Cash-based Transfer Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO's mission is to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework, supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. FAO Country Offices provide policy advice and support to countries, facilitating partnerships and delivering technical assistance while adhering to international standards of accountability. In the Philippines, FAO has collaborated with various stakeholders for over four decades to address challenges in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, focusing on sustainability, productivity, and resilience against natural disasters and climate change.

Job Overview:
The Cash-based Transfer Specialist will play a crucial role in providing technical leadership for the design, implementation, coordination, and monitoring of cash-based transfer interventions aimed at supporting food security, livelihood recovery, and resilience among vulnerable farming and fishing households. This position will involve working closely with government counterparts, local partners, service providers, and humanitarian coordination mechanisms to ensure that cash assistance is delivered in a timely, inclusive, and transparent manner, aligned with FAO standards and project objectives. The Specialist will focus on various aspects of cash transfer modalities, including beneficiary targeting, transfer value and frequency, delivery mechanisms, risk mitigation, and accountability to affected populations. The role requires a proactive approach to engage with stakeholders and ensure effective implementation of cash-based interventions, contributing to the overall mission of FAO in enhancing food security and livelihoods in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Cash-based Transfer Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including: assisting the project team in planning, coordination, and execution of cash-based transfer activities such as Unconditional Cash Transfer, Conditional Cash, and Cash for Work; providing technical support to local partners and humanitarian actors for field data collection during cash-based needs assessments; developing guidelines and cash transfer plans for all cash-based transfer activities; facilitating discussions with government partners and local government units to leverage resources for cash interventions; leading the development of collaboration modalities with partners involved in cash-based transfer activities; providing recommendations to enhance cash-based interventions throughout the project cycle; participating in cash coordination groups and liaising with key stakeholders to ensure complementarity with other interventions; supporting capacity-building activities for FAO staff and partners; providing timely reporting on the progress and challenges of cash-based interventions; conducting post-distribution monitoring of cash utilization; supporting communication efforts related to cash transfers through various channels; and carrying out other relevant duties as requested by FAO.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Agriculture, Rural Development, Community Development/Organizing, or other Sustainable Development-related fields. They should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in cash-based transfers within agriculture or rural development sectors, including program management, implementation, capacity building, and coordination with national and regional government structures, NGOs, and UN agencies. Full proficiency in English is required, and candidates must be nationals of the Philippines. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate core competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Agriculture, Rural Development, Community Development/Organizing, or other Sustainable Development-related studies. Candidates must have their educational qualifications recognized by institutions accredited in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in cash-based transfers, particularly in the agriculture and rural development sectors. This experience should encompass program management, implementation, and coordination with various stakeholders, including government entities, NGOs, and UN agencies. The ability to work under pressure and adapt to complex humanitarian contexts is essential.

Languages:
Full proficiency in English is mandatory, and excellent written and oral communication skills in Filipino are also required. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, but English and Filipino are the primary languages for this position.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, and processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The position may involve travel to project sites as required, and candidates should be willing to engage in capacity-building activities and knowledge exchange with partners. The appointment will be subject to security clearances and compliance with FAO's standards and guidelines.