Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) has long been recognized by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (RC/RCM) as an effective and dignified way of meeting the humanitarian needs of crisis-affected populations. The benefits of using CVA have been well studied and documented in a range of different contexts, and a growing number of donors and humanitarian organizations are pushing for CVA to become the default response modality following a disaster, if feasible. 

The Sudanese Red Crescent Society has a wide presence in the country and plays an important role in national disaster response. Up to date, experience with cash-based assistance is limited to smaller Cash for Work programmes as part of larger livelihood programmes, unrestricted cash grants for vulnerable households (the Orphan Programme) as well as being the implementing agency for distribution of World Food Programme’s food vouchers. 

A cash capacity assessment and cash feasibility study were carried out in February 2020 with the support of Danish Red Cross (DRC) and German Red Cross (GRC). The study showed that the Sudanese Red Crescent (SRCS) has some, although limited, experience with Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA), and is interested in further developing its capacity. The results of the assessment were presented in a workshop March 2021, where it has been agreed with SRCS, to create a role of a CVA Focal Point in SRCS.

This role will be integrated in SRCS Programme Department and work independently and along a CVA Expert that will be deployed with the support of Danish Red Cross, German Red Cross and Spanish Red Cross.

Purpose

To develop, mainstream, implement and monitor the SRCS CVA PoA and provide technical support to cash-based interventions of SRCS.

Key tasks and responsibilities

1. Develop the CVA PoA in cooperation with the CVA Delegate;
2. Function as liaising person between all departments necessary to involve in the writing and realization of the PoA;
3. Ensures the follow up of activities according to the Plan of Action;
4. Monitor progress and produce short monthly reports against the CVA Preparedness PoA for relevant stakeholders;
5. Function as the liaising person for all CVA related matters and represents SRCS in all internal and external CVA related matters;
6. Active Participation in the Cash Working Group;
7. Give SRCS staff and volunteers at branch level training on CVA based on their needs;
8. Contribute to development of CVA related interventions within projects and programmes implemented by SRCS.
9. Participate in evaluation and review of CVA interventions implemented by SRCS.
10. Involve in any activity related to SRCS institutional capacity development on CVA.

Organizational considerations

The CVA Officer is expected to work in close collaboration with departments in SRCS that are involved in SRCS programme management (DM, Health, Finance, Logistics, PMER and Communications, etc.).

The CVA Officer works in cooperation with the CVA Advisor. The CVA Advisor ensures adequate training and mentoring for the CVA Officer.

1. A post-graduate degree in an appropriate technical field.
2. A minimum of three years’ work experience with CTP in the humanitarian/development sector.
3. Good experience in dealing with WFP CBT assistance modality.
4. Experience in research, data collection and analysis, and reporting.
5. Experience as a presenter to external audiences and as a training facilitator.
6. Good understanding of preparedness/contingency planning and disaster response within the National Society.
7. Excellent analytical skills with ability to influence decision-makers.
8. Excellent coordination skills, including the ability to liaise with various agencies/individuals, organize events, prioritize work and ensure a smooth flow of information and an environment of cooperation and information-sharing.
9. Diplomacy and good interpersonal skills.
10. Capacity to remain calm under pressure and not lose sight of strategic priorities.
11. Ability to work independently and with people located in different geographical locations and in other organizations.