IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device
- FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
- Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
- Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
- FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
- All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
- All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
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
- FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
- Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
- Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
- For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
- Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.
HOW TO APPLY
• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/.These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.
If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp
FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT