Defence Capacity Building Coordinator (A4), NATO Mission in Iraq (NMI) —May 2023- May 2025. I coordinated and implemented policy development and quality program services for the NATO Mission in Iraq (NMI), enhancing partnerships and completing 30 projects that contributed to improved governance, Interoperability through Training and Capacity Building.

Access & Security Manager in Ukraine, NGO ‘Sails for Freedom’ — March 2022-April 2023
Drawing on my military and civilian skills, I assessed the security situation and guided convoys of firetrucks and ambulances loaded with medical supplies into Ukraine while negotiating secure access.

Political Council, Dutch Ministry of Finance — April 2019–April 2021
I drew on my experience and skills to advise ministerial leaders on restoring trust in the Tax Office and rebuilding cooperation with the public in one of the most sensitive issues in recent Dutch history.

Multiple Subject Matter Expert, NATO Training and Capacity Building Mission Iraq — 2016-2018
I built capacity for Iraqi security ministries through multidisciplinary and cross-cutting projects, such as Women, Peace, and Security (UNSC 1325) and Resilience within NATO’s Partnership Program with Iraq. I designed, developed, and conducted training programs for military personnel, police officers, and civilian staff.

Freelance Environment Advisor, Kenya & Jordan — April 2016 - November 2018
In my previous role with NLD MinDef, I provided comprehensive security advice to clients, including ministries in Kenya and Jordan. At the strategic level, I advocated for a shift in perspective regarding the root causes of climate and security in Kenya, as well as the water scarcity issues in Jordan. Additionally, I contributed subject matter expertise to the TV documentary ‘Waterlanders Jordanië.’

Officer (OF3) Royal Netherlands Army March 2013 - April 2016
I authored the NLD MinDef Country Study on the Horn of Africa, focusing on a holistic approach to anti-piracy capacity (2016), examining the environmental factors contributing to Somali piracy.

Chief CIMIC, UN All Source Intel & Fusion Unit (ASIFU), Mali June 2014- February 2015
Provided actionable intelligence to the Head of Mission and the Force Commander. Collaborated closely with international organizations (IOs) such as UNOCHA and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) during military and civil operations, facilitating MINUSMA's and NGOs’ humanitarian efforts.

Branch Chief @ CIMIC Centre Of Excellence (CCOE) February 2009 – March 2013 Managed and coached a team of experts and academic interns, analyzing NATO CIMIC doctrine to coordinate military operations with humanitarian efforts and NGOs. My team designed and developed CIMIC’s Advanced Distance Learning module for NATO’s CIMIC training.

Several positions in the Dutch Ministry of Justice — April 1999 - January 2009
Senior Civil Servant at the Immigration Intelligence and Analysis Centre (INDIAC). Harmonized Dutch migration policy within the European Migration Network. Author of the ‘Dutch Migration Policy Review 2008.’
VIP Customer Relations Advisor. Responsible for strategic communication and liaising between the Ministry of Justice, diplomatic representatives, and NGOs in the Netherlands.
Immigration Liaison Officer (ILO) in the Middle East and Africa. My portfolio included countering human trafficking, collecting and analyzing data on illegal migration, and developing and conducting training programs for border protection, plus discussing return options.

Civil Affairs Officer P2, United Nations, former Yugoslavia — October 1993- October 1997. I facilitated negotiations between warring factions and the international community,ensuring the safe access of humanitarian convoys, protection of civilians by refraining from using utilities as weapons of war, and initiated the process of democratization and the establishment of the Rule of Law.