Maison Internationale De L’environnement (Mie 2)
Chemin de Balexert 7-9
1219 Châtelaine
Geneva – Switzerland
info@ioldcs.org, admin@oipma.org
+41 22 303 77 68 / +41 79 320 92 23
MEET THE OIPMA TEAM
Thanks to the expertise and experience of a team of Human Rights and Communications professionals, OIPMA continues to fulfill its mandate and speak up on behalf of crisis-affected Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
Leadership
Saeed MOKBIL
PRESIDENT OF OIPMA
Saeed Mokbil is the President of OIPMA and a former Member of the UN Working Group on the Use of Mercenaries. He has 26 years of professional experience working with UN Charter-based and mandate-based mechanisms and has held various senior positions as a former diplomat accredited to the UN.
Prior to founding OIPMA, Saeed represented and accredited several international and civil society organizations to the UN. Conflict prevention and post-conflict peacebuilding are at the core of his work, and he is committed to supporting crisis-affected Least Developed Countries.
Saeed received his Master’s degree in International Relations and International Law from Kiev University and was awarded a diploma in Journalism from the Berlin-based International Institute for Journalism. His diplomatic background and years of experience – including participation in high-level international conferences and UN meetings – have led him to prioritize the importance of global cooperation and multilateralism in achieving peace, security, and sustainability.
Jade MCLACHLAN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jade is a public policy expert with over 20 years of experience spanning leadership, strategy, enterprise risk, and sustainability advocacy. She has a strong track record in leading large teams, delivering complex projects, and developing effective communication and risk management strategies. Her extensive background in diplomacy and high-level negotiations includes senior roles with His Majesty’s Government in the UK and at the United Nations in New York. Jade holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and a Master’s in European Affairs with a focus on EU Law from the University of Aberdeen, along with Executive Education from the University of Cambridge. Her professional interests centre on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and promoting global stability.
Human Rights Team
Ceri CHILLIER
Main Representative to the United Nations & Lead Human Rights Officer
Dr. Ceri Chillier is OIPMA’s Main Representative to the United Nations in Geneva and serves as the organization’s Lead Human Rights Officer. In this dual role, she acts as the principal liaison to UN bodies, permanent missions, and human rights mechanisms, advocating for the rights and development priorities of Least Developed Countries.
Ceri holds a PhD in African Studies and Anthropology from the University of Birmingham and brings over a decade of interdisciplinary experience in research, fieldwork, and strategic communication. Her academic and applied work in Rwanda and Uganda – focused on peacebuilding, youth culture, music, and resilience – informs her rights-based approach to development.
Prior to joining OIPMA, she held roles in academia, international NGOs, and cultural institutions. She is passionate about inclusive governance, intercultural dialogue, and amplifying underrepresented voices in global policymaking.
Camille BATTISTA
Human Rights Officer and Additional United Nations Representative
Camille Battista serves as Human Rights Officer at OIPMA, representing the organization before UN bodies to amplify the voices of Least Developed Countries and conflict-affected communities. She holds a Master’s degree in Political Science from McGill University, with a double specialization in International Relations and Political Theory. Her master’s thesis explored how compassion and a cosmopolitan perspective can cultivate benevolence through a reimagined understanding of community, motivating global citizenship in a globalized and fractured world.
Her previous work has focused on minority rights and women’s rights, informed by professional experience in public policy and research. In parallel to her work at OIPMA, she volunteers for a Canadian NGO supporting women’s economic empowerment globally.
An Italian-Canadian, Camille is bilingual in English and French, with advanced proficiency in Spanish and Italian. She approaches global issues through a philosophical lens, with a commitment to fostering dialogue, inclusive policy-making, and compassion-informed approaches to global governance.
Jessica MINARRO
Human Rights Officer and Additional United Nations Representative
Jessica Minarro serves as a Human Rights Officer at OIPMA, where she represents the organization at UN Treaty Body sessions and conducts research on key human rights issues. She holds a Master’s degree in International Law from the Geneva Graduate Institute and a Bachelor of International Relations from the University of Geneva.
