CASH Transfers Lead

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been operational in South Sudan since 1989, functioning as a registered international non-governmental organization (NGO). The IRC is dedicated to providing humanitarian assistance and support to vulnerable populations affected by conflict and disaster. With a mission to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future, the IRC has established a significant presence across the country. Currently, the organization delivers multi-sectoral programming directly and through partnerships across seven states and two administrative areas, including Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Unity State, Upper Nile State, Lakes State, Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, and Jonglei, as well as the Abyei and Ruweng Administrative Areas. The IRC employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with various stakeholders to implement effective programs aimed at improving the lives of those in need.

Job Overview:
The CASH Transfers Lead will serve as the technical lead for all Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) activities under the Education for All South Sudan (EFASS) program. This senior technical position is crucial for overseeing the design, implementation, management, and continuous improvement of cash transfer delivery at scale across South Sudan. The role requires expertise in managing large-scale cash transfer programs in fragile and conflict-affected contexts, with a strong emphasis on ensuring Value for Money (VfM), fiduciary risk management, safeguarding, and adaptive program management. The CASH Transfers Lead will oversee the complete end-to-end cash delivery process, which includes beneficiary identification and registration, payment distribution, and post-distribution monitoring. This position demands exceptional strategic leadership and adaptive program delivery to ensure that the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)'s investment achieves maximum impact while protecting public funds in a high-risk environment. The role also involves making evidence-based decisions about scaling transfers in response to changing needs, climate shocks, displacement, or budget adjustments, while exploring innovative approaches linked to climate events.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The CASH Transfers Lead will be responsible for leading the strategic design and implementation of nationwide cash transfer interventions targeting marginalized groups, particularly girls and children with disabilities. Key responsibilities include developing and maintaining a clear, feasible end-to-end process for timely and secure delivery of cash transfers across all states, designing robust mechanisms for identifying eligible beneficiaries, and ensuring cash transfer strategies integrate with behavior change communication (BCC) activities. The role also involves exploring and piloting innovative delivery mechanisms, coordinating with the Government of South Sudan and various stakeholders, managing relationships with financial service providers, and monitoring and adapting delivery mechanisms in response to various challenges. Additionally, the CASH Transfers Lead will develop and implement comprehensive risk mitigation strategies, train and monitor cash delivery staff, engage with major donors, prepare technical reports, and establish accountability and feedback mechanisms to strengthen program effectiveness and safeguarding.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in International Development, Economics, Social Protection, Public Administration, or a related field. A minimum of 8-10 years of program management experience is required, with at least 5 years in fragile and conflict-affected states. A proven track record of managing large-scale cash transfer programs is essential, along with knowledge of mobile money platforms, biometric systems, and digital payment technologies. Candidates should have a deep understanding of risks associated with cash delivery, including fraud, safeguarding, and market volatility, as well as expertise in fiduciary risk management and financial controls. Strong budget management and analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis skills are necessary, along with excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and strong negotiation abilities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in a relevant field such as International Development, Economics, Social Protection, or Public Administration. This advanced degree is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage cash transfer programs in complex environments.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of 8-10 years in program management, with at least 5 years of that experience in fragile and conflict-affected states. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing large-scale cash transfer programs and a deep understanding of the dynamics within the education sector and its linkages to cash transfer outcomes. Experience delivering cash transfers in South Sudan or similar humanitarian contexts is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with stakeholders. While English proficiency is essential, knowledge of local languages spoken in South Sudan would be considered an asset, as it may facilitate better communication with beneficiaries and local partners.

Additional Notes:
This position will be contingent on the outcome of the bid. All staff must comply with IRC South Sudan's security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-policies" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security policies and procedures. The IRC and its workers are expected to adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct, which include Integrity, Equality, Service, and Accountability. The organization enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti-Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation. The role is expected to be full-time, and the organization may consider recruiting internationally or nationally depending on the candidate pool.