The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is shining a light on the diverse career paths that contribute to its mission of promoting “Atoms for Peace and Development.” Through employee profiles, the Agency aims to inspire others, particularly women, to pursue careers in STEM and related fields. This profile of Carmen Kibonge, a financial expert at the IAEA, underscores the importance of perseverance, a passion for numbers, and a desire to make a global impact.
From Kinshasa to Vienna: A Journey Driven by Education and Aspiration
Carmen Kibonge, originally from Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has always been motivated by a passion for numbers. Growing up in a family that valued education for both girls and boys, Kibonge was fortunate to receive an opportunity that many young women in her home country are often denied due to economic constraints. “In my family, it was expected that a girl would go to school. I know I was privileged, and I really appreciated the access to education,” she recalls. Kibonge also credits her mother, a human resources manager and one of the few women in her community to pursue higher education, as a source of inspiration.
Although Kibonge was captivated by mathematics from an early age, she originally considered a career in medicine, driven by her desire to help others, especially in low- and middle-income countries. However, a life-changing experience in biology class, where she confronted her fear of blood, led her to reconsider her path. The desire to help people globally, however, remained central to her aspirations.
Pursuing Numbers in Vienna and Beyond
Kibonge moved to Austria to pursue higher education at the University of Vienna, driven by a love of classical music and the experiences of friends who had studied there. While she initially faced the challenge of learning German, she persevered and spent her first two semesters dedicated to intensive language studies. “Those early days in Vienna were really challenging, but I really put my mind to it,” Kibonge reflects. Her hard work paid off, and she successfully completed a degree in business administration with a focus on finance and accounting. To support herself, Kibonge also worked as a math tutor.
After completing her undergraduate degree, Kibonge moved to France for a master’s degree in business administration, before launching her career as a financial auditor at a multinational accounting firm. Despite her success in the private sector, Kibonge’s desire to contribute meaningfully to society led her to pursue a career in international organizations.
A Commitment to Global Impact: A Career at the IAEA
Kibonge’s first role in the international arena was as a program and budget officer at the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) in Vienna, where she found a sense of purpose in supporting global peace efforts. “I really appreciated the opportunity to be part of an organization dedicated to global good, rather than profit,” she states.
In 2009, Kibonge joined the IAEA as a financial auditor, focusing on the implementation of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). These standards align financial reporting at international organizations with those of the private sector, facilitating better decision-making for member states. Kibonge later returned to CTBTO and contributed to the continued implementation of IPSAS, eventually taking on the role of head of payroll and payments.
Kibonge rejoined the IAEA in 2021, now leading the accounting unit within the Division of Budget and Finance. Her team is responsible for producing the Agency’s annual financial statements, ensuring transparency and accountability in how resources are used. Under her leadership, the IAEA has significantly improved its efficiency, with processing times for certain financial reports reduced by nearly 70%. One of Kibonge’s current projects involves centralizing the Agency’s financial process documentation to enhance knowledge management.
Achieving Professional and Personal Balance
Throughout her career, Kibonge has been inspired by role models who have shown her that it’s possible to balance professional excellence with family life. “She was brilliant at her job and also a very good mom. It showed me that it’s possible to excel in both areas,” Kibonge reflects.
Her advice to young people, especially girls and young women from backgrounds similar to hers, is to persevere and keep working toward their dreams. “If I could talk to my younger self, I would tell her not to give up and to continue to work hard for your dreams,” she says. Kibonge emphasizes that there are many different ways to make a meaningful impact, and that the IAEA offers diverse opportunities for people to contribute to global well-being.
The IAEA’s Commitment to Gender Equality
The IAEA remains committed to fostering gender equality within its programs and activities, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to contribute equally, regardless of gender. The Agency works towards achieving gender balance in its Secretariat and integrates gender mainstreaming across its operations.
In support of this, the IAEA’s Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme provides scholarships for women pursuing master’s degrees in nuclear-related fields. Additionally, the Lise Meitner Programme offers early- and mid-career women the opportunity to participate in multiweek training visits to nuclear facilities, helping to prepare the next generation of women professionals in the nuclear sector.
Through initiatives like these, the IAEA continues to support women in advancing their careers while making significant contributions to global peace and development.
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