From 2002 to 2012 he was a lecturer first at the University of Paris 1 Sorbonne and Sciences Po Paris; He is a regular consultant for many international organizations and aid agencies. He is a well-known specialist in so-called "fragile" countries and reconstruction problems in countries affected by conflict.

From 2001 to 2004 he was the executive director in charge of operations of the French Development Agency (AFD) and the vice-president of its subsidiary Proparco. Previously he worked 8 years in Washington at the World Bank as Regional Director and Senior Advisor and 15 years (between 1977 and 1993) as AFD's local director representing various African countries.