Centre Staff

  • Koko Warner

    kkwarner@iom.int

    Director of the IOM Global Data Institute (GDI)

    Koko Warner is leading IOM’s work to implement the IOM Migration Data Strategy 2020 – 2025 by bringing together IOM’s data expertise on data collection, analysis and sharing; migration data governance; and forecasting, among others. Koko has worked in the United Nations for over 16 years, directing research on climate change and migration, and climate risk management at the United Nations University before joining the secretariat to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to supervise the climate impacts, vulnerabilities and risk policy workstreams in its adaptation division.

    Throughout her career with the United Nations, Koko has contributed to understanding, managing, and informing policy about adverse climate impacts. She conducted the first field-based studies of climate change and migration, and of loss and damage that informed the Paris Agreement. Prior to joining the UN system, Koko was a researcher at ETH Zürich at the WSL Federal Institute for snow and avalanche research working on comprehensive risk management in Davos, Switzerland. Koko received her PhD in Economics from the University of Vienna as a Fulbright Fellow, while working at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA).

    Koko Warner

  • Marina Manke

    mmanke@iom.int

    Chief of IOM GMDAC

    Before joining GMDAC as its new chief in June 2022, Marina headed the Labour Mobility and Social Inclusion Division in the Department of Policy Support and Migration Management, IOM Headquarters in Geneva. She joined IOM in 2004 as a migration data specialist at the Vienna Technical Cooperation Centre for Europe and Central Asia. Since then, evidence-based, future proof and coherent governance of migration has become her prime area of specialization, demonstrated through co-authorship of such flagship publications as “Sharing Data – Where to Start”, “Migration Profiles – Making the Most of the Process”, as well as expert interventions at high-level international and national fora.

    She holds a diploma in linguistics and English philology from the Samara State University, an M.A in Political Science from the Central European University, and a Ph.D in International Relations from the University of Cambridge.

    Marina Manke

  • Kerry-Lynn Maze

    kmaze@iom.int

    Kerry-Lynn Maze is Sr. Knowledge Management Coordinator at GMDAC. In this role, she leads the coordination of the UN Migration Network’s “Migration Network Hub” (Core Working Group 1); and manages the Global Migration Data Portal. She first joined IOM as the Sr. Migration Crisis Analyst, at the Department of Operations and Emergencies. Specializing in research, analysis, knowledge management and inter-agency coordination, she brings to this position a broad multi-stakeholder perspective, having worked on behalf of Members States, Regional Organizations, within the UN system, NGOs and multi-stakeholder partnerships. Kerry-Lynn shares Canadian and British nationalities, always calling the small Atlantic island of Prince Edward Island home, regardless of where she lives.  

    Kerry-Lynn Maze

  • Andrea Milan

    amilan@iom.int

    Andrea Milan is Head of the Mobility Data Lab at IOM GMDAC. The Lab was created in 2023 and it aims to deliver high-quality, timely and data-driven analysis of mobility patterns and how they relate with broader socio-economic, political and demographic processes, with the ultimate goal to offer meaningful and forward-looking insights to policymakers and practitioners in the migration field. In its first year, the Lab focuses on climate mobility data as well as on data-driven whole migration corridor analyses.

    At GMDAC, Andrea was until recently the Data Manager for the Migration Governance Indicators (MGI) Initiative. Prior to joining GMDAC, Andrea has worked in the field of international migration for a number of UN entities: the UN University (UNU-EHS), UN Women, the Office of the UN Special Representative (SRSG) for International Migration, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

    Andrea's areas of expertise include migration governance, migration data, migration and development, gender and migration as well as migration, environment and climate change. He has published extensively on migration-related issues.

    Andrea Milan holds a PhD in Governance and Policy Analysis from UNU-Merit and the Maastricht Graduate School of Governance (the Netherlands) as well as an MS in Economics from the University of Ferrara (Italy). During his studies, he was a scholarship-awarded exchange student at the University of Birmingham (UK) and Middlebury College (US), and a visiting scientist at Sussex University (UK).

    Andrea Milan

  • Damien Jusselme

    djusselme@iom.int

    Damien leads the work of the “Data and Impacts Analytics” Units at IOM’s Global Migration Data Analysis Centre (GMDAC) in Berlin. He also leads the analysis work of big data sources shedding light on various displacement and migration contexts and supports forecasting projects.

    Prior to joining GMDAC, Damien has served as IOM’s Head of the Regional Data Hub. Since 2011, he has held multiple positions within IOM working on the Organization’s migration and displacement data in Haiti, Mali, the Central African Republic, and West and Central Africa Regional Office, and on Monitoring and Evaluation in Yemen. Damien also worked with Non-Governmental Organizations on monitoring and evaluation in Haiti and displacement data in Geneva supporting the Syria response, migrant profiles in Greece, displacement profiling in Somalia or durable solution exercises in Ukraine and Georgia.

    Damien holds a Master’s degree in Economics and international project management and a Master’s degree in International Relations.

    Damien Jusselme

  • Taehohn Lee

    tlee@iom.int

    Taehohn LEE leads the work of the Data Governance and Capacity Development Unit, which include efforts to develop and implement a comprehensive capacity development programme on migration data governance and to foster cooperation and dialogue between relevant stakeholders through this approach. Drawing from a wide range of academic disciplines and experiences, which include the Korean government, refugee resettlement and human rights legal NGOs, and UN agencies, Taehohn brings a pragmatic, interdisciplinary, and inclusive approach to GDI’s work. Immediately prior to joining GMDAC he was the founding coordinator of the Essentials of Migration Management 2.0 programme, IOM’s flagship programme on migration management. Prior to this he worked on international labour standards with the ILO, among other functions in the field of non-discrimination and inclusion.

    Taehohn is a certified lawyer (NY) and holds a diploma in Psychology from the University of California at Berkeley, a Master of Public Policy from the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, a Juris Doctorate from the University of Minnesota Law School (USA). He also studied International Relations at Seoul National University (Republic of Korea).

    Taehohn Lee

  • Julia Black

    jblack@iom.int

    Julia works on the Missing Migrants Project and is also part of IOM GMDAC’s Mobility Data Lab. Her work deals with irregular migration, migrant rights, and data collection on hard-to-reach populations. She is the co-editor of IOM’s recent Fatal Journeys reports on migrant deaths and disappearances, and has authored other publications on irregular migration.

    Prior to joining GMDAC, Julia ran a local non-profit in the San Francisco Bay Area. Julia holds a MA in International Affairs from the Hertie School and a BA in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of California, Berkeley.

    Julia Black

  • Marta Sanchez Dionis

    msanchez@iom.int

    Marta is Data Analysis & Coordination Officer at GMDAC’s Mobility Data Lab. The Lab was created in 2023 with the goal of delivering high-quality, timely and data-driven analysis on emerging issues related to human mobility. Marta previously worked as Project Officer at IOM’s Missing Migrants Project, carrying out research, advocacy and policy engagement work on issues related to deaths and disappearances during migration and their impact on families and communities left behind.

    Before joining IOM in 2017, Marta worked as a human rights researcher in various organizations, including the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights and the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights. Marta’s areas of expertise include migrant rights, migration data, gender and access to justice.

    Marta holds an LLM in Law and an MA in Political Science and Public Administration from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, as well as an MA in International Relations from the Barcelona School of International Studies. She conducted part of her studies at the University of Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne and qualified as a lawyer in 2014. 

    Marta Sanchez Dionis

  • Jorge Galindo

    jgalindo@iom.int

    +41 78 88 4 3396

    Jorge Galindo is the Communications Officer at IOM’s Global Data Institute in Berlin. He manages the Institute’s external visibility activities and liaises with the media and key partners to position GDI as the leading source on migration data and analysis. He has over nine years of experience working in communications in multilateral settings.

