UNDP Executive and Leadership Team

Natalie Jabangwe, the Chief Executive Officer, Timbuktoo Africa Innovation at UNDP, directs the expansion of innovation ecosystems across the African continent. Jabangwe architects programs that support startups and digital entrepreneurs, fostering economic growth and sustainable development. By overseeing the Timbuktoo initiative, the Chief Executive Officer, Timbuktoo Africa Innovation drives the integration of technology into local governance and disaster resilience efforts. Natalie Jabangwe collaborates with regional partners to secure investment and provide the resources necessary for scalable innovation. This leadership role involves identifying emerging market opportunities and aligning them with the broader mission of the organization. Through strategic leadership, the Chief Executive Officer, Timbuktoo Africa Innovation empowers local talent to solve complex development challenges. Jabangwe ensures that innovation remains a central pillar of the regional strategy, driving long-term economic stability and creating new pathways for sustainable progress across diverse African markets.

Fiona Grant, the Chief Financial Officer at UNDP, manages the global fiscal architecture supporting sustainable development initiatives. Grant directs the allocation of resources across complex international programs, ensuring transparency and accountability in every financial transaction. By overseeing budgetary frameworks, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the fiscal health necessary for long-term disaster resilience projects. Fiona Grant collaborates with regional directors to optimize funding streams, facilitating efficient operations across diverse geographic territories. This leadership role involves rigorous auditing and financial reporting to ensure alignment with international standards. Through precise fiscal planning, the Chief Financial Officer secures the capital required for democratic governance programs. Grant drives financial stability, enabling the organization to address urgent humanitarian needs while maintaining robust economic oversight. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer strengthens the institutional capacity of the organization to deliver impactful results in every region.

Olivier Salois, the Manager, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Office of at UNDP, oversees the internal financial operations and administrative accounting for the executive office. Salois directs the daily fiscal workflows, ensuring that internal resources support the broader mission of sustainable development. By managing the financial integrity of the executive office, the Manager, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Office of provides the necessary data for high-level strategic decision-making. Olivier Salois coordinates with global finance teams to streamline reporting processes and enhance operational efficiency. This leadership role involves rigorous oversight of internal budgets and expenditure tracking to prevent resource leakage. Through meticulous financial management, the Manager, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Office of supports the executive leadership in executing complex global mandates. Salois ensures that every dollar allocated to the executive office contributes directly to the organization's capacity to foster democratic governance and disaster resilience worldwide.

Paul Gravenese, the Treasurer & Deputy Chief Financial Officer at UNDP, manages the liquidity and investment strategies that support the organization's global development mission. Gravenese directs the treasury operations, ensuring that funds are available for critical disaster resilience and governance projects. By overseeing the financial risk management, the Treasurer & Deputy Chief Financial Officer maintains the stability of the organization's capital reserves. Paul Gravenese collaborates with international financial institutions to optimize currency management and cash flow across diverse geographic regions. This leadership role involves monitoring global economic trends to inform investment decisions and ensure the preservation of assets. Through precise financial oversight, the Treasurer & Deputy Chief Financial Officer supports the long-term sustainability of the organization's programs. Gravenese drives fiscal efficiency, ensuring that every resource is utilized effectively to achieve the core objectives of sustainable development and democratic governance on a global scale.

Hiwot Hailu, the Environmental Protection Authority of Chief of Staff (Ethiopia) at UNDP, coordinates strategic environmental policy initiatives within the East African region. Hailu architects frameworks for sustainable land management and climate adaptation, ensuring alignment with broader organizational goals. By managing cross-functional teams, the Environmental Protection Authority of Chief of Staff (Ethiopia) drives the implementation of green energy projects and biodiversity conservation efforts. Hiwot Hailu facilitates communication between local stakeholders and international partners to maximize the impact of environmental interventions. This leadership role involves monitoring ecological data to inform policy decisions and resource distribution. Through proactive engagement with regional authorities, the Environmental Protection Authority of Chief of Staff (Ethiopia) fosters resilience against climate-related disasters. Hailu ensures that environmental sustainability remains a core component of the development agenda, directly influencing the success of regional programs and long-term ecological stability.

