Carmen de los Rios

Carmen is an ICF-certified coach with 30+ years in HR, including Chief HR roles across the UN, ESA, and OECD. Having lived in 6 countries and worked in both HQ and hardship duty stations, she brings a global perspective to her coaching. With a practical, action-oriented style, she empowers professionals to grow, lead, and successfully navigate careers in international organizations.

Based in: Madrid, Spain

Languages: English, Spanish, French

Meet Your Coach

Carmen is a seasoned executive coach and human resources leader who believes deeply in the power of mutual support and purposeful growth. Guided by the conviction that supporting others creates lasting impact, she brings this philosophy into every aspect of her coaching practice.

Her international career in Human Resources spans over 30 years and includes roles up to Chief Human Resources Officer. Carmen has lived and worked in six countries across three continents, gaining extensive cross-cultural experience. After a decade in the private engineering sector, she spent 20 years serving international organizations, including the European Space Agency (ESA), multiple entities within the UN system, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Her assignments covered both headquarters and hardship duty stations.

Carmen holds a master’s degree in Psychology and is certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She adopts a practical, action-oriented coaching approach, supporting clients in identifying priorities, strengthening competencies, and achieving meaningful personal and professional growth. She offers comprehensive coaching services for career development, leadership progression, and successful transitions within and across international and cross-cultural environments.

Transition to the Development Sector

For professionals ready to make a meaningful impact. Leverage your experience to build a rewarding career in the development sector. Jump-start your international development career today.

Includes three personalized coaching sessions, a tailored CV review, and access to career resources and eBooks.

Advance your development career

Ideal for professionals already in the sector seeking lateral or upward moves. Explore your next opportunity with clarity and confidence as you discover new pathways and grow within the development sector.

Includes three targeted coaching sessions to map your career path, an expert CV review, and access to career resources and eBooks.

Interview Coaching

Got an upcoming interview or want to ace competency-based questions? Impress recruiters and stand out from the crowd.

Includes one focused session with an interview coach, along with practical tips and interview practice.

Application Writing Coaching

Submitting a job application? Let’s make it stand out. Craft compelling, customized applications that get noticed.

Includes one personalized session with an application expert, with real-time feedback and writing guidance.

Job Search Strategy Session

Overwhelmed by your job hunt? Get strategic. Define your goals, refine your approach, and accelerate your results.

Includes one coaching session focused on job search strategy, along with tools and frameworks for a focused and efficient search.

Executive & Leadership Coaching Program

For aspiring and current leaders ready to enhance their impact. Strengthen your leadership capacity and realize your full potential.

Includes an introductory goal-setting session, six deep-dive coaching sessions, and interview preparation support tailored to leadership roles.