Susanne Baumann

Chief of Staff at Crisis Action

My experience and deep interests:

• International Development

I am based in: Berlin

I joined Crisis Action – a non-governmental organisation that works with civil society around the world to protect civilians from armed conflict – in 2007 as Germany Director because of the organisation’s clear vision and ambitious, impact driven goals and as it provides a fresh approach for solving global problems.  I was excited about contributing my more than 20 years of combined experience in international justice, policy, public affairs, human rights, and law towards a mission that I believe in and am committed to.   In 2014, I was offered the exciting opportunity to serve Crisis Action as their Chief of Staff.  I have always had a natural tendency towards, and passion for, organisational development and effectiveness so I welcomed the chance to listen, learn and generate innovative solutions to ensure future growth for employees as individuals as well as the organisation as a whole.

As Chief of Staff, I am responsible for providing internal leadership and executing operational goals in partnership with Crisis Action’s senior leadership team.  I work across the organisation to ensure Crisis Action’s team and global presence run smoothly and to facilitate an efficient and motivating work environment for the team. I am most excited about working collaboratively with staff to build and strengthen systems to meet evolving organisational needs in addition to implementing initiatives designed to strengthen professional development and organisational culture. I am passionate about questions of what makes good leadership.

Prior to joining Crisis Action, I worked for Amnesty International Germany as the Public Affairs Manager where I led the organisation’s advocacy work and supervised government and NGO liaisons.  Previously, my work focused on human rights issues in the Americas.  I am an Assessor of Law/Germany and completed my 1^st State Examination, Law at Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, and 2^nd State Examination, Legal Clerkship, at Regional Court of Düsseldorf.