    Before moving to Berlin, Jorge served as Public Information Officer for the IOM mission in Nigeria for three years. Prior to joining the mission in Nigeria, Jorge was the Public Information Officer for Migration Management at the IOM Headquarters in Geneva. In the meantime, Jorge has also been deployed on short term assignments to cover the Ukraine emergency response in Poland and Ukraine. Since 2023, Jorge is a member of the advisory board of the EU-funded CoMMPASS project which addresses the role of the media in reporting on migration and mobility.

    Jorge is a Mexican national and holds an MSc in Intercultural Communication from Tilburg University in the Netherlands (cum laude), and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences from the Universidad Iberoamericana, Puebla, Mexico

    Jorge Galindo

  • Kolitha Prabash Wickramage

    KWICKRAMAGE@iom.int

    Dr Kol Wickramage is Global Migration Health Research and Epidemiology Coordinator, working with the Migration Health Division (MHD). He provides technical guidance on research and evidence generation across the three IOM health domains ranging from migrant and refugee health assessments to health action in humanitarian crisis and emergencies. A public health doctor, he worked with the World Health Organization from 2004 to 2009 in conflict and post-disaster health care before joining IOM. He has also completed a doctorate in public health and master’s in human rights law pertaining to forced migration and health. Since 2009, he has worked on a broad spectrum of migration health projects across many regions, ranging from leading health interventions for displaced populations following civil conflict, to Ebola Outbreak response, to supporting member states advance national migration health policy and action plans through an evidence-based, participatory, and inter-sectoral processors.

    Kolitha Prabash Wickramage

  • Frances Marie Solinap

    fsolinap@iom.int

    Frances works as National Finance and Administrative Officer at GMDAC and leads the Administrative and Finance Unit, working remotely from IOM’s Manila (Global) Administrative Centre (MAC) based in the Philippines. She also oversees the financial management of all GMDAC projects including oversight of financial expenditure and accountability, in charge of reviewing and providing inputs on budgets submitted to donors, and focal person on all human resources issues of the Centre. She is also in charge of the day-to-day administration of the delocalized Publications Unit based in MAC. She also closely works with various IOM’s global units based in MAC which contributes to the day-to-day working of the Centre.

    For the past 15 years with IOM, she has worked with various Departments at IOM Headquarters in Geneva working on project budget preparation, monitoring and review, donor reporting, administration, and finance. Prior to joining IOM, she was part of the Governance Portfolio of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines.

    Frances holds a Political Science degree from the De La Salle University in Manila, Philippines.

    Frances Marie Solinap

  • Bethany Donithorn

    Ms. Donithorn has more than 15 years’ experience working on knowledge management, migration and sustainable development with the United Nations. She currently supports GMDAC’s Global Migration Data Portal, which aims to enable a better understanding of international migration data. She also supports the UN Network on Migration’s new Migration Network Hub, a virtual “meeting space” where governments, stakeholders and experts can access and share migration-related information in support of implementation of the Global Compact for Migration.

    From 2008 to 2011, Bethany was Knowledge Management Expert for the EC-UN Joint Migration and Development Initiative (JMDI) in Brussels, Belgium, and has since worked as a Knowledge Management consultant for UN system organizations including IOM, UNDP, UNICEF, UNOCHA and the World Bank (KNOMAD), coordinating Communities of Practice, knowledge platforms and stakeholder consultations for major UN conferences including the World Humanitarian Summit, the 1st UN Ocean Conference, the Rio+20 Dialogues and the development of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on SDG 10 on reducing inequality.

    Bethany is a UK national and holds an MSc in Comparative Politics from the London School of Economics in the UK, and a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Modern Languages (French) from the University of Oxford, UK.

    Bethany Donithorn

  • Asha Manoharan

    amanoharan@iom.int

    Asha Manoharan works in GMDAC’s Knowledge Coordination Unit. As the lead Data Officer on the Global Migration Data Portal team, Asha manages the Portal databases and oversees the data analyses published on the Portal. Drawing on 100+ data indicators, the Portal gives users 360-degree insights on major issues and trends of migration. In addition to drafting methodological briefs, she has authored migration data overviews and analyses on development, COVID-19, and several other themes.

