Home » Uncategories » Position Title: Researcher and Co-Author - 'Unpacking Cash': Building the evidence-base for cash- based approaches as a means to deliver humanitarian assistance (Office of Emergency Programmes, Humanitarian Policy Section), Closing date: Friday, 20 February 2015
Thursday, February 12, 2015

Position Title: Researcher and Co-Author - 'Unpacking Cash': Building the evidence-base for cash- based approaches as a means to deliver humanitarian assistance (Office of Emergency Programmes, Humanitarian Policy Section), Closing date: Friday, 20 February 2015

Closing date: Friday, 20 February 2015
Position Title: Researcher and Co-Author - 'Unpacking Cash': Building the evidence-base for cash- based approaches as a means to deliver humanitarian assistance (Office of Emergency Programmes, Humanitarian Policy Section)
Location: Coordinated by the Humanitarian Policy Section, EMOPS, New York; travel to Regional and Country Offices expected, flexible working arrangements
Duration: immediately - 31 st July 2015 (5 months)
Justification
As part of its contribution to the WHS 'Transformation through Innovation' pillar discussions, and its own Strategic Plan 2015-2017, UNICEF has committed to conduct policy and operational research to inform the use and uptake of cash-based approaches in the delivery of its humanitarian assistance. To date, rapid innovation around cash transfers to people affected by crises has generated profound shifts around how humanitarian assistance is delivered. Stronger markets and steady advances in policy, technology, and financial services have made it increasingly possible for the global humanitar- ian system to deploy cash assistance in emergencies instead of or in addition to other forms of sup- port. These issues will be discussed in the context of the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul in May 2016. The collection, review and analysis of data to enrich the evidence based around the op- portunities and constraints surrounding systematic uptake of humanitarian cash is a gap it will be critical to fill as this fundamental humanitarian innovation is brought to scale.
Objective and Methodology
UNICEF's Division of Emergency Programmes proposes to work closely with the World Food Programme's Division of Programme Innovation and the World Humanitarian Summit 'Transformation Through Innovation' pillar to support and facilitate targeted, specific research to inform the debate on humanitarian cash-based approaches from the perspective of large-scale operational agencies, and with a focus on those with presences both in humanitarian and development contexts. The research will be conducted based on a review of secondary data, supplemented by primary research in two field contexts and complemented by consultations amongst experts and practitioners. A multi-agency Advisory Panel will ensure a wide base for consultation and vetting of findings, as well as the development of recommendations based on said findings, to be presented in the context of the World Humanitarian Summit.
UNICEF and WFP will facilitate access to field locations and data as needed, based on the recommendations of the Advisory Panel and the relevant Regional Offices.
Main responsibilities and tasks
  • Desk review of secondary data, including project reports
  • Basic field research to fill information gaps, based on consultations with humanitarian practitioners and representatives of affected communities; short questionnaires and surveys and other participatory data collection exercises, in 1-2 settings
  • Working with any co-authors to produce a cohesive and coherent think-piece and final report
  • Presenting findings in a clear, credible manner at expert consultations
  • Periodic reporting on the progress of work along an agreed upon timeline
  • Submission of a light report on specific research conducted
Management and working conditions
The position falls under the supervision/management of the Humanitarian Policy Specialist (Equity, Accountability, Innovation), Humanitarian Policy Section, Office of Emergency Programmes (EMOPS), in UNICEF NY headquarters.
This position will require strong collaboration with UNICEF Country Office and Regional Office staff, as well as with staff of the World Food Programme. It will include consultation with other agency professionals, academic and policy specialists, representatives from civil society especially affected communities and the private sector, as well as any other research and policy experts who may be recruited to enrich this project.
Competencies
The Researcher /Author must demonstrate:
  • a proven record preparing substantive policy papers for consideration of senior decision mak- ers in the international humanitarian sector, preferably with previous publications on impli- cated aspects of humanitarian cash transfers;
  • proven experience or thorough understanding of cash-based humanitarian program operations;
  • thorough understanding of the international humanitarian architecture which define the space which would enable/limit the uptake at scale of humanitarian cash;
  • internationally credible expertise in value for money and/or the economics of humanitarian action.
Specific Competencies required for this position:
  • Communication
  • Working with People
  • Drive for Results
  • Planning and Organizing
Language Proficiency
English - High level of written and spoken English is essential Other official UN languages, especially French and/or Arabic are strongly desired. APPLY: Please e-mail: 1) P-11 (see http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/P11.doc ); 2) A cover letter stating why you are suitable for the position to Amel Montez, abenbellamontez@unicef.org. Deadline: Midnight 20 th February 2015.