Diego Otegui Ph.D Email & Phone Number

Virginia, United States

Newark, Delaware, Us

Driven by a profound commitment to creating meaningful change and empowering historically marginalized and impoverished communities, our services are designed to help clients achieve maximum resilience. Our core strategy focuses on guiding them through modern emergency management and humanitarian action complexities, enabling them to strengthen their investment in Disaster Risk Reduction while enhancing their reputation and competitive advantage.In December 2017, I assumed the Head of Corporate Strategy role, focusing on Social and Community Impact. My primary responsibility was to lead the development of tailored solutions for our clients, helping them achieve a balanced strategy that optimized their investment in Disaster Risk Reduction while driving increased business growth.For over two years, most American countries faced economic recession, with most businesses struggling to sustain operations. In response, I revamped our business model, introduced new service lines incorporating experts from a broader range of fields and disciplines, enhanced our technological capabilities, and strengthened our Prevention, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery (PPRR) efforts. These initiatives resulted in a 30% increase in our gross income.

Newark, Delaware, Us

After four years with the company, I decided to pursue my doctoral degree in the United States. Aligned with this transition, I was promoted to Vice President of Regional Programs to ensure operational excellence and program quality across the Americas.My strategic focus included expanding the company’s portfolio of services, guiding the development of operational blueprints to scale initiatives across the Americas, and ensuring program compliance with internal policies and local regulatory frameworks. Additionally, I managed the recruitment and development of regional experts, fostering a culture of excellence, inclusion, and innovation to support immediate and long-term objectives. These efforts ensured the successful delivery of high-quality programs while proactively addressing operational risks and opportunities for growth.

Newark, Delaware, Us

As one of the strategic leaders of the group of investors and founders, my primary responsibility was to formulate an instructional strategy to craft a comprehensive professional development plan for our existing and prospective personnel. The most formidable challenge I undertook was cultivating a corporate culture that seamlessly harmonized the imperative of profitability with an unwavering commitment to humanitarian principles.In this pivotal role, I maintained continuous and meaningful communication with esteemed humanitarian leaders from around the globe. This ongoing dialogue and engagement empowered me to meticulously design a program to augment our company's strategic and operational capabilities.

Berlin, Berlin, De

A book series publishes stand-alone books that, taken together, contribute to a shared, defined conversation. With this series, we want to give expert practitioners a chance to speak for themselves and present their divergent opinions without neglecting the expertise of scholars who dedicate their lives to systematically and rigorously creating knowledge. To do so, it benefits from a mixed editorial board of highly renowned practitioners and scholars. Experts from both worlds work together, from the conception of an idea to the publication of each book.As the editor, I represent the Book Series and have general responsibility for implementing its policy and ensuring that the books we produce are of top academic quality, scientific rigor, and valuable and applicable to the world of practice. Since the beginning of the series, I have assembled a team of almost 60 members who currently form our editorial board. This board comprises highly qualified scholars and thoughtful expert practitioners, each a leader in diverse sectors such as humanitarian, corporate, government, and religious domains.

Warrensburg, Mo, Us

My tenure coincided with a significant university-wide restructuring effort, during which the Crisis and Disaster Management program underwent a transformation into a fully online format. My primary objective was to restructure the curriculum, incorporating contemporary, research-based teaching methodologies that could better equip a broader audience to engage collaboratively with representatives from various sectors. Leveraging my skills in relationship-building, I initiated semester-long exercises that brought together professionals from 60 prominent humanitarian organizations, renowned corporations, and public agencies. This innovative approach aimed not only to prepare students for real-world challenges but also to furnish them with the skills needed to mobilize multiple stakeholders to protect disadvantaged populations and invest in disaster mitigation and preparedness efforts. Impressively, this format achieved an exceptional 90% acceptance rate among aspiring leaders.

Los Angeles, California, Us

Team Rubicon is an American humanitarian organization that delivers post-disaster aid to diverse populations globally and domestically. My role involved advising the Head of the "Program Design and Learning" department. I provided insights based on the latest research on cultural awareness to enhance the organization's ability to deliver meaningful and sustainable assistance to all communities.My advisory role also encompassed helping Team Rubicon navigate its military culture and adapt its business model to better accommodate the needs of its volunteer base. This adaptation aimed to ensure the organization's services were delivered in a culturally appropriate and sensitive manner to local communities.During my tenure at Team Rubicon, I played a key role in the redesign of two technical international emergency services, aligning them more effectively with the latest research on multicultural settings. Leveraging my skills as a relational leader, I actively participated in numerous cross-functional collaboration meetings, fostering robust integration between emergency and non-emergency programs.

Geneva, Geneva, Ch

The International Federation of the Red Cross, recognized as the world's largest humanitarian organization, operates through numerous National Offices globally. The Panama office, tasked with coordinating all National Offices in Latin America, grappled with distinctive challenges arising from its dual responsibilities, focusing on domestic matters while also managing significant international post-disaster deployments.In my role, I provided evidence-based guidance aimed at developing comprehensive training programs that would facilitate the adaptation of domestic business models to better accommodate the influx of international personnel and funds. The overarching goal was to enhance organizational autonomy and operational efficiency to address these unique challenges effectively.As a performance manager with expertise in assessing organizational structures in alignment with strategic objectives, I offered research-driven recommendations for creating organization-wide training initiatives. These initiatives were designed to harmonize international disaster response efforts with domestic business models, ultimately leading to increased operational efficiency.

