Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks

Session title: From Crisis to Resilience: The Role of Cash and Voucher Assistance in Humanitarian Reset

Organizer(s): World Vision MEER & CALP Network MENA

5 Mar 26 14:00-15:00 UTC+2

SessionAbstract

In this period of humanitarian reset – marked by reduced funding, rising needs, and a decisive shift toward localization – cash and voucher assistance (CVA) remains one of the most effective and adaptable tools available to serve families, women, and children in need of aid. CVA continues to provide an effective, people-centered response precisely at a time when humanitarian needs are rising and resources are shrinking.

CVA delivers aid more efficiently and flexibly than in-kind assistance: it restores dignity and agency to those affected by conflict, crisis, and displacement, it also supports local markets and can be scaled quickly in emergencies. As the humanitarian system embraces localization, CVA is particularly well suited as it enables smaller organizations and local actors to deliver assistance without the heavy infrastructure or logistics burden associated with traditional aid delivery.

This webinar will feature experts from the CALP Network and World Vision as they examine the critical role of Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) amid the humanitarian reset and in advancing Grand Bargain localization commitments. Drawing on the latest global and regional evidence - particularly insights from the Middle East and Eastern Europe - speakers will unpack how CVA continues to deliver meaningful impact for vulnerable communities. The discussion will also spotlight lessons and innovations from local actors and community-led initiatives, reflecting the sector’s accelerating shift toward locally led responses.

Together, panelists and participants will explore how investing in CVA today not only meets urgent needs, but also strengthens resilience and supports the emergence of more locally led humanitarian systems across the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and beyond.

Agenda

14:00–14:10 | Welcome and Opening Remarks

• Belete Temesgen, Director for Cash and Market Based Programming, World Vision International (Moderator)

• Cate Turton, Director, CALP Network

Setting the scene: The continued relevance of Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) in the humanitarian reset.

14:10–14:25 | Evidence on the Efficiency and Impact of Cash Assistance

• Rana Nassar, Regional Representative (MENA), CALP Network

Insights from recent research on the efficiency of humanitarian cash assistance, with a focus on the MENA region.

• Tata Mikeladze, Regional Impact Director, World Vision Middle East and Eastern Europe

Key findings from World Vision’s cash research and country case study reflections in the context of the humanitarian reset.

14:25–14:50 | Localisation, Coordination and the Humanitarian Reset

• Kamiran Shivan Othman, Director of Programs, Rwanga Foundation for Development

Lessons from Iraq: transitioning coordination, strengthening localisation, and advancing CVA.

• Hussein Bariesh, Project Manager, Field Operations, World Vision Syria Response

CVA implementation in Syria: working through local partners and strengthening sustainable systems.

• Rahat Ara S. Monir, Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs Manager, World Vision Bangladesh

Advancing localised CVA responses in Bangladesh.

14:50–15:10 | Interactive Q&A

Moderated by Manal Shehade, Deputy Regional Representative (MENA), CALP Network

An opportunity for participants to engage directly with the panel.

15:10–15:30 | Reflections and Closing

Belete Temesgen, Director for Cash and Market Based Programming, World Vision International

Key takeaways and closing reflections.

Speakers

SESSION MODERATOR:

Belete Temesgen, Director for Cash and Market Based Programming at WV International

Belete Temesgen is a seasoned humanitarian leader and the Director of Cash/Voucher andMarket-Based Programming at World Vision International, based in Washington, DC. With over two decades of global experience, Belete leads WVI’s global cash team and provides strategic and programmatic guidance across the partnership. He has been instrumental in expanding World Vision’s Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) portfolio, strengthening operational systems, and advancing innovative cash delivery mechanisms, including digital cash and vouchers.

SPEAKERS:

Cate Turton, Director at CALP Network

Cate Turton is a development and humanitarian professional with over 30 years’ experience, leading teams which have developed evidence-based policy, advocated for change and delivered large complex programme portfolios.Prior to joining CALP in 2024, she has held a range of executive and non-executive roles in the public, private and third sector, including 20 years with the UK’s Department for International Development leading country offices in Sudan, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

Rana Nassar, Regional Representative for the Middle East and North Africa at CALP Network

Rana Nassar joined CALP in January 2023, she holds over 12 years of experience working in the humanitarian sector. Prior to joining CALP, Rana was a Humanitarian Adviser in FCDO focusing on the refugee response in Jordan, specialising in refugee protection and working on the linkages between humanitarian cash assistance and social protection systems.

Kamiran Shivan, Director of Programs at Rwanga Foundation for Development

Kamiran Shivan Othman is a development and humanitarian professional serving as Director of Programs at Rwanga Foundation for Development. With experience spanning the public sector, private sector, and humanitarian agencies, he brings a balanced and practical perspective to develop sustainable development and community resilience. His work focuses on integrating humanitarian response with long-term social and economic development. Over the years, he has led the design and implementation of programs that strengthen institutional capacity, expand opportunities for youth and vulnerable groups, and promote inclusive, locally driven solutions.

Tata Mikeladze, Regional Impact Director at WV MEER

Tata Mikeladze serves as the Impact Director for World Vision Middle East and Eastern Europe, where she oversees disaster management, research, and impact measurement across the region. She previously held the role of Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs Director, leading regional emergency response and preparedness efforts. With more than 15 years of experience in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, Tata is a seasoned disaster management professional. Her work has focused on strengthening effective humanitarian response systems, advancing risk management practices, building local capacity, and fostering strategic humanitarian partnerships. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Sciences.

Hussein Barish, Projects Manager, Field Operations at World Vision Syria Response

With a background in Agricultural Engineering and over 13 years of frontline experience, Hussein Barish is a certified Trainer of Trainers (ToT) specializing in Risk and Disaster Management. He has worked across local, international, and governmental organizations in Syria, Turkey, Jordan, and South Sudan, bringing extensive field-based insight into humanitarian response. Hussein currently serves as Projects Manager at World Vision International and previously worked as Co-Coordinator for the Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) Cluster. He is known for bridging technical expertise with rapid-response strategies to strengthen resilient food systems and support community stabilization in some of the world’s most volatile contexts.

Rahat Ara S. Monir, Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs Manager at World Vision Bangladesh

Rahat Ara Sirajum Monir is a humanitarian and disaster management professional with over 15 years of leadership experience in DRR, Anticipatory Action, emergency response, and climate resilience. She is working as the Humanitarian & Emergency Affairs (HEA) Manager at World Vision Bangladesh, leading the disaster management program. She is co-coordinator of the National Cash Working Group led by World Vision Bangladesh and UNRC. Rahat is recognised for her expertise in cash programming, localisation, capacity strengthening of local actors, and advancing inclusive, child‑focused and community-centred humanitarian programming across Bangladesh.

Q&A MODERATED BY:

Manal Shehade, Deputy Regional Representative for the Middle East and North Africa at CALP Network

Manal joined CALP in December 2023, she holds over 10 years of experience in development and humanitarian work across the occupied Palestinian territories and internationally. Prior to joining CALP, Manal has worked with DanChurchAid and Norwegian Church Aid as a Humanitarian and Resource Mobilization Officer and the cash focal point for the operations. Manal holds a bachelor’s degree in American and French Studies and a Master’s in Peace and Conflict Management and was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship at Wesleyan University.