UNDP Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

UNDP has 10 executives leading key functions including information technology, finance, environmental protection, and executive operations.

Driven by a mission to foster sustainable development and resilience, UNDP empowers nations to achieve lasting progress and overcome global challenges through integrated solutions.

Leadership Roles at UNDP

  • Chief Executive Officer, Timbuktoo Africa Innovation - Natalie Jabangwe
  • Chief Financial Officer - Fiona Grant
  • Group Chief Financial Officer, Wicklow - Manab Mitra
  • Manager, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Office of - Olivier Salois
  • Treasurer & Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Paul Gravenese
  • Chief Information Officer - Naoto Yamamoto
  • Environmental Protection Authority of Chief of Staff (Ethiopia) - Hiwot Hailu
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer & Communication, Change & Performance Management Chief - David Jordon
  • Special Assistant To Chief of Staff and Director, Executive Office - UNDP - Marija Vasileva-Blazev
  • Deputy Chief of Staff & Deputy Director, & Office of The Executive & Undp Administrator - Fiona Bayat-Renoux
  • Natalie Jabangwe - Chief Executive Officer, Timbuktoo Africa Innovation

    Natalie Jabangwe, the Chief Executive Officer, Timbuktoo Africa Innovation at UNDP, leads the strategic direction and operational execution of innovation initiatives across Africa, fostering technological advancement and sustainable development. Jabangwe drives the growth and impact of Timbuktoo, focusing on empowering African innovators and entrepreneurs to address critical global challenges. This executive role involves forging strategic partnerships, securing investment, and overseeing program development to accelerate innovation ecosystems on the continent. The Chief Executive Officer is committed to leveraging technology and creative solutions to promote democratic governance and enhance disaster resilience. Natalie Jabangwe's leadership is pivotal in advancing UNDP's mission to foster inclusive and sustainable growth throughout Africa.

    Fiona Grant - Chief Financial Officer

    Fiona Grant, the Chief Financial Officer at UNDP, directs the organization's comprehensive financial strategy and management. Grant oversees all fiscal operations, including budgeting, financial planning, accounting, and resource allocation, ensuring financial integrity and compliance across global programs. This critical role involves managing UNDP's financial health to support its mission of sustainable development, democratic governance, and disaster resilience. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with other senior leaders to optimize financial resources, drive efficiency, and ensure accountability in all expenditures. Grant's leadership ensures that financial frameworks effectively support the organization's operational needs and strategic goals, particularly in complex international environments. By maintaining robust financial controls, Fiona Grant underpins UNDP's capacity to deliver impactful development assistance worldwide.

    Manab Mitra - Group Chief Financial Officer, Wicklow

    Manab Mitra, the Group Chief Financial Officer, Wicklow at UNDP, directs financial operations and strategic planning for specific regional or programmatic entities, ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource optimization. Mitra oversees budgeting, financial reporting, and investment strategies, contributing to the effective delivery of UNDP's mission in sustainable development and governance. This leadership position involves managing financial risks and opportunities to support programmatic success and organizational growth. The Group Chief Financial Officer collaborates with various departments to ensure financial policies are implemented effectively and efficiently. Manab Mitra's role is crucial in maintaining financial stability and enabling the execution of critical development projects across diverse operational areas. Mitra's financial acumen supports UNDP's global impact.

    Olivier Salois - Manager, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Office of

    Olivier Salois, the Manager, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Office of at UNDP, oversees financial management and strategic fiscal planning within the Executive Office. Salois directs financial operations, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and international standards to support UNDP's mission in sustainable development and governance. This role involves managing budgets, financial reporting, and resource allocation to maximize the impact of development programs. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with various departments to ensure financial efficiency and accountability across all initiatives. Olivier Salois's leadership in finance is critical for maintaining the integrity of UNDP's financial systems and supporting its global operational reach. Salois's expertise drives financial excellence within the organization.
    Olivier Salois

    Paul Gravenese - Treasurer & Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Paul Gravenese, the Treasurer & Deputy Chief Financial Officer at UNDP, manages the organization's treasury functions and supports the Chief Financial Officer in overseeing financial strategy and operations. Gravenese is responsible for cash management, liquidity planning, and financial risk mitigation, ensuring the financial stability necessary for UNDP's global development initiatives. This role involves optimizing financial resources and ensuring compliance with international financial regulations. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer works to enhance financial controls and reporting mechanisms, supporting effective resource allocation for sustainable development, democratic governance, and disaster resilience programs. Paul Gravenese's expertise is crucial for maintaining UNDP's financial integrity and operational capacity worldwide.

