The humanitarian landscape is continuously shifting, shaped by complex emergencies, natural disasters, political upheaval, economic shocks, and protracted crises that leave millions in vulnerable situations. One of the most significant evolutions in humanitarian response has been the increasing recognition of the value of Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) as a means of empowering people affected by crises to meet their own needs with dignity, flexibility, and choice.
At the forefront of this transformation is the Cash Learning Partnership (CALP) Network—a dynamic and diverse global collective of over 90 organisations committed to advancing policy, practice, and research in humanitarian CVA. By bringing together humanitarian organisations, donors, UN agencies, researchers, private sector actors, and individual practitioners, CALP serves as the global hub for collective action, thought leadership, and innovation in CVA.
As part of its ongoing mission to drive meaningful change and maximise the potential of CVA, CALP is looking for an exceptional individual to join its leadership team as Regional Representative for East and Southern Africa, hosted by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in Nairobi. This is not just another management role—it is an opportunity to shape humanitarian responses across an entire region, convening diverse stakeholders, championing collective solutions, and amplifying the voices of those most affected by crises.
This role is especially significant for East and Southern Africa, a region marked by both immense challenges and vast opportunities. Countries such as Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan are at the centre of humanitarian needs, while at the same time regional actors are pioneering innovative approaches to delivering assistance. The Regional Representative will be instrumental in building bridges, setting agendas, and ensuring that humanitarian cash and voucher programming continues to evolve in ways that are more inclusive, impactful, and sustainable.
About CALP
CALP’s vision is clear: a future where people affected by crises can exercise choice and self-determination, empowered by effective, people-centred financial assistance.
To realise this, CALP:
- Catalyses knowledge and capacity by convening the expertise of diverse members.
- Drives collective action by aligning strategies and priorities across organisations.
- Facilitates dialogue and evidence-sharing to influence policy and practice.
- Promotes good practice and supports the scaling of CVA globally.
- Champions thought leadership that pushes the humanitarian community to think differently about financial assistance.
CALP is unique in its diversity, bringing together NGOs, UN agencies, the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, donor agencies, research institutions, private sector innovators, and field practitioners. Working impartially but collaboratively, CALP fosters an environment of trust, knowledge exchange, and shared ambition.
About NRC
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a globally recognised humanitarian organisation that helps people forced to flee conflict and disaster. NRC works in some of the world’s most difficult and dangerous contexts, supporting displaced communities through shelter, education, protection, food security, and legal assistance.
In this role, the Regional Representative will be formally hosted by NRC, benefitting from NRC’s operational support while directly contributing to CALP’s network-wide goals. NRC’s commitment to diversity, innovation, and professional growth makes it an ideal host for a role that requires leadership, collaboration, and vision.
The Role: Regional Representative, CALP East and Southern Africa
The Regional Representative is a pivotal leadership role within CALP, responsible for representing, convening, and mobilising the network across East and Southern Africa. This position combines high-level policy engagement with practical programme management, fundraising, advocacy, and organisational development. It is designed for a dynamic leader who can create impact through relationships, networks, and strategic action.
The successful candidate will be expected to champion CALP’s vision in the region, maintain vibrant partnerships, and ensure that humanitarian CVA continues to evolve in ways that truly serve people affected by crises.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Regional Representative span four broad areas: Networking and Policy Engagement, Programme Management, Fundraising and Grant Management, and Organisational Development.
1. Networking and Policy Engagement
- Lead on regional policy engagement to strengthen the positioning of CVA within humanitarian and development debates.
- Build and maintain strategic influence with a wide range of stakeholders, including donors, international financial institutions, and regional political bodies.
- Establish and nurture relationships and alliances across CALP’s diverse membership, ensuring that regional voices feed into global conversations and vice versa.
- Convene members and actors to collectively identify emerging challenges, trends, and opportunities, fostering collaborative responses and knowledge generation.
- Support the development of working groups and ensure their effective functioning through facilitation, governance, and co-created events.
- Leverage social media and digital platforms to promote CALP’s visibility, share learning, and foster dialogue.
- Grow and mobilise membership, ensuring that local and regional perspectives are well-represented in CALP’s global agenda.
2. Programme Management
- Strategically lead CALP’s regional work, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s global strategy.
- Take ownership of the regional programme portfolio, ensuring quality delivery and meaningful impact.