    Prior to joining IOM, she conducted quantitative research on public attitudes towards migrants and qualitative research on the role of foreign representations in protecting the human rights of migrant workers. Additionally, Asha developed a labour rights awareness programme for low-skilled migrant workers; taught academic research and writing to undergraduate students; and created a communications strategy for a tech startup. In the future, she aims to use her understanding of migration data to support evidence-based labour migration policies.

    Asha holds a Master of Public Policy (Policy Analysis) from the Hertie School of Governance, a Master of International Relations from the Geneva School of Diplomacy and a Bachelor of Science in E&T (Linguistics) from Effat University.

    Asha Manoharan

  • Irene Schoefberger

    schoefberger@iom.int

    Irene Schöfberger is a Data and Research Officer at IOM’s Global Migration Data Analysis Centre in Berlin. Prior to joining IOM, she has been working in research, policy advice and capacity building in several countries, including Senegal, Chile, Germany, France and Belgium. She has conducted research on EU-Africa migration and development policies, on transnational livelihoods and on translocal vulnerability at the  German  Development Institute (DIE) and at the University of Freiburg. She has also worked for the International Science Council, the European Parliament, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development and different non-governmental organizations. She holds a PhD in Human Geography from the University of Freiburg, as well as a M.A. in Cultural Anthropology and a B.A. in International Relations from the University of Bologna.  

    Irene Schoefberger

  • Wilfried Coly

    wcoly@iom.int

    Wilfried Coly provides support to the Missing Migrants by collecting data on the death and disappearance of migrants in Western and Central Africa, and is based at IOM’s Regional Office in Dakar, Senegal. His work, which takes place under the general supervision of the Missing Migrants Project Coordinator for GMDAC, and under the direct supervision of the Regional Coordinator of the Data & Research Unit, involves reaching out to regional actors, analysis of data on deaths and disappearances along migratory routes in the West and Central Africa. Before joining IOM, Wilfried gathered 6 years of professional experience in collecting, managing databases and analysing statistics in non-profit organizations in Senegal. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics-Computer Science, a Higher Technician's Certificate in Management Computer Science and a University Diploma in Scientific Studies level 1 option Physics Chemistry.

    Wilfried Coly

  • Emmanuel Quarshie

    equarshie@iom.int

    Emmanuel Quarshie is the Data Expert and Researcher at the Regional Migration Data Hub (RMDHub) and Missing Migrants Project focal point at the IOM Regional Office for the Southern Africa Region in Pretoria, South Africa. His field of interest include the economics of migration, labour migration modelling, migration governance & policy, and climate change. Prior to his current position, Emmanuel worked as data expert, researcher, project administrator, communications and research uptake officer on global migration research projects like the Migrating out of Poverty Research Programme Consortium (MOOP-RPC), Migration and Development West Africa (MADE WA), Migration, Development and Equality (MIDEQ), Aligning Migration Management and the Migration Development Nexus (MIGNEX) at the Centre for Migration Studies, University of Ghana (CMS-UG). Emmanuel is a PhD candidate at the Wits Business School, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. He holds a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Economics from the University of Ghana, Legon with Certificates in Migration Courses.  

    Emmanuel Quarshie

  • Andrea García Borja

    agarciaborja@iom.int

    Andrea is a Data Analyst at the Missing Migrants Project. Her work centres around collecting and analysing data on migrant deaths and disappearances worldwide. Before joining GMDAC, Andrea worked at the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) - focusing on mixed migration flows in the Horn of Africa - and several civil society organisations in Mexico. She has worked and studied in Mexico, Belgium, India, Kenya and Germany. Andrea holds a Master in Public Policy from the Hertie School of Governance and a B.A. in International Affairs from the Tecnológico de Monterrey.

