Cash Adviser Consultant

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR CONSULTANCY FOR CASH ADVISER

UNDER LA NINA PROJECT IN NORTHERN KENYA ____________________________________________________________________________________

Background and Context

VSF Germany is an international Non Governmental Organization, providing humanitarian aid and development assistance to pastoralists and vulnerable communities in areas where livestock is of importance. In the region, VSF Germany implements activities in southern Sudan, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania and Ethiopia.

With support in animal health, agriculture, marketing, food safety but also with developing the capacity of communities and governmental institutions or initiating peace and conflict resolution we work towards food security and strengthened livelihoods of pastoralist communities.

The Project: VSF Germany has been implementing the La Nina project in Turkana & Marsabit in Northern Kenya. The project intends to mitigate the impact of drought on vulnerable people in the Arid and Semi Arid Lands (ASALs) of Northern Kenya. The vast majority of the people within the area are pastoralist, whose livelihood depends on livestock. With the increase in the frequency of severe droughts, the communities find it more challenging to retain their main Source of livelihood, hence decreasing livestock assets to unsustainable levels and forcing thousands to depend on food aid or search for other means of income.

This project is an intervention for pastoralist, with opportunities to market their livestock and develop linkages between the communities and traders in the region. Similarly the project will endeavor to develop livestock marketing trade patterns. On the other hand the livestock off take is mainly to safeguard the survival of fewer animals but with high value for breeding. In realizing the project objective, VSF Germany is working together with VSF Suisse, VSF Belgium, Oxfam, and Acted-Kenya & Uganda in implementing similar activities in Isiolo, Wajir, Mandera, Garissa, Baringo & Pokot.

We seek to recruit a qualified and well experienced Consultant as a Cash advisor to support the implementation of the project. The consultant will have to make frequent visits to the field locations within the project area. The incumbent will report directly to the Head of Programs.

Objectives of the consultancy This post will play a critical role in supporting the delivery of quality programme implementation though sustained quality technical advice. The Cash Advisor will work close with the PM of projects with strong cash transfer programming components to review and improve existing programmes and identify opportunities for new and innovative programmes.

This position will primarily focus on cash programming in terms of ensuring best practices, maximum impact, and quality programming. Currently, VSFG implements cash programmes throughout Kenya and Somalia including cash for work, conditional and unconditional cash transfers and vouchers. In addition, the Advisro will support a consistent integration of M & E principles and practices into all programmes activities.

The assignment is expected to achieve the following: • Strengthen VSF Germany capacity and profile in cash programming. • Support LANINA partners in cash programming • Review existing cash programming and make recommendations for areas of expansion. • Coordinate the current and future implementation of cash programmes, especially in emergency response. • Be the focal point for VSFG programme in reporting, proposal development, documentation and programme monitoring of all cash related projects.

Tasks for the consultant: The consultant will be expected to perform the following tasks: • Focal point for all cash related programmes to ensure best practices and optimum results • Ensure technical quality though support to national and international staff by providing on the job training and capacity building for relevant staff together with the area managers • Ensure relevant monitoring and evaluation instruments are utilized and provide real time technical advice to project staff through direct field visits • Focal point for technical proposal writing and quality reporting for cash programmes • Focal point for oversight of budget for large cash programmes • Undertake frequent field visits to project sites to ensure that the activities are carried out in accordance to work plan and technical requirements • Liaise with various stakeholders and leading cash and voucher organizations in all project locations, and take a lead role in providing information regarding cash and market trends to VSF Germany managers. • Strategy development and development of future cash interventions • Represent VSFG in technical meetings and related forums • Organize and facilitate training for all staff and partners on technical components of the project (Cash based transfers, employment creation, Conflict mitigation and M&E) • Oversee the activities of the project in all locations, and ensure proper monitoring for informed reports and improved quality of programming. • Oversee project budget and ensure budget is strictly adhered to and all supporting documentation for expenses are properly completed and sent to Nairobi per required donor guidelines and schedule. • Compile monthly internal reports to the Nairobi office and donor reports as per contracts • Coordinate with cash consortium members and other actors to ensure synergy, cross learning, and best practices on the various project components • Contribute to field based learning of VSFG and its partners, on related aspects, such as compiling and publishing related learning.

Methodology The consultant will prepare an implementation strategy and work plan for discussion and approval by VSF Germany Program prior to the start of activities.

Reporting and feedback: The Consultant will work under the supervision and direction of the Head of Programs. The Cash Adviser will oversee and provide technical and strategic assistance to food security / livelihood programme activities for VSF Germany. They will be expected to develop an implementation an implementation strategy for the assignment. The consultant will be expected to prepare progress.

Time frame and processes This is a 6 months consultancy to be implemented in two phases of equal months. Since the assignment is to be implemented in Northern Kenya, the consultant will therefore spend most of the time in the field.

Qualifications, Experience, Attributes & Skills required • Interested consultants must provide a consultancy firm profile • Attach a financial proposal with per day rates. • Technical implementation proposal • Consultants’ Individual profiles • Minimum experience of 5 years in rural development work with past expertise in Cash Transfer • Excellence in computer knowledge and report writing skills •Sensitivity to work in cross-cultural and religious background.

Interested and qualified candidates must submit a technical and financial proposal clearly stating their per day rates, together with all the related standard application documents mentioned under the requirements to the Head of Administration & HR, P.O Box 25653,00603 Nairobi, email Address: admin_hr@vsfg.org . Given the urgency of this consultancy, applicants will be assessed on a continuous basis and may be recruited on short notice.

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