Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO supports the Government of Jamaica through its FAO Jamaica Country Office (FAOJM) in advancing climate-resilient, inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems, with a particular focus on strengthening the resilience of vulnerable rural communities and smallholder farmers to climate change and climate-related shocks.

Following the approval of the Funding Proposal (FP299) by the Board of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), FAO together with Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) will implement the project “ADAPT Jamaica: Enhancing climate change resilience of vulnerable smallholders in Central Jamaica” in response to a request from the Government of Jamaica through the Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change (MWECC), acting as National Designated Authority (NDA) to the GCF. Implementation will be carried out in partnership with national institutions, and in accordance with FAO rules, procedures and applicable donor requirements.

The project is organized around four interrelated components: 
1.    Building capacity in climate-resilient agricultural production and post-harvest systems, 
2.    Accelerating climate adaptation of vulnerable smallholder farmers, 
3.    Strengthening climate information services and early warning systems for agriculture, and 
4.    Mobilizing finance, policy and business support for agricultural resilience.  

For more information about the project, please review: FP299: ADAPT Jamaica: Enhancing climate change resilience of vulnerable smallholders in Central Jamaica | Green Climate Fund

Reporting Lines

The Finance and Operations Assistant will work under the direct supervision of the FAO Technical Officer designated as Project Manager, and under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Jamaica, in close coordination with the Assistant FAO Representative (AFAOR Programme) and the Assistant FAO Representative (AFAOR Administration), and in collaboration with relevant FAO technical, operational and administrative units, as well as national counterparts.

Technical Focus

The Finance and Operations Assistant will support the effective implementation of the ADAPT Jamaica project by providing integrated financial and operational support. The role focuses on budget monitoring, financial reporting, procurement follow-up, and operational tracking to ensure timely project delivery in line with FAO and Green Climate Fund (GCF) rules and procedures. The incumbent will contribute to effective coordination with implementing partners and ensure that project activities are supported with proper documentation and compliance with organizational and donor requirements.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Monitor the project budget execution and support the preparation of financial forecasts and expenditure reports in line with the approved work plan and FAO/GCF rules.
•     Track commitments, disbursements and available resources across all project components.
•     Support the preparation of budget revisions and cash forecasts.
•     Maintain accurate financial records and ensure timely entry of transactions into FAO corporate systems (e.g. FPMIS, GRMS).
•     Support the implementation, monitoring, and documentation of cash transfer and supplier-delivered beneficiary grant programs, in accordance with FAO Manuals.
•     Process payments, advances and reimbursements in line with FAO procedures.
•     Support the preparation of periodic financial reports for submission to FAO and GCF.
•     Monitor and follow up on Letters of Agreement (LoAs) and contracts, including financial tracking and deliverables.
•     Support financial follow-up of agreements with the Operational Partner (JSIF), as applicable.
•     Prepare requisitions, track orders and liaise with suppliers to support timely delivery.
•     Support contract administration for consultants and service providers.
•     Maintain asset records in line with FAO requirements.
•     Support the planning and implementation follow-up of project activities.
•     Maintain implementation trackers and flag bottlenecks, risks and delays affecting delivery.
•     Ensure project information is updated in corporate systems and documentation is maintained in line with FAO standards.
•     Liaise with FAO units and national partners on financial and operational matters.
•     Coordinate with the AFAOR Administration on financial and administrative processes.
•     Support preparation of progress, technical and financial reports for FAO and GCF.
•     Assist in audits, evaluations and donor reporting processes.
•     Perform any other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements   

•     University degree or technical training in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, public administration, accounting, industrial engineering, economics, or a related field.
•     At least three years of relevant experience in financial and administrative support, preferably within international organizations or development projects.
•     Working knowledge of English (spoken and written).
•     National of Jamaica

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Strong knowledge of financial and administrative procedures, including budgeting, procurement, and reporting.
•     Ability to process payments, manage contracts, and monitor expenditures in compliance with organizational rules.
•     Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook); experience with SharePoint and Teams is an asset.
•     Excellent organizational and time management skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
•     Ability to maintain clear and structured documentation, both physical and digital.
•     Strong interpersonal skills and ability to liaise effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders.
•     Capacity to work independently and under pressure, managing multiple tasks simultaneously.

Desirable qualifications and skills

•     Previous experience working with international organizations, preferably within the UN system or FAO is an asset.
•     Understanding donor-funded project requirements and audit processes is desirable.
•     Familiarity with financial and administrative procedures in development or agriculture-related projects is considered an asset.
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION