomes?
A: By professionalizing CHWs, increasing their retention and motivation, and integrating entrepreneurship with enhanced delivery of maternal, newborn, and child health services.
Conclusion
This consultancy represents a strategic opportunity to professionalize CHWs in Egypt, combining health service delivery with sustainable income generation. By piloting entrepreneurship pathways, UNICEF aims to empower CHWs—particularly young women—enhance community health outcomes, and establish scalable models for strengthening primary health care systems nationwide.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