    Andrea García Borja

  • Edwin Guillermo Viales Mora

    eviales@iom.int

    Edwin Guillermo Viales Mora is Data and Research Assistant and Focal Point for the Missing Migrants Project at IOM’s Regional Office for Central America, North America and the Caribbean, based in San José, Costa Rica. He has a background in international cooperation and is an expert in migration and social integration. For the past ten years he has worked with migrants and refugees.

    Edwin Guillermo Viales Mora

  • So Young Chang

    schang@iom.int

    So Young Chang works as Data and Knowledge Officer at IOM’s Global Migration Data Analysis Centre in Berlin. Her primary responsibility is supporting the management of the Migration Network Hub as part of the capacity-building mechanism of the Global Compact for Migration. So Young recently defended her PhD in Sociology from Bielefeld University on the topic of policies regarding migrant care work. She also holds a Master’s of Development Studies from the Graduate Institute in Geneva and a Bachelor’s of Arts in International Relations from the University of British Columbia. She has lived, studied, and worked in Korea, Canada, Mexico, Turkey, Taiwan, Singapore, Switzerland, and Germany. Most recently, she was a Research Fellow at the German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA), where she is currently an Associate.

    So Young Chang

  • Merna Abdelazim

    MEABDELAZIM@iom.int

    Merna Abdelazim is a Data and Research Assistant working on the Missing Migrants Project, and is based at IOM’s Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa in Cairo, Egypt. Merna has experience in migrant and refugee protection including assisting survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, victims of human trafficking, and victims of smuggling under governmental custody. She has also worked in IOM Egypt’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration Programme (AVRR) as the focal point for large-scale and Sudanese movements. Prior to joining IOM, Merna worked on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and climate change induced displacement in North Africa with a regional civil society organization. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with specializations in International Relations and Public International Law from the American University in Cairo, where she is currently studying for a Master’s Degree in Migration and Refugee Studies (CMRS).

    Merna Abdelazim

  • Roberto Roca Paz

    roroca@iom.int

    Roberto Roca Paz works as a Data Analyst at IOM’s Global Migration Data Analysis Centre (GMDAC) in Berlin and focuses on the Migration Governance Indicators (MGI). Prior to joining GMDAC, Roberto worked as a Research Assistant for the Chair of Economics / Public Finance of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena (FSU), in Germany. He also has working experience in Public Policy Institutes in Bolivia, Chile, and Canada.

    Roberto Roca Paz holds a PhD in Economics from the FSU Jena, as well as a MSc in Economics with a specialization in Public Sector Economics from the same institution. During his studies, he was awarded a scholarship from the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.

    Roberto Roca Paz

  • Estefania Guallar Ariño

    eguallar@iom.int

    Estefania Guallar Arino is the Data Coordinator for the Migration Governance Indicators (MGI) programme at IOM´s Global Migration Data Analysis Centre (GMDAC) in Berlin. Prior to joining GMDAC in 2020, Estefania worked as a policy analyst at UN Women in New York for over five years. In that capacity, she covered the different intergovernmental processes related to gender equality, in particular, the Commission on the Status, the Economic and Social Council and the General Assembly. From 2012-2014 she served as policy and programme officer of UN Women in Vietnam, working on the portfolio of sexual violence against women and girls and women in vulnerable situations, including migrant women.

    Prior to her UN career, Estefania held different positions in the Spanish Development Agency (AECID) and in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Spain. holds an M.A. in International Relations and Diplomacy from the College of Europe as well as an M.A. in Political Sciences and Public Administration from the Complutense University in Madrid.

    Estefania Guallar Ariño

  • Blick Nuwe

    bnuwe@iom.int

    Blick works as a Data Analyst at IOM’s Global Migration Data Analysis Centre (GMDAC) in Berlin, Germany. The role supports the review, editing and presentation of information and data on migration governance.

    Before joining GMDAC, Blick worked as a Migration Health Policy and Partnership intern with the Migration Health Division in Geneva and with IOM Tanzania, first as a Migration Data and Health Consultant and later on as a Displacement Tracking Matrix Coordinator. Prior to joining IOM, Blick worked as a district demographer/population officer with Bushenyi district local government in Bushenyi, Uganda.

