Cash Preparedness Financing in Rapid-Onset Emergencies Training Course

Introduction

Rapid-onset emergencies demand immediate and effective humanitarian action, with cash transfers increasingly recognized as a swift and dignified response modality. This 5-day training course focuses specifically on Cash Preparedness Financing in Rapid-Onset Emergencies, equipping participants with the critical knowledge and practical skills to secure and manage funding that enables timely and scalable cash assistance when disaster strikes. By emphasizing pre-arranged financing mechanisms, contingency planning, and strategic financial partnerships, this course aims to build robust financial readiness, ensuring that humanitarian organizations can rapidly disburse cash to affected populations, minimizing suffering and accelerating recovery.

This intensive program is designed for finance, program, and senior management professionals who are instrumental in shaping an organization's emergency response capabilities. Participants will delve into the intricacies of different pre-financing instruments, learn how to assess and mitigate financial risks in high-speed operations, and understand the importance of integrating financial preparedness into broader emergency response plans. The ultimate goal is to empower attendees to establish agile and predictable financial systems that unlock the full potential of cash assistance in the critical hours and days following a rapid-onset emergency.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience:

  • Senior Management and Directors of Humanitarian Organizations
  • Finance Directors and Managers
  • Emergency Response Coordinators
  • Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) Specialists
  • Grants and Compliance Officers
  • Donor Relations and Partnerships Managers
  • Risk Management Professionals

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the importance of cash preparedness financing for rapid-onset emergencies.
  • Identify and evaluate various pre-arranged financing mechanisms for humanitarian action.
  • Develop robust contingency plans for cash disbursements in emergency contexts.
  • Analyze and mitigate financial risks associated with rapid cash transfer operations.
  • Advocate for and implement organizational strategies that enhance financial readiness for cash-based responses.

Course Modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Cash Preparedness in Rapid-Onset Emergencies

  • The humanitarian context of rapid-onset emergencies (e.g., sudden floods, earthquakes).
  • The unique advantages of Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) in rapid response.
  • Defining "cash preparedness" and "pre-arranged financing" in humanitarian aid.
  • The imperative for speed, scale, and flexibility in emergency financing.
  • Overcoming common barriers to rapid cash disbursement.

Module 2: Pre-arranged Financing Mechanisms for CVA

  • Exploring different types of pre-arranged financing: contingency funds, insurance, credit lines.
  • Donor anticipatory action frameworks and their funding modalities.
  • Pooled funds (e.g., CERF, country-based pooled funds) and their rapid allocation mechanisms.
  • Understanding the triggers and conditions for activating pre-arranged financing.
  • Case studies of successful pre-arranged financing in past rapid-onset emergencies.

Module 3: Developing a Cash Preparedness Financing Strategy

  • Assessing organizational and country-level financial readiness for CVA.
  • Identifying potential funding gaps and sources for pre-financing.
  • Designing a multi-layered financing strategy for different emergency scenarios.
  • Integrating financial preparedness into broader organizational emergency plans (ERP).
  • Establishing clear roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes for fund activation.

Module 4: Financial Risk Management in Rapid CVA Operations

  • Identifying specific financial risks in rapid-onset emergency cash transfers (e.g., fraud, security, liquidity).
  • Developing rapid financial risk assessments and mitigation plans.
  • Implementing robust internal controls for high-volume, high-speed cash disbursements.
  • Due diligence on financial service providers (FSPs) in emergency contexts.
  • Safeguarding cash and data during rapid scale-up.

Module 5: Partnerships with Financial Service Providers (FSPs) for Speed

  • Building strategic relationships with FSPs (e.g., banks, mobile money operators) before an emergency.
  • Negotiating pre-agreed contracts and service level agreements (SLAs) for rapid activation.
  • Ensuring FSP capacity and agent network readiness for surge operations.
  • Exploring innovative partnerships and technologies for fast and secure cash delivery.
  • Legal and regulatory considerations for FSP engagement in emergencies.

Module 6: Operationalizing Rapid Cash Disbursements

  • Pre-positioning of funds and establishing emergency bank accounts.
  • Streamlined beneficiary registration and verification processes for speed.
  • Leveraging digital platforms for rapid transfer execution.
  • Developing rapid reconciliation and reporting procedures for immediate accountability.
  • Contingency plans for payment mechanism failures or access constraints.

Module 7: Cost-Effectiveness and Value for Money in Emergency CVA

  • Analyzing the cost-effectiveness of pre-prepared CVA versus ad-hoc responses.
  • Demonstrating value for money in rapid-onset emergency financing.
  • Measuring the speed and reach of cash disbursements in emergencies.
  • Optimizing operational costs during rapid scale-up.
  • Advocating for flexible and predictable funding from donors.

Module 8: Learning, Adaptation, and Advocacy for Preparedness Financing

  • Documenting lessons learned from rapid-onset emergency responses and financing.
  • Adapting preparedness strategies based on new technologies and contexts.
  • Engaging with donors and policymakers on the importance of preparedness financing.
  • Promoting collective cash preparedness initiatives and inter-agency coordination.
  • The future of financing humanitarian action in a rapidly changing world.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

 

Cash Preparedness Financing In Rapid-onset Emergencies Training Course in Kenya
Dates Fees Location Action