Title: Cash Officer
Reporting to: Project Manager
Duty Station: Karachi (Field-based)
Unit: Programme
Section: Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) / Humanitarian Response

Summary of Key Functions

The Cash Officer will oversee and manage the implementation of Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) activities under the Building Institutional Capacity and Resilience Against Natural Disasters (BRAND) project, with a focus on Afghan refugee and vulnerable host communities in Karachi. The Cash Officer will be responsible for the efficient management of cash distribution, ensuring proper identification, verification and the timely delivery of assistance. As part of the role, the Cash Officer will supervise the Cash Distribution Officers in the field, providing guidance, ensuring quality control and addressing any challenges during the distribution process. The role also includes coordination with local partners, stakeholders and beneficiaries to ensure smooth operations and adherence to the program's objectives.

Roles and Responsibilities

Cash Distribution Management:

Supervise the distribution of cash assistance (Multipurpose Cash Assistance - MPCA) to vulnerable refugee households in Karachi, ensuring accuracy, transparency and timely delivery.

Oversee the verification of beneficiary lists, ensuring proper identification and eligibility criteria are met according to the program guidelines.

Ensure that all distribution processes are conducted in line with ECHO and UNHCR standards, safeguarding the dignity and confidentiality of beneficiaries.

Team Leadership:

Supervise and guide Cash Distribution Officers in the field, ensuring that they follow established protocols and procedures for cash distribution.

Provide ongoing support and training to Cash Distribution Officers, ensuring they are equipped to manage their responsibilities effectively and efficiently.

Monitor the performance of Cash Distribution Officers and provide regular feedback and performance appraisals.

Coordination and Reporting:

Coordinate closely with local stakeholders, such as government representatives, UN agencies and community leaders, to ensure the smooth flow of cash assistance and avoid any duplication.

Report regularly on the progress of cash distribution, identifying any challenges or bottlenecks in the process and proposing solutions.

Assist in the preparation of donor and internal reports, ensuring that data is accurate, timely, and meets the required standards.

Financial and Administrative Oversight:

Ensure the correct and transparent management of cash funds, ensuring that cash transfers are completed in accordance with financial policies and donor requirements.

Work with the Finance team to ensure proper documentation and auditing of cash distribution processes.

Monitor the distribution budget and expenses to ensure that activities remain within the allocated financial limits.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

Oversee the collection of beneficiary feedback, ensuring that beneficiaries have a voice in the distribution process.

Conduct post-distribution monitoring surveys and focus group discussions (FGDs) to assess beneficiary satisfaction and to identify areas for improvement.

Ensure that all monitoring activities are documented systematically, contributing to the overall monitoring and evaluation of the project.

Capacity Building:

Provide training and support to Cash Distribution Officers on cash distribution processes, data collection methods, and beneficiary communication.

Ensure that all staff involved in cash distribution adhere to the highest standards of accountability and transparency.

Risk Management:

Identify and address any risks associated with cash distribution, including security risks, fraud, and other operational challenges.

Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure the safety and security of beneficiaries and staff during cash distributions.

Community Engagement:

Engage with community members and beneficiaries to ensure their understanding of the cash assistance program and the distribution process.

Address any concerns or grievances raised by beneficiaries in a timely and transparent manner.

Ensure that the program maintains strong community relations and that feedback from beneficiaries is incorporated into program improvements.

Qualifications and Skills

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, International Development, Humanitarian Assistance or a related field.

Experience:

At least 3-4 years of experience in cash assistance programming, humanitarian response, or related fields, with at least 1-2 years in a supervisory or senior role.

Experience in managing cash distributions or voucher assistance programs, preferably in a refugee or crisis setting.

Familiarity with ECHO, UNHCR or other donor requirements for cash programming.

Skills:

Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to provide guidance and oversight in challenging environments.

Knowledge of cash transfer mechanisms (e.g., mobile money, bank transfers, vouchers).

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, in English (knowledge of Urdu or Pashto/Dari is a plus).

Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.

Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.

Additional Information

Travel: Regular travel to field sites in Karachi is required.

Languages: Fluency in English required. Knowledge of Urdu or Dari/Pashto languages are highly desirable.