IM & Techonology
121 Platform
121 Platform: Streamlining Cash & Voucher Assistance for Humanitarians
The 121 Platform is a user-friendly tool designed to streamline the Cash & Voucher Assistance (CVA) process, making it easy, safe, and fast, while maximizing the number of people affected meet their own needs. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has adopted the 121 Platform in contribution to the network’s commitment to delivering 50% of humanitarian aid in the form of cash by 2025.
To achieve this, the platform offers a range of features designed to simplify operations and enhance effectiveness, including:
- Integration with Kobo Toolbox for registration
- Simplified, centralized and secure data management
- Tracking of all changes for accountability and audit purposes
- Easier monitoring and report creation
- Can be integrated directly with FSPs and other tools All stakeholders, from HQ to branches, use the same solution, ensuring access to the latest updates and shared information.
- Created by humanitarians, for humanitarians
- Implemented in over 10 countries
The simple interface of the 121 Platform allows users to navigate the system without requiring prior expertise in information management. Through a familiar portal and embedded dashboard, users can access real-time updates at all stages of their cash programme, allowing for efficient coordination, monitoring and reporting.
By recording all data entries and changes, 121 enhances accountability and security, making auditing easier through a privacy-by-design system. The platform further seamlessly integrates with local Financial Service Providers (FSPs), enabling users to make payments with the click of a button.
The 121 Platform was developed with input from a vast humanitarian network to cater to all levels of digital capacity and connectivity. As such, it drives localisation by supporting local ownership in delivering context-specific assistance. Designed by humanitarians, for humanitarians, 121 fully understands the digital humanitarian space and ensures that vulnerable communities are reached with quality assistance as quickly as possible.
121 Platform onboarding
The 6-step onboarding journey helps the National Society effectively integrate the software into existing programmes and take full ownership at the local level:
First conversation
An initial discussion is held to assess programmes, operational needs, target volumes, and preferred delivery methods at local and national levels. This helps determine if the solution aligns with the context and requirements before collaboratively developing a plan.
Assessment of your needs [+ CVA IM Service]
Once the initial discussion confirms the solution’s suitability, an assessment of needs and information management capacity is conducted to evaluate how the platform fits into existing processes. This ensures local teams can fully own the system. A clear workflow is
then established, and any necessary training in information management is discussed.
Contracting
An agreement is signed to formalize the collaboration—detailing the duration and support level—before initiating platform use and launching the first programme. This agreement, which includes the service level agreement, can be requested at the IFRC Cluster or Global office and must be signed between both parties.
Training
The 1-3 day on-site training kicks off the first programme, ensuring teams can effectively use the 121 Platform and manage programmes. Local teams involved in running a CVA programme, along with finance, IT, and PDM teams, participate to establish a clear workflow across all teams, both at HQ and branch levels.
Setup (local) FSP
Two options are available for setting up local Financial Service Providers (FSP): the first is an import-export function with preformatted files for instant import. The second is a direct integration, enabling payments to be triggered directly through the 121 Platform.
Implement and Impact at scale
With the first programme launched, the platform is expanded across local teams, programmes, and national operations. The workflow is standardized, making it easier for the National Society to roll out new CVA distributions with a clear process shared by all team members at both HQ and branch levels. This approach allows to reach more people in a shorter timeframe, ensuring a smoother response.
Support
The 121 Platform makes it easy, safe, and fast to manage Cash & Voucher Assistance (CVA) programmes, maximizing impact. A team of experts in CVA IM, operations, and digital solutions supports the successful implementation of programmes through 121. A team of experts in CVA IM, operations, and digital solutions supports the successful implementation of programmes through 121.
The team operates from the Netherlands Red Cross head office, Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 18:00 CET, with flexibility for off-hours support when needed. Support is available in the following ways:
Personal focal point
A dedicated Account Manager serves as the central contact for all requests, whether informational, contractual, or related to support. They work closely with the National Societies to ensure the smooth use of the platform, addressing any queries or concerns that may arise.
For any questions related to the use of the platform or technical requests, the technical team can be reached at support@121.global. This will connect you to a broader team, including Level 2 and 3 support, as well as the CVA IM and technical teams.
For urgent and instant support requests, WhatsApp can be used in collaboration with the dedicated focal point. This ensures availability, even in remote areas or during operations, to provide timely assistance when needed most.
121 Case studies
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