Ricarda Rieger (Germany) is an accomplished international development practitioner with 33 years of experience across Asia, Eastern Europe, and Northern Africa.

Throughout her career at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ricarda has held senior leadership roles, including Resident Representative in Lao PDR, Senior Programme Advisor for Afghanistan in UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, Country Director in Ukraine, and Deputy Country Director in Cambodia and the Philippines. She has successfully managed multi-country teams, provided strategic advice on achieving the SDGs, and led complex recovery and development programs. She has worked in over 15 countries during her long career with the United Nations.

As UNDP’s Resident Representative in Lao PDR (2019-22), Ricarda guided national efforts on sustainable development, resource management, and governance reforms. As Country Director in Ukraine, she led UNDP's response during the crisis, ensuring staff security and facilitating large-scale programs, including border assistance missions. She oversaw operations, finance, HR, and inter-agency collaborations in Cambodia and the Philippines to enhance program delivery.

Ricarda has extensive expertise in policy advisory, risk management, and capacity building, particularly in promoting transparent and effective governance. Her practical leadership style prioritizes teamwork, resource optimization, and collaborative problem-solving, making her a trusted advisor for governments and organizations.

Ricarda has an advanced degree in Economics from Heidelberg University in Germany.