Coaching for International Development & Humanitarian Professionals:
Lead, Thrive, Sustain

CAREER | LEADERSHIP | EXECUTIVE COACHING

19

Years of Diverse Experience

42

Worked across dozens of Countries

100

Collaboration with hundreds of humanitarian actors

What is Humanitarian & Development Coaching?

International development and humanitarian work is demanding—high stakes, fast-paced, and often deeply personal. Coaching helps professionals in this space navigate challenges, build resilience, and stay connected to their purpose without burning out.

It’s about more than just career growth—it’s about aligning your work with your values, leading with clarity, and making an impact that’s both meaningful and sustainable. Whether you’re facing leadership hurdles, big decisions, or just need space to think strategically, coaching gives you the tools and perspective to move forward with confidence.

Career & Goal Alignment

Defining a clear path in a sector full of short-term contracts and shifting priorities, ensuring your next steps align with your long-term vision.

Authentic
Leadership

Leading with integrity and impact in complex, high-stakes environments while staying true to your values and leadership style.

Resilience &
Confidence

Building the mindset and strategies to handle uncertainty, self-doubt, and professional challenges with clarity and strength.

Sustainable Success &
Well-being

Creating a fulfilling career without letting work consume your identity—prioritizing health, relationships, and personal growth alongside professional impact.

As an experienced social impact coach & consultant, I’ve spent almost two decades navigating this industry, helping special impact professionals and purpose-driven teams find happiness and balance in all spheres of life.

With a deep understanding of the non-profit, philanthropy, development, humanitarian, corporate social responsibility & social entrepreneurship realms, I’m here to guide you through the unique challenges you face on your personal and professional journey.

Book a clarity call today and take the first step toward a career and life you love. Let’s rewrite your story.

Meet Kelsi, Your International
Development & Humanitarian Coach

Key Ways a Humanitarian & Development Coach Can Help You

Navigate Career Transitions

Navigate Career Transitions

Move between roles, sectors, or contracts with clarity and confidence.

Improve Work-Life Balance

Improve Work-Life Balance

Set boundaries and create routines that protect your time and energy.

Strengthen Your Leadership

Strengthen Your Leadership

Lead authentically, influence effectively, and manage complex team dynamics.

Boost Confidence & Visibility

Boost Confidence & Visibility

Speak up, advocate for yourself, and position for promotions or new opportunities.

Build Resilience

Build Resilience

Handle stress, setbacks, and uncertainty without burning out.

Enhance Communication Skills

Enhance Communication Skills

Deliver your message clearly, navigate difficult conversations, and engage diverse stakeholders.

Free Gift: Career Clarity Workbook

Enter your name and email below to receive the guide and discover your purpose.

Services

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1:1 Coaching

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Group Coaching

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Workshops, Facilitation
& Speaking

When Should You Hire a Humanitarian Coach?

The right time to hire a humanitarian coach is when you are ready to thrive in your work, tackle challenges with clarity, and create impact—without sacrificing work-life integration.

  • Feeling ‘meh, facing a job transition, contract uncertainty, or considering a new direction.

  • Moving into a managerial role or struggling to lead effectively in complex environments.

  • Experiencing burnout, decision fatigue, or a lack of clarity about what’s next.

  • Finding it hard to set boundaries, disconnect, or make space for personal priorities.

  • Seeking to advocate for yourself, negotiate contracts, or position for growth.

  • Navigating high-stakes conversations, managing teams, or engaging stakeholders effectively.

  • It all starts by gaining deep insight into your strengths, desires and goals. Through thoughtful exploration, you will uncover what truly matters to you and align your actions with your core values. Together, we will work to clarify your purpose, set meaningful goals, and create a roadmap that guides you towards your ideal future.

  • Experience personal and professional growth like never before. Once you have a clear understanding of your direction, the Growth pillar comes into play. Here, we will focus on strategies that empower you to take decisive action. We will address any obstacles or limiting beliefs that arise, and I will provide guidance, tools, and accountability to help you overcome challenges and step outside your comfort zone.

  • Build the confidence and resilience needed to navigate life's twists and turns. We will work on boosting your self-belief, enhancing your decision-making skills, and cultivating a mindset of positivity and possibility.

    As you continue to build on your achievements, you will develop a strong sense of self that empowers you to lead a fulfilling, purpose-driven life.

    Step into leadership roles with conviction and poise. Unlock the leader within and leave a legacy of success.

My Coaching Methodology

Ready To Get Started?

Book a Call

Book a discovery call today and start your journey towards a life of purpose, balance and impact.

