Individual contractor: Cash Specialist, MENARO, Gaziantep

Purpose of Activity/Assignment:

UNICEF seeks a consultant on Humanitarian Cash Transfers (HCT) to provide technical and strategic advice to senior management on the use of cash as a response in North West Syria (NWS). In close collaboration with relevant sections and clusters, particularly, but not exclusively, WASH, Nutrition, Education, and Protection the consultant on Humanitarian Cash Transfers (HCT) will provide guidance and technical assistance to support UNICEF in developing and implementing an HCT strategy to contribute to achieving results for children. Guidance and technical assistance should be provided in terms of design and proposal development, planning, implementation, management, monitoring of programme/project activities, data analysis and progress reporting, and developing guidance and strategies for increased HCT options to cluster partners.

The post-holder will be responsible for provision of management, advice, expert analysis and technical leadership of cash programming in UNICEF’s office in Gaziantep covering NW Syria in an area of high humanitarian need, a complex political setting, and in the context of changing operational and coordination environment. Special attention will be required on the financial (macro and micro) landscape and assessing the opportunities and risks for UNICEF and partners in implementation of HCTs.  Work will be done in close collaboration with and technical input from the MENARO Programme Specialist in the Social Policy team (HCT focal point).

Scope of Work:

1. Cash-based assistance, design and implementation

• Conduct regular operational analysis of the existing HCT programmes, identify potential modalities of payment and Financial Service Providers (FSPs), provide quality assurance and identify solutions such as design improvements, additional trainings and technical support
• Advise Gaziantep office on UNICEF strategic positioning on cash in emergencies in NWS, based on best practices and country specificities and partners’ comparative advantages.
• Undertake cash feasibility assessments, where relevant, to inform UNICEF cash programmes, and identify implementing partners, and/or contribute to partners design efforts to ensure that HCT programmes are child-centered
• Integrate cash feasibility into existing sectorial and multisector assessments
• Integrate and introduce HCT in UNICEF Emergency programming in NWS by designing new relevant sector specific and multisector response, especially focused to pilot projects to demonstrate use of HCT in the context and where UNICEF comparative advantage is present.
• Conduct risk assessments and propose risk mitigation measures for the use of cash in emergencies in the specific context of NWS.
• Prepare programme reports required for management, donors, budget reviews, programme analysis, annual reports, etc.
• Develop and facilitate training of any UNICEF or partner staff on cash transfer programming.
• Participate in market monitoring and contribute to the development and update of the area cash profile
• Work closely with relevant sections, as needed

2.  Partnership, Coordination and Collaboration for cash transfer programme

• Provide support to strengthening strategic partnerships around UNICEF supported humanitarian cash transfer initiatives
• Work as a UNICEF resource person with cluster partners on the development of thinking on enhancing HCT and engaging in opportunities in HCT programming in the NWS context
• Provide recommendations and advices for potential partnerships and collaboration with partners, including UN agencies and national partners
• Actively participate and represent UNICEF in nationwide coordination forums such as the national and decentralized Multi Sectoral Cash Working Group, and any other relevant interagency group which might be established

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The list of deliverables capture the key milestone products which are expected to be delivered on specific deadlines (as per the payment schedule). In addition, it is expected that at minimum the consultant would be proactive, and share regular updates on progress, challenges and discuss any action needed throughout the contract period to mitigate any delay.

 Assignment is for 108 days,  remote working for half of consultancy estimated, and then move to Gaziantep (Covid dependent).

Minimum Qualifications required:
Bachelors

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:
• University degree in international development, social sciences, public policy, public health, or relevant field, or equivalent experience
• Five to Seven years of relevant professional work experience – designing, implementing and managing emergency cash transfer programmes.
• Proven experience in assessing FSPs including carrying out a risk analysis in complex monetary environments.
• Proven experience in technical cooperation with civil society and government
• Previous research experience on humanitarian programming is desirable.
• Basic expertise in data analysis and information management
• Ability to work independently and respond to feedback in a timely and professional manner.
• Experience in emergency programme implementation.
• Demonstrated knowledge in use of cash in emergencies.
• Familiarity with UNICEF’s programmes in emergency contexts preferred.
• Experience in multi-stakeholder co-ordination and facilitation.
• Proficiency in oral and written in English is essential. Proficiency in Arabic is an additional asset.

 Our core values are Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and our Core Competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization.