The European Union Office of Oxfam International is based in Brussels. We advocate for EU policies that fight the inequality keeping people locked in a cycle of poverty.
We want just and fairer economies. We strive for gender justice and for the rights of women and girls in all their diversity. We fight for climate justice and create safe spaces that allow people to hold the powerful to account. Rooted in communities, we tackle the causes and consequences of disaster and conflict.
Learn more about our team below.
ALESSANDRA CROPPI
Project Support Officer (Currently on Leave)
Alessandra coordinates funding for various projects at the EU office and leads the EU office's feminist and decolonial transition. Her academic background is in international relations, focusing on human rights, development cooperation, and business management.
CATHERINE DE BOCK
EU International Humanitarian Law Advisor
Catherine is dedicated to raising awareness and addressing the global lack of compliance with International Humanitarian Law. She has vast experience with grassroots organisations and international NGOs in the Middle East. She served as humanitarian advisor and spokesperson for the former Belgian Minister of Development Cooperation and has been with Oxfam for seven years. Catherine holds a master’s degree in educational sciences, human rights, and conflict development.
CHIARA PUTATURO
Deputy Head and EU Inequality and Tax Advisor (Currently on Leave)
Since 2019, Chiara has advocated at the EU level for a fairer tax system and the mainstreaming of equality in EU development cooperation. Previously, she worked at Transparency International in Italy, focusing on research and raising awareness about anti-corruption and transparency in the public sector. Chiara has an academic background in political science and development economics.
CRISTINA FERNÁNDEZ-DURÁN
Head of EU Office
Since 2017, Cristina has held various roles in Oxfam, bringing her expertise in conflict, governance, displacement, and migration. Her humanitarian work spans Latin America, Asia, and Africa. She has worked with displaced populations in Chad, the Central African Republic, and Cameroon. Cristina’s academic background includes law, philosophy, and she has a master’s degree in international development and humanitarian action.
DIDIER JACOBS
Global Development Finance Lead
Didier oversees Oxfam’s global advocacy on aid, debt and tax policies, and serves as target manager for the OECD. He previously led Oxfam America’s advocacy on inequality, tax justice, and international finance. Before joining Oxfam, Didier was a researcher at the London School of Economics and Catholic University of Louvain, as well as an aid worker for Médecins Sans Frontières in Liberia. He holds a Master in Public Policy and a Master in Economics.
GABRIELLE MOLLIER
ECHO and UN Humanitarian Partnership Manager
Gabrielle works on fundraising from the European Commission and the UN, as well as on influencing key donor policies and practices to align them more closely with Oxfam’s work and priorities. Before joining Oxfam, she gained project management experience with another INGO in West Africa and interned in various organisations. Gabrielle holds a master’s degree in international relations.
GINA WHARTON
EU Civic Space Policy Advisor
Since 2021, Gina leads the strategic engagement with the EU institutions and the OECD to promote and protect civic space mainly in Asia, Africa and the MENA region. Previously, she worked as an advocate for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), the protection of human rights defenders and civic participation. Gina holds master’s degrees in human rights law, political science and international relations.
HANNA SAARINEN
EU Development Finance Advisor
Hanna has worked at Oxfam since 2015, holding different roles. Her current focus is on EU development finance. In her previous role, she influenced EU and global policies on food systems and agriculture. Prior to joining Oxfam, she lived in Southeast Asia for five years, where she advocated for land rights and good governance, and worked to strengthen the role of civil society in Laos. Her academic background is in economics, business administration, and social psychology.
IRENE HERNANDEZ ANDRES
EU Partnership Manager
Irene manages Oxfam's partnerships with EU Development Directorates, INTPA, and NEAR. She leads Oxfam resource mobilisation efforts with the EU and coordinates engagement with this donor. Before joining Oxfam in 2018, Irene worked with the International Planned Parenthood Federation in Brussels and with UN Agencies in Latin America and Africa as Programme Analyst.
JADE TENWICK
Deputy Head and Irish EU Presidency Liaison Lead
Jade joined Oxfam in 2020 and has worked with Oxfam's teams in Syria in 2021, and in Türkiye as part of the 2023 earthquake response. Previously, she worked at the European Parliament and in a grassroots NGO. Jade’s academic background is in EU foreign policy and migration, and law.
MAFOUS LASSISI
Office Manager
Joining in August 2024, Mafous oversees the financial, administrative, legal, and operational functions to maintain the smooth running of daily activities. Mafous manages internal systems, ensures compliance with governance standards, and provides support to all teams. As the primary point of contact for HR, finance, and legal matters, Mafous coordinates with both internal staff and external partners to streamline processes and ensure the efficient delivery of programs and operations.
NICK VAN DER STEENHOVEN
EU Migration Coordinator
Nick coordinates Oxfam’s EU work on human mobility. He is dedicated to ensuring that rights and equality remain at the core of human mobility while challenging the negative narratives surrounding migration. Before joining Oxfam, Nick worked with various NGOs and grassroots initiatives and has an academic background in international relations and international public law.
SUVI HELKO
EU Gender Justice Policy Advisor
Suvi advocates for gender-responsive external action of the European Union, working to advance gender equality commitments across the EU's external action agenda. She serves as a bridge between Oxfam's global network of gender experts and relevant EU policy processes and advocacy opportunities, while also facilitating Oxfam's collaboration with relevant civil society partners on gender justice advocacy. Before joining Oxfam, she worked at the European Parliament, UN Women, and the Finnish Embassy. Suvi holds an MA in education science and a MSc. in international development, with a focus on gender.
YULIIA STYRAN
Finance and Project Support Officer
Yuliia coordinates funding for various projects at the Oxfam EU office and ensures the smooth management of all accounting and financial processes. Previously, she worked at the Centre of European Volunteering as Chief Financial Officer. Yuliia holds a Master’s degree in International Economics.