Cash & Market Specialist, Yemen

Role description

The ICRC defines Economic Security (EcoSec) as the status of an individual, household or community that is able to cover its life and livelihoods obligatory expenditures in a viable manner, consistent with its environment, culture and customs. Within its global Economic Security approach in conflict affected countries, the ICRC implements Relief, Livelihood and Rehabilitation Programs in order to improve, restore or maintain food and economic security at household level. To achieve this objective, the Economic Security ( EcoSec ) unit uses a combination of different interventions and modalities, such as cash and voucher programs, microeconomic initiatives, agricultural and livestock programs, and relief items distributions.

Based in the delegation in Sana’s and supporting the other Sub delegations, the Cash and Market Specialist (CMS) reports to the EcoSec Coordinator and to the head of Sub-delegation when in the field. She/he travels to other sub-delegations and provides advice and coaching to the EcoSec field staff in Yemen. Where possible the CMS will support the design and implementation of multidisciplinary cash transfer programming (CTP) response liaising with the Protection Department, to assist victims to reduce their vulnerabilities and strengthen their self-protection measures.

Main responsibilities

1. Develops a clear understanding of the context and participates in the implementation of the EcoSec programme, including:

• S/he is mainly in charge of the CTP, its planning, preparation, implementation and its monitoring;
• Monitoring the evolution of the context, based on both secondary and primary data for all issues regarding cash transfers;
• Identifying opportunities and constraints. Suggests to the EcoSec unit and the Delegation in Yemen operational options and strategies related to CTP, for immediate and long term;

• Represent the ICRC, with local authorities; business partners and merchants; internal and external interlocutors

1. Participate to ensure the coherent design and implementation of the EcoSec CTP according to the objectives set in the annual planning. In doing so:

• Cooperates and coordinates closely with other departments in the Delegation, especially with the Administration and Logistics;
• Coordinates the market assessments in the field and monitors key market indicators (prices, inflation, exchange rates, etc.)

• Establish and develops contacts and coordinates with the local authorities and other humanitarian agencies or partners working in these field : UN Agencies, INGOs, local NGOs;
• Provides technical support and guidance to EcoSec delegates and field-officers on CTP;
• Defines action priorities and appropriate 'fall back' alternatives in case of no access;
• Coordinate all CTP related issues during the transfers/distributions;
• Set and provides technical guidance on Cash Transfers proposals ensuring coherence among the sub-delegations;
• Collects information required to develop an approach and a budget for an EcoSec project for 2019 (participation to the PfR 2019);

1. Evaluates and improves the impact of the project by:

• Set-up monitoring systems and evaluations including:
  • identification of SMART indicators;
  • preparation of data collection tools and modalities;
  • drafting a data analysis plan including linkages with decision making or adjustments as necessary;
  • Taking into account the “accountability to beneficiaries” concept and proposes approaches on this field;
• Proposes thematic and inputs for further “in-house” training on CTP in Yemen.

1. Represents the ICRC (notably with local authorities, business partners, Yemeni Red Cross Society, other humanitarian actors etc)
2. Ensures internal and timely reporting:

• On progress and achievement of the EcoSec programme according to the objectives;
• By writing reports and other documents whether related to assessments, distribution or monitoring and evaluation reports;

Desired profile and skills

Technical

• University degree, preferably in Economics, development studies, anthropology, sociology or other related fields.

Experience

• 2 years’ experience in designing and implementing relief and/or livelihood programmes;
• Strong practical experience in designing and implementing CTP
• Experience in the Red Cross – Red Crescent Movement is an asset

Skills / Qualities

• Ability to work within a conflict-affected environment and highly restricted movement;
• Good analytical skills allowing for 'bigger picture' perspectives, contributing to a multi-disciplinary understanding of trends, and thematic;
• Ability to understand the constraints and opportunities relating to actions under his/her responsibility, take them into account and adapt to them accordingly;
• Sound understanding of the project cycle, establishing appropriate (SMART) objectives and indicators is required;
• Coaching skills and ability to motivate colleagues both individually and as part of a larger team;
• Good organisational, managerial, planning, reporting and networking skills.
• Ability to integrate a multi-disciplinary team and work in team, possibly under long distance control or with limited field visits

Language skills

• Fluent English is essential, Arabic is an asset.

Our operational & field constraints

• In line with the principle of neutrality, the ICRC does not assign personnel to a country of which they are nationals
• Candidates must be in good health and will have to do a medical check-up prior to departure in the field
• Candidates must possess a driving license (for manual transmission vehicles)
• Candidates must be prepared to accept unaccompanied postings (i.e. no spouse, partner, children or dependents) for at least the first 24 months

What we offer

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment
• A two-week orientation course and other opportunities for further in-house training
• Attractive social benefits
• Length of assignment: 6 months
• The opportunity to join an ICRC talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere

Additional information

• Length of assignment : 6 months
• Working rate: 100%
• Starting date: 01/07/2018
• Application deadline: 29.04.18