 has announced the appointment of Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef as the Country Representative UNICEF){kind=link}
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has announced the appointment of Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef as the new Country Representative for UNICEF Nigeria.
In a statement signed by Communication Specialist Susan Akila, the organisation highlighted Ms. Abdelatef’s impressive track record of over 20 years in international humanitarian and development work. She brings a wealth of experience and leadership to support Nigeria’s efforts in improving the lives of children and communities nationwide.
Prior to her new role, Ms. Abdelatef served as the UNICEF Representative in Somalia, where she made notable strides in promoting children’s rights and well-being despite complex humanitarian challenges.
Her extensive career spans senior roles across several United Nations agencies, including OCHA, UNICEF, and WFP, with postings in Sudan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Syria, and Ethiopia. She has also held high-level positions with OCHA at the global level, in both New York and Geneva.
Ms. Abdelatef began her career in Sudan, contributing to projects within the private sector, academia, and NGOs, with a focus on displaced populations and environmental conservation. She holds a Master’s degree in Architecture from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium, a Master of Science in Physical Planning from the University of Khartoum, and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture.
Her tenure in Somalia was marked by strong leadership in advancing UNICEF’s mission in one of the most complex humanitarian environments. Her areas of expertise include program management, strategic planning, and coordination in both emergency and development contexts.
UNICEF Nigeria expressed confidence that Ms. Abdelatef’s deep experience and steadfast commitment will significantly enhance the organization’s impact in Nigeria.