Helena has over 22 years of dedicated experience in the education sector both in development and humanitarian work. She has just taken the role as UNICEF's Global EiE Lead/ Senior Education Advisor, Education in Emergencies. She has worked for various institutions (French Ministry of Education, UNESCO, GPE, World Bank) and has been working at UNICEF for 16 years, most recently as Chief, Education in DRC.

Helena has spent her career committed to mostly enhancing educational outcomes for children in crisis situations, working in conflict zones and disaster-stricken areas worldwide. Her expertise is exemplified by her leadership in developing and implementing innovative education programs in collaboration with governments, key donors, and NGOs in contexts such as Kosovo, Bulgaria, Lebanon, CAR, DRC, Senegal, Afghanistan, Haiti, and Ukraine. These programs focused on planning and implementing inclusive and resilient educational systems, ensuring that especially the most marginalized and vulnerable children continued their learning.

Beyond her extensive experiences in various contexts across the world, Helena also brings a strong academic foundation that highlights her expertise in the sector as she has conducted applied research on education policies and planning in conflict and post-crisis settings, in particular for her PhD thesis. She has a deep knowledge in strategic education response and recovery planning, and dedication to gender equality, planning and systems strengthening.