Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 23 years of experience in international criminal law, the expert excels as an international crimes prosecutor and investigator. With a focus on transformative justice for conflict-related sexual violence, the expert has developed significant skills in mentoring national legal practitioners and providing comprehensive legal and policy guidance. Career highlights include leading major projects with the UN and other international bodies, contributing to the development of global protocols and manuals. As Director of the Transitional Justice Clinic, responsibilities have included providing technical support for investigations and prosecutions, with a strong emphasis on leadership in courtroom advocacy and trial strategy development.

Project experience and donor exposure

With extensive experience working with international donors, the expert has collaborated with entities such as the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the U.S. Department of State. This collaboration involved providing expert guidance on protocols for documenting sexual violence crimes and conducting inquiries into international humanitarian law violations. The expert's project involvement spans thematic areas such as justice reform and human rights, with regional and national projects across Africa and the Balkans, particularly in conflict zones like Darfur and Sierra Leone.

Sectors and geographic focus

The expert has worked across various sectors, including civil society, NGOs, gender, human rights, training, conflict, justice reform, and law. Previously held roles such as international crimes prosecutor, investigator, and legal advisor have focused on transformative justice for conflict-related sexual violence. The expert's cross-cutting expertise includes mentoring national legal practitioners and advising on international criminal law. Geographic experience spans Africa, Europe, and Central America, with significant roles in countries such as Chad, Sierra Leone, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, and others. This work has involved deep engagement with local governance and cultural dynamics, particularly in conflict and post-conflict settings, contributing to both local and international initiatives in justice reform and human rights advocacy.

Languages and education

With a background in language competence, the expert possesses native fluency in English and high proficiency in French, Spanish, and Hungarian, alongside conversational abilities in Dutch and Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian. These skills have been utilized extensively in international legal and human rights contexts, supporting effective communication in diverse legal and investigative environments. Educational qualifications include a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Brooklyn Law School, USA, with a concentration in international humanitarian law. Additionally, the expert holds a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University, focusing on human rights and public international law, and a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, in Political Science and French from Barnard College, USA. Coursework was also completed in Political Science and French Literature at the University of Grenoble, France.