Actor
SDC plays a significant role as an actor in the context of cash and voucher assistance (CVA) in international humanitarian and development work. SDC can rely on the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) which has an expert group on CVA. Find out more about SDC's role in CVA and highlighted projects.
Operational Agency
As an operational agency, SDC has been integrating cash and voucher assistance in its direct actions since 1998, encompassing projects with durations ranging from a few months to six years. Direct actions, understood as SDC projects, are implemented directly by the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit experts in close collaboration with local partners during or in the aftermath of crises, conflicts, and disasters.
Secondments
Since 2009, members of the Expert Group Cash have completed more than 100 secondments, sharing their CVA expertise with 15 different partner organisations. Through medium- and long-term strategic secondments, SDC can significantly influence capacity building and institutionalisation within these organisations. Given the ongoing demand for individuals with CVA skills, this resource remains highly valuable.
Rapid Response Missions
SDC's rapid response missions provide immediate and global emergency assistance during natural disasters, technological hazards, crises, and conflicts. Depending on the particular context, a CVA programme can offer prompt, efficient, and people-centred assistance to those in need. In recent years, SHA cash experts, working closely with local partners, have assessed, monitored, and implemented various projects with a CVA component, forming an integral part of Switzerland's global emergency response initiatives.