With a degree in international law from the Université Jean Moulin Lyon III, Xavière Prugnard specialized in international human rights law during her studies at the Freie Universität Berlin and the Univeristé d'Evry. After gaining experience at the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) and France's Commission nationale consultative des droits de l'Homme (CNCDH), Xavière joined the National Human Rights Council of Morocco, where she was responsible for international and regional cooperation on human rights and prison issues.

Xavière joined FIACAT in spring 2018, first as Administrative and Financial Officer, then as Representative to the African Union.

In addition to her advocacy work with African bodies, Xavière Prugnard is responsible for the program on the abolition of the death penalty.