Terms of Reference: State of the World’s Cash Report Research Team
26th January 2017
The Cash Learning Partnership (CaLP) is seeking an experienced research team to research and write
a new, high profile State of the World’s Cash report.
The report will describe progress on increasing the scale and quality of cash transfer programming in
the humanitarian sector. The process of preparing the report will complement CaLP’s continuing
work to help humanitarian organisations advance their work on cash transfer programming.
About CaLP
CaLP is the global partnership for cash transfer programming in humanitarian aid. We are a catalyst
for accelerating change in the scale and quality of cash transfer programming.
CaLP currently has 50 members, united by their commitment to our shared mission. They deliver the
vast majority of cash transfer programming in humanitarian aid worldwide. Our members include
UN agencies, donors, international NGOs, local NGOs and private sector organisations.
Scope and aim of the report
In 2016 many of CaLP’s members and significant actors made major commitments to increase the
scale and quality of cash transfer programming. These include the Grand Bargain and other
commitments made at the World Humanitarian Summit. They draw on ECHO’s 10 Principles, the
High Level Panel’s report, the calls for actions from the Agenda for Humanity and CaLP’s Agenda for
Cash.
In 2017, CaLP will publish a new “State of the World’s Cash” report. The report will provide the most
authoritative possible summary of the current state of cash transfer programming. Its contents will
include: a summary of the overall volume of cash programming, progress in meeting commitments,
significant good practices and innovations, and high level recommendations for next steps. The
report will be presented in a highly accessible and engaging way, probably comprising a short
printed executive summary supported by on-line material.
The process of preparing the report will be designed to link with CaLP’s on-going work of supporting
agencies to implement their commitments. It will build dialogue around common policies and issues.
It will complement related initiatives, such as implementation and reporting of the WHS
commitments on cash and the Grand Bargain (reports expected in May and June respectively),
Development Initiative’s Global Humanitarian Assistance report and others. As well as desk research,
the process will involve structured engagement with different stakeholder groups, including
operational agencies, donors, local actors and the private sector, as well as collaboration with key
partners.
Data will be collected from CaLP’s members and other major actors, followed up with interviews and
meetings as necessary. The report will also draw from the best available existing material, including
from CaLP’s members and other sources, CaLP’s work and the reports marking the anniversary of the
World Humanitarian Summit. CaLP’s members will be invited to contribute high quality case studies
and original insights on specific areas of expertise. No original field work will be carried out.
Engagement events can be organised through CaLP’s offices in Senegal, Jordan, Kenya, Washington,
Geneva and London. There is also scope to reach out to field countries through CaLP’s extensive
membership.
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CaLP has recently developed a Framework for Action that consolidates all the key commitments
made into one practical agenda (still in draft, to be formally launched in February 2017; see how it
corresponds to the commitments here). This provides a foundation for implementing commitments
and monitoring progress. It is already being used as guidance for states and others to report on their
WHS Commitments. It provides the analytical framework at the heart of the report.
On 28/29 June 2017, CaLP will hold a Global Cash Forum. This will bring together all the major actors
on cash programming in humanitarian aid. It will provide a significant opportunity to test and
deepen findings presented in the report, to create dialogue and build shared commitment to ways
forward.
Objectives
 The report should present the most authoritative possible summary of the current state of
cash transfer programming in humanitarian aid, including progress against commitments.
 The report should be developed in a way that (a) builds on and supports other major
collective initiatives to improve cash programming (such as inter-agency forums, the Grand
Bargain and the Good Humanitarian Donorship initiatives); and (b) builds shared analysis of
opportunities and roadblocks among major actors, and shared commitment to solutions.
Advisory groups
The process will be informed by two advisory groups:
The Reference Group. This will be made up of high profile leaders in the humanitarian sector. It will
provide overall guidance on positioning. The group will meet twice, virtually, in order to review the
overall direction and near final draft of the report. Individual members may be asked for specific
support throughout the process. We will ask each member of the group to identify a member of
their staff to help them review material. The group will include senior leaders from the UN, donors,
private sector, government, the World Bank and NGOs.
Specific activities:
- April: endorse the overall direction & approach
- September: review near final draft report
The Revision Panel. This will be made up of approximately five technical leaders in cash transfer
programming in humanitarian aid, drawn from CaLP’s Technical Advisory Group. It will provide high
level guidance on technical issues. The group will meet three times, including at least once in person,
in order to shape the process, the report and conclusions. Members of the group will also support
the process between meetings.
Specific activities:
- April: review the framework & approach; identify headline issues & partnership
opportunities.
- June: review initial findings; shape emerging conclusions.
- August: review draft report.
Process and timeline
Step
1. Assemble advisory groups, recruit
research team and prepare initial
Responsible
CaLP
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Complete
Mid Feb 2017
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
structure
Initial communication to stakeholders
Research team starts work
Agree structure of the report, analytical
approach, data sources & engagement
process (including identifying related
initiatives)
Data & material collection
Manage engagement with cash actors
& partners
7. First draft
8. Review draft
9. Review draft
10.Final draft
11.Launch
12.Follow up comms & use
CaLP
Research team
Revision Panel
Reference Group
January – March 2017
April 2017
April 2017
Research team
CaLP
Research team
May – July 2017
Throughout,
inc Global Cash Forum
(28/29 June 2017)
August 2017
August 2017
September 2017
September 2017
November 2017
onwards
Research team
Revision Panel
Reference Group
Research team
CaLP
CaLP
Key contacts in CaLP
Alex Jacobs – Director (overall responsibility for the project & manager of the Research Team)
Paula Gil Baizan – Advocacy Coordinator (policy advice & engagement)
Isabelle Pelly – Technical Coordinator (technical advice & engagement)
Rose Smith – Membership Officer (operational support)
Communications Manager [currently under recruitment]
Essential Requirements
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Proven experience of managing all aspects of substantial research processes for technical
and policy audiences within the humanitarian sector.
Knowledge of cash transfer programming in humanitarian aid.
Knowledge of relevant humanitarian actors, politics, dynamics and issues, and a network of
relevant contacts.
Experience of presenting research findings and conclusions in ways that achieve impact.
Experience of facilitating workshops and interviews, as well as undertaking desk research.
Excellent analytical, organisational, writing and presentational skills.
Fluency in English, both spoken and written.
Application procedure
Expressions of Interest, including full costs, should be submitted by 17th February 2017 to CaLP at
[email protected]
They should include a short summary of relevant experience, proposed approach, draft schedule of
activities, full costs and relevant CVs.
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