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
