Hélène Smertnik

Senior User Researcher

"Looking at development issues from the perspective of the end user and bringing their experiences to the forefront in our research and discussions with other development stakeholders is what I appreciate the most about Caribou Digital's approach."

Hélène is a senior user researcher at Caribou Digital, with 8 years of experience in the ICT and mobile for development sector working in several countries across Africa and Asia. Most recently, Hélène led field research on platform work and identity in emerging markets for DFAT's InnovationXchange, UNICEF and the World Bank. Previously, she worked for the GSMA Mobile for Development, leading advisory to Mobile Network Operators in the utility access sector. Hélène holds a BA in International Relations from the University of Toronto (during which she did a year exchange to Salamanca, Spain) and an MA in Policy and Strategic Communications from Université La Sorbonne - Paris 1. Hélène is French and Canadian, and is based in Nairobi.

Email them at: helene@cariboudigital.net