Does your organisation work with refugees and refugee-led groups in Egypt and have experience delivering inclusive community protection services? UNHCR’s Community-based Protection Programme seeks an implementing partner to build community-run protection capacity, improve outreach and equip safe, accessible digital community spaces. This is a protection partnership; the primary objective is stronger participation, access to services and social cohesion rather than technology deployment for its own sake. Deadline: 28 October 2026.
Funding and application overview
- UN agency: UNHCR
- Country: Egypt
- UN Partner Portal reference: HCR/EGY/2026/006
- Application deadline: 28 October 2026
- Indicative implementation period: 1 January–31 December 2027
- Funding amount: Not disclosed
- Official application: UN Partner Portal opportunities (search the reference)
What the programme seeks to deliver
The programme envisages establishing or refurbishing digital community spaces within community organisations, youth centres or other accessible locations. These centres are intended to support digital inclusion, information, online learning and access to services such as MYUNHCR, while also providing community gathering places. Digital connectivity must serve identifiable protection and inclusion needs.
A second component is capacity-sharing with community-based organisations, including refugee-led, youth-led and women-led groups. The chosen partner would support community initiatives, service referral, local leadership, neighbourhood cooperation and coexistence with host communities. Grant-related support to smaller community organisations must be governed by transparent selection and accountability systems.
The outreach component includes refugee outreach workers, mobile information sharing, consultations, participatory dialogue and service-navigation support. The programme description refers to Greater Cairo, the North Coast and Aswan, so applicants need to check the detailed implementation sites rather than relying solely on the brief administrative location label.
Who should consider applying?
Best fit is an experienced community-based protection actor with refugee engagement, gender and diversity expertise, financial control systems, safeguarding and the ability to manage community partners. A strong applicant will demonstrate experience working with people with diverse legal, accessibility and psychosocial needs.
How applications will be assessed
The published selection weights include 35 points for sector expertise, 30 for project management, 15 for local presence, 10 for cost effectiveness and 5 each for access/security and experience working with UN agencies. Evidence of sound financial management and action on previous audit findings is particularly important.
A stronger application: five preparation priorities
- 1. Map refugee-led and host-community organisations, explain meaningful representation in decision-making and show how they will influence activities rather than merely attend meetings.
- 2. Specify accessibility, safe connectivity, digital privacy, information verification and upkeep arrangements for each proposed community space.
- 3. Design a refugee outreach-worker training and supervision system with clear roles, multilingual communications and a feedback pathway.
- 4. Budget the community-support component transparently, including any material support and oversight over smaller initiatives.
- 5. Explain how local organisations will maintain the activities and community spaces after UNHCR support concludes.
The mistake to avoid
Do not present this as an ordinary computer-lab construction grant or presume that an expensive digital platform is the core output. The protection case should show inclusive access, community leadership, safe data use and the specific service barriers that each facility will address.
Frequently asked questions
Is the programme restricted to technology NGOs?
No. Digital spaces are one part of a wider refugee protection and community-engagement programme.
Can refugee-led organisations participate?
The scope explicitly includes strengthening refugee-led organisations. Specific lead-partner eligibility must be checked in the call.
Does the programme cover only one city?
The implementation narrative refers to several areas, including Greater Cairo, North Coast and Aswan. Confirm the operational list in the terms of reference.
What is the available funding?
The notice does not disclose an amount.
What should applicants prepare first?
Document local presence, past community-protection results, governance, safeguarding, an achievable workplan and robust finance procedures.
Official application documents and next steps
Use the official UN Partner Portal, search HCR/EGY/2026/006, and read the current terms of reference, eligibility requirements, budget forms and submission instructions. The deadline above is the date published in the issuing agency’s opportunity notice; check the portal for the closing time and any changes before submitting. The selection process does not guarantee funding or a partnership agreement.
For partners managing community evidence and responsibilities, the Grant Funding Toolkit helps identify gaps before preparing a UNHCR concept note.
Need a second review of your organisation’s donor fit or concept note? Discuss opportunity review or proposal support with Africads. Want similar opportunities? Subscribe to free Grant News.