    Blick holds a Master of Arts in Development Management from the Ruhr-University in Bochum and a Master of Arts in Development Studies from Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Blick’s other qualifications include a postgraduates diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation from Uganda Management Institute and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Development Studies from Uganda Christian University, Mukono.

    Blick Nuwe

  • Paulina Kluczynska

    pkluczynska@iom.int

    Paulina is a Finance Assistant at IOM’s Global Migration Data Analysis Centre in Berlin. Paulina holds a Master's degree in International Relations with forecasting and praxeology specialization from the University of Szczecin and a Certificate for Accountants from the Polish Association for Accountants. She has seven years of experience working in accounting in the private sector. She is responsible for budget monitoring, reporting, procurement and accounting support.

    Paulina Kluczynska

  • John Kinuthia

    jmuindi@iom.int

    John Kinuthia is the Information Management Assistant at the Regional Data Hub in RO Nairobi where he supports the Missing Migrants Project. John also coordinates with the Migration Response Centres (MRC) focal points for harmonized data collection across all MRCs in the East and Horn of Africa region and consolidates the data for various regional analyses and dashboards of the MRC data. He has held different roles in IOM’s Regional Office and the Kenya Country Office (KCO) for the last 10 years. John holds a B.Sc. in Information Technology from Jomo Kenyatta University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi.

    John Kinuthia

  • Esther Haarmann

    ehaarmann@iom.int

    Esther Haarmann works as a Communications Officer as part of the Global Migration Data Portal Team at IOM GMDAC in Berlin, Germany. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Politics and International Relations and a Master's Degree in Marketing and Communications. Esther has lived, studied and worked in Germany, Scotland and Canada. Before joining GMDAC as a Data and Communications Officer, she worked as a Consultant for GMDAC and supported the Migration Data Portal and the Impact Evaluation Team. Most recently, she worked at a German journalistic NGO in Berlin. Esther also has working experience in tech, public relations, sales and project management.

    Esther Haarmann

  • Adriana Vides

    avides@iom.int

    Adriana works as a Data and Research Analyst on the Migration Governance Indicators (MGI) initiative at IOM’s Global Migration Data Analysis Center. Before joining GMDAC, she worked for the Research Training Group Globalization and Development (GLAD) at the University of Göttingen, assisting with data research and analysis. As part of her master’s studies, she did research on the impacts of migration and remittances on female labor participation in El Salvador. Prior to this, she spent three years working in research and analysis of public policies for a nonprofit organization in El Salvador. She has worked in projects with organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme, the Population Division of ECLAC and the OECD. Adriana holds a Master of Science in Development Economics from the University of Göttingen and a Bachelor degree in Economics from the Universidad Centroamericana Jose Simeon Cañas, El Salvador. During her bachelor’s studies she was awarded the Scholarship for Academic Excellence given out by the government of El Salvador. Later she pursued her master’s studies with the scholarship for Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

    Adriana Vides

  • Andi Armia Pratiwi

    apratiwi@iom.int 

    +49 30 278 77 844 

    Andi is the Digital Communications Officer at GMDAC, where she mainly focuses on internal reporting, digital campaigns, and social media, among others. Prior to joining GMDAC, she worked at the German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA) in Hamburg, where she was involved in the Erasmus+ project and research on comparative politics.

    Andi holds a Master's Degree in Southeast Asian Studies from the University of Hamburg and she was awarded a fully-funded scholarship from Konrad Adenauer Foundation. During her studies, she worked at the Human Rights Working Group (HRWG) in Indonesia, where she focused on the issues of migrant workers' rights and protection at the ASEAN level. As part of her master's studies, she conducted research on transit migration and its consequences on the lives of refugees in Indonesia.

    Furthermore, Andi is also interested in diaspora engagement, particularly with Indonesian and Southeast Asian diaspora associations in Germany.

