Director

Gabriella Civico is from the UK, but lived in Spain and Portugal for many years before moving to Belgium and becoming a Belgian citizen.  She has a degree in Social Policy and Education from the University of Surrey (UK), and a Masters in Education in E-learning from the University of Hull (UK).  She worked with CEV in her role as Project Manager for the EYV2011 Alliance from July 2010 until the project’s completion in March 2012, when she became CEV Director.

There, she takes a leading role in advocating for better volunteering policies, contributing her expertise at the European level in various European Union expert & advisory groups, such as EQF, Europass, Mobility of Young Volunteers, as well as in the European Solidarity Corps Resource Centre Advisory Group. She also represents CEV in the EESC Liaison Group for European Civil Society Networks and has been further involved in establishing Civil Society Europe in 2014 where she is currently the President.

Chief Financial Officer 

Yuliia is originally from Ukraine and joined CEV in August 2022. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Economics and a Master’s degree in International Economics from Donetsk State University. She has spent her professional background in small and large businesses in Ukraine where she worked as a financial manager and then as a financial director. She established management accounting in these companies and systematized processes and reports. Since Russia invaded her country, she volunteered in organizations helping refugees from Ukraine.

Administration and Events Manager 

Lamiae is Spanish, she joined CEV in June 2014 and she is part of the team as administrative officer. She holds a master degree in oceanography and marine environment and also a Business Diploma. Before joining CEV she has held many position in different international companies, from administrative and commercial assistant to Logistic manager.

Policy and Communication Officer

Giulia is originally from Italy, she joined CEV in March 2017 as a trainee Policy and Project Officer in the framework of the European Solidarity Corps. She was also part of the team in 2015 as Intern. Giulia holds a Master’s Degree in Human Rights and Multi-level Governance- MA thesis title is “Civil Society Organisations for a structural change in a globalising world. European development and cooperation”. She also holds a Bachelor Degree in Political Sciences, International Relations and Human Rights. She is active in different youth and volunteering organisations dealing with education, human rights, equality, and youth mentoring. Through volunteering activities and university assignments, she has gained knowledge and  experience in working with children and young people in both formal and non-formal education contexts focusing on topics such as human rights & peace.

Project Manager

Kristijan is a Young European Federalist, he joined CEV in January 2019 as a European Solidarity Corps Research and Policy Trainee. He holds a Bachelor degree in Political Sciences from Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje and Masters degree in European Studies, International Relations from KU Leuven in Belgium. He previously worked in JEF Macedonia, Government of North Macedonia, Assembly of North Macedonia, Union of European Federalists and the European Parliament. He has also worked and volunteered in several organisations and is interested in Human Rights, Youth Activism, Federalism, EU Foreign Policy, EU Enlargement/EU in Western Balkans.

Project and Sub-Granting Officer

Ben is from the UK, and joined CEV in February 2023 as a Project and Sub-Granting Officer. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy from Durham University, and a Masters degree in International Relations from the University of Kent: Brussels School of International Studies. Ben has several years experience as an Analyst in Brussels-based think tanks and CSOs, focussing on diverse issues such as European civil society, health and foreign policy implementation. Prior to this, Ben volunteered on international development programs in countries such as Tanzania and Chile, and has experience in the British further education sector.

Project Officer

Connor is from the UK and joined CEV in April 2022. He holds a bachelor's degree in Culture, Literature and Politics from the University of East Anglia and has previously been a part of CEV as an Erasmus+ Intern from September 2020-April 2021. He has also taken part in a long term ESC volunteering project in Leszno, Poland, where he worked directly with young people and supported the organisation with administrative tasks. All this experience has given him a strong interest in the NGO sector and he is looking forward to gaining a deeper understanding of the link between CSOs and EU institutions.

Project Assistant

Joseph is Mexican/Spanish and he joined CEV in April 2022 as part of the Eurodyssey programme. Through his professional path he always made a mix between creativity, entertainment, activism, social development and active citizenship. Indonesia (AIESEC), Mexico and Italy  (European Solidarity Corps and Esperanza Azteca)  are countries where he has worked in the circular economy, nonprofit organisations and musical projects. He was Institutional Development Coordinator in Una Nueva Esperanza A.B.P. that works with children with cancer and their families in Puebla City, before he was the Account Director of a PR Agency for 3 years working with clients like Paramount Pictures.  With communications, ancient cultures, team building psychology and positive peace studies he was also a TV Presenter in Mexico with the section of Human Rights and a counsellor of youth in Puebla city while being an active member of the Global Shapers Community (Initiative of the World Economic Forum). He’s the Co-founder of Artigiano a sustainable fashion brand and also an adviser of CONDRET the sustainable jewellery catalan brand by Clicktime.eu.

