Consultant - Cash-Based Transfers

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of eradicating hunger. WFP is recognized for its efforts in providing food assistance and is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, reflecting its significant contributions to humanitarian efforts globally. The organization values diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity. WFP's vision for its workforce is one of diverse, skilled, and high-performing teams working in a healthy and inclusive environment, living by the organization's core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. For more information, visit the WFP website and follow their social media channels for updates on their initiatives and impact.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Cash-Based Transfers (CBT) will play a crucial role in supporting the Government of Jamaica in various operational aspects related to cash-based assistance, social protection, disaster risk financing, and emergency preparedness and response. This position is based in the WFP Jamaica Satellite Office, which operates under the Caribbean Multi-Country Office (MCO). The incumbent will work closely with the Head of the Satellite Office and collaborate with relevant technical units and partners to ensure effective implementation of cash-based transfer operations. The role involves a strong operational component, focusing on emergency cash responses and the integration of social protection systems. The consultant will be responsible for leading the planning, implementation, and monitoring of CBT operations, ensuring alignment with WFP standards and national systems. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to the strengthening of social protection systems and enhance the capacity of government and partners in delivering effective humanitarian assistance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: leading the planning, implementation, and monitoring of cash-based transfer operations; providing technical support to the Ministry of Labour and Social security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security (MLSS) on CBT operations; supporting the strengthening of shock-responsive social protection systems; contributing to anticipatory action and disaster risk financing workstreams; co-leading Cash Working Group (CWG) activities; coordinating with partners on beneficiary verification and data governance; supporting emergency preparedness planning; overseeing beneficiary data workflows; producing operational analyses and reports; delivering capacity strengthening for government and partners; supervising Programme Assistants; and contributing to knowledge management and lessons learned from emergency operations. The consultant will ensure that all operations are conducted in accordance with WFP standards and best practices, while also engaging effectively with government counterparts and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Social Policy, Public Administration, Economics, International Affairs, or a related field. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional years of relevant professional experience will be considered. The ideal candidate should have strong technical knowledge of cash-based transfer operations, social protection systems, and disaster risk financing concepts. Excellent analytical, coordination, and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to manage multiple workstreams under pressure. The consultant should demonstrate a commitment to WFP's values and mission, and possess the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Social Policy, Public Administration, Economics, or International Affairs. Candidates with a first university degree and significant relevant professional experience may also be considered. The educational qualifications should provide a strong foundation for understanding the complexities of cash-based transfers, social protection, and emergency response mechanisms.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in cash-based transfers, social protection, disaster risk reduction, or emergency response. Experience managing large-scale cash-based transfer operations, including delivery mechanisms and reconciliation processes, is essential. Additionally, experience in supporting government-led coordination and technical working groups, as well as knowledge of shock-responsive social protection and disaster risk financing, is desirable. The ability to supervise staff and manage operational workflows is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another UN language is considered an advantage, as it may enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the humanitarian sector.

Additional Notes:
This position is a short-term consultancy role, full-time, with a contract duration of 11 months. The duty station is Kingston, Jamaica, and the selected candidate may be required to travel regionally and internationally to support missions, emergency responses, and training. WFP offers a competitive compensation package based on the terms of reference and the selected candidate's qualifications and experience. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. All applications must be submitted through the online recruiting system, and candidates should ensure their profiles are complete and accurate. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages of the recruitment process.