Cash & Market Specialist 3 (800071)

About the Organization

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been working since 1863 to protect human dignity and reduce suffering caused by conflict and armed violence. Together with Red Cross and Red Crescent partners, it delivers urgent assistance, supports family tracing and reunification, and helps people affected by crisis regardless of identity or affiliation. The organization also engages with authorities and armed actors, often confidentially, to gain access to detainees, improve detention conditions, and encourage respect for international humanitarian law, including protection from digital risks.

Role Purpose

The Cash & Market Specialist 3 is responsible for designing, planning, implementing, and monitoring the Economic Security (EcoSec) unit’s cash-transfer and market-analysis activities in Ethiopia. The position works according to the country strategy and operates with limited supervision and coaching, especially at the start of the assignment when additional guidance may be needed to align with ICRC policies and procedures.

Working Relationships

This role works closely with the delegation’s EcoSec team and with technical focal points at headquarters or regional level. Externally, the specialist represents the ICRC before technical authorities and organizations connected to the EcoSec cash-transfer programme.

Core Responsibilities

• Guide field teams on data collection and analysis for situation and problem assessment, and support needs assessments linked to cash-transfer programming in Ethiopia.
• Coordinate data-collection planning with EcoSec and other assistance teams, and involve the Protection department when needed.
• Keep the direct supervisor informed about data-collection activities related to ongoing and planned cash programmes being implemented by other humanitarian actors in Ethiopia.
• Maintain and update a master beneficiary database for all cash-transfer programmes in Ethiopia, along with separate databases for individual transfer activities.
• Prepare verification and payment lists, and maintain payment records and follow-up files for both beneficiary groups and individual recipients.
• Ensure the required specifications for cash inputs and services are correctly defined and entered into purchase requests related to cash projects.
• Track requisitions for cash inputs from the initiation of service requests through to field distribution.
• Prepare weekly and monthly financial forecasts for the Cash Unit.
• Maintain the Ethiopia price-monitoring database.
• Carry out response analysis for different cash intervention options using a SWOT-based approach, including risk analysis, mitigation measures, and checks on appropriateness and feasibility; support colleagues as required.
• Make sure cash-transfer activities are implemented according to objectives, timelines, budgets, and internal coordination arrangements.
• Take part in designing, planning, implementing, reviewing, and evaluating cash projects.
• Work closely with, and provide direction to, Field Officers in Ethiopia who are involved in cash-transfer programming.
• Ensure monitoring data is structured and maintained in a way that supports field follow-up and evaluation.
• Generate demographic reports on beneficiary groups when requested.
• Support the EcoSec Department General Assistant with additional database-related tasks as needed.
• Report progress on beneficiary verification to the direct supervisor as appropriate.
• Prepare data and narrative inputs for EcoSec quarterly reports and other documents such as budget and annual planning reports.
• Complete administrative tasks on time and comply with the administrative procedures relevant to the role.
• Keep program files current at all times, including monthly statistical reports, budget follow-up tables, and verification/payment lists.
• Coach and motivate EcoSec Field Officers involved in cash-transfer data-collection work.
• Maintain regular contact with the EcoSec Trainer to identify training needs among Field Officers and/or implementing partners related to cash interventions.

People Management

• Oversee performance management and development activities for staff under supervision.
• Ensure PMD deadlines are respected.
• Provide ongoing feedback and support to direct reports and, where appropriate, to other staff members.
• Organize regular team meetings to support coordination and smooth information flow.
• Keep supervised staff job descriptions updated and consult HR for support when needed.
• Plan annual leave for supervised employees so operational continuity is maintained and no leave balances remain outstanding at year-end.
• Support the personal development of supervised employees through coaching and guidance on internal and external learning opportunities.

Additional Duties

• Track and respond to work-related messages and correspondence with the relevant contacts and departments.
• Stay informed about the delegation’s objectives and maintain good knowledge of the Movement and other stakeholders relevant to the post.
• Gather and share information that helps strengthen the ICRC’s understanding of the environment, humanitarian trends, and response patterns.
• Represent the ICRC professionally in activities, meetings, and field work, avoiding anything that could harm the organization’s reputation.
• Take ownership of personal professional learning and development.

Education and Certification

A master’s or bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business Administration, Social Science, Development Studies, Project Management, or another relevant discipline related to emergency preparedness and response or disaster risk management is required. Candidates with a first degree in these areas and equivalent proven work experience may also be considered. Additional CVA certifications from recognized institutions or platforms are an asset. Strong English and Amharic language skills, along with computer proficiency, are also required.

Experience

Applicants should have 3 to 6 years of experience for a master’s degree holder, or at least 6 years of experience for a bachelor’s degree holder, in humanitarian cash transfer programming with extensive field experience. Prior experience in an international organization is considered an advantage.

Values

The ICRC seeks people who demonstrate impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion in the way they work.