Head of Resident Coordinator's Office in Malawi

Mickelle Hughes, Head of Resident Coordinator’s Office, has been assisting the Resident Coordinator and UN country team in Malawi in supporting national efforts to respond and recover from the worst cholera outbreak in 20 years as well as from the impacts of cyclone Freddy.

Mickelle supported the UNCT to bring together UN assets available locally and regionally to render swift support in water, sanitation and hygiene, nutrition, food and shelter to the affected population. With engagement with national authorities, development partners and donors through regular and timely updates sharing, Mickelle ensured that development partners on the ground had access to information needed for decision-making, including in their capitals. She also ensured that UN staff had access to well-needed psychosocial support in light of the impact of the devastation wrought by the cyclone.

 Mickelle has also been leading in providing strategic advice on the design of the new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2024 - 2028). Insisting on strong national ownership and mutual accountability, Mickelle engages regularly with government key interlocutors and has reinforced government-UN co-leadership of strategic pillar groups. She coordinated the organization of a historic mid-point consultation bringing together UN country team and key government partners to validate the draft results framework of the Cooperation Framework.