This executive short course has a dual objective to build students’ practical skills to design, implement and monitor projects using Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) and develop their critical and reflexive skills on the topic of cash and voucher assistance.

In recent years, CVA has emerged as a critical game-changer in how humanitarian assistance is implemented, especially as CVA is becoming a standard modality to deliver relief. Cash and vouchers are not new, and examples date back to the 19th century. However, CVA has only become mainstream recently. Despite this favourable global environment, 7 out of 10 humanitarian organisations report having difficulties finding staff with this skill set.

Scholarships are available for this course. Learn the eligibility criteria and how to apply here.

Learn more about this course

Objectives of the course

At the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Explain the different cash and market-related concepts and terminologies;
  • Discuss the state of cash-related evidence and current Global policy dialogues triggered or encompassing CVA;
  • Decide if cash and voucher assistance is an appropriate modality to cover sectoral or multi-sectoral needs in a given humanitarian context;
  • Identify output, outcome and process-related indicators to measure the success of a project using cash as its delivery modality;
  • Discuss the extent to which the increased uptake of cash and voucher assistance is shaking up the overall humanitarian coordination architecture;
  • Assess the comparative risks cash can pose or expose especially in light of data protection and AML/CT regulations.

 

Workload

Around 20-25 hours of work each week (50 hours in total), including:
• Asynchronous self-study activities (such as case studies, videos, recorded slideshows, readings, etc.)
• Synchronous live sessions

Structure of the course

The course will adopt a thematic approach, with each module tackling a specific theme:

  1. Concepts, terminology, global policy dialogues on CVA and CVA Feasibility
  2. Sectoral & multi-sectoral evidence, Monitoring & Evaluation
  3. Calculating the transfer value and choosing the delivery mechanism
  4. Risk Management, Data protection and compliance vis a vis Anti Money Laundering and CT regulations
  5. Operational models to deliver CVA, Value for Money and Cash coordination
  • Professionals in the humanitarian, development or social sector looking to develop their competencies in cash and voucher assistance in humanitarian settings
  • Professionals from other sectors (marketing, bank system, project management, policy making, donor agency, government officials) who wish to increase their understanding of cash and voucher assistance in humanitarian responses?
  • Graduate students with relevant volunteer or intern experience, looking to undertake a postgraduate course with a view to entering the humanitarian sector.

Non-professional audience should possess, as a pre-requisite, a good command of the project cycle management and of the way the humanitarian arena function (who are the different stakeholders, what is the typical architecture of a humanitarian response, etc.).

Admission requirements:

  1. a university qualification (bachelor’s degree or equivalent);
  2. at least three years of relevant professional experience;
  3. excellent command of English;
  4. motivation working in the humanitarian sector.

Non-professional audience should possess, as a pre-requisite, a good command of the project cycle management and of the way the humanitarian arena function (who are the different stakeholders, what is the typical architecture of a humanitarian response, etc.).

 

Documents required:

  • CV (Résumé)
  • Copy of your highest diploma
  • Work certificate or official document of your current job position
  • Proof of English language competence (TOEIC/TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent); see details here
  • Scanned copy of passport.

More information about the admission process is available on our application page.

 

 

  • Cash and voucher assistance in humanitarian crises: what works?Dates 3 - 14 July 2023
  • Cash and voucher assistance in humanitarian crises: what works?Duration 2 weeks
  • Cash and voucher assistance in humanitarian crises: what works?Location Online
  • Cash and voucher assistance in humanitarian crises: what works?Language English
  • Cash and voucher assistance in humanitarian crises: what works?CREDITS 2 ECTS
  • Fee CHF 1'700
  • Application Deadline 11 June 2023
Enroll now