Position Purpose
This position is in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC), Duty Station Havana City, Cuba. The National Disaster Management Officer reports to the Regional Head of Office (OCHA-ROLAC).
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Within delegated authority, the National Disaster Management Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
  • Assist the RC / HC in setting up humanitarian coordination and advocacy mechanisms and strategies throughout the country.
  • Assist in developing humanitarian strategy documents or appeals, policies, planning, and short- and medium-term priorities, particularly in needs analysis, targeting, and monitoring.
  • Ensure that mechanisms are established for collecting and processing humanitarian information from partners, that information is disseminated regularly using the appropriate channels, and the main information tools (3W, contact list, etc.) are regularly updated.
  • Support the UNETT, and the government in disaster preparedness, Anticipatory Action Framework. Support developing and updating the national/regional multi-hazard 
    contingency and response plans.
  • Monitor national humanitarian trends, produce regular analyses of humanitarian and security developments, and advise the office hierarchy, mainly to set up early warning, 
    advocacy, and emergency response mechanisms.
  • Ensure interaction between partners in the field and the Inter-Sector, monitoring response plans, follow up the recommendations of evaluation missions, circulating reports on joint or inter-agency missions, etc., and putting in place an archive of all humanitarian documentation in the field (minutes of meetings, SitRep, situation notes, etc.).
  • Prepare and coordinate the drafting of situation reports and notes (SitRep.).
  • Provide all necessary support to partners for advocacy and implementing projects identified as priorities in collaboration with the Sector focal point.
  • Share ad hoc information with early warning mechanisms in Cuba and monitor the vulnerable areas.
  • Organize and support meetings and workshops at the regional level.
  • Participate in various advocacy activities on the humanitarian situation.
  • Facilitate exchanges and interaction between humanitarian actors and government authorities.
  • Ensure coordination and information flow between HAT and the team in Panama.
  • In consultation with a senior Humanitarian Affairs Officer, assists in the design and preparation of studies on humanitarian, disaster, emergency relief and related issues and in various follow-up activities.
  • Assists in the production of Plan of Action for coordinated international assistance; ensures the proper use and spending of donor contributions channeled through OCHA.
  • Maintains awareness of current humanitarian affairs and related issues, to include relevant political, policy, gender considerations or other developments in specific subject area, country or region concerned.
  • Participates in technical assistance, disaster assessment or other missions.
  • Facilitate the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
  • Performs other duties as required.
Work implies frequent interaction with the following:
  • Staff of all units within OCHA ROLAC.
  • Staff at all levels within OCHA in Panama, Head Quarters and the field Counterparts in other UN agencies and the RCO.
  • Representatives from member organizations of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee, academic and non-governmental organizations.
  • Governmental authorities and specialists.

Results Expected:
The National Disaster Management Officer will have strengthened humanitarian architecture, conducted context analysis, and identified strategic opportunities to enhance the current disaster coordination system. He/She will have institutionalized information and advocacy tools and reinforced strategic and operational engagement with internal and external counterparts. These efforts will enable a timely, coherent, and effective response to the country's and ROLAC's needs, fully aligned with IASC standards and humanitarian principles, supporting coordination and resource mobilization among partners.
Competencies
  • Professionalism (Integrated throughout): Knowledge and understanding of humanitarian, emergency relief assistance and related human rights issues. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to develop sources for data collection.  Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases.  Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, work under pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g. civil strife, natural disasters and human misery). Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.
  • Communication (Connect and Collaborate): Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
  • Teamwork (Connect and Collaborate): Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team 
    shortcomings.
  • Planning& Organizing (Deliver Results with Positive Impact): Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
  • Creativity (Adapt and Innovate): Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
  • Commitment to Continuous Learning: Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
  • Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in political science, social science, economics, management, health, humanitarian law and development or a related field is required OR;
  • A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.  
Experience, Knowledge and Skills:
  • Two (2) years (with master’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in coordination, humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation, development, or related area, is required; OR
  • Four (4) years (with bachelor's degree) of relevant professional experience in coordination, humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation, development, or related area, is required.
  • Ability to work under pressure and in a multicultural environment is required.
  • Good command of standard IT tools (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) is required.
  • Good knowledge of Cuba's institutional environment. Experience within the United Nations system, an international or national NGO, or in a sector related to humanitarian action is an asset.
  • Managerial experience is desirable.
Languages:
  • Fluency in English o and Spanish (both oral and written) is required
Important applicant information
All posts in the NO categories are subject to local recruitment.
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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