Jessica is a well-travelled professional with extensive field experience working with human rights and humanitarian NGOs across Africa. She spent several years with Médecins Sans Frontières in complex contexts including Sudan and the DRC, where she led advocacy initiatives and supported emergency operations.
Alongside her work in human rights, Jessica has developed a strong interest in anthropology and collaborates closely with Indigenous communities across South America. She is the founder of Voices of the World, an association dedicated to amplifying the voices of Indigenous peoples and preserving ancestral cultures.
Her diverse professional experience has enabled her to develop skills in cross-cultural communication, ethical field research and a deep understanding of local realities. Jessica is passionate about using her expertise to make a meaningful impact and to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities.
Chris KWAJA
Senior Advisor - Africa
Chris Kwaja is a Professor of International Relations and Strategic Studies at the Centre for Peace and Security Studies (CPSS), Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Nigeria. He currently serves as the Special Envoy on Peace and Security, to the Governor of Plateau State, in Nigeria. Prior to that, he had served as Senior Advisor for Africa; Senior Research and Strategy Officer; as well as Country Director – Nigeria, with the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), a United States quasi- government institutions dedicated to the pursuit of peace globally. He is a Visiting Research Fellow with the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Abuja, Nigeria. He is also a Global Fellow of the Centre for Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies, Watson Institute of International Affairs, Brown University, United States.
Within the United Nations system, he was appointed as the African Representative of the United Nations Working Group on Mercenaries (2018-2024), and also served as Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group (2019-2020). His experience with the United Nations has enabled him prioritize the strategic role and importance of multilateralism and global cooperation in achieving peace and security.
Within the African continent, Dr. Kwaja constructively lends his service as an activeand critical voice in the academia, civil society, policy and diplomatic spaces. To hiscredit, he has over 100 scholarly, technical and policy publications in reputablejournals, books, edited books, monographs, series, technical reports, policy andsecurity briefs among others. His research and policy work covers topics on politicsof multilateralism in the context of global governance, the politics of identity in Africa,the privatization of security, human rights and humanitarian studies, climate changeand energy security, democratization and governance, conflict and peace studies, aswell as security sector reform in transition societies.
Camille BLAISE
Human Rights Officer
Camille works as a Human Rights Officer at OIMPA, where she contributes to raising awareness on issues affecting Least Developed Countries and the communities concerned. She holds a master’s degree in International Relations, with a specialization in African Studies, from the University of Geneva.
Originally from Senegal, she has a strong interest in issues related to human rights, migration, and access to basic needs. Her academic and personal background has fostered a deep sensitivity to questions of inequality, vulnerability, and access to essential services in crisis contexts.
Through her engagement with OIMPA, Camille seeks to place her skills at the service of an organization committed to peace, security, and the promotion of human rights, while making a concrete contribution to the dignity and protection of marginalized populations.
Carolina CASTAÑEDA MOTA
Human Rights Officer
Carolina is an international lawyer with a background in private and public international law and a strong interest in human rights monitoring, advocacy, and policy analysis. She holds two master’s degrees in International Law, including an LL.M. from the University of Glasgow and a Master of Arts from the Geneva Graduate Institute.
Carolina has professional experience across the United Nations system, including work with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), where she contributed to policy analysis and the application of international legal standards. Her areas of focus include the prohibition of child labour and forced labour and the protection of the rights of vulnerable groups, particularly indigenous peoples and women.
Carolinda also has experience supporting human rights litigation before the Inter-American Human Rights System and advising foreign companies in Mexico on corporate governance and administrative law matters.
