I’ve spent three decades in finance and administration, at increasing levels of responsibility within the UN system, including the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the World Food Programme (WFP). My journey began with a strong interest in how sound financial management can support humanitarian goals and have a direct impact on people’s lives.
I’ve specialised in corporate financial management, governance, strategic financial planning and budgeting. I have strengthened my career by earning additional certifications and informal development through coaching.
I have been fortunate to meet several inspiring individuals throughout my journey who have mentored me in my studies and career.
The opportunity to have a real-world impact makes a career with the UN deeply fulfilling
Working with the UN nurtures a drive towards service, integrity and a commitment to advancing the common good. It offers a unique blend of purpose and professionalism in global solidarity that is focused on human dignity, protection and development. The multicultural environment, the ability to shape policy and the opportunity to have a real-world impact makes a career with the UN deeply fulfilling.
The UN system constantly faces financial challenges, the most fundamental being insufficient funding to meet global needs. This especially applies to voluntarily funded organisations such as WFP and UNHCR. We must navigate complex financial management challenges by applying strategic insight and innovative thinking to resource management, and I always strive for greater efficiency and impact.
Great achievements are reached by overcoming difficulties
My favourite quote is this Latin phrase: ‘Per aspera ad astra’: through hardships to the stars. Great achievements are reached by overcoming difficulties, so it reflects resilience, ambition and the pursuit of excellence, which resonates with me.
If I had law-making powers, I would ensure fair and transparent financial communication. Organisations invest significantly in regulatory frameworks, yet this effort is often undermined by unregulated and unstructured communication, particularly through social media, which lacks oversight. This uncontrolled messaging can distort public perception, mislead stakeholders and ultimately erode trust in financial reporting and governance.
What I enjoy most about my work is the strategic aspect of translating financial data into insights that support our operations. I also like ensuring compliance and audit readiness, knowing that every dollar is accounted for. In my professional maturity, I now enjoy stepping outside my comfort zone by engaging in areas like workforce planning, organisational design and structural analysis.
It is difficult to single out one particular achievement over my 30-year career. However, my greatest accomplishment lies in always seeing each assignment as an opportunity to add value by supporting operational activities. This mindset has guided my approach across roles, ensuring that my contribution goes beyond routine delivery.
If I wasn’t in finance I would have gone into sport, something I have always been passionate about. I have a deep appreciation of sport’s power to foster inclusion, mutual respect and shared purpose across borders. I’d enjoy leadership roles within sporting organisations that shape policy and use sport as a tool for peace and development.
I am also drawn to international law and diplomacy, where I could contribute to global governance and multilateral cooperation. Whether through sport or diplomatic frameworks, my aim would be to build bridges between cultures and promote inclusive, sustainable progress.
I’ve developed a deep appreciation for classical culture, art, history and literature. At school I had a curriculum in humanities, Latin, ancient Greek, philosophy and literature, and I was born and raised in Rome, a city steeped in history. I also enjoy reading biographies, essays and novels, and watching historical films.
Naturally, I also like to stay active through sports, such as gym workouts, skiing, hiking and walking around Geneva.
