Oleksandra Suprun
Summary
Results-driven public policy and government affairs professional with 8+ years of experience across EU institutions, diplomatic missions, think tanks and NGOs, with a strong track record in policy analysis, institutional engagement and advocacy. Experienced in leading high-level policy initiatives, developing strategic communications and building partnerships with governments, policymakers and external stakeholders, particularly in EU external relations, international security and democratic resilience.
Overview
6
6
Languages
1
1
Certification
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
PROGRAM MANAGER FOR PEACE, SECURITY AND DEFENCE (UKRAINE INITIATIVE LEAD)
FRIENDS OF EUROPE
BRUSSELS
04.2024 - 04.2025
- Led Ukraine Initiative and coordinated Balkan Journey programme, developing policies and stakeholder engagement activities that strengthened European security, democratic resilience, EU enlargement, and regional cooperation.
- Designed and delivered high-level policy dialogues and advocacy initiatives, preparing concepts, briefings, and speaking points while coordinating engagement with EU institutions, national governments, diplomatic representatives, private sector, and civil society to influence policy outcomes.
- Led stakeholder engagement for the inaugural Ukraine Security Forum, convening 260+ participants from EU institutions, governments, international organisations, academia and civil society.
- Coordinated the EU–Western Balkans Summit, bringing together nearly 200 participants, including a head of state and senior EU and national policymakers.
- Built relationships with senior policymakers, experts, and institutional partners; contributed to successful grant proposals, donor reporting, and impact assessments that enhanced program visibility and funding.
- Reason for Leaving: Conclusion of the program, leading to the closure of the role.
PROGRAM MANAGER
INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR UKRAINIAN VICTORY
BRUSSELS
06.2023 - 06.2024
- Co-managed a high-level European Parliament conference on Ukraine’s European integration, convening 250+ participants and senior EU and Ukrainian government representatives.
- Coordinated advocacy missions and engaged stakeholders, including MEPs, EU institutions, national governments, and civil society organizations, to foster collaboration and influence policy.
- Designed and implemented policy and advocacy initiatives to advance Ukraine’s European integration, strengthen democratic resilience, and enhance international support.
- Drafted policy briefings and advocacy materials for policymakers and external audiences, ensuring clarity and impact in communication efforts.
PROJECT COORDINATOR, SECURITY AND DEFENCE PROGRAM
THE GERMAN MARSHALL FUND OF THE UNITED STATES
BRUSSELS
11.2022 - 02.2023
- Conducted policy research, developed programmes, and engaged stakeholders on Ukraine, transatlantic relations, and European security to inform strategic decision-making.
- Coordinated delivery of the Odesa Debate with EU institutions, policy experts, and partner organisations; managed stakeholder data using Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM and Concep to enhance collaboration.
- Coordinated cross-departmental communication for project updates and stakeholder engagement.
POLICY AND PARLIAMENTARY TRAINEE
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT - OFFICE OF DACIAN CIOLOS, MEP (RENEW EUROPE)
BRUSSELS
04.2022 - 10.2022
- Monitored EU political and geopolitical developments; prepared analytical briefings and speaking points that informed parliamentary discussions.
- Analyzed AFET and Renew Europe policy work, evaluating institutional positions on EU external relations, security, enlargement, and Ukraine to support strategic decision-making.
- Researched EU institutional documents and official positions; drafted political communications that enhanced public engagement and contributed to digital and social-media campaigns.
POLITICAL ADVISER / G7 SUPPORT OFFICER
EMBASSY OF JAPAN IN UKRAINE
KYIV
06.2020 - 03.2023
- Produced political and security analysis for the Ambassador, Deputy Head of Mission and Defence Attaché, monitoring government policy, legislative and geopolitical developments.
- Synthesized official and open-source information into concise executive briefings and daily reporting for senior diplomatic decision-makers.
- Prepared briefings for engagement with parliamentarians, ministers, diplomats and international partners and coordinated with government institutions and diplomatic missions.
ASSISTANT TO THE SECURITY POLICY ADVISER
NATO REPRESENTATION TO UKRAINE - NATO LIAISON OFFICE
KYIV
09.2019 - 05.2020
- Monitored political, legislative and institutional developments in security-sector reform, intelligence governance, and NATO-Ukraine cooperation to inform policy decisions.
- Prepared policy briefings, analytical notes, and meeting materials while coordinating with Ukrainian government stakeholders to enhance collaborative efforts.
BLUE BOOK TRAINEE
EUROPEAN FISHERIES CONTROL AGENCY (EFCA) - COAST GUARD & INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMES - TRAINING & IUU
VIGO
10.2017 - 02.2018
- Assessed training needs and supported capacity-building programmes funded by EU and UN for partner authorities in non-EU Black Sea countries.
- Coordinated with EU institutions, Member State experts, national authorities, and international organisations to enhance fisheries governance and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Supported the development of training materials for fisheries management initiatives.
PARLIAMENTARY ASSISTANT TO MARYANN MIHYCHUK, MP FOR KILDONAN-ST. PAUL (MANITOBA)
PARLIAMENT OF CANADA - CANADA-UKRAINE PARLIAMENTARY PROGRAM (CUPP)
OTTAWA
04.2016 - 06.2016
- Coordinated parliamentary outreach and stakeholder engagement, drafting correspondence, press releases, and briefing materials to enhance communication effectiveness.
