Master of Arts in International Affairs, Conflict Resolution, and Civil Society Development

I provide strategic support for Human Rights Watch’s Development offices in 11 cities covering 10 different countries. This includes data extraction and clean-up, troubleshooting, and general and module-specific training in the use of HRW’s database. I also work closely with the Finance division to ensure that the monthly donation reports from these cities are accurate, assuring the clean flow of information between our development database and Finance’s accounting software.

AUP definitely contributed to making me a competitive candidate for this job. Beyond my coursework and field of study (both relevant for this position), thanks to AUP’s network I also completed a 6-month internship with HRW’s Development division in Paris during my second year. This experience was invaluable, and my familiarity with HRW’s structure, practices and software was a key factor in their decision to hire me as a full-time employee one year later.

I work for an international NGO called ‘Search for Common Ground’ (SFCG). SFCG is an organization that works to transform the way the world deals with conflict. I am currently based in Niamey, Niger and manage SFCG’s programs in the Sahel region of Africa. I manage SFCG’s work within a consortium of NGOs in a USAID funded program called ‘Peace through Development II’ or (PDevII), aimed at reducing the risk of violent extremism in the Sahel. Our role in PDev II is to engage and support youth throughout 45 communes in 23 regions of Niger, Chad, and Burkina Faso. Specifically, we provide training and other opportunities to support these youth in strengthening their communities and taking an active role in reducing conflict and other risks related to violent extremism. The MAIA program I completed at AUP played a big role in preparing me for this work. Specifically, it laid a solid theoretical foundation and then coupled it with practical modules. The availability, quality, and experience of the faculty and the vast diversity of the students also provided a context for rich discussion and personal growth.

I was born in Paris and have lived in Italy, too, and I continue to travel a lot for business. I am trilingual: French, English and Italian. I was attracted to AUP because a Master’s in International Affairs and/or conflict management/resolution are very rare in France. For me, the first asset of AUP was this qualitative joint program with the Sorbonne University. It was very enticing to be able to follow this distinctive and first-rate dual Master’s with courses both at AUP and the Sorbonne, two very good universities.

To study at AUP is to study with people from all over the world, with very rich and diverse backgrounds. American, Colombian, Swedish, Libanese, Qatari, Koweiti, Italian, British, German, Russian… I met friends from everywhere and developed a strong, high-quality network. Two of the things that I most valued are the multicultural environment and the quality of the MAIA program. I am not objective because I am Parisian. However, I have to say that Paris is one of the most exciting cities in terms of culture and intellectual life. Being one of the main European hubs, academics, politicians, businessmen meet there.

My studies at AUP influenced my career path in two main ways: on the one hand, they gave me a strong technical/academic background in international affairs, and on the other hand they gave me very useful and concrete analytical/practical skills. Upon graduating from AUP, I worked for the French Foreign Ministry and then for the French Defense Ministry. I have since joined a company as Development Manager where I am mainly in charge of the international development of the company.