Liliana Farinha CANELHAS
Human Rights Officer
Liliana is an international law professional with over four years of experience supporting multilateral processes and capacity-building initiatives within the United Nations system. She holds a Master’s degree in International Law and is CAPM® certified. Her work has focused on human rights research, legal and policy analysis, and the preparation of reports, briefings, and official documentation for UN mechanisms and diplomatic actors.
She previously served as Project Officer in International Law and Multilateral Diplomacy at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), where she managed international projects, designed tailored training programmes, and engaged with governments, UN entities, and civil society partners.
Her professional interests lie particularly in international humanitarian law and the protection of human rights in situations of armed conflict, with a strong commitment to inclusive advocacy in international fora.
Muska KARIMI
Human Rights Officer
Muska Karimi is a human rights and gender specialist with extensive experience in advocacy and policy work in conflict-affected contexts, particularly Afghanistan. She holds an LL.M. in Democratic Governance and Rule of Law, a Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in International Security and Leadership, and a Master’s in Anti-Corruption.
She brings strong expertise in applied research, policy analysis, and institutional coordination, including contributions to reports and statements for UN human rights mechanisms such as the UPR. She is experienced in stakeholder engagement through briefings and consultations, and is well-versed in working within UN environments in Geneva.
Muska has a proven track record in moderating high-level sessions, contributing to trainings, workshops, and institutional meetings, and supporting networks, working groups, and project coordination. She is recognized for her reliability, attention to detail, and ability to work effectively in dynamic, multicultural teams.
Languages: English (professional), French (B1), Dari (native), Pashto, Urdu/Hindi.
Shpresa NEZIRI
Human Rights Officer
Shpresa Neziri is a human rights and legal professional with extensive experience working with international organizations and civil society on issues related to human rights, the rule of law, and peacebuilding in post-conflict contexts. She has expertise in assessing the compliance of national legal frameworks with international human rights standards, monitoring justice sector processes, and producing analytical reports that inform advocacy and policy development.
Her work has focused in particular on post-conflict settings, especially in the Balkans, where she has contributed to strengthening rule of law institutions and advancing the protection of human rights.
She currently serves as a Human Rights Officer with OIPMA in Geneva, where she supports engagement with the UN Human Rights Council on issues affecting Least Developed Countries and monitors human rights developments in the Sahel region. Shpresa holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) in Human Rights from Birkbeck, University of London, and a law degree from the University of Prishtina in Kosovo. She has a strong interest in research at the intersection of human rights, rule of law, and environmental justice.
Sophie CLAVEL
Human Rights Officer
Sophie Clavel serves as a Human Rights Officer, conducting research and monitoring key human rights issues while supporting engagement with the UN Human Rights Council.
She brings several years of experience in international cooperation, within organizations committed to social justice, equal opportunity, and decent work. She has held roles in institutional fundraising and communications where she developed strong expertise in resource mobilization, stakeholder engagement, strategic communication, and cross-cultural collaboration.
She is currently pursuing a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Advocacy and International Public Affairs at the Geneva Graduate Institute, further strengthening her ability to advocate for issues close to her heart: human rights, social justice, and gender equality.
Communication and Fundraising
Yasmin HEANEY
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Yasmin Heaney is OIPMA’s Director of Marketing and Communications, leading global outreach and campaign strategy to advance sustainable development and human rights in Least Developed Countries.
Yasmin is pursuing a Master’s in International Management with a focus on Digital Marketing at Geneva Business School. She brings hands-on experience from roles in public relations and digital marketing across the US and Europe. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Marketing at the University of Colorado along with completed certifications in Digital Strategy and Data Analytics from Northwestern University.
Her international background informs her inclusive approach to communications, ensuring OIPMA’s message resonates across diverse audiences. Yasmin is committed to impactful storytelling, stakeholder engagement, and elevating underrepresented voices through strategic marketing and communications. strategies.
Alexandra BOLOCAN
Institutional Projects Coordinator & Additional UN Representative
Alexandra serves as Institutional Projects Coordinator at OIPMA, where she supports the organisation’s strategic initiatives, manages partnerships, and contributes to its presence at the UN Human Rights Council.