Newark, De, Us

During my doctoral studies, I assisted in the teaching, evaluation, and guidance of students as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Department of Anthropology and the Department of Public Policy and Administration.

Ciudad Autónoma De Buenos Aires, Ar

In recent years, Argentina has grappled with escalating levels of insecurity, primarily stemming from the presence of confrontational violent drug cartels and organized crime. The creation of the undergraduate degree program in public safety aimed to equip students with the skills necessary for a range of roles in public service, with a particular focus on law enforcement, intelligence, military personnel, and fire service.In my capacity, my principal responsibility was to prepare officers hailing from diverse agencies to effectively collaborate with other stakeholders and the broader community in analyzing disaster risks and mitigating the impact of disasters. Throughout my tenure, I engaged in collaborative efforts with institutions such as the Argentinean Navy, the Fire Department, and Border Protection, among others. Together, we designed assignments and classroom activities that placed a significant emphasis on fostering inter-agency cooperation and synergy.

Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Ar

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs collaborated with the Trinidad and Tobago government on a comprehensive poverty reduction initiative, which also encompassed a crucial risk management element. In this capacity, I was tasked with the design and implementation of disaster management workshops, targeting approximately 150 individuals from civil society organizations and government agencies.Drawing upon my expertise as an international instructor and educator, I leveraged research-based methodologies to create effective teaching approaches. These workshops not only equipped 150 high-ranking public officers with valuable knowledge but also demonstrated my proficiency in developing education strategies tailored to specific needs and objectives

New York, Ny, Us

AAH is a large humanitarian organization headquartered in France with a global presence, including branches in the United States. I was temporarily recruited by the New York branch to take on the role of managing a substantial operational base located in the province of Kivu. The program primarily aimed to address the nutritional needs of nearly 10 thousand civilians residing across multiple communities. In this capacity, my foremost responsibility was to streamline and oversee the efficient execution of logistics, human resources, administration, and security protocols. As an adept manager, I effectively led various programs, overseeing a team of 80 local employees and managing a budget of $600,000. My commitment to upholding international best practices and standards ensured the program's adherence to quality benchmarks. Leveraging my strong interpersonal skills, I established productive relationships and collaborations with a wide array of local stakeholders, including armed groups. These partnerships resulted in a remarkable 15% reduction in the overall cost of distributing our products and services, contributing to the program's efficiency and impact in the region.

Atlanta, Georgia, Us

I joined Habitat for Humanity, a prominent international humanitarian organization headquartered in the United States, with a steadfast commitment to providing affordable housing solutions to disadvantaged families. In 2003, the focus of our programs extended to include marginalized populations including members of the LGBTQ community, and families caring for orphaned children. My role within the organization was to spearhead resource development and communication efforts in Mozambique.Throughout my tenure, I undertook a range of responsibilities that significantly contributed to our mission's success. This included the production and presentation of comprehensive reports, the facilitation of nearly 30 coordination meetings involving crucial stakeholders and program donors, and active involvement in the execution of various housing projects designed to benefit 100 members of various communities.One of my most notable achievements during this period was the development and successful implementation of a multifaceted fundraising strategy. This innovative approach resulted in a remarkable milestone – the doubling of revenue generated from the corporate sector within a single year. This achievement not only enhanced our financial sustainability but also enabled us to expand our impact and support even more individuals and families in need of safe and affordable housing solutions.

Toronto, Ontario, Ca

Right to Play is a prominent Humanitarian Organization headquartered in Canada, dedicated to providing underprivileged children with opportunities for growth and development through sports. In Mozambique, our organization was actively engaged in several projects spanning four distinct communities, all aimed at uplifting the lives of disadvantaged children and fostering the reintegration of former child soldiers. During this period, I assumed the crucial role of overseeing communications and institutional relations.In my capacity as an innovative emergency program manager, I demonstrated a remarkable ability to align team activities with strategic and operational objectives. This was exemplified by my successful delivery of comprehensive communications materials to engage over 100 stakeholders and partners.Furthermore, I also showcased my expertise as an information management specialist with advanced skills in public relations. This was evidenced by the impressive results achieved during my tenure, including a notable 35% increase in press coverage within local media outlets and a substantial 50% rise in funding from local donors within a span of just one year. These accomplishments not only fortified our organization's presence but also significantly enhanced our capacity to positively impact the lives of vulnerable children in Mozambique.

New York, Ny, Us

In 1999, the people of East Timor cast their historic vote for independence from Indonesia. In response, the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) was established, tasked with the administration of the territory, wielding legislative and executive authority during the transitional phase, and facilitating capacity-building initiatives for eventual self-governance. During this pivotal period, I was appointed to oversee the coordination of the electoral process in one of the most challenging regions near the border with West Timor.Within this demanding context, I achieved two noteworthy accomplishments. First, with my exceptional ability to assess both strategic and operational plans, I successfully fostered 50 cross-functional collaborations, involving diverse multicultural groups spanning various sectors. Second, I demonstrated strong leadership skills, particularly when confronted with uncertainty and conflict by establishing a network of partners that played a pivotal in recruiting and training 50 local staff members. Together, we spearheaded the electoral process across multiple communities, achieving an impressive 80% voter turnout. This underscored our unwavering commitment to facilitating a democratic and inclusive process during this critical chapter in East Timor's history.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Disaster Science And Management

Emergency Management Executive Leadership Program, Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management

Master´S Degree, Strategic Studies

Specialist, Non Profit Organizations Management

Expert In Social Communications Of Energy, Social Communications

Bachelor'S Degree, Economics