Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 14 years of experience in project management, the expert specializes in sustainable development and ocean governance. Key qualifications include expertise in capacity building, project acquisition, and stakeholder engagement, with a strong focus on climate change and renewable energy. Career highlights include leading international and interdisciplinary projects, managing teams of 5-15 members, and securing funding from European programs such as Interreg and Horizon 2020. The expert has successfully coordinated high-value projects and engaged in strategic business planning, demonstrating leadership in complex, large-scale initiatives across the Baltic and North Sea regions.

Project experience and donor exposure

With a background in collaborating with international donors, the expert has worked closely with the European Commission, particularly through its Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. Responsibilities have included project implementation and capacity building in maritime policy and Blue Growth, focusing on sustainable marine resource use. The expert has coordinated projects funded by Interreg and Horizon 2020, addressing themes such as climate change, renewable energy, and regional cooperation. The work spans the Baltic and North Sea regions, involving international and interdisciplinary project consortia.

Sectors and geographic focus

The expert has worked across diverse sectors, including energy, environment and climate, procurement management, and public sector governance. Previously held roles such as senior project manager and program manager have focused on project acquisition, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement. The expert's interdisciplinary expertise in sustainable development and ocean governance integrates themes like climate change and renewable energy. Geographic experience includes regional projects in the Baltic and North Sea regions, with responsibilities spanning project implementation, strategic planning, and international collaboration. The expert has extensive geographic experience in Europe, particularly in Germany and the Netherlands, with significant involvement in the Baltic and North Sea regions. This includes deep familiarity with regional development issues and local governance, especially in maritime policy and Blue Growth initiatives. The expert's work has focused on fostering international cooperation and sustainable development across these areas, leveraging multilingual skills and cultural understanding to effectively manage and implement complex projects.

Languages and education

With a background in language proficiency, the expert is a native Dutch speaker and is fluent in English, holding an IELTS Band 8 certification. Proficiency in German (C1) and working knowledge of Spanish (B1) and French (A2) are also noted. These language skills have been effectively utilized in managing multilingual teams and coordinating international projects across Europe, particularly in the Baltic and North Sea regions. The expert holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Open University Business School, UK, and a Master of Science in Maritime Spatial Planning from Università Iuav di Venezia, University of Seville, and University of the Azores. Additionally, the expert earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Geography, Planning and International Development, and a Bachelor of Arts in Literary Studies, both from the University of Amsterdam, Netherlands.