Humanitarian & Disaster Management
Expert Course in Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) in Emergencies
Design, deliver and monitor cash and voucher assistance safely and accountably.
Syllabus at a glance
Around 12 weeks of guided study, typically two sessions a week plus independent work, so you can keep working while you study.
| Unit | Study block | Module |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Weeks 1–2 | CVA modalities, feasibility and market analysis |
| 2 | Weeks 3–4 | Transfer value setting and targeting |
| 3 | Weeks 5–6 | Delivery mechanisms and financial service providers |
| 4 | Weeks 7–8 | Risk, fraud and protection considerations |
| 5 | Weeks 9–12 | CVA monitoring, post-distribution and reporting |
Module breakdown
- 1
CVA modalities, feasibility and market analysis
Weeks 1–2Build a shared working vocabulary for CVA modalities, feasibility and market analysis and set the standards this course expects of you.
What you cover
- Key concepts, terminology and standards behind CVA modalities, feasibility and market analysis
- Step-by-step methods and templates for CVA modalities, feasibility and market analysis
- Common problems, risks and mistakes in CVA modalities, feasibility and market analysis, and how to avoid them
- Applying CVA modalities, feasibility and market analysis in low-resource and community settings
Assessed work: Case study discussion applying CVA modalities, feasibility and market analysis to a local scenario.
- 2
Transfer value setting and targeting
Weeks 3–4Work through the methods and tools used for transfer value setting and targeting in day-to-day programme work.
What you cover
- Step-by-step methods and templates for transfer value setting and targeting
- Common problems, risks and mistakes in transfer value setting and targeting, and how to avoid them
- Applying transfer value setting and targeting in low-resource and community settings
Assessed work: Practical task: draft one working document related to transfer value setting and targeting.
- 3
Delivery mechanisms and financial service providers
Weeks 5–6Practise delivery mechanisms and financial service providers on realistic case material drawn from Sierra Leonean community and field settings.
What you cover
- Common problems, risks and mistakes in delivery mechanisms and financial service providers, and how to avoid them
- Applying delivery mechanisms and financial service providers in low-resource and community settings
- Recording, reporting and communicating your delivery mechanisms and financial service providers work
Assessed work: Group simulation using delivery mechanisms and financial service providers under time pressure.
- 4
Risk, fraud and protection considerations
Weeks 7–8Turn risk, fraud and protection considerations into documents, plans and decisions your team or employer can actually use.
What you cover
- Applying risk, fraud and protection considerations in low-resource and community settings
- Recording, reporting and communicating your risk, fraud and protection considerations work
- Key concepts, terminology and standards behind risk, fraud and protection considerations
Assessed work: Portfolio entry: reflect on how you will use risk, fraud and protection considerations in your role.
- 5
CVA monitoring, post-distribution and reporting
Weeks 9–12Review, quality-check and improve your own CVA monitoring, post-distribution and reporting work with tutor and peer feedback.
What you cover
- Recording, reporting and communicating your CVA monitoring, post-distribution and reporting work
- Key concepts, terminology and standards behind CVA monitoring, post-distribution and reporting
- Step-by-step methods and templates for CVA monitoring, post-distribution and reporting
Assessed work: Guided exercise: produce a short worked example covering CVA monitoring, post-distribution and reporting.
Who this course is for
- • Practitioners and volunteers already working in, or moving into, this area of work.
- • NGO, government and community responders involved in preparedness and response.
- • School leavers and graduates building a first professional portfolio.
Entry requirements
- • Basic literacy and secondary-level education, or relevant practical work experience.
- • Access to a phone, tablet or computer for online and blended study.
- • Commitment to attend sessions and submit assignments on time.
How you are assessed
- • Short module tasks completed during the course.
- • Practical component: Market assessment and CVA design assignment with risk register.
- • A final assessment or portfolio review covering the full syllabus.
- • Participation in guided sessions, discussions and group exercises.
Materials and support
- • Session handouts, checklists and templates you keep after the course.
- • Case material and worked examples based on community and field practice.
- • Tutor guidance by WhatsApp between sessions.
Certification
Learners who complete all assessments receive an SLIHSD professional certificate of completion. This records completion of an SLIHSD short course and is not presented as an accredited academic award.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the certificate you should be able to:
- Assess feasibility and choose a CVA modality
- Set transfer values and targeting criteria
- Monitor a cash programme end to end
Practical component
Market assessment and CVA design assignment with risk register.
How this programme is delivered
Online
Guided sessions and assignments you can follow from anywhere with a connection.
Face-to-face
Classroom sessions at our Mile 91 learning centre, including weekend and evening options.
Blended
A mix of online study with periodic in-person workshops, field exercises and simulations.
Ready to start Expert Course in Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) in Emergencies?
Applications for the Founding Student Intake 2026 are open. Register your interest and we will guide you to the right programme.