Dr Noël Marie Zagré is the new Principal Advisor for the Sahel for UNICEF West and Central Africa Region (WCAR). He possesses a rich background in navigating the programmes and challenges specifically prevalent in the Sahel countries and the wider WCA region, coupled with a profound understanding of the dynamics of regional institutions. Before taking on this role, Dr. Zagré served as the UNICEF Representative in Gabon, São Tomé e Príncipe, and at the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), based in
Libreville, Gabon. Prior to that, he held successive positions as Regional Nutrition Advisor in several UNICEF regional offices, including in West and Central Africa (based in Dakar, Senegal), in East Asia and Pacific/South Asia (based in Bangkok, Thailand), and in East and Southern Africa (based in Nairobi, Kenya), as well as for UNICEF in Niger Country Office.

Originally from Burkina Faso, Dr Zagré has also worked in various International Non-Governmental Organisations, in academic research, and as a senior official in his home country.

Dr Zagré holds a PhD in International Nutrition from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Montreal, a master’s degree in Public Health and Nutrition, and a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.