Marta Dafano is an ESRC-funded MPhil/PhD candidate in the Department of International Relations at LSE. Her research interests revolve around the linkages between international organisations’ funding mechanisms, specifically UN voluntary earmarked contributions and pooled funding, and IO legitimacy and authority.

Prior to doctoral study, Marta worked for over seven years in the international development cooperation and humanitarian sector, holding various field and HQ positions with the United Nations, INGOs, and government institutions.

Born and raised in Italy, she is fluent in Italian, English, and French. She holds an MSc in International Relations (Cum Laude and Special Acknowledgement) and a BSc in Political Science (Cum Laude) from LUISS Guido Carli University (Rome).

Research topic

Shifting away from the donor-driven UN: an assessment of the pooled funding mechanism

Academic supervisor

Dr Mathias Koenig-Archibugi

Research Cluster affliation

International Institutions, Law and Ethics Research