Day 3/Session 6 - Getting into the international professional category – Moving to a different UN Organization (UNOG)

(Facilitator) Jesús is presently working for the United Nations Office at Geneva in his capacity as Chief of the Management and Communication Unit at the Centre for Learning and Multilingualism. He considers himself a life-long learner and has a multi-disciplinary background: a degree in modern languages, a post-graduate degree in pedagogy and a Master’s degree in Human Resources. The learning and development field has been his professional home for over 18 years. 

In addition to his full-time job, he is the co-chair of the International Organizations Coaching Network, a forum open to internal coaches working in International Organizations based in Geneva, and The Learning Lab, a community of practice for learning managers working in the United Nations Secretariat.
 

Mira brings over 15 years of experience designing and delivering training programmes in leadership, communication, coaching, professional development, and skills-building. Her work spans the entire employee lifecycle—from onboarding and performance management to rewards, recognition, and exit—reflecting a deep commitment to fostering inclusive, agile, and growth-driven organizational cultures. 

Selected for the UN Sabbatical Programme, Mira conducted research on how to better leverage the talents of General Service (GS) staff for organizational effectiveness. This research resulted in the creation of Game Shifter—the UN system's first leadership development programme dedicated to GS staff. As the founder, Mira continues to champion equity in growth opportunities and advocate for systemic change in how talent is recognized and nurtured across all staff categories. 

Her experience was further enriched by P-level assignments with both the UN Secretariat and the World Intellectual Property Organization, where she navigated diverse organizational cultures and environments. These opportunities deepened her strategic insight and allowed her to bring valuable lessons back to her team, strengthening her contributions to her home organization.

Since becoming a certified coach in 2020, Mira has supported individuals in aligning vision with action. She holds an MA in Organizational Psychology with a specialization in Change Leadership from Columbia University, an MA in International Management from ESC Pau Business School, and a BA in Economics from Ateneo de Manila University. Mira is also certified in several psychometric and coaching tools, including Hogan, DiSC, Gallup Strengths, Career Counselling, and Team Effectiveness diagnostics.
 

Heidy brings extensive experience in research, communications, and advocacy, with a strong focus on sustainability, climate action, and environmental issues. Over the years, she has played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing initiatives that foster awareness, inspire behavioral change, and promote sustainable practices within complex organizational settings.

In her current role at UNICEF, Heidy leads the design, management, and execution of global efforts to embed sustainability into everyday operations and culture. She is the driving force behind the UNICEF Green movement, which she envisioned and launched, and which she continues to lead with passion and purpose. Under her coordination, the movement has grown into a vibrant global network of over 130 UNICEF Green Teams, mobilizing staff engagement and action across offices worldwide.

Heidy holds a BA in Anthropology and an MA in Visual Anthropology, with specialized certifications in Business Sustainability Management (University of Cambridge, UK), Advances in Communication for Development (Malmo University, Sweden), and Community-Based Social Marketing (US). This interdisciplinary background allows her to combine analytical insight with creative storytelling and a deep understanding of human behavior—key ingredients for advancing environmental and social change.

Before joining UNICEF, Heidy worked in the Executive Office of the UN Secretary-General, and held various positions across the non-profit and NGO sector, where she contributed to global development, advocacy, and communication strategies. She is deeply committed to building a more sustainable, inclusive future through collaboration, innovation, and practical action.