- Drive collective action, enabling the network to achieve greater influence and outcomes than any single actor could accomplish alone.
- Lead on global thematic initiatives where relevant, representing the region in broader discussions.
- Ensure that regional programmes remain responsive to the contexts of Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and other priority countries in East and Southern Africa.
3. Fundraising and Grant Management
- Identify and develop fundraising opportunities within the region, positioning CALP as a trusted partner for donors.
- Contribute to global proposals that benefit CALP’s wider network.
- Manage donor relationships at the programmatic and technical level, ensuring transparent communication and trust.
- Oversee grant management, ensuring compliance, financial accountability, and timely reporting.
- Manage host arrangements with NRC, ensuring smooth operations, compliance, and mutual value creation.
4. Organisational Development
- Serve as part of CALP’s collective leadership team, contributing to strategic direction and decision-making.
- Provide management support and mentorship to team members, fostering professional growth and wellbeing.
- Promote cross-fertilisation of ideas across CALP’s work globally, ensuring that regional insights inform global strategy.
- Uphold CALP’s values of impartiality, inclusion, and evidence-based leadership.
Skills and Competencies
The role requires a rare blend of strategic leadership, technical expertise, advocacy skills, and relationship management. Candidates must be highly proactive, able to prioritise for impact, and capable of navigating complex humanitarian and political landscapes.
Essential Competencies:
- Minimum 5–7 years of senior management experience in an aid or humanitarian context.
- Proven track record in strategy development, planning, and representation.
- Strong experience in networking and influencing senior actors across the humanitarian system.
- In-depth understanding of Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA), its opportunities, challenges, and politics.
- Excellent knowledge of the international humanitarian system, both regionally and globally, with linkages to government bodies.
- Strong project and people management skills, with a track record of delivering results.
- Proven financial and compliance management experience.
- High-level communication and facilitation skills, both written and verbal.
- Demonstrated ability to make decisions with integrity and in complex environments.
- Experience with humanitarian donor grant management and reporting.
- Deep understanding of the regional contexts of Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan.
- Cultural sensitivity and ability to work in diverse teams.
Desirable Competencies:
- Proficiency in French and/or Portuguese.
- Experience leading inter-agency initiatives.
- Experience working in virtual networks or remote teams.
What CALP and NRC Offer
- Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya.
- Contract: Fixed-term national contract with possibility of extension.
- Salary/Benefits: Grade 10 on NRC’s national salary scale.
- Travel Requirements: Approximately 40% within the region.
- Work Environment: Hosted by NRC, with the benefit of being embedded within one of the world’s most respected humanitarian organisations, while remaining firmly connected to the CALP network.
NRC and CALP are equal opportunity employers, committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity across gender, age, religion, ethnicity, and physical ability. Women are highly encouraged to apply.
Why Join CALP?
Joining CALP means stepping into a movement that is actively shaping the future of humanitarian action. Since 2005, CALP has been at the heart of promoting CVA as a tool that places people’s dignity and choice at the centre of humanitarian response.
- You will influence regional and global debates, ensuring that East and Southern Africa’s perspectives are heard.
- You will work with a diverse, vibrant network of practitioners, researchers, and policymakers.
- You will be part of a thought leadership collective that drives innovation and collective problem-solving.
- You will help build better humanitarian outcomes, enabling millions of people in crisis to access more effective and dignified support.
This is not just a role—it is an opportunity to shape humanitarian action across borders, communities, and systems.
Important Application Information
- Only applicants who legally have the right to work in Kenya will be considered. NRC will not sponsor visas.
- Candidates must complete all required fields in the application system, including education, experience, and language skills.
- Applications must include a CV and cover letter in English.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted due to the high volume of applications.
- The position reports technically to CALP’s Head of Network Development Supports & CALP Director, and administratively to NRC’s Head of Operational Support.
Safeguarding Commitment
NRC and CALP have zero tolerance for any form of exploitation, abuse, or harassment. All employees are expected to:
- Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
- Actively contribute to building safe environments.
- Never engage in exploitation, harassment, or sexual misconduct.
- Report any safeguarding concerns immediately.
Closing Date
Apply before: 6th October 2025
Final Call
This is a rare chance to be part of an influential network at the heart of humanitarian innovation, driving change in one of the most dynamic regions in the world. If you are a visionary leader with the experience, networks, and commitment to deliver impact, CALP and NRC want to hear from you.
