Cash in Emergencies Officer American Red Cross

Cash in Emergencies Officer- NHQ17499

Background:
Recent disasters have clearly demonstrated the need for nongovernmental organizations to have the ability to effectively implement cash interventions in the emergency phase by utilizing delivery mechanisms that can be rapidly implemented on a large scale. Delivering cash quickly, at scale, in an international context necessitates full management support, clear guidance, integration of internal business processes, identification of viable delivery mechanisms and significant pre-planning.

American Red Cross International Services is working to increase its capacity to deliver cash directly to beneficiaries internationally by charting the organization’s strategic direction for Cash Transfer Programming (CTP) immediately following disasters, mapping the actions required to integrate cash programming with internal business processes, analyzing the feasibility of potential delivery mechanisms, and integrating cash transfer programming into the standard interventions implemented by the American Red Cross. Developing this capability will significantly improve delivery of services to beneficiaries in the immediate aftermath of a disaster and can be applied for use in longer term programming.

The American Red Cross seeks a Cash in Emergencies Officer to advise the systems design and program implementation of this initiative. The Cash in Emergencies Officer provides technical assistance in cash transfer programming within the International Response Operations Center, building upon existing research, socialization and emergency program delivery. The position is envisioned to be two years, and is aimed at preparing the organization by constructing the elements of program administration, developing a fully operational delivery mechanism toolbox (mobile phone transfers, vouchers, e-banking, etc.) via internal and external developers, and building staff capacity. Key counterparts will include internal business support functions including Finance, Business Operations and Contracting, Logistics, Technical Innovation, Response and Program Officers, and counterparts at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Initial responsibilities include:

The objective of the Cash Technical Advisor is to prepare for and enable delivery of Cash Transfer Programming within American Red Cross international disaster response activities.

Specific objectives include:
1. Organizational preparation and systems development:
a. Develop cash delivery internal business process and tools through coordination with American Red Cross internal support units, including Business Operations, Logistics, and Finance.
2. Research:
a. Identify and develop cash delivery mechanisms, i.e., mobile phone transfers, vouchers, e-banking, etc.
b. Develop systems requirements.
c. Manage proposals for delivery mechanism development.
d. Develop and manage test system for implementation.
3. Develop personnel capacity for delivery and emergency programming.
4. Implement pilot delivery system and programming through coordination with Red Cross Movement and external partners.
5. Provide support, when requested, for international response to disasters.


Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree required, MA preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years relevant international experience in project design, monitoring and evaluation, participatory needs assessment, data collection and analysis.
• Significant systems and business process knowledge in relevant areas of technical expertise.
• At least 2 years experience in designing, implementing and monitoring conditional or unconditional cash transfer programs, coaching staff, and facilitating training.
• Hands-on design and implementation of cash/voucher based processes, control systems, market assessment and monitoring.
• Experience working between programmatic and support units and able to work across several business areas.
• Knowledge of integrated programming and accountability systems are an advantage.
• Experience within the Red Cross, preferably experience in working with a National Society or working within the International Federation.
• Knowledge of designing training and outreach strategies and materials.
• Experience in disaster relief, recovery or development work is desired.
• Self-motivated, with good judgment and initiative, and the ability to work with and manage others.
• Outstanding information management, written, verbal, facilitation, and interpersonal communication skills with wide range of technical and programmatic stakeholders.
• Ability to manage projects, prioritize, multi-task, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively.
• Ability to conceive of solutions, build consensus, and execute solutions.

The American Red Cross is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Please apply at:
www.americanredcross.apply2jobs.com