Expert Group Cash

Drawing upon its experience and expertise in CVA, and in alignment with Switzerland's Strategy for International Cooperation 2025-28, the Expert Group Cash will focus its efforts on three strategic goals in the field of CVA:

• Systematic consideration (i.e. more CVA): CVA is systematically considered as a response option.
• Quality programming (i.e. quality CVA): CVA is implemented according to best practice.
• Digitalisation and innovation (i.e. innovative CVA): innovation enhances the quality of CVA and accountability towards affected populations.

Building on their broad expertise gained within the humanitarian sector, members of the Expert Group Cash undertake the following activities:

• Assessing CVA Feasibility: We evaluate the feasibility and added value of CVA across various intervention areas, ensuring alignment with our humanitarian objectives.
• Design and Planning: We provide expert advice and support in designing, planning, and implementing projects that integrate CVA.
• Implementation: Our experts are hands-on, actively involved in implementing projects that include CVA components, putting theory into practice.
• Coordination: As co-leads of Cash Working Groups, we play a crucial role in coordinating CVA efforts, fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
• Ensuring Quality: We are commited to upholding the highest quality standards in CVA interventions through quality assurance and comprehensive evaluations.
• Managing CVA Risks: We focus on reinforcing the «centrality of protection» and proactively mitigating any potential adverse consequences of CVA, demonstrating a commitment to minimising risks («do no harm»).
• Advocating and Engaging in Policy Work: We advocate for key CVA issues, shaping policies that drive positive change in humanitarian aid.

Our Expert Group Cash consists of a diverse and adaptable pool of experts possessing interdisciplinary expertise in areas such as social protection, protection, WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), construction, education, health, and more. With extensive professional backgrounds, we are versatile generalists, bringing a wealth of experience from both humanitarian aid and development cooperation. Our members are ready for deployment, whether for short-term, medium-term, or long-term missions. Our expert group includes the following profiles:

• (Senior) Programme Officer CVA
• (Senior) Rapid Response CVA
• Associate Programme Officer CVA

We strongly believe in the power of knowledge. Hence, we offer an annual three-day basic CVA course, open to all SHA members. This course is designed to cultivate future CVA experts and mainstream CVA across expert groups and within SDC.
In addition, we develop specialised courses tailored to meet the evolving needs of the SHA members of the Expert Group Cash. These specialised courses cover topics such as CVA & Social Protection, Cash Coordination, Cash & Protection, and Market-Based Programming in WASH and Construction. Collaborating with other expert groups enriches these learning experiences.
Our annual expert group workshop serves as a cornerstone event, bringing together our CVA experts to share their insights and experiences across a wide range of topics. It is here that innovation takes root and best practices flourish.

The closed user group (CUG) is a community space for the Expert Group Cash members, fostering collaboration and insights on CVA. As a member of the Expert Group, you gain access to a platform where members explore the latest developments in CVA and benefit from the collective experiences of the group by exploring materials from past projects and missions.

Interested in joining us on our mission to alleviate suffering and promote humanitarian excellence worldwide through CVA? Explore the qualifications needed to join the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit. 

Working for the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit