It is chartered with assisting economic and social growth in developing countries and promoting international cooperation.

It is now one of the largest bilateral development organizations in the world, with a network of 97 overseas offices, projects in more than 150 countries, and available financial resources of approximately 1 trillion yen ($8.5 billion).

JICA has undergone an operational and organizational change in its country offices, placing greater emphasis on a field-based approach to programs/projects, decentralizing staff, and delegating increased authority from Tokyo headquarters to overseas offices, reducing bureaucracy, and fast-tracking programs/projects.

[citation needed] JICA's focus has shifted towards providing "human security" to local communities by strengthening grassroots programs, such as improving education and health projects.

JICA maintains International Centers in major Japanese cities, which serve as accommodation facilities for many of its programs.