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Cecile Aptel

Board candidate
Geneva, Switzerland

Relevant experience and qualifications

I bring over 20 years of UN leadership experience, managing diverse teams and complex portfolios with strong strategic, ethical, and fiduciary oversight. With a PhD in law and teaching roles at Pretoria University, the Geneva Academy and Harvard, I offer deep legal expertise aligned with Board needs. I have supported digital transformation, governance, and compliance initiatives across the UN. I am committed to UNFCU’s mission and would bring integrity, sound judgment, and a member-focused, globally informed perspective to the Board.

Candidate statement

I bring over 20 years of UN management experience, guiding diverse teams and major portfolios with strong strategic, ethical, and fiduciary oversight. I also have deep legal and governance expertise, with a PhD in law and teaching roles at Pretoria University, the Fletcher School, and Harvard. I have supported digital transformation, risk management, and compliance initiatives across the UN. I am committed to UNFCU’s mission and would bring integrity, global perspective, sound judgment, and a strongly member-focused approach to the Board in service of its members worldwide.

Employment information

United Nations experience

Current grade level: D1

2024–Present
UNICEF
Deputy Director

2021–2024
UNIDIR
Deputy Director

2012–2021
UN Secretariat, OHCHR
Senior Legal Adviser

2005–2005
UN Secretariat PKO
Chief

2004–2004
OIOS
Auditor

1996–2004
ICTY/ICTR
Legal Coordinator

Non-UN experience

2006–2012
Universities
Professor


Education

2020
University of Geneva
PhD

2012
Trinity College, Dublin
M Litt in Law

1993
College of Europe, Bruges
Master

1991
Institut d'Etudes Politiques
Diplome

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