Cash and Basic Needs Assistant

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
JOB OVERVIEW
IRC is seeking a motivated and responsible candidate for the position of Economic Recovery and Development Assistant (CBN Assistant). The CBN Assistant will support the implementation of cash and basic needs assistance, emergency response activities, and livelihoods/FSL programming in Ukraine.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the supervision of the CBN Manager and in close collaboration with the CBN Officer/Specialist, ERD Coordinator, and Field Coordinator, the Assistant will support the effective implementation of basic needs assistance, including Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA), Non-Food Item (NFI) assistance, and livelihoods activities, with the following responsibilities:
Program Implementation
Support the timely, high-quality, and safe implementation of basic needs assistance programs, including Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA), Non-Food Item (NFI) assistance, emergency response activities, and Livelihoods/FSL interventions.
Support needs assessments, client registration and verification for cash and other forms of assistance, assistance distributions, and appropriate documentation of results.
Follow approved implementation plans, program procedures, and tools to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of program activities.
Maintain up-to-date program documentation, activity and distribution schedules, registration records, and databases.
Ensure the proper collection, verification, documentation, and storage of program and client data using appropriate digital platforms and data collection tools.
Promptly inform the CBN Manager and CBN Officer/Specialist of any issues related to program implementation, registration, payments, assistance distributions, quality of services, or client satisfaction.
Ensure that protection, gender equality, inclusion, Do No Harm principles, and environmental considerations are integrated into program activities within the scope of the position's responsibilities.
Information sharing - Regularly share and discuss timely, accurate and relevant information in local languages with communities about: - access and eligibility to service, -expected staff behaviors and code of conduct, - community feedback, safeguarding mechanism and how to use them .
Facilitating participation - Identify and provide communities with opportunities to participate in and guide programs – from assessment and design through to monitoring and evaluation. Talk with communities about how they would like to be involved in decision-making and discuss with management how this can be facilitated.
Feedback collection and reporting - Establish or promote the formal feedback mechanism – aligned with organizational best practice – to capture, monitor, respond to and act on feedback and complaints from communities.
Partner Engagement and Coordination
Support the monitoring of partner activities related to cash assistance, basic needs, and Livelihoods/FSL programming to ensure alignment with agreed implementation plans and program standards.
Participate in monitoring visits to partner organizations, support the collection of relevant information, document observations, and share findings with the CBN Manager and CBN Officer/Specialist.
Support coordination with partners to track implementation progress, identify operational issues in a timely manner, and support the implementation of agreed corrective actions.
As requested, support coordination with other IRC sectors, local authorities, service providers, and other relevant stakeholders.
Provide administrative and logistical support as needed to ensure the effective and timely implementation of program activities.
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)
Participate in the monitoring of programs implemented directly by IRC and through partner organizations, including CBN, CVA, and Livelihoods/FSL activities.
Support the collection, verification, and proper documentation of program data and monitoring findings.
Record client feedback and complaints and ensure their timely referral and follow-up in accordance with established IRC procedures.
Promptly inform the CBN Manager and CBN Officer/Specialist of issues related to client satisfaction, access to assistance, payments, or other implementation concerns.
Participate in needs assessments, post-distribution monitoring, and other data collection activities as required by the program.
Support engagement with clients, partner organizations, and service providers to monitor the quality and timeliness of assistance delivery.
Perform other program-related duties delegated by the CBN Manager and CBN Officer/Specialist in line with program needs.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in International Development, International Affairs, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
Experience: A minimum of one year of relevant work experience.
Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:
English language proficiency at A2-B1 level, with fluency in Ukrainian and Russian.
Proven ability to operate effectively in complex and dynamic work environments, prioritize multiple tasks effectively, and set clear goals.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Digital and AI literacy, including proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint.
Ability to facilitate effective collaboration and manage shared resources.
Understanding and application of Responsible AI principles.
Experience with and/or understanding of cash transfer processes for clients.
Public speaking skills and the ability to present information clearly and effectively to groups.
Strong punctuality and attention to detail.
REPORTING STRUCTURE AND TEAM COLLABORATION
Reports to: CBN Manager.
Works closely with: CBN Officer/Specialist, ERD Coordinator, Field Coordinator, and other members of the ERD team to ensure the timely and high-quality implementation of program activities.
Internal working relationships: ERD/CBN, MEAL, Partnerships, Finance, Supply Chain, Safety & Security, and other IRC program and operational departments, as required by program needs.
External working relationships: Clients and communities, partner organizations, local authorities, service providers, and other relevant stakeholders.
Direct reports: None.
Team collaboration: Works within a matrix management structure, ensuring effective coordination and information sharing across program teams, the field office, and other relevant IRC departments.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION
This is a full-time position combining office-based work, regular field activities, and the possibility of remote work, depending on program requirements and IRC internal policies.
Depending on program needs, field-based work may represent a significant portion of working time, including periods when field activities are conducted throughout the entire working week.
Staff must have an appropriate workspace at home or another suitable location where duties can be performed effectively during approved remote working hours.
Applicants must have a home or alternate workspace so they can effectively complete their work during regularly scheduled work hours.
Travel to other locations is needed up to 30% of time
Exempt from overtime
Sometimes work on weekends may be required
Work in the matrix organization
Fast pace of working, multitasking and stressful work
The organization cares about staff and provides flexible working options (start early-finish early, start later-finish later, remote work)
IRC employees are eligible to the following benefits:
Competitive salary
Purposeful job and development opportunities
English classes and unlimited online training courses
Life Insurance
Medical insurance for staff and family members
Free psychological support to employees and their family members
30 calendar days of annual vacation with flexibility beyond the legally set minimum requirements
Up to 10 days of paid medical leave
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