Deadline: 11-May-2026
UNICEF is inviting organisations to support a maternal and child health project in Morocco focused on improving health and nutrition services for women, newborns, and children. The initiative emphasises community engagement, behaviour change, and system strengthening under the 2023–2027 cooperation programme. It includes capacity building, youth engagement, and improved referral systems to enhance service delivery and outcomes.
Overview
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund is seeking applications from qualified organisations to implement a maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) project in Morocco.
The initiative is part of the UNICEF Country Programme 2023–2027, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection. It focuses on improving access, quality, and utilisation of health and nutrition services, especially for vulnerable populations.
Programme Objectives
The project aims to:
- Improve maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes
- Strengthen nutrition services and practices
- Enhance community engagement and awareness
- Build capacity of local civil society organisations
- Improve referral and service delivery systems
Key Focus Areas
1. Maternal and Newborn Health
- Emergency obstetric care
- Safe pregnancy and childbirth services
2. Child Health
- Preventive and curative healthcare services
- Early childhood interventions
3. Nutrition
- Infant and young child feeding (IYCF)
- Community-based nutrition interventions
4. Communication for Development (C4D)
- Behaviour change communication strategies
- Community mobilisation and awareness
Key Concepts Explained
Communication for Development (C4D)
A strategy that uses communication tools to influence positive health behaviours and community engagement.
Referral and Counter-Referral System
A structured process where patients are referred to appropriate health facilities and followed up for continuity of care.
Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC)
Evidence-based communication approaches that encourage healthier practices in communities.
Expected Results
- Increased access to quality MNCH and nutrition services
- Improved health-seeking behaviour among communities
- Strengthened capacity of local civil society organisations
- Better coordination between community and health systems
- Enhanced monitoring and feedback mechanisms
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Civil society organisations (CSOs)
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- Institutions with expertise in public health and community engagement
Required Expertise
- Maternal and child health programming
- Nutrition interventions
- Community mobilisation and behaviour change
- Health systems strengthening
Project Components
1. Capacity Mapping & Assessment
- Develop tools to identify and assess local CSOs
- Evaluate readiness for community mobilisation
2. Behaviour Change Needs Assessment
- Identify gaps and strengths in communication strategies
- Design targeted training programmes
3. Youth Engagement Strategy
- Analyse youth roles in health behaviours
- Develop youth-led health initiatives
4. Referral System Development
- Create community referral and follow-up mechanisms
- Link CSOs, health workers, and facilities
5. Community Feedback Systems
- Establish participatory feedback platforms
- Capture beneficiary experiences and insights
How the Programme Works
Step-by-Step
- Application Submission
- Organisations submit proposals
- Selection Process
- Based on expertise and methodology
- Project Design & Planning
- Develop tools, strategies, and workplans
- Implementation
- Deliver interventions in targeted regions
- Monitoring & Evaluation
- Track progress and outcomes
- Reporting & Learning
- Document results and best practices
Why This Programme Matters
- Addresses critical maternal and child health gaps
- Strengthens local health systems
- Empowers communities and youth
- Improves service delivery and access
- Contributes to national and global health targets
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak community engagement strategy
- Lack of clear methodology
- عدم aligning with UNICEF priorities
- Poor monitoring and evaluation plans
- Inadequate stakeholder coordination
Tips for a Strong Proposal
- Provide a clear and detailed implementation plan
- Demonstrate local experience and partnerships
- Include measurable outcomes and indicators
- Focus on sustainability and scalability
- Integrate youth and community participation
FAQs
1. Who is funding this project?
UNICEF under its 2023–2027 cooperation programme.
2. Where will the project be implemented?
In targeted regions of Morocco.
3. Who can apply?
CSOs, NGOs, and institutions with relevant expertise.
4. What are the main focus areas?
Maternal health, child health, nutrition, and communication for development.
5. Is community engagement included?
Yes, it is a core component of the programme.
6. What systems will be developed?
Referral systems and community feedback mechanisms.
7. Is youth involvement required?
Yes, youth engagement is a key component.
Conclusion
This UNICEF initiative in Morocco presents a strategic opportunity for organisations to contribute to improving maternal and child health outcomes through integrated, community-driven approaches. By combining health system strengthening, behaviour change, and local capacity building, the programme aims to deliver sustainable and impactful results for vulnerable populations.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.