Marija Vasileva-Blazev, the Special Assistant To Chief of Staff and Director, Executive Office - Undp at UNDP, facilitates the seamless operation of the executive office by managing high-priority communications and strategic scheduling. Vasileva-Blazev coordinates the flow of information between the Director and various global departments, ensuring that critical development objectives receive immediate attention. By organizing executive workflows, the Special Assistant To Chief of Staff and Director, Executive Office - Undp enables the leadership team to focus on long-term sustainable development goals. Marija Vasileva-Blazev monitors the progress of key initiatives, providing the Director with the necessary insights to make informed decisions. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and ensuring that executive directives are executed across all regional offices. Through efficient administrative oversight, the Special Assistant To Chief of Staff and Director, Executive Office - Undp strengthens the organizational structure, allowing for rapid response to emerging global challenges and governance needs.

Charmaine Hili, the Chief of Staff & Director & Office Executive at UNDP, directs the overarching strategic operations and administrative functions of the executive office. Hili architects the organizational culture and ensures that all departments align with the core mission of sustainable development and democratic governance. By overseeing the executive office, the Chief of Staff & Director & Office Executive manages the integration of global policies into actionable regional programs. Charmaine Hili facilitates collaboration among senior leadership to address complex humanitarian and environmental challenges. This leadership role involves setting the agenda for executive meetings and ensuring that strategic priorities are met with precision. Through effective management of the executive office, the Chief of Staff & Director & Office Executive drives operational excellence and accountability. Hili ensures that the organization remains agile and responsive, maintaining a strong focus on delivering impactful results that support disaster resilience and long-term economic growth.

David Jordon, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Communication, Change & Performance Management Chief at UNDP, oversees the digital infrastructure and internal communication strategies that drive organizational performance. Jordon architects scalable technology solutions that support global development projects and data-driven decision-making. By managing the digital transformation, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Communication, Change & Performance Management Chief ensures that information flows efficiently across all regional offices. David Jordon directs performance management initiatives, establishing metrics that track the success of sustainable development programs. This leadership role involves aligning communication strategies with organizational goals to foster transparency and engagement. Through the implementation of robust information systems, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Communication, Change & Performance Management Chief enhances the ability of the organization to respond to disasters and governance challenges. Jordon drives technological innovation, ensuring that the digital tools used by the organization remain at the forefront of global development efforts.

Fiona Bayat-Renoux, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Deputy Director, & Office of The Executive & Undp Administrator at UNDP, supports the executive leadership in managing the daily operations and strategic direction of the organization. Bayat-Renoux directs the implementation of administrative policies that ensure the effective delivery of sustainable development programs. By overseeing the executive office, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Deputy Director, & Office of The Executive & Undp Administrator facilitates communication between the Administrator and global regional heads. Fiona Bayat-Renoux coordinates high-level initiatives, ensuring that democratic governance and disaster resilience remain top priorities. This leadership role involves managing complex administrative workflows and providing the necessary support for the Administrator to execute the global mandate. Through proactive management, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Deputy Director, & Office of The Executive & Undp Administrator strengthens the organizational capacity to address urgent humanitarian needs and foster long-term stability in every region.

Mamaye Gebretsadik, the Executive Associate To the Director and Chief of Staff, Executive Office, UNDP at UNDP, coordinates the administrative and operational support for the executive office. Gebretsadik directs the scheduling and logistical planning for the Director and Chief of Staff, ensuring that executive time is focused on high-impact development initiatives. By managing the flow of documentation and correspondence, the Executive Associate To the Director and Chief of Staff, Executive Office, UNDP maintains the efficiency of the executive office. Mamaye Gebretsadik facilitates communication between the executive leadership and various global departments, ensuring that strategic directives are clearly understood and implemented. This leadership role involves managing sensitive information and supporting the executive team in their efforts to foster democratic governance and disaster resilience. Through meticulous administrative support, the Executive Associate To the Director and Chief of Staff, Executive Office, UNDP enables the organization to operate smoothly and effectively in its mission to promote sustainable development worldwide.