Global Payment Solutions (GPS)

In line with the Grand Bargain’s commitment to making humanitarian response “as local as possible, but as global as necessary,” the IFRC has been at the forefront of innovative solutions. In 2021, the IFRC and its network committed to delivering 50% of their humanitarian assistance through cash and vouchers by 2025. A key pillar of this strategy is Global Payment Solutions (GPS), designed to quickly provide cash in emergencies across different locations.

To access the Map of current Global Service Providers, contact please contact Monica Shah

Terminology
Background
FAQs

Terminology

Acronyms

Delivery Mechanism (DM) definitions

Bank – Transfer to a bank account via IBAN number
Remittance – Cash over the counter
Prepaid Card – Withdraw, process physical and e-merchants payment
Mobile Money – Transfer to a mobile wallet account via the phone number
eVoucher – Closed loop value-based transfer
Push to card – Send to credit or debit card via the 16 digits card number
Cash in hand – Distribution of physical cash in envelopes

What is a Global Payment Solution?

A GPS, or “aggregator,” has a network of last-mile partners or FSPs, offering different delivery mechanisms and covering wide geographical areas.

The IFRC has signed or will be signing global framework agreements (GFA) with 3 GPS’s. (note that GFAs are for a 2 year term with the potential of a 2 year extension)

What are the benefits of a GPS?

Using Global Financial Service Providers (GPSs) for Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) brings several benefits. They help deliver aid faster by reducing the time between when help is needed and when it arrives. GPSs also offer more choice for recipients, with wide coverage and different delivery options. By working with multiple providers, the risk of relying on just one is reduced, ensuring more reliability. Additionally, GPSs can handle large-scale needs, quickly providing payments across various locations, making CVA more efficient and responsive.

GPS timeline and uses

FAQs

Utilizing the GPS Global Framework Agreements

Q: I have been deployed to support a DREF or Emergency Appeal funded operation and I want to leverage the use of the global PSPs. Who can I contact for more information on how to use the global framework agreement and understand the relevant processes.

A: Please contact Indra Eckstein, Procurement Coordinator, ROE

Q: I have been deployed to support a DREF or Emergency Appeal funded operation, and I want to use one of these global PSPs. Who can I contact for more information on the geographical coverage, types of delivery mechanisms available, costing, additional features and implementation?

A: Please contact Monica Shah, CVA Programme Finance and Risk Management.

Q: I am a National Society and am interested in signing a supplementary agreement to the IFRC’s global framework agreement

A: Please contact Indra Eckstein, Procurement Coordinator, ROE

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