    Andi Armia Pratiwi

  • Alina Menocal Peters

    amenocal@iom.int

    Alina works on data innovation projects between the public and private sectors, helping to extend the ethical and responsible use of novel data sources, tools, and methods to enhance more humane and effective migration policies. She cooperates mainly in the Big Data for Migration Alliance (BD4M) projects and the Data Innovation Directory.

    She holds a BA degree in Political Science from the University of Costa Rica, and a master's degree in Public Policy from the Hertie School in Berlin.  

    Prior to joining GMDAC, Alina collaborated as a political advisor of the Minister of Presidency and the Minister of National Planning and Economic Policy in Costa Rica. Besides, she was a member of the National Council of Migration of Costa Rica and worked as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Costa Rica. 

    Alina Menocal Peters

  • Baris Yalcinkaya

    byalcinkaya@iom.int

    Barış works as the Web Development & Liaison Officer at IOM’s Global Migration Data Analysis Centre in Berlin. His work centers around the web development and design requirements of the GMDAC’s Global Migration Data Portal, and UN Network on Migration - Migration Network Hub.  Baris holds a Master's Degree in Information Management Systems (MIS) from Istanbul Bilgi University and a bachelor in Economics from Bogazici University. He is experienced and passionate about data visualization and interactive web applications.

    Baris Yalcinkaya

  • Robert Beyer

    rbeyer@iom.int

    Robert Beyer is a Data and Research Analyst supporting IOM’s work on Migration, Environment, Climate Change and Risk Reduction. He focuses on the collection and analysis of quantitative data on migration and displacement in the context of disasters, climate change and environmental degradation, and will coordinate the development of IOM’s data road map on these issues.

    Robert studied mathematics (M.Sc.) and archaeology (M.A.) and obtained a double Ph.D. in mathematics (Ecole Centrale Paris) and forest science (Technical University of Munich). Before joining IOM in September 2022, he was a research associate at the University of Cambridge, a Marie-Curie fellow at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, and an adjunct lecturer in mathematics at Humboldt University of Berlin.

    Robert Beyer

  • Sophie Caseldine

    scaseldine@iom.int

    Sophie is an Assistant Data Analyst for the Global Migration Data Portal for IOM GMDAC and also works on the Sustainable Development Goals. She previously supported the portal as an intern, and has experience supporting refugees and asylum seekers to learn English and access healthcare. Her interests include climate change-induced migration, gender and sustainable development.

    She holds an Master of Science in Migration and Mobility studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages (French, German and Spanish) from the University of Bristol.

    Sophie Caseldine

  • Riham Abouelhassan

    rabouelhassan@iom.int

    Riham is a Data and Research Assistant at the Regional Data Hub (RDH) for IOM MENA Regional Office.  Before joining RDH, Riham worked as a Liaison and Policy Consultant for IOM MENA. Prior to joining IOM, Riham has lived, studied and worked in UAE, KSA and Oman. Riham also has an accumulated work experience in teaching, translation, sales and event management. She aspires to build a career in which she can play a constructive role in informing and shaping policies, practices and institutions through data collection and evidence-based policy severing as a foundation for a dynamic and coherent society. In addition to the academic background in Languages and professional work experience, her communication and language skills provide her with the foundation to create and maintain strong professional relationships with colleagues. Riham is capable of collaborating effectively within a team, whilst maintaining the self-discipline to deliver independently.

    Riham Abouelhassan

  • Omar Farooq

    mufarooq@iom.int

    Omar is a highly experienced Senior Web Developer with 20 years of experience, specializing in Drupal and Magento. He holds a Master's degree in Computer Science from American International University and a Bachelor's degree in Commerce. 

    Throughout his career, Omar has worked with leading organizations across a variety of industries, including healthcare, construction, eCommerce, and FMCG. He has also worked on various projects with the International Rescue Committee (IRC). Since January 2022, he has been working as a Drupal Developer for the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

    At IOM, Omar is responsible for analyzing requirements and implementing strategies for the development and structure of the organization's website. He collaborates with the IOM Migration Network Hub team, based at IOM's Global Migration Data Analysis Center based in Berlin, and the Network Secretariat in Geneva.

