Our approach

As Finance and Controlling Manager, Adam drives DRI's financial controlling processes and manages various corporate finance initiatives, including budgeting, forecasting and reporting. He also supports financial operations for DRI's Libyan projects, liaising with finance and programme unit colleagues as well as donors. A private-sector finance veteran, Adam has over a decade of professional experience and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder. He holds a Master's in Population and Development from the London School of Economics and a Bachelor's in Economics from Binghamton University in New York State.

As Finance Manager, Selma is responsible for the financial management and follow-up of projects in close cooperation with HQ teams, country offices and partners. She is also co-implements MS Business Central across DRI and develops procurement and partnership policies for the organisation. Selma worked in similar positions in the non-profit sector for over 10 years before joining DRI, primarily at Humanity & Inclusion in Bosnia and Herzegovina, South and Central Asia. She holds a degree in English Language and Literature and is finalising her MBA at Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht in Berlin.

As a Project Manager, George is leading the implementation of new financial software at DRI. Having an extensive IT background, he worked on software in the financial sector for more than 16 years before joining DRI. George holds a Diploma in Business and Computing and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Paris I Panthéon Sorbonne.

As Programme Finance Coordinator, Lorand supports the financial operations of DRI’s Pakistan office and of a regional project in the Middle East and North Africa. He started his career as a chartered accountant and youth worker in 2004, and since then has been working mostly with local and international NGOs in Hungary and Serbia. Lorand holds a Master’s in Romanian Language and Literature and a Bachelor’s in Business Economics and Management.

As Programme Finance Coordinator, Jonche oversees the financial management of DRI programmes in Lebanon and Pakistan. Having worked for over 15 years with international NGOs in Europe, Asia, Africa and Central America, Jonche has gained extensive experience in administration, finance and human resources. Following his studies in Telecommunications, Jonche specialised in finance and is currently pursuing a diploma in International Financial Reporting Standards.

As Programme Finance Officer, Gerrit supports our country offices in preparing and updating financial reporting. Having completed an internship with the GIZ development agency in Myanmar and then worked in the private sector, before returning to the NGO world by joining DRI. Gerrit holds a Master's in Development Economics from the University of Passau and a Bachelor's in Economics and Business Administration from the University of Tübingen.

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As Programme Manager, Paul leads the strategic and programmatic work of DRI across Europe. He has over two decades of experience in the fields of anti-corruption, good governance, human rights and organisational development, including in global and regional roles with Transparency International and as an expert advisor to a range of multilateral institutions, development agencies and INGOs. Paul holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Law, and a BA in Politics and Philosophy from the Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.

As Programme Manager, Hannah oversees DRI's strategic and programmatic work across the Middle East and North Africa. Before joining DRI, Hannah worked for the UNDP Regional Hub in Amman, focusing on parliamentary strengthening and constitution-making processes in the MENA region. Hannah holds a Master's in Comparative Politics of the Middle East from the American University in Cairo and the University of Tübingen, and a Bachelor's in Political Science and Arabic Studies from the University of Göttingen.

As Programme Manager, Heather leads the strategic and programmatic work of DRI's Digital Democracy team worldwide. She is responsible for building connections in the digital technology community, advocating for solutions in civil society, private firms, and government. Heather has worked across industries and sectors in the United States and Europe including business development, STEM, policy, research, and non-profit coordination. Heather holds a Master's of Public Policy with a focus on policy analysis from The Hertie School in Berlin as well as a Bachelor's of Science in Engineering and Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University.

As Programme Development and Resource Mobilisation Expert, Maliha leads DRI's fundraising efforts globally and supports the team with proposal writing, donor management and relationship cultivation. Maliha holds an LLB in International Law (with Human Rights) from the University of Hull and an MA in Humanitarian Action from Ruhr Universitaet Bochum and University College Dublin. Maliha has over 7 years of experience in resource mobilisation across 6 countries.

As Research Coordinator – Rule of Law, Jakub conducts research and analysis on the rule of law and human rights, working with our Europe Team on the re:constitution – Exchange and Analysis on Democracy and the Rule of Law in Europe programme. Jakub has extensive experience in academia, as a researcher at the Adam Mickiewicz University (Poznań, Poland) and lectured at several other universities. He holds a Master’s in Law from Adam Mickiewicz University, where he is currently pursuing a PhD.

As Programme Coordinator, Oumaima coordinates and oversees DRI’s programmes in the Middle East and North Africa. In her role as DRI’s Gender & Diversity Focal Point, she works to streamline gender and diversity sensitivity within our projects and across the organisation. An alumna of the German Bundestag’s International Parliament Scholarship, Oumaima holds a Master’s degree in Development Studies from the University of Bayreuth with a focus on social movements and protests.

As Digital Democracy Research Coordinator, Jan monitors and analyses political discourse, as well as the use of technology and digital tools for disinformation. Prior to joining DRI, he worked for the German Development Agency GIZ, as well as other non-governmental organisations and consultancies. Jan holds a BA in European Studies from the University of Maastricht and an MPhil in Politics from the University of Oxford and is currently completing a doctoral dissertation at the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) and the University of Geneva (UNIGE).

