2.4: Can Cash Make the Humanitarian System More Accountable?

This episode explores the journey of an organization that has embraced cash assistance as a core approach from its inception. It discusses the benefits and challenges associated with starting with a cash-centric mindset and examines the role of evidence, partnerships, and addressing fraud in scaling up CVA programmes.This episode features insights from: ·  Lydiah Wangechi: Regional Director at GiveDirectly·   Sindhy Obias: Executive Director of the Assistance and Cooperation for Community Resilience and Development (ACCORD) Key themes explored in this episode: · The value of a strong emphasis on research and evidence in establishing credibility and building confidence in cash assistance.·  The importance of close collaboration with governments, moving beyond seeking approvals to establishing true partnerships.·  The need to address skepticism and build trust among communities who may be unfamiliar with unconditional cash transfers.·  Contextual factors that have helped y increased familiarity and acceptance of cash transfers.·  The challenges of expanding programmes geographically, particularly in areas with limited infrastructure and connectivity.·  The importance of ensuring robust systems and processes to mitigate the risk of fraud, particularly as organisations grow.·  The importance of transparency and sharing lessons learned from challenges such as fraud cases. Listen in to discover the lessons learned and ongoing challenges faced by an organisation fully committed to the use of cash its inception , and how this contributes to scaling up the use of cash in development and humanitarian settings.

This episode examines perceptions and realities surrounding risk in cash and voucher assistance (CVA). It addresses concerns that cash programming is riskier than other forms of aid, explores ways to manage risk effectively, and highlights the importance of local risk management strategies.This episode features insights from: ·  Irfan Khan: Director of Humanitarian and International Partnerships at Muslim Hands·  Oliver May: Consultant on risk in the humanitarian and development sector·  Sindhy Obias: Executive Director of the Assistance and Cooperation for Community Resilience and Development (ACCORD) Key themes explored in this episode: ·  The perception that cash assistance carries a higher risk of fraud and diversion compared to other aid modalities, and the lack of evidence to support this view.·  The influence of cognitive biases and perceptions, and the need for a more nuanced understanding of risk in the context of cash.·  The importance of engaging with communities to understand and mitigate risks.·  The need to avoid risk transfer risks to partners and communities.·  The challenges posed by counter terrorism and anti-money laundering regulations which can hinder the delivery of aid.·  The importance of transparency and learning from past experiences, including instances of fraud. Listen to this episode for valuable insights into identifying, addressing, and potentially reframing our understanding of risk in CVA.

In this episode we examine the relationship between funding, change, and the expansion of CVA in the humanitarian sector. Guests discuss the role of funding at different stages, from the very beginning through to scale-up.This episode features insights from:·  Irfan Khan: Director of Humanitarian and International Partnerships at Muslim Hands·  Dr. Kathryn Taetzsch: World Vision International's Senior Director, Global Humanitarian and Development Capacity and Capabilities·  Oliver May: Consultant on risk in the humanitarian and development sector·  Sindhy Obias: Executive Director of the Assistance and Cooperation for Community Resilience and Development (ACCORD) Key themes explored in this episode:·  The tendency to blame donors for a lack of change.·  The possibility of driving initial changes without substantial funding, but how funding is needed for scale-up.·  The vulnerability of cash programmes to funding cuts, despite their efficiency.·  The need to recognize both individual givers as well as institutional donors and take them along in the change process.·  The challenges faced by local and national organizations in accessing funding for institutional development.·   The challenges of compliance requirements, which often feel feel excessive rather than a reasonable level of accountability.Tune into this episode to hear diverse perspectives on the multifaceted relationship between funding, change, and the expansion of CVA in the humanitarian sector.

