The Japan International Cooperation System (JICS) is a general incorporated foundation that carries out procurement and management work for the equipment, facilities and services needed for Japan's official development assistance (ODA) and various kinds of support for developing countries. Its purpose is to contribute to the peace and stability of the international community.
In the 1980s, as ODA expanded, the need for a specialized procurement organization ensuring fairness and neutrality came to be recognized, and JICS was established in 1989 with contributions from private companies and organizations. It converted to a general incorporated foundation (nonprofit type) in April 2012. In recent years, projects related to emergency recovery after conflicts and disasters, peacebuilding and community development have increased, and management of overall project progress has also expanded.
Its work covers grant aid, technical cooperation and loan aid, as well as projects of international organizations. It began an NGO support program in October 1999 and started work on grant aid for Japanese NGOs in October 2003. It has 127 staff (as of July 1, 2026), and it is reported that 35 local staff work in 26 countries.
Key points
- Handles fair and neutral procurement and management of equipment and services needed for ODA and more
- Has run an NGO support program since 1999 and began grant aid work for Japanese NGOs in 2003
- Supported by 127 staff and 35 local staff in 26 countries
Why this organization deserves attention
Its strength is that it takes on specialized work, from preparing bidding documents to implementation, evaluation and fund management, so that what is needed at aid sites is delivered appropriately. Its website explains its commitment to neutrality, fairness and transparency.
It also introduces CSR activities, such as recovery support after conflicts and disasters, community development, distribution of disaster-prevention awareness pamphlets, and programs for integrated learning. It is a good chance to learn about the work that "supports" international cooperation.
Editor's comment
On the ground in international cooperation, getting schools, hospitals, equipment and food to where they are needed requires many procedures and specialized skills. JICS is one of the organizations supporting those less visible parts.
Why not look through the business introductions and topics on the official website to see what kinds of work there are?