Review of Cash and Voucher Programming – HARP At Crown Agents

About the role

The HARP-Facility is the principal pillar of the UK’s Humanitarian assistance in Myanmar. Launched in 2016, the Facility acts as both a grant funding mechanism and a knowledge platform for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the wider humanitarian community. The humanitarian context in Myanmar can be characterised as a complex protracted crisis, where humanitarian access is often constrained due to geographical inaccessibility, safety and security issues, restrictions imposed by authorities and, since March 2020, restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Coup on February 1st of this year has further increased the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar and created an increasingly difficult operating context for humanitarian actors.

Cash and Voucher Assistance Supported by HARP-F

This review will build on a cash and voucher assistance strategy developed by HARP-F in 2017 and a 2018 geographic review of potential for cash programming conducted in Kachin and Northern Shan states. The methodology for this review will be consistent with the former review, albeit adapted to the current context.

The HARP-F approach to CVA reflects and delivers FCDO’s policy ambitions as part of the Grand Bargain to increase its global investment in cash assistance in humanitarian contexts. Major considerations in the Myanmar context include;

An approach of “If not cash – why not cash?”;
“If cash, why not cash via digital delivery modalities?”
Significantly reinforcing preparedness for cash through capacity-enhancing and “accompanying” national and local partners;
Supporting the Cash Working Group (CWG) and coordination infrastructure at national and local levels.

The HARP-F has taken a flexible approach to increase CVA, implementing where appropriate and taking careful note of potential protection issues and market capacities. Mixed cash/asset transfer programmes have been considered in some locations, as has phased programming, which transitioned into increasing levels of CVA over time. HARP-F has also supported the transition towards more efficient and effective delivery modalities, where feasible and appropriate, such as electronic vouchers and mobile money.

About you

Research team composition and required competencies

Proven experience conducting similar studies and demonstrated expertise research methods
In-depth understanding and experience in humanitarian programming and cash aid in the context of providing humanitarian aid in a protected crisis.
Familiarity with the Myanmar humanitarian context and ability to communicate cross-culturally, Myanmar national team members an advantage.
Ability to synthesize and present findings in an engaging and accessible manner
Excellent report writing skills in English

Budget and Payment

Bids shall include budgets that are based on the scope of work and proposed objectives. The agreed sum shall cover all fees and costs incurred in conducting the consultancy tasks.

Payment will be made in two instalments: – 40 per cent upon completion of the inception period, – 60 per cent upon submission and approval of the finalised consultancy outputs

Proposal Submission

Application deadline: Close of business 1^st August 2021 (Yangon time).

Bids must include the following:

Cover letter: stating candidate/team skills and experience suitable for the consultancy (max 2 page)
Outline of proposed approach, proposed timeframe, basic work plan and budget (max 5 pages- longer submissions may not be read).
CVs of proposed individual(s) and sample of similar assessments/research carried out previously (abbreviated work is adequate, though we may ask for additional text if submission is insufficient to assess quality of work performed).

Bids and queries can be sent to: evaluations@harpfacility.org using the subject line: Study Reviewing the Current State of Protection in Humanitarian Assistance and HARP-F’s Role in the Sector

About us

You’ll be working with Crown Agents which is a high impact social enterprise passionate about transforming the future for millions of people. Since our creation in 1833 we have worked across the globe to improve public services and drive economic growth. Our expertise is finding new solutions to difficult problems for clients in the areas of health, governance, economic growth, humanitarian action and supply chain services. We work with and train leaders at local, national and international level to achieve lasting change drawing on our insight and experience.

Crown Agents is committed to diversity and will promote diversity for all candidates at all times as well as a business culture that reflects that belief. Crown Agents will treat everyone equally irrespective of race, religion, colour, sex, age, national origin, disability or sexual orientation, and places an obligation upon all staff to respect and act in accordance with the policy. Crown Agents shall not discriminate unlawfully when deciding which candidates are selected for interview, or in any terms of employment, and will ensure that each candidate is assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the role. Crown Agents is committed to being an organisation enhanced by diversity and encourages applications from anyone who shares our values and commitment to improving the lives of communities affected by poverty or conflict.