Cash-based Transfer Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency dedicated to achieving food security for all and leading international efforts to defeat hunger. Working in over 130 countries, FAO supports the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. In the Philippines, FAO has partnered with the government and local organizations for over four decades to address challenges in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, focusing on sustainability, modernization, and resilience to disasters and conflict.

Job Purpose

The Cash-based Transfer Specialist will provide technical leadership for the design, implementation, coordination, and monitoring of cash-based transfer interventions aimed at enhancing food security, livelihood recovery, and resilience among vulnerable farming and fishing households in the Philippines. This role involves defining appropriate transfer modalities, beneficiary targeting, transfer values, delivery mechanisms, and risk mitigation strategies. The Specialist will ensure that cash assistance is timely, inclusive, transparent, and aligned with FAO standards and project objectives, working collaboratively with government counterparts, local partners, service providers, and humanitarian coordination bodies.

Responsibilities

The Cash-based Transfer Specialist will assist in planning and executing cash-based transfer activities, including Unconditional Cash Transfer, Conditional Cash, and Cash for Work. They will provide technical support for field data collection during needs assessments and develop guidelines and plans for all cash-based transfer activities. The role involves facilitating discussions with government partners (DA, DILG, DSWD) and LGUs to leverage resources for cash interventions and leading the development of collaboration modalities with partners. Recommendations will be provided to enhance interventions throughout the project cycle, including beneficiary selection and transfer values. The Specialist will participate in cash coordination groups, liaise with stakeholders, and support capacity-building for FAO staff and partners. Reporting on progress and bottlenecks, supporting post-distribution monitoring, and contributing to communication efforts on cash transfer activities are also key duties. The role requires adherence to FAO standards and guidelines.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience is required in cash-based transfers within agriculture/rural development sectors. Experience in programme management, implementation, capacity building, and coordination with government structures, NGOs, private sector, and UN agencies is essential.

Skills

The ideal candidate will possess strong results focus, teamwork, and communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and share knowledge. Proficiency in working under pressure in complex humanitarian contexts and with diverse teams is necessary. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Filipino are required, along with general knowledge of standard software like MS Office. Willingness to travel to project sites is also a requirement.

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