Before moving to UNICEF’s Headquarters as Principal Advisor on Early Childhood Development, Erinna Dia worked as Chief of Education in West and Central Africa, the Middle East and South Asia where, with the teams under her leadership, she has achieved critical results for children in complex and nonpermissive political and operational environments. Prior to joining UNICEF, Dr. Dia held technical positions in the human development and economics departments of the African Development Bank. In these capacities, she worked with Regional Member Countries on the elaboration and implementation of education and protection projects to foster social transformation and generate growth through improved access to education, skills, technology and employment. She has co-authored several papers and journal articles on education challenges and opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa.