Terms of Reference (ToR)

Cash Based Transfer (CBT) Expert

Recovery and strengthening of livelihood in Sanghar district of Sindh

A.      BACKGROUND

One of the most unprecedented heavy rainfalls flooded over two third of Pakistan in August 2022. The floods also caused significant damage to agriculture, livestock and road infrastructure. The province of Sindh remains today the highest affected area where millions of people – particularly women and children – are yet striving hard to survive amidst acute food insecurity, monetary impoverishment and hazardous living conditions. The recovery phase for the flood affected areas was declared / started in December 2022. The government’s post disaster needs assessment as well as the 4R Framework1 (Resilient, Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction framework Pakistan (4RF)) issued in December 2022, prioritize the needs pertaining to a) continued food and nutrition support, and b) improved access to livelihood assets and services thereby allowing affected communities recover and revive in ways that guarantee sustained livelihood vis-à-vis revival and survival with dignity.

Since the onset of the flood emergency in June 2022, Pakistan witnessed a progressive increase in the utilization of Cash-Based Transfers (CBT) to substitute or complement various types of in-kind assistance such as food provision and shelter, and to support relief and recovery of affected populations. It is within this context that an international NGO is implementing a project i.e. Recovery and strengthening of livelihood in Sanghar district of Sindh province. The project intends to support the most vulnerable flood affected people in Sanghar district of Sindh province in improving food security and livelihood prospects by applying a Cash-Based Transfer (CBT) approach.

B.      PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The CBT Expert will set up Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) within the project framework, develop and deploy implementation plans and instruments, build staff capacity and steer technical roll-out of CBT modalities. The CBT Expert will analyze and document feasibility, opportunities and risks in relevance to the project design thereby ensuring that the selected modalities and SOPs respond to beneficiaries’ needs and meet minimum standards of effectiveness, transparency and the best interest of the affected persons.

C.      SPECIFIC TASKS

• Conduct a detailed assessment covering - but not limited to – the market assessment, service provider assessment, risk and opportunity assessment, recommended CBT modality, SOPs, conditionalities communication, accountability and exit strategies, Cash Transfer Scheme, etc.
• Prepare checklist for selection of financial service provider (FSP)
• Evaluate FSPs and make selection recommendation
• Draft and finalize contract with FSP in agreement with the project management
• Establish an information management system and personal data protection protocols
• Develop a security risk assessment (SRA)
• Provide technical support to the project team and partners aiming to ensure achievement of the project objectives   
• Capacity building of project and partner staff (e.g. CBT project Cycle, modalities, conditionalities, Post Distribution Monitoring, Accountability to the Affected Persons, etc.)

D.      DELIVERABLES

• Inception Report with detailed work plan, methodology with all required information on resource allocation, payment process, to be submitted within five (5) working days after signing the contract
• Provide a detailed assessment report
• Provide security risk assessment (SRA) report   
• Identify multiple Financial Service Providers and best distribution schemes to deliver the targeted cash transfers
• Draft contract with selected Financial Service Provider/s
• Submission of the final  report integrating the inputs of project staff, partners and beneficiaries
• Presentation on the final conclusions and recommendations to the management, collaborators and relevant regulatory authorities

E.       DURATION AND WORKING SCHEDULE

Duration:

The duration for the consultancy services will be of 60 working days spread over three months.

Places where services are to be delivered:

The Expert will work with the project team and stakeholders in Islamabad and Sindh

Supervisory arrangements:

The Expert will report to the Project Manager

F.       REQUIRED EXPERTISE, QUALIFICATION, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES

Minimum Qualification and experience:

• Education: Relevant Master/advanced degree in social science, humanitarian affairs, or economic   

     development

 ·  Experience: 5 years of relevant international professional experience working on CBT programming in

     humanitarian or early recovery in Pakistan context.   

• Language: Excellent level in written and spoken English. Understanding and speaking Urdu will be an

     asset

 ·  Computer Skills:  Microsoft Office, Windows-based applications, spreadsheets and databases

Skills and Competencies:

• Proven technical skills in set up, design, implementation, and monitoring of CBT from a multisectoral and/or protection perspective is an asset
• In-depth understanding of key standards, guidelines and tools relating to CBT
• Strong skills and experience in coaching and training program and support staffs
• Understanding of gender and protection considerations in CBT and global issues/trends in this area is
• a strong asset
• Knowledge of and work experience in the Pakistan context is a must
• Strong communications, analytical and reporting skills 

G.      HOW TO APPLY

H.      APPLICATION DEADLINE

As soon as possible. Due to the urgency of the assignment, the applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

I.        ATTENTION: PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING.

1. Shortlisting and interview process will be conducted on a rolling basis.
2. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further recruitment process.
3. Participation to this recruitment process is purely voluntary and brings no obligation towards the recruiting organization thereof. The recruiting organization reserves the right to not disclose the outcome of this recruitment process. The recruiting organization also reserves the right to reject any/all application/s without assigning/citing any reason/s, whatsoever.