Lea Selleck

Program Officer , Philanthropy and Development

Zurich, Switzerland

Strategic international development professional with 10+ years’ experience in governance, gender, education, and human rights. Skilled in policy dialogue, programme delivery, and stakeholder engagement across the UN and philanthropic sectors. Brings an interdisciplinary lens, collaborative leadership style, and deep commitment to equity, partnership, and impact in crisis and recovery contexts.

Contact Lea Selleck
Area of Expertise:
  • Capacity Building, Training, Advocacy, Political
  • Human Rights, Law, Migration, Conflicts, Justice
  • Monitoring, Evaluation, Policy, Research, Analysis
  • Private Sector, Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Social, Education, Gender, Youth, Child
Professional Experience:

I’ve led global initiatives advancing gender equality, health, sustainability, and education. Working across continents and sectors, I’ve developed a versatile skill set in project management, financial oversight, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL)—paired with a strong grounding in impact analysis to inform strategic decision-making.

A core part of my journey has involved field-based work with the United Nations in the Central African Republic, where I supported peacekeeping operations with a focus on the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. I collaborated with local actors to promote women’s inclusion in political and peace processes—translating global commitments into locally grounded strategies. This experience deepened my belief that inclusive governance depends on trust, adaptability, and genuine partnership.

My academic and research background includes roles at the University of Pennsylvania and University of Cambridge, where I conducted in-depth analysis of social and political systems. At the World Bank, I evaluated program performance and designed data-driven tools to assess social impact. These experiences have shaped my commitment to evidence-informed policy and meaningful accountability.

I hold an MSc in Law and Anthropology from the London School of Economics, which informs my interdisciplinary approach to complex challenges—bridging legal, cultural, and structural dimensions of inequality.

Collaboration is central to my work. I’ve built strong partnerships across UN agencies, feminist networks, and philanthropic institutions, driven by a belief in co-creation and local ownership. Currently, I serve on the board of Clean Shelter, supporting emergency shelter responses in Gaza, including IDP camp construction and school rehabilitation.

Whether managing multi-stakeholder projects or developing funding proposals, I focus on long-term sustainability, equity, and systemic change. I bring a reputation for combining analytical rigor with empathy—delivering solutions that are as people-centered as they are strategic.

I remain committed to advancing gender justice, child rights, and inclusive development through work that is both principled and practical.

Education:

International Law and Anthropology

Affiliations and Achievements:

n/a

Available for:

  • Consulting assignments
  • Job opportunities
  • Being headhunted – make me an offer

Years of Experience:

5-10 years

Highest Qualification:

Masters

Languages:

English, French, Dutch, German

Nationality:

Netherlands , Switzerland

Home Page: