Volker is the Founding Director of the CoE. Previously, he was Head of Training at Germany’s Center for International Peace Operations (ZIF) and looks back at more than 20 years of work experience in international cooperation.

Marie is the Head of Director’s Office, supporting the Director in managing the strategic and operational business of the CoE, including with a view to personnel and resource management, organisational development and stakeholder relationships.

Kathrin is the Head of Administration at the CoE. She is experience in accounting, working with a managing board and a board of trustees as well company crises management.

Leila is the Administration Assistant at CoE. In the last five years before Leila joined the CoE, she was working in refugee shelters in Berlin.

Tess is an Administration Assistant at the CoE. She has around 25 years’ experience in engineering consultancy in the coordination, management and implementation of International Financial Institution (IFI) and donor-financed infrastructure development projects.

Tigran is the secretary at the CoE. His academic background is in International Relations and Political Science and he has lived and worked in Russia, Ukraine and Armenia.

Daniela coordinates operations together with the Head of Sector / Strategic Coordinator for Political Content and Focus Management. Before joining the CoE, she worked at the Federal Foreign Office, Division S03 for Crisis Prevention, Stabilisation and Peacebuilding.

Ariane is the Policy Officer for Knowledge Management. Previously, she was Junior Policy Officer for Knowledge Management at the CoE and before that Ariane was in charge of knowledge management processes at GESCOD, a French NGO working on international cooperation projects.

Susan is a Junior Policy Officer for Knowledge Management at the CoE. Before joining the CoE, she worked as a lawyer in Melbourne where she also worked with victims of crime and advised non-profits.

Aspa is the Policy Officer for Public Relations. Her background is in policy communications and project management with a special focus on governmental organisations.

Mary is the Event Manager at the CoE. Her professional experience includes working for US NGO's in the areas of strategic development and policy change.

Kaisa is a Political Assistant at the CoE and is currently pursuing her Masters in Communication for Development.

Nicholas is a Political Assistant at the CoE and supports the Head of Sector for Internal Project and Process Management. He holds a master’s degree in European Studies with a specialization in International Relations from Maastricht University.

Aishwarya Tripathi is the Social Media and Communications Assistant at the CoE. Aishwarya is currently pursuing her Masters in International Affairs at the Hertie School.

Patrick is a Political Assistant at the CoE and is pursuing an International Affairs Master's degree at the Hertie School.

Taina is a Senior Advisor at the CoE. Her background is in International Relations and International Law and she holds a Master’s degree from the University of Helsinki.

Marianne has worked for 30 years with humanitarian agencies such as the UN, international NGOs and with the Dutch government. Gender and human rights have been an important focus throughout her work.

Lisa is a Senior Advisor from Sweden at the CoE, with expertise within the area of secondment. Before joining the CoE, Lisa has worked as a human resources professional in both the private and public sector for about 10 years.

Tomas’ professional career spans over 30 years of service in the Lithuanian Public Prosecutor‘s Service. Additionally, Tomas has worked in several EU CSDP missions.

Karin's experience in civilian CSDP spans more than 15 years, both in EU CSDP missions and in the EU’s External Action Service (EEAS).