INTERNATIONAL
Internationally, Dropstone operates in some of the most demanding environments: armed conflict, post-crisis situations, fragile governance states, humanitarian emergencies. Since 2013, we have conducted missions in more than 28 countries, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia.
Our positioning is clear: we are not a generalist field operator. We provide high-level technical expertise, independent analytical capacity and an understanding of institutional dynamics — in service of our clients’ decisions.
Our clients include humanitarian organisations, bilateral development agencies, multilateral donors, international NGOs and government institutions.
The permanent team
founder and owner
Patrick Kilchenmann
A geologist and hydrogeologist by training, Patrick has more than 30 years of professional experience. He began as ascientist in applied research in Switzerland before conducting long-term missions internationally — notably in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Haiti, Nepal and Sudan. He has worked for the ICRC, SDC, SKAT Consulting and Helvetas.
His areas of expertise cover groundwater management, WASH programmes, conflict prevention and resolution, humanitarian access negotiation, governance and institutional strengthening.
Staff - Geologist and Hydrogeologist
Mehdy Al-Zoubaidy
Holding a master’s degree in hydrogeology, Mehdy has 12 years of experience in Switzerland (environmental impact studies, engineering) and internationally (Morocco, Lebanon, Madagascar, Bangladesh). Specialised in integrated water management and spatial analysis, he works on our hydrogeological projects in Switzerland and abroad since March 2023.
Staff - Geologist and Hydrogeologist
Cyrille Scherrer
Holding a doctorate in hydrogeology, Cyrille specialises in mapping groundwater potential for drilling in humanitarian crisis situations. His work has contributed to the completion of more than 100 high-yield boreholes in refugee camps in Uganda. He works on our geothermal projects in Geneva and provides hydrogeological support in Wallis and Geneva. He joined our team in January 2025.
The senior consultant network
Dropstone draws on a network of senior consultants recognized in their fields, mobilised according to the specific needs of each mandate.
Consultant - PUBLIC STRATEGIES EXPERT
Hala Moughanie
More than 15 years of experience in public policy development and institutional reform. Managing Director of Madina for Service Development. Dropstone references: Burundi (AFD), DRC (Carter Center), Lebanon (SDC), Mali (SDC).
Consultant - Database Developer and IT specialist
Kingsley Akoh Akebegho
Specialist in database management systems and web development. Has collaborated with Dropstone since 2018 on the development of databases for humanitarian project monitoring.
Consultant - Senior Disaster Risk Reduction Expert"
Pedro Basabe
Doctorate in hydrogeology (EPFL). Contributed to drafting the Hyogo Framework (2005) and the Sendai Framework (2015) within UNDRR. Led the UNDRR Africa regional office (2008-2013). SDC DRR Officer for South-East Asia and the Pacific (2017-2022).
CONSULTANT - Junior Evaluation Specialist
Caroline Gloor
Holding a degree in international relations, Caroline specialises in gender, women’s empowerment and development issues. She contributes to our evaluation and project monitoring mandates in international contexts.
Consultant - SENIOR WATER EXPERT
Shukhrat Igamberdyev
More than 20 years of experience in integrated water resource management in Central Asia. Confirmed expert in WASH, irrigation, watershed management and DRR.
The international clients and partners