She holds a Master’s in International Relations from the Global Studies Institute at the University of Geneva, specialising in Russia and Eastern Europe, with a strong academic focus on civilian protection and post-Soviet geopolitics.
Her prior roles have equipped her with hands-on experience in project coordination, institutional fundraising, communications, and event organisation, with a regional scope spanning Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the African Great Lakes region.
At OIPMA, she oversees digital platforms, contributes to institutional development, and helps shape projects that align with the organisation’s global mission.
She is driven by a commitment to inclusive governance and believes in OIPMA’s role in amplifying the voices of Least Developed Countries on international platforms.
Jana RUSTOM
Multilingual Communications and Translation Specialist
Jana Rustom is a multilingual communications and translation specialist with an extensive academic and professional background in the international sector. A graduate of the University of Geneva, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Multilingual Communication and a Master’s in Translation and Specialized Multilingual Communication. Building on this foundation, she is currently based in Paris, pursuing a second Master’s degree in International Communication in the context of International Organizations.
Jana’s professional expertise is rooted in her work with several key United Nations agencies, including the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the World Federation of Public Health Associations, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). As a Lebanese national, she brings a deep-seated awareness and a unique cultural perspective to her advocacy work.
Trilingual in Arabic, French, and English, Jana combines her technical linguistic precision with a passion for human rights, having previously volunteered for Médecins Sans Frontières, The Martin Ennals Foundation and the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy. She is dedicated to leveraging her communications expertise to represent organizational mandates with diplomatic rigor and earnest commitment.
Kateryna KHOROSHKO
Communications and Social Media Officer
Kateryna Khoroshko is a multimedia and communications professional and OIPMA’s Communications and Social Media Officer, specialising in digital storytelling, audiovisual production, and strategic content development within humanitarian and international contexts. Her work focuses on transforming complex social and humanitarian issues into clear, engaging, and accessible narratives for diverse global audiences.
Kateryna holds a Bachelor’s degree in Audiovisual Arts and Production from Kyiv University of Culture and is currently pursuing a Federal Diploma in Communication and Digital Strategy at CREA. Her academic and professional path bridges creative storytelling with structured communication strategy, combining visual production expertise with editorial planning and digital outreach.
She has gained hands-on experience with leading humanitarian organisations, including Médecins Sans Frontières and the International Committee of the Red Cross, where she has contributed to internal and external communications, video production, campaign content, and multilingual storytelling. Her responsibilities have ranged from scriptwriting and video editing to editorial coordination, content localisation, and media asset management for international platforms.
With a strong international background and fluency in multiple languages, Kateryna brings a culturally sensitive and inclusive approach to communication. She is particularly committed to impactful visual storytelling, cross-team collaboration, and the development of content that strengthens stakeholder engagement while amplifying underrepresented perspectives. Her work is guided by clarity, ethical storytelling principles, and a strong understanding of how communication can support advocacy, awareness, and institutional credibility.
Kumiko-YOSHIDA
Writer and Translator
Kumiko is working with OIPMA to produce in-depth, interview-driven articles that bring international attention to the lived realities of people in conflict-affected Least Developed Countries.
She has over 13 years of experience as a journalist at a Japanese news organisation, specialising in international affairs and sports reporting. In the international news department, she covered global developments across regions including North Korea, North America, Europe, and the Middle East. She has extensive experience producing well-researched articles under tight deadlines, analysing international news coverage, and presenting complex issues in a clear and accessible manner.
She holds a Master’s degree in Poverty and Development in South Asia from the Faculty of Media and Governance at Keio University, Japan. As part of her studies, she conducted field research with a local NGO in South India, focusing on women’s poverty, education, and self-help organisations.
Kumiko currently works as a freelance writer and translator, contributing to Japanese publications and translating articles from English and French into Japanese. Her recent work includes coverage of a landmark legal case brought by elderly Swiss women on climate change, published in a well-established Japanese monthly magazine.
