Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 30 years of experience, the expert is a Senior Executive with a strong background in leadership, diplomacy, and program management. Specializing in rule of law, human rights, and security sector reform (SSR), the expert has held notable roles within the UN and Council of Europe. Career highlights include leading international projects in governance and justice, achieving significant results such as developing case management systems for 11,000 human rights investigations in Bosnia. The expert's skills encompass strategic planning, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement, demonstrating a proven track record in managing cross-cutting institutional reforms and public diplomacy campaigns.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors including the European Union, USAID, and the United Nations on various development cooperation projects. Responsibilities have included project implementation, technical assistance, and capacity building in governance, rule of law, and human rights. These projects have been executed on both regional and national levels, especially in conflict and post-conflict zones such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The expert's work has significantly contributed to strengthening institutional capacities and promoting democratic governance in these regions.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in governance, human rights, security, and media, the expert has held senior roles such as Chief of Human Rights and Rule of Law Adviser, focusing on program management, judicial reform, and strategic communication. The expert's interdisciplinary expertise includes capacity building and policy development, often involving cross-cutting themes like SSR and democratic governance. The geographic scope of work spans regional and country-specific contexts, notably in conflict and post-conflict areas such as Bosnia, Iraq, and Yemen, contributing to institutional reforms and development initiatives. The expert has extensive geographic experience across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa, with significant involvement in conflict and post-conflict regions. This experience has provided a deep familiarity with local governance and cultural dynamics, particularly in the Balkans, Middle East, and Central Asia. Long-term assignments in countries like Finland, Bosnia, and Iraq have further contributed to the expert's expertise in regional development and governance issues.

Languages and education

Fluent in Finnish and Swedish, the expert is also proficient in English, Russian, and German, with advanced reading and speaking skills. Working proficiency in French complements these linguistic capabilities, which have been utilized in international contexts, including in-country work and collaboration with multilingual teams. The expert holds a Master of Laws (LLM) specializing in International Law and Relations from Helsinki University, Finland, and is a Certified Judge in Finland. Additional educational credentials include diplomas in international law from the Sorbonne University & European Space Agency, Beijing University & International Institute of Space Law, and Leiden University & International Court of Justice. Further expertise is supported by a diploma in Russian Language from the University of Sarajevo and a diploma in Supervisory Skills and Management from UN Training Courses.