Our Team

Christian Etongo Ilengo a highly experienced development and project management professional with over 42 years of dedicated service in the fields of rural development, organizational strengthening, gender equality, and humanitarian assistance. Holding a Master’s degree (BAC+5) in Development and Project Management from the Catholic University of Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, as well as a Bachelor’s degree (BAC+3) in Rural Development from the Institute of Rural Development in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, he combines strong academic foundations with extensive practical expertise. Throughout his distinguished career, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and technical skills, managing complex projects and programs across multiple African countries, primarily within francophone contexts. His work has spanned a broad spectrum of sectors including international development cooperation, education, human rights advocacy, and community empowerment. He has a proven track record of successfully coordinating multi-sectoral initiatives funded by major international organizations such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the World Food Programme (WFP), addressing critical issues such as sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), reproductive health services, protection, and environmental sustainability. His role as a coach and capacity-building expert for Caritas Africa has been pivotal in strengthening the institutional and operational capacities of 18 national Caritas organizations across sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean region. Through personalized accompaniment and strategic guidance, he has enabled these organizations to become more effective, accountable, and influential in their efforts to reduce poverty and social inequalities. He has also been instrumental in fostering knowledge management, monitoring and evaluation, and safeguarding practices within these networks, ensuring adherence to international standards and best practices. He is certified in numerous specialized areas, including project monitoring and evaluation, gender and development, climate risk management, emergency WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programming, prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, and safeguarding standards. His certifications come from reputable institutions and international NGOs such as Caritas Internationalis, FAO, Save the Children, Oxfam, and the United Nations. This broad skill set allows him to approach development challenges with a holistic and informed perspective. Linguistically, he is fluent in French and Lingala (his mother tongue), has intermediate proficiency in English and Swahili, and basic knowledge of Kikongo, enabling him to communicate effectively in diverse cultural and linguistic environments. His intercultural sensitivity and adaptability have been key assets in his work with communities, local authorities, and international partners. His core values-integrity, respect, empathy, accountability, and cultural sensitivity-guide his professional conduct and relationships. He is known for his honesty, transparency, and commitment to creating safe and inclusive environments where diverse voices are heard and valued. He embraces continuous learning and remains resilient under pressure, always striving to improve his skills and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development and social justice. He is particularly passionate about empowering marginalized and vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and indigenous populations such as the Pygmies. His work reflects a deep commitment to human rights, social cohesion, conflict resolution, and inclusive development. Over the years, he has combined technical expertise with grassroots engagement to promote lasting positive change in the communities he serves.