Senior Officer, Cash and Voucher assistance (CVA), Programme Finance and Risk Management

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies. The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.

IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. IFRC also has country cluster delegation and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.

In line with its commitment to innovation and leveraging digital technologies, IFRC is undertaking a transformative initiative to develop and implement a digital self-enrolment and Assistance Platform model, building on the successful experience with the AccessRC app. This model aims to revolutionize humanitarian aid delivery by enabling individuals to digitally enroll and access critical services and assistance, including cash and voucher assistance (CVA), goods, and other essential support.

The position is based in Geneva, Switzerland and provides support globally. The position will report as part of the SEE unit in DCC and working closely with diverse teams within the Financial and Administrative Management Department.

Job Purpose

This role has a strong focus on guiding and providing key expertise and strategy to the CVA team’s initiatives in budgeting, programme cash flow planning, disbursements, reconciliation, monitoring, and audit/fraud/risk considerations to ensure proper stewardship of donor funds.

This role will be responsible for providing technical guidance and support in setting up systems for National Societies and IFRC operations or regional offices to implement and enhance the global digital self-enrolment model. One primary focus will be on financial flows and processes, ensuring efficient interventions for cash and voucher assistance (CVA) as well as other services added as appropriate. Another crucial role will be in identifying and mitigating associated risks in the workflow, revising standard operating procedures, providing technical expertise in budgets, forecasts, reconciliation, and reporting, and developing new processes as needed.

Job Duties And Responsibilities

Financial Strategy and Risk Management:

• Provide risk-related advice to support the interventions undertaken by National Societies and IFRC operations or regional offices, including CVA and other services integrated into the digital self-enrolment model.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop comprehensive financial strategies that align with the objectives of the digital self-enrolment model, both improving existing strategies and developing new approaches as necessary.
• Assist in the implementation of proper controls within programmes, ensuring adherence to relevant policies and guidelines while identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation.

Disbursements:

• Collaborate with the Finance and relevant teams to develop effective processes and guidelines for cash disbursement from Financial Service Providers (FSPs) to National Societies and the selected population, considering various service interventions and exploring new avenues for efficient cash flows.
• Provide expertise and guidance to ensure timely availability of funds for FSPs and the team responsible for implementing different services, streamlining processes for efficient disbursement to beneficiaries while seeking opportunities to enhance cashflow management for the programmes.
• Provide technical guidance on the review and verification of payments to ensure they are made to eligible individuals across different service interventions, and that NS and IFRC are maintaining accurate records and exploring innovative disbursement methods where applicable.

Controls/Audit/Risks/Monitoring:

• Support the development and revision of standard operating procedures to guide National Societies and IFRC operations or regional offices in implementing and enhancing the digital self-enrolment model with sound controls, covering various service interventions.
• Identify key risks and develop mitigation measures within the entire workflow, working closely with stakeholders to establish appropriate controls, while also exploring new ways to strengthen risk management and monitoring.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance on the process design of interventions, ensuring alignment with financial requirements while actively contributing to the development of new processes that improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Document critical areas of the programme for audit purposes and ensure proper stewardship of donor funds, leveraging technological advancements to enhance transparency and accountability.

Financial Service Providers:

• Be the point of contact for the Team for related global FSPs to ensure FSP requirements are shared with the global CVA team.

Budgets/Forecasts/Reporting:

• Support the development of budgeting and forecasting frameworks for programmes implemented through the digital self-enrollment and Integrated Assistance models initiated with the AccessRC app in collaboration with National Societies and IFRC operations or regional offices.
• Provide guidance and expertise in designing effective reporting mechanisms and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the interventions, focusing on continuous improvement, and exploring innovative reporting tools and techniques.
• Support National Societies and IFRC operations or regional offices in guiding them on the process of updating and maintaining country budgets to support the implementation of different services offered through digital self-enrollment and Integrated Assistance models, incorporating refinements and new budgeting methodologies where appropriate.

Reconciliation:

Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

• Provide technical support and guidance in establishing systems and processes for the reconciliation of cash disbursements, ensuring consistency and accuracy between cash disbursements and the accounting system.

Duties Applicable To All Staff:

• Actively work towards the achievement of the IFRC Secretariat’s goals.
• Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles.
• Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager.

Education

Required

• University or professional degree in relevant field or equivalent experience (accounting, finance, audit, CVA management).
• Basic Delegates Training Course (BTC), WORC, IMPACT or equivalent knowledge.
• Practical Cash in Emergencies Training (PECT).

Experience

Required

• At least 5-7 years professional experience working on reconciliation, controls and risks.
• At least 3 years professional experience working on planning, reporting and monitoring in a crisis/post emergency context.
• Experience building a network and/or team.
• Experience living and working in challenging and multicultural environments.
• Experience managing data.
• Experience working with Cash and Voucher Assistance Programmes, especially with digital Financial Service Providers.

Preferred

• Experience working with partners.
• Experience of working with Red Cross/Red Crescent.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Required

• Fluent spoken and written English.
• Strong analytic and problem-solving skills.
• Self-supported in digital and software (including Excel, internet, email) and strong command and ease with digital platforms.
• Excellent knowledge of finance trends relating to CVA and strong network of professional contacts in this field.
• Ability to work in a cross-functional team and environment with excellent communication and management skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and stress management skills.
• Excellent customer service.

Preferred

• Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic).

Competencies, Values and Comments

Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability.

Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgment and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust.

Application Instruction

Please submit your application in English only.

IFRC values equal opportunity, diversity and inclusivity. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, irrespective of sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, nationality, class, political opinions, ethnic or social origin, disability, religion, or belief.