Policy and Project Officer

Rita is from Portugal, she joined CEV as a Policy and Project Officer, in August 2023. Rita holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, from the University of Lisbon, and Master’s degree in International Security and Law, from the University of Southern Denmark. She has previously worked in project management in an International Non-Governmental Youth Organisation, as well as doing research on human rights violations for a Human Rights organisation.

She has been a volunteer and activities included teaching German to people in retirement. She is interested in topics in international law, human rights, international security and peace.

Policy and Communication Assistant

Miriah is Italian and she joined CEV in May 2022 as part of the Erasmus+ Traineeship Programme. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in International Studies from the University of Trento (Italy) and a Master's Degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from the University of Padua (Italy). She is an active volunteer member of Legambiente, an Italian environmental organization. Right now Miriah is looking forward to learning more about the EU project management sector.

UEA Trainee

Annabelle, is a recent graduate from the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Politics. Through her studies, she has fostered a inclination towards engaging with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and working internationally in the future. Presently Annabelle is a trainee at CEV, channeling her aspirations to delve deeper into climate volunteering. In particular she is interested in exploring the connections between the environment and natural disasters. Annabelle’s passions for environmental policy was initiated during her involvement in a green energy campaign, aimed at compelling Members of Parliament to support home upgrades and adopt renewable sources of local energy throughout the United Kingdom. She hopes to utilise this multifaceted experience during her work at CEV. 

UEA Trainee

As an imminent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in International Relations and Politics, Anya carries a deep-seated passion for women's rights issues, particularly in conflict-ridden and developing nations. In June 2023, she embarked on a journey with the CEV as a Research trainee.

Raised in the distinct cultures of England and Brazil, Anya observed and compared the respective international political landscapes of these two countries, which consequently ignited a fervent interest in the plight of vulnerable and marginalized communities. This perspective spurred a profound concern for human rights violations, with a specific focus on the accessibility of spaces for women.

Anya has a rich history of involvement in organizations dedicated to addressing domestic violence, including working in a women's shelter. Her commitment to raising awareness of pressing issues is also evidenced by their efforts to organize local charity events, aimed at enlightening communities about the significance of health.

Looking forward, Anya remains determined to further their professional trajectory within the sphere of international politics and human rights. She eagerly seeks to expand her skillset and aptitude, hoping that their current tenure with CEV will continue to provide them with ample opportunities to do so.

UEA Trainee

Luke, hailing from the UK joined CEV as a research intern in June 2023. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and Politics from the University of East Anglia. Before working at CEV Luke worked at Apple, fostering his development ensuring a deep understanding of innovation excelling in fast-paced environments. 

Luke’s experience extends beyond professional as a volunteer trip leader, demonstrating his leadership skills and collaborative mindset. He organised logistics, prioritised safety procedures, and ensured open communication among group members, preparing him to excel in fostering collaboration within organisations like the Centre for European Volunteering (CEV).

Luke will utilise his comprehensive background, dedication to excellence, and passion for personal growth in developing his own skill set while contributing to CEV’s activities.

UEA Trainee

Tara is a recent graduate from the University of East Anglia, where she studied international relations and modern languages (Spanish). She is originally from Kent, UK and has also studied abroad in 2021-22 at the Universidad de Alcalá de Henares in Madrid and in ORT Universidad in Uruguay which encouraged her passion for living abroad and using and learning languages. She is currently a trainee at CEV where she hopes to gain a greater insight into the workings of NGOs in Europe. She is also a keen volunteer, taking on the role of Team Lead for the UEA section for the international student-led charity, SolidariTee in 2022-2023. 

Volunteer

Manuel is from Spain and joined CEV in 2021 as ESC Volunteer. After his ESC experience, he has been volunteering in Spain for the Red Cross and with other local organisations in support of people with disabilities. Since March 2023 is volunteering with CEV in events planning and implementation, as well communication and IT support.

Volunteer

Santiago is Venezuelan and he joined CEV in September 2022 as a volunteer. He holds a Law degree from Andrés Bello Catholic University (Venezuela) and a Masters of law in International Business Law from the Université libre de Bruxelles. He has previously volunteered in Germany and Venezuela, and is currently working towards improving his research and analytical skills.