Profile
I am a passionate and results-driven Senior Director in International Development Cooperation with over 20 years of experience leading large, multi-country programmes across Africa and Asia. Throughout my career, I have combined strategic leadership with hands-on field engagement to deliver measurable impact in vocational education and training, private sector development, local governance, and public policy.
As Head of Operations for the Middle East, North and West Africa at Swisscontact, I currently oversee a regional portfolio of USD 20–25 million per year, leading multicultural teams of over 150 professionals across complex and diverse contexts. Previously, I served as Regional Director for West Africa and Regional Director for Central, East and Southern Africa, successfully expanding operations, securing multi-donor funding, and improving organisational efficiency and accountability through harmonised management standards.
Earlier in my career, I established and managed new country offices in Rwanda, DR Congo, and Burundi, where I directed the flagship SDC-funded PROMOST programme (Promoting Market-Oriented Skills Training and Employment Creation). Under my leadership, six vocational training centres were built and equipped, and more than 10,000 vulnerable young people were trained and supported in their transition to employment and entrepreneurship.
Before joining Swisscontact, I worked as an international consultant for SDC, SECO, SWISSAID, and other partners, conducting evaluations, feasibility studies, and policy support in over ten African countries. My mandates included the evaluation of the national decentralisation programme in Burundi, the capitalisation of decentralisation experiences in Mali, and the assessment of SWISSAID’s global strategy implementation. These experiences strengthened my analytical, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills across both francophone and anglophone contexts.
My early professional years in the private sector, media, and education built a strong foundation in management, communication, and training. This diverse background enables me to navigate seamlessly between strategic vision and operational realities.
I bring to every role a deep understanding of development dynamics in Africa, extensive donor relations experience, and a proven ability to lead organisations through change and growth. I am now open to new opportunities as a Head of Operations, Resident Programme Director, or Team Leader, where I can contribute to impactful, high-quality development programmes and institutional strengthening.
Areas of Expertise
- Vocational training & youth employment
- Private sector development
- Local governance & decentralisation
- Monitoring, evaluation & accountability
- Leadership, coaching & mentoring
- Donor relations & resource mobilisation
- Strategic and operational management
- Extensive expertise in francophone & anglophone Africa
- Fluent in English and French; good working knowledge of German
