New York - United Nations Development Programme Administrator Achim Steiner announced today the appointment of of Alain Noudéhou of Benin as the new Executive Director of the UN Multi – Partner Trust Fund Office (MPTFO).

Mr. Noudéhou brings to the position extensive experience in international development and humanitarian affairs. Most recently, he has been serving as Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Mali. 

Before that, he was the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan.  Earlier appointments include Chief of Staff of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in New York, Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in the People’s Republic of China and Resident Coordinator, Humanitarian Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Zimbabwe. 

Mr. Noudéhou succeeds Jennifer Topping of Canada, who will complete her assignment by the end of May 2024.

"Mr. Alain Noudéhou assumes the role of Executive Director of the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office as countries are increasingly relying on the institution’s wealth of expertise to deploy pooled funding that is proven to deliver humanitarian, peace, security and sustainable development results at scale,” said Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator. “As she completes her assignment that began in 2015, I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Jennifer Topping for her leadership of the Fund, which has been empowered by a diverse array of new partnerships.” 

Before joining the United Nations, Mr. Noudéhou worked in senior positions from 1996 to 2002 for the then CHF International Inc. - currently named Global Communities-, an international non-governmental organization, including as Country Director for CHF International in South Africa from 1996 to 2000. 

He holds a MSc. Degree in Public Management and Policy from Carnegie Mellon University (USA) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from Tsinghua University (P.R. of China).  He speaks French, English, and Chinese.