Unlocking Cash and Markets-Based Programmes

In the aftermath of an emergency, humanitarian agencies are increasingly recognising the value of cash and voucher modalities, and market engagement. For Logistics and Supply Chain, our roles are evolving to embrace this trend, adapting our ways of working and even take on new responsibilities.

Many organisations are now revising their business processes (including manuals, SOPs and tools) – originally designed for in kind programming – to work better for cash / voucher and markets based interventions. However, some changes to business processes are constrained by regulatory and compliance requirements. As a consequence, many organisations are writing ‘work-around’ interim solutions (for instance advising countries to apply for waivers / derogations from institutional donors for each individual case).

The Briefing paper addresses how cash / voucher and markets based interventions could be implemented faster and more effectively, but still managing risk appropriately for the context and beneficiary outcomes.