As Programme Officer for Europe, Christoph oversees DRI's projects in Ukraine, in close collaboration with the Kyiv office. He also works on the state of democracy and the rule of law across the EU as part of the re:constitution programme. His previous experience includes working at the GIZ development agency promoting business integrity, corruption prevention measures and the rule of law. Christoph holds a Master's degree from the Freie Universität Berlin and a Bachelor's in History and Sociology from the University of Leipzig.

As Programme Officer, Cartney supports DRI's project management, especially on Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) and fundraising. As DRI's MEL focal point, he advises on the implementation of DRI's MEL strategy and development. He previously worked in the public policy and human rights sector at Brazil's Public Prosecutor's Office, where he graduated in Law. He holds a Master's degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from Magdeburg's Otto-von-Guericke University and International Business and Economics from the Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences.

As Programme Officer, Carol Stephan supports the project management for the MENA region, mainly focusing on DRI’s work in Tunisia and Libya. Carol holds a Master’s in Public Policy from the Central European University (Budapest), and a Double Bachelor’s in Political Science and Middle East Studies from McGill University (Montréal). Before joining DRI, she worked for Terre des Hommes and UNHCR in Jordan.

As Digital Democracy Programme Officer, Lena conducts research on hate speech and disinformation in the digital sphere, focusing on democratic processes and election monitoring online. She also delivers social media monitoring training and is responsible for implementing outreach strategies and activities. Before joining DRI, she worked as a lecturer in Communication Science. She holds a Master's in Political Communication from the University of Amsterdam and a Bachelor's in Media Studies from the University of Regensburg.

As Programme Officer, Sorina is responsible for project coordination and fundraising on digital democracy. She also oversees and implements monitoring and evaluation for the Digital Democracy team. Her previous experience includes working with various cities and non-profit organisations in the Netherlands and Romania on initiatives on media and digital literacy as well as good governance. Sorina holds a Master's in International Relations and a Bachelor's in American Studies from the University of Bucharest.

As a Research Officer for the re:constitution project, Nino tackles the rule of law challenges in the EU, including issues related to the independence of the judiciary and confrontation of European Courts. Before joining DRI, Nino worked as a senior researcher for the Judicial Studies Institute at Masaryk University, a researcher at the University of Oslo, and Ilia State University. She also worked as a legal advisor at the Ministry of Justice of Georgia. Nino holds a Doctorate in Law from the University of Oslo and an LL.M. degree from Central European University and Leiden University.

As Outreach Officer, Dennis is responsible for designing and implementing DRI's outreach strategies. He also monitors developments among relevant international institutions and actors. Before joining DRI, Dennis worked in communications and public policy at PubAffairs Bruxelles after completing a traineeship in the Democratic Governance Department of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. Dennis holds a Master's in Democracy Studies and a Bachelor's in Political Science and German Philology from the University of Regensburg.

As Digital Democracy Programme Officer, Joshita is responsible for monitoring and evaluating regulatory developments surrounding online hate speech, disinformation, and political advertising. Before joining DRI, she worked as a lawyer and researcher at the intersection of human rights and technology in India. Joshita holds a Master’s in Public Policy from the Hertie School, Berlin, with a focus on policy analysis.

As a Working Student in DRI's Digital Democracy programme, Austin supports the team with research and stakeholder outreach. Before beginning a Master of International Affairs at the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin, Austin worked as a Germany correspondent and producer for outlets such as USA Today, Deutsche Welle and NPR. His interest in strengthening online democratic discourse and election integrity led to subsequent positions at the German Federal Foreign Office and the Alliance of Democracies Foundation.

As Digital Expert, Sandra supports DRI's digital transformation approach, liaising with finance and programme unit colleagues to develop and implement strategies to optimise organisational processes from an IT perspective. Prior to DRI, she worked in the private sector and has over a decade of professional experience in project management, marketing & administration. During her studies, Sandra volunteered in various positions in democratic youth work and was a founding member of the student communications agency Politikfabrik e.V. She holds an MSc in Political Science from the University of Potsdam.

As Human Resources and Administration Officer, Laura manages DRI’s human resources processes, day-to-day office management and events. Before joining DRI, she worked for the Flemish Ministry of Education, for a non-profit organisation in Brussels and she actively volunteered in youth work. Laura holds a Master’s in International Business Economics and Management from KU Leuven and a Bachelor’s in Political Sciences from the University of Antwerp.

As Human Resources and Administration Assistant, Gizem manages DRI’s human resources process, day-to-day office management and recruitment. Prior to DRI, she worked in HR in the private sector and in project management for several NGOs in Turkey, including the Flying Broom Women’s Research Association. Gizem holds a Master’s degree in Sociology with a focus on European Societies from the Free University Berlin and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Bilkent University, Ankara.

