Cash and Voucher Assistance Technical Advisor - Sudan

Description

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse, and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact.

Program / Department Summary

Mercy Corps’ Sudan crisis response seeks to meet the humanitarian needs of vulnerable Sudanese and other conflict-affected people across the country.  Mercy Corps Sudan is recognized as a leader in market systems, agricultural, and food security and building on this experience, the MC Sudan humanitarian program will layer in resilience and other program activities where appropriate and feasible to do so.  Mercy Corps is scaling up to reach upwards of 200,000 conflict affected people with multi-purpose cash assistance, targeted voucher programs, in-kind and services provision across the country.  Our impact will be delivered with a focus on needs, in partnership with local actors and civil society, and embrace the safe, appropriate, and accountable use of digital systems and technologies to support the response.

The Position

The Cash and Voucher Technical Assistance (CVA) Advisor will provide technical assistance to the Sudan program and operations teams supporting access basic needs assistance, with an emphasis on Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA), and agricultural and food security programming, with a focus on vouchers and cash grants. They will be responsible for understanding shifting contextual dynamics vis-a-vis CVA implementation inside Sudan, while helping define and represent the vision for CVA programming writ large. Given the complexities of the financial sector within the context, the position will have a strong focus on assessing, advising on, and supporting procurement process for financial service provider (FSP) contracting and developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support the use of different FSPs and cash delivery mechanisms.

This person will be the programmatic focal point working with senior counterparts in Procurement and Finance Teams to streamline cross-functional coordination between Programs and Operations Teams with a focus on cash and vouchers. In coordination with cash program management personnel, this person will represent Mercy Corps within the Cash Working Group Forum (with a potential to act as co-lead for the cash working group) and other external spaces.  This person will also be the technical focal point for CVA proposal development and help manage donor and partner relations at response level, alongside program management. The Advisor will create structures that support local implementing partners involved in cash and voucher distributions, will input into working modalities of the overall cash consortium, facilitate a focus on data protection and safe programming in CVA, and ensure that the Response is able to utilize multiple delivery mechanisms.

Essential Job Responsibilities

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

●    Lead end-to-end proposal development process on CVA programs, working closely with cross-functional teams to gather information, develop compelling content, and produce high-quality proposals.

●    Lead on technical support to operations, program managers and directors involved in CVA program delivery.

●Synthesize and harmonize cross-functional technical support across CVA Technology Advisor, Operations, PaQ/MEL to ensure coherence and singular vision for CVA.

●    Support in developing a coherent flexible strategy for the use of CVA as a tool to support basic needs, with priority on MPCA, agricultural, food security, and market systems.

●    Define and promote operational solutions for MPCA and other cash modalities in collaboration with Digital CVA Senior Advisor and other relevant stakeholders

● Develop strategies to integrate and influence the harmonization of CVA within Sudan

●    Contribute to proposals for major donors, as needed. Support development of an approach to partnerships and CVA in the response, where appropriate.

MANAGEMENT

●    Contribute to drafting scope of work/hiring CVA-focused team members and technical consultants

●    Support evidence based advocacy for cash staffing and capacity strengthening at the country level where relevant.

PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

●    Provide support to CVA cash implementation, while ensuring coordination with various response-level departments including Operations and PaQ/MEL

●    Identify and nurture relevant partnerships, including private sector vis-a-vis evidenced needs from field

● Support the determination and adaptation of the most appropriate cash delivery modality/modalities for the context

●    Develop and lead the harmonization of SOPs, tools, and approaches (where appropriate)

●    Ensure that program implementation is centered around communities, responsive to communities and partners, and consistent with Mercy Corps’ Cash Minimum Standards and other relevant program guidelines, principles, values, quality

●    Support general and sector focused needs assessments (including population movements, needs assessment, market price surveys, market assessments & vendor assessments, shelter needs rehabilitation); ensure methodologies and analyses employ best practices

●    Support local associations’ capacity assessments and/or performance reviews, ensuring methodologies and documentation employ best practices vis-a-vis partnerships

PROGRAM LEARNING

●    Track key development in regulatory environment as well as donor policies / funding trends to adapt CVA programming accordingly to ensure relevancy

●    Build evidence base on “good CVA practices” for the Sudan Response, via consortium partners and otherwise

STRATEGIC INFLUENCE & REPRESENTATION

●    Develop strategic partnerships, in collaboration with Program and Technology leads, to bring viable external resources and innovations into the program

●    Participate in cash coordination efforts, strengthening Mercy Corps program approach and influencing the response via these mechanisms

●    Represent Mercy Corps at donor meetings for general partnership development, proposal development and presentation and status presentation of existing grants.

• SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES

• Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work

• Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members

• Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g. Integrity Hotline and other options

Organizational Learning

As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountabilities

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging participant communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects. Team members are accountable to Mercy Corps Procurement Policy and Procedures. Maintains accurate electronic and hardcopy files of procurement file and other relevant files.

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Supervisory Responsibility: CVA Specialist

Reports Directly To: Deputy Director of Programs - Emergencies

Works Directly With: Program Departments, Operations / Security, Finance & Compliance, PaQ / MEL

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders

Minimum Qualifications & Transferable Skills

● 5+ years of experience in CVA required (i.e. writing and analysis on proposal development; humanitarian assessments; CVA implementation; CVA capacity building);

●    at least one response assignment that demonstrates the ability to successfully adapt support and assistance methodologies to real-world complexities (slow onset, rapid onset, protracted/complex crises) - required

●    BA/BS or equivalent in Humanitarian Affairs, International Development, Economics or other relevant field; MA/S preferred.

●    Excellent oral and written English skills required

●    Proficiency with MS Office software required (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

●    Mercy Corps Core Humanitarian Competencies (as defined in the Humanitarian Capacity Framework) preferred.

_Technical competencies:

_

●      Possesses strong understanding of theoretical and applied knowledge about CVA

●      Knows and applies Mercy Corps’ CVA minimum standards

●      Understanding of digital cash delivery mechanisms

●      Experience in FSP scoping, mapping, and contract management

●      Can lead rapid market assessments

●      Can identify and initiate setup of payment mechanisms

●      Can conduct response analysis and program design (CVA related)

●      Is able to develop CVA SOPs in line with Mercy Corps’ Minimum Standards

_Functional competencies
_

●    Can write proposals and concept notes for funding

●    Understands donor regulations and compliance (USAID, EU, FCDO, UN, etc.)

●    Supports the development of program strategies

●    Supports team members through capacity building

●    Possesses basic M&E competencies to ensure program accountability and evidence of impact

●    Can identify and nurture strategic partnerships

●    Is familiar with using integrated approaches and applying systems thinking

●    Can identify and leverage opportunities for collaboration/coordination

_Leadership competencies

_

●    Can effectively participate in external discussions and leadership spaces (such as the CWG and donor discussions)

●       Nurtures innovation across the team

●       Drives impact by building high performing teams

●       Broadens influence by role-modeling and leveraging networks

Success Factors

The CVA technical advisor will demonstrate a winning track record in program development, and bring flexibility, creativity, and enthusiasm to every project they undertake. The individual must have exceptional writing skills and the ability to set priorities, pay attention to detail, and work under tight deadlines within complex team environments. Experience in emergency contexts will be key for the success of this position.

The advisor must take an active role in building and maintaining external relationships as well as demonstrating the drive and initiative to contribute to internal team efforts. The individual must learn quickly how to provide technical data and support in the most efficient and effective form possible. The position requires strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, and a level of emotional intelligence proficiency that quickly builds and maintains productive relationships across teams.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

The position will be based in Port Sudan, Sudan, with regular travel to Darfur/field offices Kenya.  Mercy Corps Sudan program activities may include travel to insecure locations where freedom of movement is limited and areas where amenities are limited. Housing for this role is in shared housing with minimal ammenities.

Ongoing Learning

In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. By applying for this role an applicant confirms that they have not previously violated an employer’s sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation and abuse, child safeguarding or trafficking policy. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

As an applicant, if you witness or experience any form of sexual misconduct during the recruitment process, please report this to Mercy Corps Integrity Hotline (integrityhotline@mercycorps.org).

Keywords

Cash AssistanceVoucherTechnical AdvisorSudanMarket SystemsAgriculturalFood SecurityResilienceHumanitarianMulti-Purpose Cash AssistanceVouchersCash GrantsFinancial SectorProcurementSOPsDigital SystemsTechnologiesProgram ManagementProposal DevelopmentDonor RelationsCash Working GroupData ProtectionSafe ProgrammingDelivery Mechanisms