Matthias Jaeger

International co-operation with an entrepreneurial spirit

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

About

Results-driven international cooperation leader with 20 years of experience in program and community management, leadership development, and external relations/partnerships. A trusted advisor to senior management recognized for his strategic thinking, reliable managerial skills, and a collaborative leadership style. Robust track record of creating innovative initiatives and mobilizing the necessary resources to make them happen. Experienced in government, inter-governmental organizations, NGOs and philanthropy, with extensive global networks. Understands different perspectives on international development and sees engagement opportunities where others don't. Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, and thriving in diverse international teams. Excellent writing, presentation and communication skills. Strong intercultural sensitivity and ability to maneuver in politically sensitive environments, demonstrated in numerous professional assignments worldwide.

Experience

  • Head of Program, Climate Change and Democracy at International IDEA
    Dec 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 7 mos

  • Policy Advisor - Senior Policy Advisor at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
    Oct 2020 - Nov 2022 · 2 yrs 2 mos

  • OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) (8 yrs 4 mos)
    • Advisor, Policy & Fundraising
      Jan 2019 - Aug 2020 · 1 yr 8 mos

    • Short-term election observer (STO)
      May 2012 - Jul 2019 · 7 yrs 3 mos

  • Senior Consultant, Strategic Initiatives at Transparency International
    Mar 2018 - Aug 2018 · 6 mos

  • Organization of American States (OAS) (4 yrs 7 mos)
    • Short-term election observer (STO) / Regional Coordinator
      Jan 2014 - Jul 2018 · 4 yrs 7 mos

    • Lead Consultant / Project Director
      Apr 2014 - May 2018 · 4 yrs 2 mos

      • Designed, developed and coordinated the “OAS Fellowship on Open Government in the Americas”, a leadership program on transparency, citizen participation and civic innovation harnessing new technologies. • Raised 100% of the project budget ($1,500,000), including own and team´s salary, through new strategic partnerships with OAS member states and permanent observers, foundations, private sector actors, and multilateral organizations. • Managed to establish the program, within two years, as one of the OAS’ flagship products on transparency and participation and position it as a reference in the worldwide Open Government arena. • Summarized the methodology, impact and learnings of the program´s first three years in a comprehensive report. • Achieved that the German government included the OAS as a host organization in its prestigious “Carlo Schmid Program for Internships in International Organizations and EU Institutions”, and organized and supervised the first two German interns at the OAS, before establishing the cooperation long-term.