Our people

“Involved in humanitarian action since 1999, I have coordinated operations and managed human resources in around fifteen countries, predominantly in Africa and Asia, but also in Switzerland where I live with my family since 2008.

These experiences have convinced me of the importance of developing effective and coherent human resources management, which is adapted to the mission of an organisation and respectful of its values and the commitment of its workers.

It is the employees, volunteers and partners of Terre des hommes who act and make our work possible, both at the headquarters and in the field. The main objectives of Terre des hommes´ Human Resources Department are supporting, equipping and training our diverse team, at the same time as guaranteeing good management practices.

I enjoy cooking, playing music, sailing and by force of circumstances I have become a bit of a mountaineer (all of these as an amateur). I have been very happy to play my part here at the Foundation since joining at the end of 2016.”

“Having spent my childhood and adolescence on the African continent, studying Political Science, International Relations and later Management and Human Resources, I have been involved in the humanitarian sector since 2004. Very sensitive to the challenges of sustainable development, inequalities and vulnerabilities, particularly those experienced by children, it was natural for me to turn my professional career to organisations defending children's rights. This commitment has notably led me to lead operations in Asia, the Middle East and Africa in often complex environments. Since 2008, I have had the privilege of working towards the realisation of the mission of the Terre des hommes foundation. Promoting the organisation's vision, defining its strategy, anticipating developments, accompanying changes and empowering staff to achieve their mission are my priorities.

I am proud to contribute through my commitment to the foundation to the defence and promotion of children's rights around the world.”

"After years in the private sector, I came to Terre des hommes as one that looks at a new home, with curiosity and good will. I discovered a very beautiful house, animated by a soul that is said to exist nowhere else. Edmond Kaiser's footprint, his devotion to children everywhere, has a lot to do with it.

I have had the privilege of accompanying journalists to Lebanon, Bangladesh, Greece and Benin. Each visit makes a lasting impression on you. Each meeting changes your outlook, questions your prejudices, makes you want to do more. The headlines in international news take on a new dimension when you have seen with your own eyes the effects of collapsing systems and conflicts on devastated families.

In the Communication and Fundraising department, we are fortunate to be able to count on an exceptional team to support the work of Terre des hommes. By seeking targeted funding, by raising public awareness, by supporting colleagues on the frontline, it contributes to one of the most beautiful missions there is.

Yes, this work makes sense. I love it deeply."

«My experience in the management of humanitarian missions began in 2001 with seven years in the field, on all continents. Since then, I have been in charge of the global management of financial resources within various organisations, until my arrival at Terre des hommes in 2017. 

Using finance as a tool and not as a goal has always been a driving force for me. In accordance with the wishes of our donors, we strive to ensure that resources are allocated as closely as possible to the vision of Terre des hommes. In a complex environment and with an ever-increasing need for accountability, the quality of logistical and financial processes is crucial to the success of our projects. Our operational teams must be able to focus on implementing our ideals, a world in which children's rights are always respected. 

I am happy to experience the richness of cultural mixing - a source of development, inspiration and human enrichment - on a daily basis, in my personal and professional life.»

“Ever since my university education in Italy and Belgium, I have been fortunate to meet many inspirational people who have influenced my career choices within the NGO sector.  

Different professional missions in both development and humanitarian contexts strengthened my belief in the essential role of non-governmental organisations, as the most vulnerable people are often neglected by the international community. I maintained this conviction during my years at the headquarters of an international federation working in the field of disability.

As a father, I am particularly enthusiastic about continuing my career here at Terre des hommes. Our mission to protect children is vital in a world which is sometimes too unjust and violent, but which nevertheless deserves all our efforts to contribute to humanity.”

Before I joined Terre des hommes (Tdh) in 2009, I had been working to protect children against sexual exploitation for almost ten years. I had previously come into contact with Tdh during a campaign in Madagascar and was impressed by what I saw. When the Foundation first started working there, it didn’t try to go it alone. It drew on the experience of other organisations present in the country and sought to work with various bodies. I believe that the key to successfully protecting children depends on everyone’s involvement so this approach appealed to me.

Tdh is a courageous and innovative organisation that endeavours to keep abreast of children’s actual needs and to work as closely as possible with those on the ground despite being the largest organisation of its kind in Switzerland.

I grew up in Moldova in a challenging social and economic environment, which persists to this day. I know the hardships children face in Eastern Europe, so I always felt that this should change and everybody can contribute to this goal.  But it wasn’t before I joined Terre des hommes (Tdh) in 2013 that I engaged professionally in the field of child protection. Tdh helped me learn about this field, but on the other hand, I brought my diverse background into the organisation – I had studied economics and management, lived in several countries, and worked as a PR manager in the music industry.

I’m grateful and proud to be part of this committed and extremely professional team; it is both inspiring and motivating. I also consider myself lucky, as my work allows me to apply my skills and to be creative, while having a positive impact on the lives of children and their families.

I started working for Terre des hommes (Tdh) in May 2009 as part of a project to protect children living and working in mines and quarries. Everyone told me I was crazy, that a woman shouldn’t be working in a such a rough environment full of degenerates. To tell the truth, I was pretty apprehensive on my first day. It was the first time I had been to a traditional gold mine. I rode about 100km through the bush by myself, but when I got there I immediately understood Tdh’s cause. The children were living in terrible conditions and many of them were fending for themselves. I saw 5-year-old children playing alongside their mothers. They were covered in dust and could easily have come into contact with the toxic products being used by the adults.

With the Tdh team, we set up a “bissongo” (a community day nursery) so that the children would have somewhere safe to play while their parents were at work. A week later, a fire broke out causing a lot of damage. Fortunately, no children were harmed as they were all at the nursery, away from the mine.

Soon afterwards, a large group of miners came to Tdh’s office to thank us for helping to save their children. I felt extremely happy and proud that our efforts to protect the children were paying off.