ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. Its mission is to help achieve the goal of Zero Hunger. Every day, WFP works around the world to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable people, particularly women and children, have access to the nutritious food they need.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has collaborated with the Cuban government since 1963 to strengthen long-standing social protection programs that provide free and universal access to basic services. These efforts have directly benefited 1.3 million people by 2024. The country’s operational landscape is characterized by significant food security and nutrition challenges, and in this context, WFP is working to address growing humanitarian needs, driven by priority and resource constraints, by providing nutrition-sensitive food assistance before, during, and after crises.
WFP strengthens the capacity of the social protection system and facilitates the distribution of nutritious food and nutritional supplements. WFP also strengthens local food systems and links them to social protection institutions. WFP has a strong field presence, with monitors operating in six provinces: Las Tunas, Granma, HolguÃn, Santiago de Cuba, and Villa Clara (the latter recently opened).
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
Carry out specialized and/or standardized activities and processes related to policies and programs in support of the effective delivery of assistance packages.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES (indicative and non-exhaustive list)
1. Carry out specialized activities and processes related to the implementation of the cash-based transfer (CBT) assistance modality, whether individual or commodity voucher (institutional).
2. Provide project management support and/or support to the country office regarding cash transfers, ensuring compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs), the correct execution of payment cycles, taking into account established targets, and applying WFP policies and procedures.
3. Within the framework of their specific area of responsibility, provide support for analysis and reporting (e.g., validation of beneficiary lists, financial and programmatic reconciliation, coordination with financial partners, etc.) in order to support operational decision-making.
4. Carry out thorough and timely data recording within the framework of the corresponding technical sphere of activity, applying institutional standards and guidelines.
5. Work and exchange information with the CO’s technical units participating in the process (Budget, Finance, Purchasing, Programs), as well as implementing partners to ensure the correct execution of monetary transfers and the resolution of operational incidents.
6. Provide support for institutional communication activities with key stakeholders in the implementation of the CBT, including financial partners, local authorities, and involved government agencies.
7. Serve as a point of contact for general operational inquiries and, if necessary, request assistance.
OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS
1. Support fundraising processes linked to the implementation of the cash-based transfer (CBT) assistance modality, including innovative mechanisms such as debt swaps and other complementary sources of financing.
2. Provide support in the development of operational analyses that allow for the evaluation of the effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of cash assistance implementation, generating useful evidence for strategic and programmatic decision-making.
3. Accompany the monitoring team in monitoring the implementation of the CBT modality in the field, participating in data collection, interviews, visits, monitoring tours, and gathering of findings.
MINIMUM STANDARD QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Education: Completion of pre-university education. A technical/university certificate in the relevant field will be considered.
Experience: Five years of experience in the corresponding functional area.
Languages: Fluent in spoken and written Spanish. Intermediate English (desirable).
DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE TO PERFORM THIS ROLE
Experience facilitating communication and coordination between technical teams in areas such as food and nutrition security (FNS), vulnerability analysis, food, and social protection systems.
Participation in the operational implementation of programs or projects, including monitoring, information systematization, and logistical support.
. Support in organizing spaces for dialogue and participation in public policy debates as an observer or technical assistant.
Fluent command of Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel, for database management, data analysis, and report creation.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Position: CS-5 Program Assistant (Cash-Based Transfers)
Unit: Programs
Contract Type: Service Contract-SC5
Workplace: Havana, Cuba
Contract Duration: 12 months with the possibility of extension based on the organization’s requirements.
How to apply
Please apply at the following link: