ASSISTANT, CASH AND VOUCHER ASSISTANCE at International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies

Organizational context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 192-member National Societies. The overall aim of the IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” The IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

The IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of the IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

The IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.

The IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The IFRC also has country cluster delegation and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

Americas Regional Office (ARO) of the IFRC provides supports to 35 National Societies of the Americas in the following areas of focus: Disaster Risk Reduction, Shelter, Livelihoods, Health, Water and Sanitation, Culture of non-violence and peace, Social inclusion and Migration.

Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) enables people affected by crisis or disasters to be supported more effectively, providing greater choice, dignity, and control over their lives. Other beneficial impacts of CVA include efficiency gains being transformed into a higher caseload of people supported and a multiplier effect in local markets and economies.

As a follow-up on IFRC’s commitments to the Grand Bargain1, the IFRC commissioned a Cash Roadmap to define the way to scale-up cash assistance over the next 5-7 years. In addition, the Red Cross and Red Crescent (RCRC) Movement have a Cash Strategic Framework aligned to the RCRC Movement four strategic objectives:

–Strengthened global cash and markets capacity and quality programmes

–NS (National Society) Cash Preparedness and capacity building

–CVA design and implementation

–Partnership and innovation

There are ongoing CVA interventions across the region that require some support to ensure that are implemented according to the IFRC SOPs. These CVA interventions are part of different Emergency Appeal; COVID-19, Migration, Floods, Haiti Earthquake, etc. These interventions are complex and rely on the different capacities of the implementing National Societies. It is necessary to provide remote support to ensure that IFRC CVA SOPs are followed, and high-quality standards are met.

Home based if required, preferably based in Panama, but will consider other countries in the region. He/she will be part of the DCCPR unit and report to the Regional CVA Delegate.

Job purpose

Provide operational and technical support to the National Societies’ operations in emergency contexts, ensuring quality and timely CVA programme implementation.

Job duties and responsibilities

· Support the creation/update, dissemination and implementation of SOPs for CVA in all sectors

· Provide support to NS on CVA tools available

· Ensure the procedures for the use of the CVA (and regional IFRC delivery mechanisms) are known, disseminated, respected and implemented in a timely manner, in collaboration with the NS:

o Follow the required steps for CVA disbursement in the framework of programme implementation.

o Liaise with the Financial Service Provider(s) to solve any technical or programmatic issues that might arise.

o Support the different departments with the acquisition, transportation/delivery/management of cards (and other delivery mechanisms), as well as with the consolidation and reconciliation of the CVA programmes as needed.

o Participate in tendering processes for regional Financial Service Providers and delivery mechanisms and support any tendering processes taking place locally by NS.

· Ensure the management and use of data registration and data management tools required for CVA in the region, such as Red Rose, RC2 Relief or others. Support training of NS on these platforms and liaise with the representatives as needed.

· Render visible CVA efforts in the region by contributing to gather information on operations. These can be used for donor reporting, internal communication or monitoring purposes, such as IFRC’s Counting Cash initiative or to measure the progress on strategic objectives.

o Produce a report by the end of the year, summarizing CVA operations in the region

o Contribute to infographics and other IM products related to CVA

· Liaise and coordinate with IFRC Country Clusters in the region, especially with CVA and Livelihoods Focal Points.

· Participate in case studies, surveys and evaluations related to CVA in the region.

· Support NS’s capacity building on diverse CVA aspects and needed and especially on the Cash Preparedeness approach

· Other as required

Education
University or professional degree in relevant field (social sciences, international development, finance, etc.)
Courses on Project Cycle Management, CVA, Emergency Relief Response, etc., preferred

Experience

At least 3 years professional experience working on planning, reporting and monitoring in a crisis/post emergency context
Experience managing data
Experience working with Cash and Voucher Assistance Programmes, especially with digital Financial Service Providers, preferred
Experience working with partners, preferred
Experience of working with Red Cross/Red Crescent, preferred

Knowledge and Skills
Self-supported in computing systems
Strong command of Excel and ease with digital platforms
Ability to work in a team, excellent communication, and management skills
Ability to work in a cross-functional environment
Excellent organizational skills and stress management skills

Languages
Fluently spoken and written Spanish and English
Good command of French, preferred

Competencies and values

VALUES: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability.

CORE COMPETENCIES: Communication; Collaboration and Teamwork; Judgement and Decision Making; National Societies and Customer Relations; Creativity and Innovation; Building trust.