Gemma Connell

Gemma Connell was appointed Officer-in-Charge of OCHA's Humanitarian Sector Division on 30 January 2026. She also serves as the Chief of the OCHA Strategic Prioritization and Practices Branch, where she oversees work related to humanitarian needs assessments, appeals and coordination. She has been with OCHA since 2011—most recently as Head of OCHA’s Regional Office for Southern and Eastern Africa and Deputy Head of Office in South Sudan. Prior to joining OCHA, Connell worked with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Gaza and began her career working on women’s rights and human rights with the UN and non-governmental organizations. Connell is an Australian national, and holds a Master's degree in International Human Rights Law from Oxford University, as well as Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws degrees from the University of Sydney.