Turning an idea into reality first requires a clear vision and commitment. In this episode, our guests discuss the process of translating this vision into concrete actions, and ultimately, scaling up the use of cash within an organization. Three key themes emerge: policies, processes, and partnerships.This episode features insights from: ·  Anna Kondakhchyan: Head of Cash and Markets at NORCAP/Norwegian Refugee Council·  Dr. Kathryn Taetzsch: World Vision International's Senior Director, Global Humanitarian and Development Capacity and Capabilities·  Sindhy Obias: Executive Director of the Assistance and Cooperation for Community Resilience and Development (ACCORD)Key themes explored in this episode: ·  The importance of translating policy commitments into tangible actions that permeate the entire organisation.·  The need to recognise that changes in policy then involve numerous practical changes across an organisation, which can present challenges related to adapting to new systems and processes.·  The importance of investing in evidence building and learning during the process of scaling up the use of cash.·  The value of engaging stakeholders in the change process, addressing concerns, and ensuring that everyone is onboard.·  The need to recognise that cash assistance may not be immediately feasible in every context and to adapt accordingly.·  The value of fostering robust partnerships, particularly with local governments, to facilitate sustainability and maximise impact in communities.Listen to this episode to understand how these key elements can effectively drive the transition from the vision of change to practical action.

In this episode, we explore the initial steps towards making change happen. Is there a moment of sudden realisation? Does it take a bold commitment from leadership? Or is it driven by other factors? Once change is initiated, what happens next and how do you keep the momentum going?This episode features insights from: Anna Kondakhchyan: Head of Cash and Markets at NORCAP/Norwegian Refugee CouncilDr. Kathryn Taetzsch: World Vision International’s Senior Director, Global Humanitarian and Development Capacity and CapabilitiesOliver May: Consultant on risk in the humanitarian and development sector Key themes explored in this episode: The importance of a clear vision for change. The need for courage and a willingness to challenge the status quo. The significance of a compelling case for change to secure buy-in from stakeholders. The role of passionate individuals in driving change forward, both within teams and at the leadership level. The need for a supportive and innovative mindset to overcome setbacks and embrace new approaches. The importance of addressing potential roadblocks caused by mindsets that are resistant to change. The need to acknowledge that change is a process that requires time and effort. The significance of taking practical steps to ensure that cash assistance is delivered effectively. This episode emphasizes that change is achievable with a clear vision, passion, and courage. It highlights that change necessitates a concerted effort from individuals at all levels of an organization, encouraging listeners to drive change within their respective organizations. Tune in and let’s find out.

A new season of CashCast is on its way 🎉. Join us for a fresh episode each week over the next five weeks, as our host interviews a wide range of guests.Together, we’ll dive into how change unfolds in the humanitarian sphere, with a special focus on cash and voucher assistance.Check out this trailer for a sneak peek of what’s in store—we hope you’ll be listening!Series guests:Irfan Khan: Director of Humanitarian and International Partnerships at Muslim Hands Anna Kondakhchyan: Head of Cash and Markets at NORCAP/Norwegian Refugee Council Oliver May: Consultant on risk in the humanitarian and development sector Sindhy Obias: Executive Director of the Assistance and Cooperation for Community Resilience and Development (ACCORD) Dr. Kathryn Taetzsch: World Vision International's Senior Director, Global Humanitarian and Development Capacity and Capabilities Lydiah Wangechi: Regional Director at GiveDirectly Series host: Karen Peachey: Former Director of the CALP Network.Series episodes:3.2. How do we make change happen?3.3: How to turn an idea into reality? 3 Ps: Policies, processes, and partnerships  3.4: Money Matters! Funding for CVA.3.5: Risk: it’s inevitable – so what do we do about it? 3.6:   Scaling-up the use of CVASubscribe now and never miss an episode.

Tech brings new opportunities, risks, and dilemmas. Could the combination of technology and cash bring transformative change and finally make aid more people-centered? What are the risks and what are the opportunities?Host: Karen PeacheyGuests: Laura Walker and Chris Hoffman

This episode challenges the idea that locally led response and large-scale CVA are incompatible. We explore the myths around local actors and the barriers to further progress. Host: Karen PeacheyGuests: Ahmed Ibrahim, Chris Hoffman, and Christina Bennet

In this episode we explore accountability issues within the humanitarian system, their root causes and potential solutions. We ask if cash and voucher assistance has a part to play in improving accountability, and what that could look like. Host: Karen PeacheyGuests: Caroline Teti, Innocent Tshilombo, Meg Sattler, Christina Bennet, and Laura Walker

What does people-centered aid look like in practice, particularly when we think about cash and voucher assistance? What makes people centred aid different or is just a new buzz phrase? Have we been here before? Host: Karen PeacheyGuests: Innocent Tshilombo, Caroline Teti and Meg Sattler