Executive Short Course

Cash and Voucher Assistance in Humanitarian Action: What Works?

  • Hélène Juillard Hélène Juillard
    Designation: Lecturer, (ESCCash and Voucher Assistance in Humanitarian Action: What Works? )

This executive short course has a dual objective. Firstly, it aims to build students’ practical skills to design, implement, and monitor projects using Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA). Secondly, it seeks to 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. This is especially true as CVA is becoming a standard modality to deliver relief. Cash and vouchers as a means of assistance are not a new concept, with examples dating back to the 19th century. However, the mainstream adoption of CVA is a recent phenomenon.

Despite this favourable global environment, there is a significant gap in expertise. A startling 7 out of 10 humanitarian organisations report having difficulties finding staff equipped with this skill set.

Course outline PDF

  • Application Deadline 4 May 2025

  • 12 May 2025 - 23 May 2025

  • 2 weeks
  • Online
  • English
  • 2 ECTS (certification awarded upon successful completion)

  • Full price: CHF 1'700
    Partner rate (ICRC, MSF): CHF 1'360 (20% discount)
    Special Rate: CHF 850. Available exclusively to nationals or staff from local/national NGOs, CBOs, government, INGOs, or IOs in low/middle-income countries (OECD DAC list) with salaries aligned to local living costs. Proof required.

    Application form for partial tuition waivers

Structure of the "Cash and Voucher in Humanitarian Settings: What Works" course

Admission requirements:

  1. A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a Swiss or foreign university;
  2. At least two years of relevant professional experience;
  3. Excellent command of English (see below)

Documents required:

  • CV (Resume)
  • Cover letter (explaining what is the reason why you apply for this course and how will the acquired skills help you in your career)
  • Employer’s funding agreement, if applicable
  • Highest educational qualification obtained
  • Work certificate or official document of your current job position
  • Proof of English language competence to be dated less than 2 years (see details below)
  • Portrait photo (ID format)
  • Scanned copy of the passport

Language Requirements

The minimum required English level is B2. Providing a language certificate is mandatory, except in the following cases:

  1. If you are a native English speaker, please provide a copy of your passport as proof.
  2. You have been studying in English for at least three years: please provide a certificate from your institution, your transcript or your diploma.
  3. If you have worked for at least five years in English with MSF or ICRC, please provide a copy of the English test you have undertaken internally with your employer.

Recognized Tests and Scores:

    • Cambridge English First (FCE) 160-179
    • Cambridge English Preliminary (PET) 160-170
    • B2 Business Vantage
    • IELTS 5.5-6
    • TOEFL iBT 72-94
    • TOEIC Listening & Reading 785
    • TOEIC Speaking & Writing 310
    • PTE Geneval Level 3
    • PTE Academic 59-75
    • Duolingo : 110
    • EF SET (CEFR) : B2

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