Inside CIGRE: Get to know our Central Office Team! 一 Part 6
In this mini-serie, meet the women and men working at CIGRE’s Central Office. Through a few questions, they share their roles, motivations, and a bit about themselves to help you get to know the people behind our association.
This month: Zakia Bessaa, Assistant to Secretary General
Zakia Bessaa
Assistant to Secretary General
What is your role within CIGRE, and what does your daily work involve?
Zakia: I joined CIGRE in February 2026 to take over from Raty Nizar as Assistant to the Secretary-General.
My role will be to support the Secretary General and contribute to the smooth coordination of CIGRE’s Governing Bodies, including the National Committees, the Administrative Council, the Steering Committee and the Technical Council.
My responsibilities include following up on decisions and actions, preparing statutory meetings and their supporting documents, and coordinating the distribution of minutes and action lists. I will also support National Committees hosting statutory meetings and contribute to the organization of key CIGRE events during the Paris Session: the CEO Forum, Administrative Council meetings and the CIGRE Soirée.
It is a diverse role that combines coordination, organization and collaboration with people from across CIGRE’s international community, making it both dynamic and rewarding.
Describe your work in three words.
Z.: Flexible – Open-minded – People-focused
What motivates you the most in your work?
Z.: What motivates me most is working in an international environment, connecting with people from all over the world and collaborating with passionate and committed colleagues.
I particularly value being part of an organization with a meaningful mission. Contributing, in my own way, to an international association that brings people together around electricity and the energy transition is both rewarding and inspiring.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Z.: I love travelling, cooking and sharing good meals with my family and friends. I also enjoy sports, such as Zumba, jogging and Pilates.
The CIGRE Central Office Team
- Valérie Alidor & Marie Taillandier
- Sylvie Bourneuf & Marie-France Gauvin
- Hakima Abdellaoui & Ali Athoumani
- Sandrine Vasseur & Vicky Weiss
- Imane El Atia & Raty Nizar
Homepage thumbnail credit: A.I. generated image by Steph Meade on Lummi
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