    Naoto Yamamoto - Chief Information Officer

    Naoto Yamamoto, the Chief Information Officer at UNDP, directs the organization's global information technology strategy and infrastructure. Yamamoto oversees the development and implementation of digital solutions that support UNDP's mission in sustainable development, democratic governance, and disaster resilience. This leadership role involves managing all aspects of IT operations, ensuring data security, and driving technological innovation across the organization's worldwide initiatives. Yamamoto's focus includes enhancing system performance and accessibility to facilitate efficient program delivery and operational effectiveness. The Chief Information Officer ensures that technology investments align with UNDP's strategic objectives, enabling better data-driven decision-making and improved outreach to partner nations. By architecting robust IT frameworks, Yamamoto supports the organization's commitment to global progress and sustainable solutions.

    Hiwot Hailu - Environmental Protection Authority of Chief of Staff (Ethiopia)

    Hiwot Hailu, the Environmental Protection Authority of Chief of Staff (Ethiopia) at UNDP, provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for environmental protection initiatives within Ethiopia, aligning with UNDP's global mandate. Hailu directs efforts to enhance disaster resilience and promote sustainable development through effective environmental governance. This position involves close collaboration with national authorities and international partners to implement impactful environmental policies and programs. The Chief of Staff ensures that operational strategies are effectively executed, contributing to the organization's goals in democratic governance and environmental stewardship. Hiwot Hailu's responsibilities include coordinating key projects, managing stakeholder relations, and driving progress on critical environmental challenges. This leadership role is pivotal in advancing UNDP's commitment to ecological sustainability and resilience in the region.

    David Jordon - Deputy Chief Information Officer & Communication, Change & Performance Management Chief

    David Jordon, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Communication, Change & Performance Management Chief at UNDP, supports the Chief Information Officer in managing the organization's technology landscape and driving organizational transformation. Jordon oversees critical functions related to IT infrastructure, communication strategies, and performance management systems, ensuring alignment with UNDP's development objectives. This role is instrumental in implementing change management initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and foster a culture of continuous improvement across global teams. The Deputy Chief Information Officer also leads efforts to optimize communication channels, ensuring effective information flow and stakeholder engagement. David Jordon's expertise in performance management contributes to strengthening accountability and achieving measurable results in sustainable development and governance programs.

    Marija Vasileva-Blazev - Special Assistant To Chief of Staff and Director, Executive Office - UNDP

    Marija Vasileva-Blazev, the Special Assistant To Chief of Staff and Director, Executive Office - UNDP, provides direct support to the Chief of Staff and the Director of the Executive Office, facilitating strategic operations and administrative functions. Vasileva-Blazev plays a key part in coordinating executive-level initiatives, managing communications, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the Executive Office. This role involves supporting high-level decision-making processes and contributing to the effective implementation of UNDP's global agenda for sustainable development and governance. Marija Vasileva-Blazev assists in preparing reports, organizing meetings, and managing critical documentation to enhance organizational efficiency. The Special Assistant's contributions are vital for streamlining executive operations and advancing UNDP's mission worldwide.

    Fiona Bayat-Renoux - Deputy Chief of Staff & Deputy Director, & Office of The Executive & Undp Administrator

    Fiona Bayat-Renoux, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Deputy Director, & Office of The Executive & Undp Administrator at UNDP, provides critical support to the Chief of Staff and the UNDP Administrator, driving strategic initiatives and operational effectiveness. Bayat-Renoux oversees key projects and policy implementation, ensuring alignment with UNDP's global mandate for sustainable development, democratic governance, and disaster resilience. This leadership position involves coordinating high-level communications, managing stakeholder relations, and facilitating executive decision-making processes. The Deputy Chief of Staff plays a pivotal role in enhancing organizational efficiency and advancing UNDP's mission across its worldwide operations. Fiona Bayat-Renoux's strategic insights and operational management contribute significantly to the organization's impact and global reach.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Federal

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding UNDP Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads UNDP?
    UNDP is led by Natalie Jabangwe (Chief Executive Officer, Timbuktoo Africa Innovation), along with executives such as Fiona Grant (Chief Financial Officer) and Manab Mitra (Group Chief Financial Officer, Wicklow).
    Who is part of UNDP’s executive team?
    The executive team of UNDP includes leaders such as Natalie Jabangwe (Chief Executive Officer, Timbuktoo Africa Innovation), Fiona Grant (Chief Financial Officer), Manab Mitra (Group Chief Financial Officer, Wicklow) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does UNDP have?
    UNDP has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in UNDP’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of UNDP includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Timbuktoo Africa Innovation, Chief Financial Officer, Group Chief Financial Officer, Wicklow, Manager, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Office of, Treasurer & Deputy Chief Financial Officer.