East Jerusalem - The United Nations Development Programme/Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (UNDP/PAPP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Jaco Cilliers as the new Special Representative of the Administrator. Mr. Cilliers’ appointment came into effect in 14 July 2025, succeeding Ms. Sarah Poole, who served as Special Representative of the Administrator from August 2023 to April 2025, and Ms. Chitose Noguchi, who served as Special Representative of the Administrator ad interim from April to July 2025. UNDP/PAPP extends its sincere gratitude to both for their dedication and service.

UNDP/PAPP is also pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Margunn Indreboe Alshaikh as the new Deputy Special Representative of the Administrator

Mr. Jaco Cilliers brings over 25 years of international experience in development, peacebuilding, and crisis response. Prior to his appointment in UNDP/PAPP, he served as UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine (2022–2025) and as Manager of the UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub (2019–2022). He previously held senior leadership roles as UNDP Country Director in India (2011–2017), Deputy Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, and Peace and Development Advisor in Cyprus (2005–2011). He has worked extensively in conflict and post-conflict settings across Africa, Asia, and Europe. Mr. Cilliers holds a Ph.D. in recovery and peacebuilding from George Mason University and degrees from Nelson Mandela University. He is married and has two children. 

“Assuming this role at a time of profound humanitarian and socio-economic crisis is both a responsibility and a calling. The scale of suffering across the occupied Palestinian territory underscores the urgency of sustaining the humanitarian response while advancing early recovery. I am committed to working with national and international partners to support a nationally led recovery that upholds dignity, strengthens resilience, and promotes sustainable development,” said Jaco Cilliers, Special Representative of the Administrator for UNDP/PAPP.

Ms. Indreboe Alshaikh brings over 20 years of international development experience, with a strong focus on programme management, crisis response, partnerships, and innovation. Before joining UNDP/PAPP, she served as Director of Programmes at the Norwegian Agency for Exchange Cooperation (NOREC) (2022–2025). She previously held senior roles with UNDP as Deputy Resident Representative in Botswana (2019–2022), and in Lebanon (2015–2019) and Sudan (2007–2015). She has worked extensively in crisis-affected and complex development settings across the Arab region and Africa. Ms. Indreboe Alshaikh holds Master’s degrees from the London School of Economics and the University of Oxford. She is married and has three children.

“It is an honour to take on this new role. I recognise the strong foundation built by the UNDP/PAPP team and the importance of continuing that progress. In a rapidly evolving context, our programmes must remain agile and responsive to the needs of Palestinian communities and institutions. I look forward to contributing to efforts that strengthen delivery, enhance capacities, and stay aligned with national priorities, even in these challenging times. After some years away, this feels a little like coming home, both to the organization and the region I have come to love.”, said Margunn Indreboe Alshaikh, Deputy Special Representative of the Administrator for UNDP/PAPP.

These appointments come at a time of immense hardship for the Palestinian people, marked by a deepening humanitarian crisis and deteriorating socio-economic conditions. UNDP/PAPP remains committed to delivering critical support, advancing early recovery, and contributing to long-term resilience. The leadership transition reflects UNDP’s continued presence on the ground and its dedication to supporting the Palestinian people in navigating this challenging period.

For further information, please contact:

Musa Khalil, Head of Communication Unit, E-mail: musa.khalil@undp.org. Tel: +972 6268200, Mobile: +972 5748761.  For more information about UNDP/PAPP visit www.ps.undp.org