Mr. Yannick du Pont - Director
Founder of ATA (SPARK since July 1st, 2007). Has been working in the
field of development cooperation in post-conflict countries since 1994
(Southeast Europe, Afghanistan,
Azerbaijan). MA in International Relation,
University of
Amsterdam. MA in Sociology,
University of
Amsterdam. Worked for the
Netherlands Minister of Development Cooperation (1996/1997); the Dutch
IKV; and the Development organization of the Dutch Labor Party, the
Evert Vermeer Foundation. Was engaged as researcher for the Netherlands
Institute for International Institute of International Relations
"Clingendael" to evaluate the performance of the OSCE Mission in
Bosnia and Herzegovina (2000/2001). And lectured an MA course at the
University of
Amsterdam on
Southeast Europe.
Mr. Michel Richter - Co-Director
Member of founding group of Spark (formerly YSY and ATA) in 1994. MA in
political science & international relations of the University of
Amsterdam. MA thesis on the reconstruction process in Bosnia &
Herzegovina and the role of the international community after Dayton.
Previously worked for a Dutch refugee centre as a country documentalist
facilitating legal support to asylum seekers. Working in development
cooperation in Southeast Europe and other countries such as
Afghanistan, and more recently Africa, since 2000. A pragmatic idealist
and strong promoter of a more innovative, unconventional and
business-like approach towards development cooperation.
"It
is my belief that generating social and economic prosperity through
development cooperation is highly complex and a long term process for
which no general success formula exists, but which requires short term
tangible results in order to ensure wide public or donor support.
However, it is for certain that this cannot be done without one
essential factor: educated and critically thinking young people ready
to take the initiative to change their own lives, and that of society
at large." Signed code of conduct
Ms. Karen Blanken - Advisor to the Directors
MA in Science of Education and in Culture, Organization and
Management, both at the Vrije University of Amsterdam (VU). Worked as Project Manager
Education and Quality for Fokker, as Product Manager Logistic Training for a
training organization and had several functions within KLM. My last job within
KLM was related to sustainable employability as part of the Corporate Social
Responsibility policy. Besides these jobs in a commercial environment, I have
experience as a volunteer in
different organizations, for example the Red Cross in the Netherlands and in
Indonesia. With SPARK since March 2010.
"I strongly believe that supporting education and entrepreneurship will
help to (re-)build the economy in post-conflict countries. Besides the mission,
stating transparency and integrity as the underlying principles of the code of
conduct, makes SPARK an organization I want to be part of."Signed code
of conduct
Ms. Elizabeth Heath - Project Manager
Based at the University of Warwick, UK 2004-2006, worked as the
Midlands Hub Manager for UKGRAD-working with all Midlands universities
to develop their skills training provision for PhD students and also
Manager of the University of Warwicks's Graduate School Office. MSc in
International Development Studies, University of Amsterdam, NL
2006-2007 specialising in opportunities for development of higher
education institutions in post-conflict settings.
"SPARK
works exceptionally hard to realize its vision and mission. It is a
great opportunity to work for such a young, dynamic and enthusiastic
organization where people believe in and enjoy what they do."Signed code of conduct
Ms. Marieke Pluk - Project Manager
MSc. in International Technology and Development Studies at the
Eindhoven University of Technology. Worked for BiD Challenge
(2004-2007), an international business plan competition that promotes
and enhances entrepreneurship in developing countries. Works with Spark
since 2007.
"Within
SPARK, young and ambitious people get the opportunity to develop
themselves in a young and job and to work with the challenging Western
Balkan region."Signed code of conduct
Sven
Pauka - Senior Financial Officer / Assistant Controller
BSc in Economics, MSc in Business studies. Both at the University of Amsterdam.
Did exchange study in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and summer school organized by SPARK
in Tetovo, Macedonia in 2006. Did an internship as HR officer at IBM. Worked as
Strategy consultant at Mantion Business Growth, and as an Assistant Controller
at Sitos. With SPARK since March 2009, with an interval of 6 months at the end
of 2009/ beginning of 2010.
"It is unbelievably satisfying to work for an organization like SPARK
that has a great mission to strive for, and does so with great effort. A
mission that my colleagues and I strongly believe in. This results in an
excellent culture and atmosphere at SPARK, which makes it a great place to
work!"Signed code
of conduct
About SPARK 