As Communications Coordinator, Albert oversees DRI's communications and outreach efforts, guaranteeing a consistent message and visibility across headquarters and country offices. Before joining DRI, he worked in communications at Club de Madrid and as a freelance journalist for outlets such as La Vanguardia, Euronews and Are We Europe. Albert holds a Master’s in European Integration and a Bachelor’s in Journalism, both from the Autonomous University of Barcelona. 

As Communications Associate, Jil assists in managing DRI's communications across headquarters and the country offices. She also specifically supports communications for the re:constitution programme on the rule of law in the European Union. Before joining DRI, she interned at the German embassy in Rome. Jil holds a Master's in European and Comparative Law from Humboldt University in Berlin and a Bachelor's in English and German Law from King's College London.

As Working Student for communications and outreach, Amanda is responsible for DRI's social media and content creation. She also assists in day-to-day communications tasks. Prior to joining DRI, Amanda worked as a freelance journalist for Voice of America and South China Morning Post. Her work has also been published in several other media, including Al-Jazeera and National Geographic. She holds a Bachelor's in Communications and International Studies from Monash University and is currently pursuing her Master's in Journalism, Media, and Globalisation at Hamburg University.

German, has held senior positions in private business and philanthropy. She began her professional career as head of controlling in city administration and then worked for Delta Lloyd Deutschland AG and Standard Life Assurance plc, followed by four years with Thyssen Krupp Industries, where she was Senior Consultant Controlling and Chief Financial Officer at Thyssen Krupp Xervon Sweden AB. Upon her return to Germany, she became the Managing Director of Dussmann Service International GmbH and then Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Mercator Foundation in Essen, Germany, until August 2014.

Finnish, has had a long career in humanitarian affairs and diplomacy. He began as a career diplomat in the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including postings in Beijing and Geneva. He then moved to work in the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, first as special adviser to the Finnish Red Cross and then Deputy Secretary General, and then becoming the Director of the Europe Department of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. His diplomatic career with the EU took him to Head of EU Delegations to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, to Pakistan and to Iraq, and a return to Brussels to head the Middle East division of the European External Action Service. He currently serves as Senior Advisor to the Crisis Management Initiative (CMI) of former President Ahtisaari.

Ghassan Moukheiber is a lawyer, a former Member of Parliament in Lebanon (2002-2018), and a human rights and anti-corruption activist. He sponsored the Access to Information Law and followed it through from inception in 2006 to passage in 2017.

Icelandic, has held a number of positions with the OSCE and the Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs, focusing on communication on democracy and human rights. With a background in journalism, she was a spokesperson for the OSCE Missions in Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina and for the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). In charge of press and communication for the Icelandic MFA for over a decade before returning to the ODIHR as a senior advisor to the Director. She is now back with the Icelandic MFA.

British. Over thirteen years of experience in law, democratisation and elections. He was Team Leader of the EU Democracy and Election Support Mission to the Afghanistan Presidential Elections 2004 and has also observed numerous elections for the EU and OSCE/ODIHR, including recently as Deputy Chief Observer for the 2006 parliamentary elections in Palestine and presidential elections in Yemen. With wide experience of conflict resolution in the Balkans and Caucasus, Richard has also acted as an independent technical adviser to the National Election Board of Ethiopia. He previously worked as a barrister.

German, holds masters degrees in International Human Rights Law (M.St. Oxford) and European Studies (M.A.). Eight years experience as election observer and core team member in various missions of the OSCEand the EU including the United States, Indonesia, Kenya and Georgia. Television journalist presenting daily news and the current affairs programme “Global 3000“ on DWTV, Germany’s foreign broadcaster.

German, lawyer, PhD in public international law, co-founder and former executive director of Democracy Reporting International. He is the head of the Global Policy Programme of the Ecologic Institute, a leading think tank in environmental policies, based in Berlin, Germany; he is member of the management board of the Ecologic Institute. He worked for the German Federal Ministry of Environment, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the EU as Legal and Election Expert of various Election Observation Missions. He practiced law as an attorney in Berlin and Frankfurt.

U.S. American. Duncan has extensive experience with constitution making in the Arab world, including as DRI’s former country director in Libya. He holds graduate degrees in law from Stanford University and in public policy from Harvard University.

Belgian, with some twenty years of work experience in the fields of democratisation and conflict resolution in the MENA region, Africa, and Asia. Geoffrey’s conflict resolution record includes field experience with Search For Common Ground and the United Nations in mediation, track two dialogues, and the use of media as a tool for coexistence. In the democratisation sector, he opened and/or led multiple programmes in third countries and from Brussels for the European Union and INGOs in support of actors of democratic transitions such as civil society organisations andpolitical party members. He is a seasoned political and election expert and participated to election observation missions or election reform projects for the European Union, The Carter Center, DRI and the National Democratic Institute. Geoffrey co-authored DRI reports on Morocco, Sudan, South Sudan, Pakistan and Tunisia. He holds a Master degree in international politics of the Middle East (MSc, SOAS). He is a free lance consultant based in Brussels.