Consultant For a Feasibility Assessment on Digitization of Cash And Voucher Assistance at Malteser International

Purpose

The purpose of this feasibility study is to assess opportunities and added value of digitizing (parts of) MI’s existing CVA interventions. The assessment should be guided by the following main question:

• How feasible and recommendable is a (partial) digitization of MI’s CVA programming in South Sudan?

Objectives
The objective of this feasibility assessment is to provide an overview of opportunities for MI to digitize and expand its current CVA interventions, including recommendations and a roadmap on the way forward. As such, the specific objectives are to:

• Get an overview of the current opportunities and existing solutions of digitized CVA in South Sudan and how they could be applied in the context of MI’s program (incl. cost implications)
• Identify critical bottlenecks that hamper digitization of MI’s CVA across South Sudan and how they could be overcome, with the goal of making an informed decision in light of the overall utility of digitizing MI’s CVA interventions
• Understand advantages and disadvantages of digitizing all or some processes of MI’s CVA interventions with the goal of improving readiness of staff and systems, effectiveness and efficiency of the intervention as well as accountability to the target population
• Learn about the risks associated with digitized solutions in South Sudan, particularly with regard to the impact on existing markets, vulnerable households and fraud & corruption
• Develop a set of feasible recommendations and a roadmap that lays out steps for their implementation
• Exemplary guiding questions
• What challenges does MI face for a digitization of CVA in its processes and project locations in South Sudan, incl. availability of mobile network services, financial service providers, (digital) literacy in target groups?
• How can these challenges be categorized in terms of quick wins, challenges that can be overcome in the short or medium run, and those requiring long-term attention and/or are very hard to overcome?
• To what extent could a digitization of (parts of) existing processes improve the effectiveness and efficiency of MI’s CVA in South Sudan and its accountability to affected people?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages attached to a digitization of MI’s CVA in South Sudan?
• Which digital approaches, methodologies, and tools are currently available and to what extent are they applicable in MI’s project locations and organisational structure in South Sudan?
• What are the expected costs of digitizing (parts of) MI’s CVA and what is the return on investment?
• To what extent could a digitization of CVA improve MI’s ability to respond faster to acute emergency situations in South Sudan, such as rapid migration movements?
• How can we ensure that a digitised approach does not influence the market and market vendors negatively, beyond conducting individual market assessments?

Methodology

• The consultant will conduct both desk research based on MI documents and secondary literature as well as primary research based on field visits in South Sudan. During field visits, the consultant will conduct key informant interviews (KII) with MI staff, affected people, and market vendors. Interviews with further key stakeholders can be conducted remotely, including with members of the South Sudan Cash Working Group and Collaborative Cash Delivery Network, other NGOs providing (digital) CVA, relevant government offices (if applicable), financial service providers and digital service solution providers. Malteser International will facilitate contacts to project partners and relevant stakeholders who might provide further contacts to stakeholders and target groups. Insight into Malteser International documents is to be kept confidential and must not be used or disclosed outside of this consultancy agreement.

Deliverables
The consultant will produce the following deliverables:
A comprehensive feasibility assessment report of approx. 12-15 pages (excluding annexes and pictures), including at least the following:
Executive summary

• Contextual assessment (short literature review on the feasibility of digitizing CVA in South Sudan), outlining main external challenges and opportunities for digitizing CVA
• Organisational assessment (incl. MI’s physical presence and capacity in South Sudan, internal procedures related to CVA), outlining main internal challenges and opportunities for digitizing CVA
• Mapping of available digital solutions as well as their advantages and disadvantages (incl. experiences of other organisations, service providers, and cost implications)
• Recommendations and roadmap of implementation
• A presentation of findings (including visuals) to HQ and management staff in South Sudan
• The report and all background documentation will remain the property of Malteser International and will be used as deemed appropriate by Malteser International.

Time frame & Logistics

• The consultancy is expected to take place between 1st of October and 8th of December 2023 for a total of 20(twenty) working days. If required, the consultant will receive logistic and administrative support from MI, incl. for travel arrangements, visa, and accommodation of which should be communicated prior before the assessment.
• The following preliminary timeframe is foreseen while a detailed timetable is expected from the consultant. The final timetable will be agreed upon before signing the contract.
• Action points Working days

Preparatory work:

• Literature review on digitized CVA solutions in South Sudan
• First review of MI program and existing CVA procedure
• Preparation of field visits (incl. interview guidance, travel agenda)

3

• Travel to South Sudan (if not residing in-country) 1
• Field visit to Juba Country Office for interviews with MI staff, beneficiaries, and other relevant stakeholders

4

• Field visit to Wau Field Office for interviews with MI staff, beneficiaries, and other relevant stakeholders

4

• Departure from South Sudan (If not residing in-country) 1

Follow up from home:

• Additional remote interviews (if applicable)
• Exploring feasible digitization solutions with providers

3

• Write-up of study 3.5
• Presentation of findings and roadmap (online to HQ and country office) 0.5
• Total number of days 20 days

Qualifications
The ideal candidate should possess the following profile:

• Demonstrated work history in the humanitarian sphere, with explicit practical knowledge and experience in cash and voucher assistance (particularly digital solutions)
• Knowledge of the humanitarian context of South Sudan and its challenges for digitization
• Knowledge of the landscape of stakeholders and networks in South Sudan, particularly those relevant for CVA
• Cross-cultural skills and good communication skills
• English language is required, Arabic considered an additional asset