Emergency Officer, (NO-1), FT, #00123178 – Havana, Cuba

For every child, the right to a Future

UNICEF collaborates with national institutions to guarantee rights and equal development opportunities for children and adolescents, and to strengthen a culture of rights and participation.

In the context of the Cuban economic model’s update, UNICEF supports the efforts of the government to preserve the achievements made in the well-being of children and adolescents and to face up new challenges.

How can you make a difference?

UNICEF Cuba will begin a new Country Programme Document (CPD) cycle (2026–2030) in 2026. In this context, the office is pleased to announce the vacancy for an Emergency Officer, NO-1 level, on a Fixed Term Appointment, as part of its team.

This position will provide key functions and results to support effective teamwork in the implementation of the office’s emergency preparedness and response activities, in collaboration with other members of the country office’s emergency team. The incumbent will be responsible for providing technical expertise for the development, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of emergency interventions, with the aim of promoting the survival and well-being of children, mothers, and communities affected by emergency situations.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks

Minimum requirements

Desirables

• Language: Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian) is considered an asset.
• Experience in humanitarian assistance, disaster risk reduction, information management are highly desirable.
• Experience in emergency related resource mobilization, capacity building is a strong asset.
• Knowledge of UNICEF policies and strategy to address national and international emergency issues, particularly relating to conflicts, natural disasters, and recovery is desirable.
• Experience in contingency planning is desirable.
• Training experience in emergency response management is highly desirable.
• Understanding UNICEF`s core commitments for children in emergencies, humanitarian appeals is desirable.
• Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts is an advantage.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable male candidates and persons living with any disability are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants' bank account information.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF's Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

Visa residence requirements: i.e. UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.