Phone : +44(0)7970 439927 Email : info@iainpatton.org
Leadership Coaching and Conflict Resolution to the Impact Sector
Executive Coaching for the United Nations and International Development Leaders
Tailored coaching designed specifically for global changemakers working in the UN system and international development NGO's.
Support for those leading global change
Leading in international development is both inspiring and unrelenting. Whether you're heading a humanitarian response, coordinating multilateral programmes, or managing dispersed global teams, the stakes are high—and the leadership demands are constant.
You’re navigating:
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Cross-cultural dynamics across regions and languages
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Political sensitivities and stakeholder complexity
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Shifting funding landscapes and donor expectations
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Emotional toll from working in crisis and conflict settings
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The tension between operational delivery and mission integrity
Coaching for NGOs, the United Nations and international development leaders provides a rare opportunity to pause, reflect and build resilience. It's a confidential space to strengthen your leadership presence, regain perspective and lead with renewed clarity and purpose.
Experienced Culturally-Sensitive Coaching
With over two decades working in and alongside mission-led organisations, I bring real-world understanding of the complexities you face. I’ve delivered coaching for UN and global development professionals, and supported leaders from international NGOs, humanitarian organisations and intergovernmental agencies.
As a qualified, accredited coach—and former nonprofit CEO—I understand:
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The pressures of global programme delivery and impact measurement
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Leading across time zones, cultures and institutional frameworks
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Navigating political nuance and power dynamics with diplomacy
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Balancing ethical leadership with operational demands
My coaching is values-led, non-judgemental and globally aware. Sessions are shaped around your unique leadership context—no need to explain the structure of your agency or the nature of your work.
A Coaching Framework That Works in Practice
My leadership coaching draws on a unique five-part framework:
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Purpose – Reconnect with the values and mission driving your leadership
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Pace – Find sustainable rhythms and avoid burnout
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Patterns – Explore your leadership style and its impact
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Perspective – Step back and see the bigger picture
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Presence – Lead with focus, confidence and calm
This structure provides clarity and consistency, while keeping the coaching flexible to your immediate needs.
What UN and International Development Leadership Coaching Can Offer You
Trusted by NGO and UN Development Leaders
Themes often brought to coaching include:
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Leading diverse, cross-cultural teams in complex environments
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Managing burnout, emotional fatigue and ongoing pressure
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Strengthening your leadership presence under global scrutiny
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Making ethically challenging decisions with confidence
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Navigating partnerships, coalitions and diplomatic relationships
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Transitioning roles within the UN system or global NGOs
This is executive coaching for humanitarian leaders who need clarity in complexity and support that reflects the realities of global development.
Whether you work for an international NGO, a UN body, or a donor-funded programme, this leadership support for the development sector is tailored, grounded and flexible.
Coaching creates a safe, confidential space to step back and refocus—delivered remotely to accommodate global time zones.
"Coaching helped me lead with more calm and clarity during a highly sensitive transition in a politically complex region. Iain understood the nuance without needing extensive context."
— Director, UN-affiliated humanitarian programme
"I was on the edge of burnout. Coaching gave me space to think clearly again—and reconnect with why I started this work."
— Programme Lead, International NGO
Clients using NGO leadership coaching have:
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Regained strategic focus in high-pressure environments
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Navigated career transitions within or beyond the UN system
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Strengthened team cohesion across cultures and continents
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Improved stakeholder relationships and built strategic influence
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this coaching for?
This coaching is designed for senior leaders, managers and professionals working in NGOs, UN agencies, international charities, and global development organisations.
Do you offer coaching for international NGOs specifically?
Yes. I provide coaching for international NGOs, including programme directors, executive teams, and policy leads.
Is this suitable for coaching for UN and global development professionals?
Absolutely. I work with UN personnel, field leaders and programme heads across various agencies and roles.
Do you offer leadership support for development sector organisations?
Yes. This leadership support for the development sector focuses on real-world decisions, stakeholder engagement, and leadership resilience.
What format do sessions take?
Sessions are typically 60 minutes, held remotely (via Zoom or Teams), and scheduled flexibly to suit your needs.
Is this coaching confidential?
Yes. Sessions are fully confidential and bound by professional coaching ethics and standards.
Coaching offers a secure and private environment to support your personal and professional development—no matter what challenges you're dealing with.
Start a Conversation
Leading global change through the UN or NGOs takes clarity and resilience. Let’s talk about how coaching can support you.
Get in touch to explore your leadership context and whether this kind of coaching is the right fit for your next chapter.
"Iain is a very effective coach. He helped me to see issues or perspectives in my work that I hadn’t previously considered and gave me invaluable support when I was developing the strategy of my organisation. Iain is thoughtful and considered in his approach and brings a wealth of experience to it."
Jonny Oates, Baron Oates, House of Lords, CEO United Against Malnutrition & Hunger