Mihret TEKLEMARIAM
Digital Communications and Content Officer
Mihret serves as OIPMA’s Digital Communications and Content Officer, leading the organization’s online presence to support advocacy, visibility, and engagement on issues affecting Least Developed Countries. She works closely with programme, policy, and leadership teams to translate complex development and policy content into clear, accessible digital stories for global audiences.
Her work ensures that OIPMA’s digital platforms reflect its mission, priorities, and commitment to amplifying the voices and perspectives of Least Developed Countries. She coordinates coverage of key events, initiatives, and advocacy moments, maintaining consistency of messaging, strong editorial quality, and alignment with institutional standards.
She brings extensive experience in digital communication, content management, and information systems within international and not-for-profit environments. She holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Media Studies and a Master’s degree in Computing, combining strong editorial judgment with a solid understanding of digital platforms to support effective and responsible communication.
Senait Mengistu GEBRESELASSIE
Fundraising and Operations Officer
Senait Mengistu Gebreselassie is a fundraising and operations professional with over a decade of experience driving resource mobilization, organizational efficiency, and stakeholder engagement. She has successfully supported non-profit and community organizations through strategic fundraising initiatives, event coordination, and project management.
Her expertise bridges operational leadership and technical proficiency, combining hands-on experience in committee leadership, donor relations, and project coordination with skills in IT systems, data management, and process improvement.
Senait has worked for international organizations such as UNCTAD and the International Telecommunication Union, as well as with banking institutions, gaining strong competencies in governance, risk awareness, and confidentiality. She holds academic qualifications in Computer Science and Office Management, and her professional focus is on strengthening civil society organizations, enhancing operational effectiveness, and advancing initiatives with meaningful social impact.
Climate-Conflict White Paper Team
Cristina Bernal
RESEARCHER
Cristina Bernal is a consultant specializing in climate change adaptation. She assesses the adaptation progress of UNFCCC Parties, contributes to event planning, and implements communication strategies. Previously, she served as a Development Consultant at UNESCAP, focusing on digital development in the most vulnerable countries to reduce inequalities and enhance climate change preparedness. Cristina holds a master’s degree in Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation from Lund University.
Noémie Guigue
RESEARCHER
After working on water resources management at Amman Airport with a focus on climate and human factors, Noémie Guigue expanded her climate expertise at the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies in 2021. She then worked on urban governance and resilient cities at Groupe Huit. Noémie joined Espelia in 2022, where she works in the international environment department, focusing on water, sanitation, waste, energy, and environmental projects for developing countries. Specifically, she assists donors such as the AFD with the setup of water projects in Djibouti and Pakistan, and conducts evaluations of initiatives including the hydro-agricultural development of Bahr Linia and PPIAF interventions in Ethiopia.
Gabriel Lagrange
RESEARCHER
Gabriel is a researcher specializing in climate security, international governance, and geopolitics based in Geneva. Gabriel gained experience working with international organizations like IOM, the International Crisis Group. While researching for OIPMA on climate security in LDCs, he is also spearheading the “Environmental Geopolitics” Department at the Institute for Applied Geopolitics (IEGA), a Paris-based Think tank.
Marie-Lou Pijnenburg
RESEARCH COORDINATOR
Recently graduated in ecology and evolution from ETH Zurich, Marie-Lou Pijnenburg specialized in research questions linked to plant diversity in a changing world. From DNA to remote sensing analysis, Marie-Lou built up wide knowledge on the study of diversity and ways of doing so, in order to be able to better protect it. On the side, she got involved in multiple projects or volunteering organisations. With different roles along this path, she tended to be part of the strategy development and coordination of projects, something she is also currently assuming in her role at InfoSpecies. Her enthusiasm for the study of our ecosystems and the management of projects that make sense to her are daily drivers.