Attachments
Executive Summary
The Sudan Shelter and NFI Cluster's Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) Guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for humanitarian actors to design and implement Shelter and Non-Food Item (NFI) interventions using cash-based modalities. These guidelines emphasize that the choice of implementation modality, whether CVA or in-kind assistance, must be driven by what is most appropriate and effective in achieving the intended Shelter and NFI outcomes.
Appropriateness is determined by a combination of factors, including:
• Community needs, preferences, and capacities.
• Functionality and accessibility of local markets.
• Political and legal feasibility, including Housing, Land, and Property (HLP) rights.
• Risk management, including financial, security, and protection risks.
• Cost-efficiency and effectiveness compared to other modalities.
The guidelines advocate for a flexible, context-sensitive approach, often combining CVA with in-kind modality and technical support. This mixed-modality approach ensures that assistance is both responsive to market conditions and tailored to the diverse needs of affected populations.
CVA is highlighted for its potential to:
• Enhance dignity and choice for recipients.
• Stimulate local markets and economies.
• Reduce logistical burdens associated with in-kind distributions.
• Improve cost-effectiveness and timeliness of aid delivery.
The use of CVA requires careful planning and robust systems to ensure accountability, quality, and impact. This includes:
• Strong needs assessments and community engagement.
• Clear conditionality and restrictions where necessary to ensure funds are used as intended.
• Adequate technical support, especially for shelter construction and repair.
The guidelines also stress the importance of inclusive programming, recognizing that not all households, such as those headed by women, elderly individuals, or persons with disabilities, can manage shelter construction independently. For these groups, complementary support such as labor assistance, in-kind materials, or tailored technical support is recommended.
Finally, the document outlines key operational considerations, including:
• Selection and vetting of Financial Service Providers (FSPs).
• Managing liquidity and inflation risks.
• Ensuring physical security during distributions.
• Implementing fraud safeguards and identity verification mechanisms.
• Building agency capacity for CVA programming.
In essence, the guidelines provide a strategic and operational roadmap for leveraging CVA to deliver effective, accountable, and context-appropriate shelter and NFI assistance in Sudan’s complex humanitarian landscape.