Cash Impact at Scale Strategy Consultant

International Rescue Committee•New York, NY

5d•Remote

About The Position

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking a consultant to provide strategic thinking on two key areas: identifying promising innovations for scaling cash assistance and determining how IRC can drive sector-wide change. This consultancy is crucial for IRC's ambition to be a leading agency in cash and voucher assistance (CVA), known for innovation, strategic clarity, and operational excellence. The consultant will work collaboratively with IRC's Quality in Emergencies and Economic Recovery and Development Technical Units and senior leadership to produce actionable strategy products.

Requirements

Minimum 10 years of senior-level experience in cash and voucher assistance in humanitarian contexts.
Demonstrable track record of influence at a strategic level, with practical field-level CVA implementation experience.
Proven experience in developing CVA strategy and translating strategy into operational reality, ideally within or alongside large-scale INGO programming.
Strong grasp of the global CVA sector architecture, including the roles of key actors and the political economy shaping sector decision-making.
Demonstrated expertise in CVA themes and innovation, with a focus on at least one of: new delivery mechanisms, digital financial services, responsible AI and technology applications, social protection linkages, financial inclusion, or alternative targeting and identification models.
Experience engaging non-traditional actors in CVA design or delivery.
Documented public thought leadership in CVA (e.g., published research papers, evaluations, guidance notes, blog posts, conference presentations, advisory roles).
Exceptional analytical and synthesis skills, able to distill complex landscapes into clear strategic choices and well-evidenced recommendations.
Strong written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to produce polished, professional strategy documents for senior audiences.
Ability to facilitate and drive collaborative decision-making processes with senior stakeholders.
University degree at Master’s level or above in a relevant field (international development, economics, public policy, or related discipline).

Nice To Haves

Advising or working with large INGOs on CVA strategy, scaling, or transformation.
Experience in sector-level advocacy, norm-shaping, or coordination.
Knowledge of humanitarian financing trends and donor priorities related to cash assistance.
Experience with private sector engagement in humanitarian response.
Familiarity with humanitarian architecture power dynamics.
Experience in Global South contexts and/or strong networks among CVA practitioners, researchers, and innovators outside traditional Western/northern hubs.
Experience applying human-centred design or systems thinking approaches.
Demonstrated ability to work with and challenge senior stakeholders constructively.

Responsibilities

Identify and prioritize promising innovations and new ways of working to drive greater cash impact at scale.
Undertake Key Informant Interviews and targeted desk research to map the innovation landscape, including delivery mechanisms, AI and technology applications, client identification and targeting, and emerging financing models.
Engage non-traditional actors such as fintech companies, social protection specialists, private sector players, academic institutions, and governments.
Develop 'pathway models' for prioritized innovation areas, describing the core proposition, required investment, potential impact, risks, and mitigation strategies.
Prepare pitch materials, supporting statistics, and talking points for internal and external audiences.
Analyze IRC's current positioning and influence within the CVA sector.
Develop 'disruption models' to drive positive change in the humanitarian CVA sector, focusing on increased resourcing, equitable governance, and greater impact for clients.
Assess how disruption models would position IRC to attract funding, deepen partnerships, and establish leadership in CVA.
Produce a written strategy report detailing IRC’s recommended positive disruption approach, including a prioritized action plan and implementation roadmap.
Produce supporting materials such as an executive summary, a 'case for change' document, and pitch-ready presentations.