    Omar Farooq

  • Valerie Gastner

    vgastner@iom.int

    Valerie Gastner is a Junior Data Analyst at GMDAC's Data Analytics and Innovation unit, is committed to innovative and impactful data analysis. She focuses on employing forward-looking approaches to generate data-driven insights that support decision-making processes. She initially joined GMDAC as a Data Analysis and Impact Intern, showcasing her commitment to utilizing data for meaningful outcomes.

    Valerie holds a Master's degree in Public Policy and a Bachelor's degree in International Relations. Her professional background encompasses valuable experience gained from both public and private institutions, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of migration issues and policy constraints.

    Valerie Gastner

  • Yodit Fitigu

    yfitigu@iom.int

    Yodit Fitigu is the Emerging Issues Officer at GMDAC’s Mobility Data Lab working on research and analysis of emerging human mobility trends along migration corridors and durable solutions. Prior to joining GMDAC, Yodit served as Head of Migration Data and Research unit at IOM Niger.

    Yodit Fitigu has over 17 years’ research experience working on migration and displacement in multiple countries in Haiti, West and Central Africa, the Horn and East Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Yodit’s areas of expertise include labour migration, child and forced labour, as well as gender and migration.

    Yodit holds an MA in Public Anthropology with a focus on migration and displacement from American University in Washington DC and a BA in Socio-cultural Anthropology with a focus on genocide studies from the University of California, Los Angeles.

    Yodit Fitigu

  • Olivia Aitken

    oaitken@iom.int

    Liv has recently graduated with a Master of Public Policy from the Hertie School where she focused on quantitative methods and social policy. Her Master’s thesis used statistical tools to look at how the transition to fatherhood affected men’s working hours in Australia based on different policy settings. Previously, she worked at the Australian Human Rights Commission providing policy advice across a range of human rights areas, including on children’s rights and the child protection system, race discrimination, and Australia’s legislative framework for human rights protections. She also led the Commission’s engagement in Australia’s third cycle of the UN Universal Periodic Review. She received her undergraduate degree in Government and International Relations with First Class Honours from the University of Sydney.

    Olivia Aitken

  • Mohammad Shoaib Nayel

    SNAYEL@iom.int

    Mohammad Shoaib Nayel currently works as an Associate Data Analyst at IOM's Global Migration Data Analysis Center (GMDAC) in Berlin. In his role, he supports the Global Migration Data Portal team in data tasks, which involve maintaining the database and dashboard of the Portal. Additionally, he will actively contribute to ongoing data analysis, summarizing and synthesizing migration data and information for the Portal.

     

    Shoaib completed both his Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Computer Science from the South Asian University, India. Before joining GMDAC, he worked as a National Officer with the Protection Unit of IOM Afghanistan where he was responsible for supporting information management and analyzing protection case management and protection monitoring data. His work made significant contributions to evidence-based protection programming and enhanced his understanding and knowledge of humanitarian response and migration-related subjects.

    Mohammad Shoaib Nayel

  • Zoe Sigman

    Zoe is a Data Analyst at the Missing Migrants Project. They are currently working on their Masters of Public Policy at The Hertie School in Berlin, Germany with a focus on policy analysis and open-source human rights investigations. They are on exchange at UCLA for the Fall '23 semester focusing on learning how to make maps using ArcGIS. In July 2023, they cofounded the Hertie School Digital Verification Corps in collaboration with Amnesty International, where they work with their team to verify information related to human rights abuses around the world. 

    Prior to Zoe’s work with IOM, they were a science and social justice writer focused on cannabinoid pharmacology and policy, carceral data collection in the US, and sex work, with publications in Vogue among others. They were also the Administrative Director for Haymarket Pole Collective, a group of sex workers advocating for equity in their workplaces. They have testified to the FDA on how to regulate CBD and cannabis in the US. Zoe holds a B.A. from Cornell College with a double major in Modern U.S. History and Theatre.

    Zoe Sigman

GMDAC Advisory Board