About the opportunity
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) is seeking a National Disaster Management Officer based in Havana, Cuba. The incumbent will help strengthen humanitarian coordination, disaster preparedness, and response at national and local levels. Responsibilities include monitoring the humanitarian situation, supporting the Resident Coordinator and humanitarian partners, facilitating coordination forums, managing information such as contact databases and mapping presence, preparing advocacy updates and reports, and supporting emergency response planning. The role involves frequent interaction with UNOCHA ROLAC staff, UN agency counterparts, and national and local authorities in Cuba.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive UN salary and benefits package associated with the NOA grade level
- One-year fixed-term appointment with the possibility of extension
- Professional development opportunities within the United Nations system
Who can apply?
- Hold a Master's degree in Political or Social Science, Law, International Studies, Business Management, Management, Science, or another relevant area, with no professional work experience required; OR hold a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree) in humanitarian affairs or a related field with a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience
- Relevant professional experience includes work in coordination, humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation, development, or related areas
- Fluency in Spanish (both oral and written) and working knowledge (intermediate) in English are required
- Familiarity with existing coordination structures in Cuba and knowledge of the region's social, political, humanitarian, security, and economic conditions are highly desirable
- Experience in the Cuban context and in areas of disaster risk reduction and humanitarian response is an advantage
Required documents
- Curriculum Vitae / Resume
- Completed application form via the online portal
- Proof of academic degrees and professional experience
When to apply
- Date Posted: September 25, 2026
- Application Deadline: October 3, 2026 at 03:59 UTC
How to apply
- Access the official Oracle Recruiting Cloud application portal using the provided link
- Create or log into your candidate profile
- Complete the application form and submit all required documentation before the deadline
Additional information
- Continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.
- UNOCHA reserves the right to select one or more candidates and may retain applications for similar positions.
- UNOCHA does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Strong background in disaster risk reduction, humanitarian affairs, or emergency coordination within Latin America and the Caribbean
- Candidates holding a relevant Master's degree who want to enter international humanitarian work without prior extensive professional experience
- Professionals with a Bachelor's degree and at least two years of relevant experience in crisis management or development
- Bilingual candidates with fluency in Spanish and intermediate proficiency in English who are familiar with the Cuban context
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is offered as a one-year fixed-term contract with potential for extension, rather than a permanent staff appointment initially
- Applicants must be comfortable working in high-pressure or stressful emergency response environments
- Relocation to or current residency in Havana, Cuba is required for this on-site role
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is well-suited for professionals aiming to build a impactful career in international humanitarian affairs, disaster management, and UN-led coordination. It offers direct operational exposure in a vital regional context, allowing early- or mid-career practitioners to apply their analytical and coordination skills toward practical emergency response.
Our take
Candidates with a background in humanitarian studies or emergency management who possess fluent Spanish and reside in or near Cuba should seriously consider applying before the October 3, 2026 deadline. Those lacking the required language skills or baseline educational qualifications will find this role less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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