- Led Vyshyvanka Day public-awareness campaign, engaging over 30 Members of Parliament to promote cultural awareness.
- Assisted with research on legislative issues relevant to Canada-Ukraine relations.
Education
INTERNATIONAL MASTER - RUSSIAN, CENTRAL AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES (IMRCEES); ERASMUS MUNDUS DOUBLE DEGREE PROGRAMME
University of Turku
Turku, Finland11-2017
INTERNATIONAL MASTER - RUSSIAN, CENTRAL AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES (IMRCEES); ERASMUS MUNDUS DOUBLE DEGREE PROGRAMME
University of Glasgow
Glasgow, United Kingdom11-2017
MASTER'S DEGREE - POLITICAL SCIENCE
Taras Shevchenko Kyiv National University
Kyiv, Ukraine05-2013
Skills
- Stakeholder engagement
- EU policy affairs
- Policy analysis & monitoring
- Data collection & research
- Advocacy & campaigns
- Event coordination
- Strategic communications
- Project management
- Team leadership
- Proposal development
- Analytical problem-solving
- Effective negotiations
- Cross-cultural communication
- Attention to detail
Personal Information
- Nationality: Ukrainian
- Work Permit: Belgian
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisesuprun/
EARLY CAREER EXPERIENCE
- Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine - Policy Assistant to a Member of Parliament (Committee on Internal Affairs and Rule of Law) - 2013
- The All-Ukrainian Union "Fatherland" ("Batkivshchyna"), political party - Administrative Assistant to a Member of Parliament - 2012
- Office of the President of Ukraine - Policy Trainee (Department of Internal Affairs and Ideology) - 2010
Languages
Ukrainian
Native
Native
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Russian
Proficient (C2)
C2
French
Upper Intermediate (B2)
B2
Dutch
Intermediate (B1)
B1
Spanish
Intermediate (B1)
B1
VOLUNTEERING
United Nations Volunteers (Online Volunteering Programme) - Lead News Anchor (Volunteer) - 2018-2022 (Remote)
- Represented the organisation as an Observer at COP26 in Glasgow and contributed as a guest speaker during side events.
- Founded and led the Coffee-Break Eco News initiative, coordinating an international volunteer team responsible for scriptwriting, presenting, video production and publication.
- Drafted news scripts, translated climate-related content (English-Ukrainian), recorded video reports and managed social media communications for the Weekly World Climate Change News YouTube channel.
International Humanist and Ethical Union - Research Volunteer for the Freedom of Thought Report - 2016 (Remote)
- Researched and contributed to country reports assessing freedom of thought, expression, association and religion as part of the annual Freedom of Thought Report.
- Monitored legislation, policy developments and publicly available sources to support comparative human rights analysis.
Certification
- European Academy of Diplomacy-Academy of Young Diplomats - Executive Diploma in the Art of Diplomacy: International Security (2021).
- Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute - Harvard Ukrainian Summer Institute - Certificate of Completion (2017).
Timeline
PROGRAM MANAGER FOR PEACE, SECURITY AND DEFENCE (UKRAINE INITIATIVE LEAD)
FRIENDS OF EUROPE
04.2024 - 04.2025
PROGRAM MANAGER
INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR UKRAINIAN VICTORY
06.2023 - 06.2024
PROJECT COORDINATOR, SECURITY AND DEFENCE PROGRAM
THE GERMAN MARSHALL FUND OF THE UNITED STATES
11.2022 - 02.2023
POLICY AND PARLIAMENTARY TRAINEE
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT - OFFICE OF DACIAN CIOLOS, MEP (RENEW EUROPE)
04.2022 - 10.2022
POLITICAL ADVISER / G7 SUPPORT OFFICER
EMBASSY OF JAPAN IN UKRAINE
06.2020 - 03.2023
ASSISTANT TO THE SECURITY POLICY ADVISER
NATO REPRESENTATION TO UKRAINE - NATO LIAISON OFFICE
09.2019 - 05.2020
BLUE BOOK TRAINEE
EUROPEAN FISHERIES CONTROL AGENCY (EFCA) - COAST GUARD & INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMES - TRAINING & IUU
10.2017 - 02.2018
PARLIAMENTARY ASSISTANT TO MARYANN MIHYCHUK, MP FOR KILDONAN-ST. PAUL (MANITOBA)
PARLIAMENT OF CANADA - CANADA-UKRAINE PARLIAMENTARY PROGRAM (CUPP)
04.2016 - 06.2016
INTERNATIONAL MASTER - RUSSIAN, CENTRAL AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES (IMRCEES); ERASMUS MUNDUS DOUBLE DEGREE PROGRAMME
University of Turku
INTERNATIONAL MASTER - RUSSIAN, CENTRAL AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES (IMRCEES); ERASMUS MUNDUS DOUBLE DEGREE PROGRAMME
University of Glasgow
MASTER'S DEGREE - POLITICAL SCIENCE
Taras Shevchenko Kyiv National University