Iraq: Cash and Voucher Expert
Country: Iraq
Closing date: 27 Oct 2013
Terms of Reference
Title: Cash and Voucher Expert
Duration of assignment: 01 November to 31 December 2013(possibility of extension for 3 additional months)
CONTEXT:
In 2012, UNHCR Iraq implemented its cash-based support for Iraqi returnees through an agreement with the Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI). In this arrangement for distributing cash to the identified returnees, UNHCR provided TBI and its branch offices with a list of beneficiaries. Beneficiaries were then paid through the bank counter upon submission and verification of identification documents, and after crosschecking their names with the list submitted by UNHCR. This approach proved flawed and caused considerable problems, especially in terms of the distribution’s transparency and accountability. In 2013, UNHCR Iraq launched the direct implementation of two distinct cash-based interventions, namely: i) the assistance scheme for Extremely Vulnerable Individuals (EVI), and ii) cash assistance to non-camp refugees from Syria. Both interventions concentrated on Central and Southern Iraq.Learning from its experiences in assisting returnees, UNHCR Iraq decided to change the delivery approach. In an attempt to increase oversight and accountability in the distribution phase, UNHCR resorted to direct implementation and adopted cheques as the primary mechanism for disbursement to EVIs and non-camp Syrians. However, in practice this method has proved cumbersome too: considerable manual labor is involved in preparing them, and cheques being physical instead of digital, they need to be hand-delivered to Field Staff involved in the distribution. Especially in far-off governorates, this delays an already complex process. In Najaf and Karbala governorates, TBI branch offices repeatedly refused to release cash to beneficiaries claiming that there are discrepancies between the signatures on the cheques and in the bank’s system.
UNHCR Iraq has therefore decided to explore the possibility of cash distribution through a digital Smart Card system. In considering the use of Smart Cards for the cash distribution, two options are available:
(a) Direct approach (UNHCR signing agreement with International Smart Card Ltd), whereby UNHCR will negotiate and sign an agreement with ISC to distribute cash through Smart Cards to selected beneficiaries.
(b) Pass-through approach (or using an implementing partner), whereby UNHCR will sign a sub-agreement with UNWFP to ‘piggyback’ on its existing agreement with ICS, obviating the need for a direct contractual relationship with ICS.
SCOPE OF WORK AND REPORTING STRUCTURE:
The scope of work of the Cash and Voucher Expert will be both within the regular programme (all UNHCR persons of concern) and the emergency operations in Iraq (Syrian and non-Syrian refugees). He/she will report directly to the Senior Field Coordinator/Non camp refugees
OUTCOMES OF CONSULTANCY:
- Delivery mechanisms regarding Smart card use for CBI streamlined.
- Delivery process of Smart card use for CBI taken over by UNHCR, if shown to be appropriate.
DELIVERABLES:
- Capacity of UNHCR Iraq in handling the delivery process of CBI with the use of smart card assessed and possible gaps addressed.
- Assessment regarding delivery mechanisms conducted and most appropriate mechanism retained.
- Action plan for the takeover of the new delivery process drafted.
- Implementation of the takeover launched.
- Monitoring process and indicators of the CBI specific delivery mechanisms designed.
- Follow up, monitoring and evaluation systems established.
- Meetings and working sessions with WFP/ISC technical staff to define and undertake concrete steps to define a common platform for delivery processes conducted.
- Proposed strategy for way forward/cooperation with WFP realized.
TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Collect information on delivery mechanisms from UNHCR national and international partners implementing Cash Based Interventions.
- Undertake market research to assess most appropriate delivery mechanism and possibilities of streamlining the delivery process.
- Assess the administrative capacity of UNHCR Iraq to take over the delivery process; suggest changes in staffing/responsibilities, if any.
- Provide the entire UNHCR staff with a short training session on CBI to diffuse basic knowledge on CBI.
- Identify possible focal points in the different units (finance, ICT, supply, etc) that can be partially involved in the assessment as part of a learning exercise on CBI for UNHCR staff
- Facilitate the implementation of orientation and capacity building activities targeting UNHCR and implementing partners’ personnel.
- Organize meetings with International Smart Card/WFP in order to negotiate service packages.
- Contact other UNHCR offices to learn from their experiences in implementing cash delivery.
- Draft a comprehensive action plan for the implementation of takeover.
- Launch the takeover of delivery process and provide technical support to programme unit while preparing sub-agreements for 2014.
- Work with Protection Unit to ensure that mechanisms for the identification of beneficiaries and distribution of assistance operate in harmony.
- Collect information on transfer modalities and delivery mechanisms from ISC/ WFP and see how best a partnership between the two agencies can be established. This may include, among other:
- Define operational coordination system to jointly deal with service providers, operational partners, smart cards, databases, etc.
- Ensure data triangulation among the two agencies wherever it is possible with regards to beneficiaries;
- Promote an integrated vision (complementarity) on cash transfers objectives between the two agencies;
- Analyze and possibly identify the use of the same delivery mechanism, service provider, implementing partner to increase cost efficiency;
- Ensure joint monitoring of joint activities;
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: - University degree in International Development, Social Sciences, Business administration or in any other related discipline. - Minimum 6 years of relevant professional experience, including at least 3 years in CBI. - Proven knowledge and technical skills in set up, design, implementation and monitoring of CBI from a multi-sectorial perspective.- Previous work experience with UNHCR and /or WFP an advantage.- Excellent knowledge of English. Arabic (written and spoken) is an advantage.
How to apply:
Please send your P-11 and covering letter to Mr. Marco SANGUINETI at sanguine@unhcr.org
Thank you.
