Consultancy: Humanitarian Cash Assistance–Social Protection Linkages Consultant - Req

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Vacancy Announcement: Consultant

Consultancy Title: Humanitarian Cash Assistance–Social Protection Linkages Consultant

Section/Division/Duty Station:  Social Policy – Humanitarian Cash Transfer

Duration: September 15, 2025 – 30 January 2026

Home/ Office Based: Remote 

BACKGROUND

Purpose of Activity/Assignment: 

The objective of this consultancy is to develop clear, actionable considerations to help CWGs in IASC/ Mixed and Refugee contexts interpret and implement the reference to social protection linkages in their Terms of Reference, in line with the cash coordination model and within the practical scope of CWG functions. CWG outside of IASC/ Mixed and Refugee contexts may also use this guidance to foster linkages between humanitarian and social protection interventions.

Background and Specific objectives: 

The rollout of the IASC cash coordination model aims to improve the predictability, effectiveness, and accountability of cash and voucher assistance (CVA) in humanitarian responses. A key aspect of this model is the recognition of the importance of fostering coherence between humanitarian cash assistance and national social protection systems, where appropriate.

In line with this, country-level Cash Working Groups (CWGs) in IASC/Mixed and Refugee settings are increasingly expected to support linkages with social protection frameworks, particularly in protracted or recurrent crisis settings. This expectation is reflected in CWG Terms of Reference (ToRs), which often include the following clause:

“Identify and promote linkages between humanitarian cash assistance and social protection systems, where appropriate.”

While this clause reflects an ambition to enhance coordination and explore potential complementarities, its interpretation and operationalization remain unclear. This ambiguity has led to inconsistencies in how CWGs and their co-chairs understand and implement this aspect of their responsibilities across different contexts.

As a result, there is a need to clarify the intent, scope, and limitations of CWG engagement with social protection systems. This will help ensure coherent implementation of the cash coordination model and support CWGs in fulfilling their roles without overextending their responsibilities as well as managing expectations.

To this end, the Cash Advisory Group (CAG) is commissioning a consultancy to produce clear context-sensitive considerations including defining what is meant by “linkages,” what CWGs can reasonably undertake, and how this should be reflected in their functions and activities. This consultancy is hosted by UNICEF on behalf of CAG.

Specific objectives are to:

•               Clarify what is meant by “linkages” between humanitarian CVA and social protection in the CWG context.

•               Define appropriate CWG roles and responsibilities in fostering these linkages, while identifying clear boundaries in line with the humanitarian principles that they operate within.

•               Document country examples to illustrate how CWGs are currently engaging with social protection systems.

•               Provide practical recommendations that reflect the CWG’s coordination mandate and operational realities.

•               Support common understanding of the role of CWGs and strengthen coherence across country-level approaches

Scope of Work:

Timeline:

The consultancy will span approximately 16 weeks, starting in September 2025, with all deliverables completed by January 2026. The actual effort in terms of time commitment by the consultant is expected to be 50% over the above mentioned period.

Terms of Reference / Deliverables

Inception Report (within 1 week): Workplan, methodology, consultation plan.    

1 October 2025

Draft Guidance / Key considerations Note: Analysis, roles, examples, and recommendations.      

30 November 2025

Validation Session: Presentation materials and facilitation.        

15 December 2025

Final Guidance Note and Annex: Revised note with summary of key findings and consultation insights.

15 January 2026

Qualifications

(1) Education

Bachelor’s degree in international studies, Social Science or related field is required. Bachelor's degree complemented with relevant experience in humanitarian cash assistance coordination and social protection systems

(2) Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

Requirements: 

Completed profile in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process

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