Create a Plan

We will talk about your goals, dreams, and what you’d like to create so we can craft a plan to make it happen.

Amplify Your Impact

Finally, I’ll help you implement the plan, giving you the support, guidance, and understanding you deserve.

Client Testimonials

  • Working with Kelsi was a real pleasure and a big eye opener, as a first time coaching experience unveiled.  Her fantastic ability to listen and the jovial tone that lead our conversations made me very comfortable in opening up and paved the way for interesting views and alleys, that I could only think of with her guidance.

    Razvan, Switzerland

  • Kelsi helped me to navigate a difficult transition in my career, when I was looking for a change but didn't know where to start. She expertly guided me through the process of identifying what I value professional and exploring potentially alternative career paths. Kelsi is a kind, encouraging and thoughtful career coach who understands first hand the challenges for women (and mothers) working in the aid sector and internationally. Thanks to her I have made a professional shift, and I am so grateful for her support.


    Rosie, United Kingdom

  • It has been an absolute pleasure to have the coaching sessions with Kelsi, which have been as productive as they were pleasant. Kelsi is assertive, detail-oriented, and the sessions were well structured. Kelsi is very easy-going, empatheic, and effortless to connect with: key qualities when one must share personal private information. She helped me significantly to land ideas that were wandering in my ming and needed structure, which was crucial to achieving my objectives.

    Vicente, Switzerland

  • Kelsi is a supportive and encouraging coach who helped me to flip some of my limiting beliefs and take action. I am so grateful for her support, she helped me gain clarity around my deepest priorities and uncover inspired actions to move me in the direction of my new identity as the CEO of my own practice, while being the mother, coach and teacher I desire to be.

    Traci, USA

  • It's rare to find a coach who has been in leadership in the social impact sector, which causes so much burnout. Kelsi was empathetic, understood quickly my challenges, and offered great strategies and tips to reach my goals, as well as pushing me to think outside of my comfort zone on things that are actually important to me.

    COO, International Non-Profit, Germany

  • Kelsi's coaching was transformative, guiding me to a place where I felt proud, excited, and at peace with the next steps in my career. As I transitioned into a new phase, Kelsi not only helped me strategically plan those steps but also gave me the confidence to trust that my chosen path is both financially sustainable and personally fulfilling. Without her guidance, I might have fallen back into old habits and outdated ways of working, leading to the same cycle of burnout I’ve experienced in previous roles. I also truly valued the group format. It provided an opportunity to learn from the experiences and perspectives of others, build meaningful connections, and even gain new friends and potential future collaborators.

    Erin, USA

  • The group coaching was a valuable opportunity to benefit from Kelsi Kritmaa’s coaching capabilities alongside a group of ambitious and driven women. I learned a lot about myself and also about the challenges and opportunities in transitioning from people in different sectors and leadership roles. The community was a great way to grow together.

    Alexa, Switzerland

  • This group coaching programme with Kelsi was really helpful for me in getting insights into where I am and where I want to go. I became more certain about what I am not willing to put up with and also what I need to be fulfilled in my job. Hearing the other women's stories, struggles and successes also helped me understand myself better. The group dynamic and pace of the course ensured that we were all moving forward and navigating our transitions gracefully. Thanks Kelsi for this amazing opportunity. Looking forward to staying in touch with my group!

    Natalia, Greece

  • Kelsi does a fantastic job at creating a safe, kind and structured environment where powerful women working in the social impact sector are reminded of their strengths and supported as they transition in their career. It brought me a lot of clarity on my next steps and motivation and courage to take them.

    Non-Profit Leader, Europe

FAQ

  • A social impact coach helps professionals in the nonprofit, philanthropy, development, and humanitarian sectors navigate career challenges, prevent burnout, and align their work with their values—so they can create impact without sacrificing themselves.

  • Social impact is the meaningful, lasting change created by individuals, organizations, or initiatives working to improve society—whether through advocacy, policy, philanthropy, or direct service.

  • Anyone working in the social impact sector who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or ready for a change—whether you're an executive, a mid-career professional, or a consultant looking to grow sustainably.

  • Through structured conversations, practical tools, and guided reflection, coaching helps you gain clarity, overcome obstacles, and take strategic action—whether in 1:1 sessions or a group setting.

  • Yes! Coaching can help you set boundaries, redefine success, and create a career that feels sustainable—so you can keep making an impact without burning out.

  • Social impact coaching is career-focused and tailored to the challenges of mission-driven professionals, while life coaching is broader, covering all aspects of personal growth

  • If you’re feeling stuck, drained, or unsure of your next steps—but you know you want more from your career—coaching can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.