Cash & Markets Specialist, Yemen Sana'a

Yemen is one the world’s leading humanitarian crisis, with nearly 80% of the population are in need of some form of protection and humanitarian assistance. Protracted conflict and the consequent internal displacement of people are the key drivers of vulnerability. NRC implements an integrated programme covering a range of core competencies (CCs), including WASH, Education, Shelter and Settlements, Site Management and Coordination, Livelihoods and Food Security, and Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance.

Currently, NRC Yemen has a large portfolio of cash and voucher assistance (CVA) across a number of CCs including: rental subsidies and cash for shelter; cash-for-livelihoods and food security, cash for WASH and Multipurpose Cash Assistance, (MPCA) which is based on the Survival Minimum Expenditure Basket (SMEB) mostly used for Rapid Response Mechanisms (RRM) but also used in other projects taking advantage of the degree of flexibility and choice for affected households to meet their basic needs based on their own priorization and experiences both in emergency and durable solutions context. The adoption of appropriate technologies that enhance the efficiency and accountability in cash delivery are also a big priority for NRC in Yemen. The programme has been exploring use of digital and mobile transfers of cash, and will continue to build on the lessons learnt so far from the recent pilot of Red Rose e-voucher platform and the use of Mfloos Mobile Money platform to further inform the use of electronic cash deliveries by the programme.  

NRC in Yemen is also taking a deliberate effort to apply and institutionalize Market Based Approaches (MBA) (including CVA) in its programming across all the CCs. In view of the growing significance of the use of CVA and the deliberate efforts to enhance the capacity on MBA, the Cash and Markets Programming Specialist position is a strategic role. NRC’s strategic direction is for all programmes, to the greatest extent possible, to be market sensitive, utilizing intervention approaches that either use, strengthen, stimulate or change market capacity and functionality, and at the same time not undermine local market(s). Therefore, this role is key to the achievement of this ambition.

Specific Responsibilities

1. Develop, contextualize and/or adapt relevant systems and tools for the institutionalization of MBA (including CVA). This includes those relevant for the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting of programmes. This will require: the inclusion of MBA in relevant strategy and policy documents; a frequent review and update of relevant SOPs; identifying and sharing new learning on MBA and continuous capacity building of staff; participation in internal strategic programme and operational meetings to promote and embed the application of MBA in Yemen and, supporting the development of proposals and strategy documents at core competency and Country Office level.
2. Develop robust risk analysis, risk mitigation/management plans, risk monitoring systems and maintain up-to-date risk register on MBA in collaboration with relevant CC, protection, and support and security colleagues.
3. Support the transfer process of responsibility of level-1 market assessments to the Logistics departments. Monitor that market assessments are conducted and leveraged to inform project design decisions.
4. Lead on specialized market assessments to promote informed market system based interventions across all CCs – for example labour market assessments.  
5. Innovate and promote the uptake of appropriate technologies that enable NRC to deliver cash and vouchers in a more efficient manner. This will include systematically piloting and/or adapting evidence- based best practices; as well as review of workflows/business processes to enhance efficiency (e.g. eliminating cumbersome or multiple transactions) and strengthening accountability (e.g. securing supporting documentation).
6. Develop and deliver relevant capacity building on MBA for NRC staff, partners and service providers. The emphasis being to work with CC, area-based programme staff and Logistics and Finance teams.
7. Collaborate with M&E and Area Programme Managers to develop an effective system for addressing beneficiary feedback and complaints related to cash and voucher assistance.
8. Develop and support CVA Champions in the Area Offices for better quality MBA.
9. Proactively create awareness about i) donor and NRC compliance requirements related to MBA and, ii) external developments in the MBA relevant for the programme in Yemen, among all relevant NRC staff.
10. Proactively engage in processes with external stakeholders (incl. donors, working groups, consortia) to pre-position NRC for funding opportunities, to scale up high impact interventions as well as piloting of innovations and dissemination of best practice.
11. Represent NRC in the National Technical Cash Working Group and be a member of Cash and Market bodies of consortia.

View this job description for complete details and context requirements of the role

Professional competencies:

1. Advanced degree in Agriculture, Economics, Econometrics or Business Studies.
2. Documented technical competences related to the position’s responsibilities, with a minimum of 6 years’ relevant experience in a similar role.
3. Previous experience from working in complex and volatile humanitarian context.
4. Additional documented experience as technical specialist or programme manager related to NRC’s Core Competencies/sectors will be advantageous.
5. Experience of undertaking capacity building using a blended methods approach, including remote training methodologies.
6. Strong computer skills - proficiency in Microsoft Office and Microsoft Excel and is mandatory.
7. Demonstrate ability in thinking creatively and innovatively, initiate pilots and practically to improve the quality of projects.
8. Fluency in English, both written and verbal. Arabic language skills are an advantage.