Key Experts

Hans Staiger, Team Leader
Hans is an International Media Consultant with a 20-year journalistic and managerial career at the BBC World Service, followed by several years of work in the media development field, particularly in South Eastern Europe.

Tony is an international media expert independent HR Consultant with long-term experience in journalism, management and journalism training in BBC World Service Trust and has worked on many media development projects in Southeast Europe.

Eva Pinkavova, Senior Expert in Human Resource Management

Eva is an independent HR Consultant with more than 15 years experience in HR, Training and operational line management in the UK and Central Europe.  She has worked in a variety of organisations including BBC World Service Training and UK businesses developing and delivering HR management strategy, policy and training. 

Michael Foley, Key Expert in Curriculum Modernisation
Michael is a Senior Lecturer in Journalism at the Dublin Institute of Technology and has more than 20 years of experience as a working journalist. He has researched and published widely on media policy issues, has formulated a new degree programme for journalists, and has lectured and trained frequently in Eastern, Central and South Eastern Europe.

Yasha Lange, Key Expert in Media Self-regulation
Yasha graduated in media law and policy and has worked for the past ten years in media development in South Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union, and as editor for a Dutch daily newspaper.

Brian Schjertzer, Finance Officer 
Brian has broad experience in managing tender procedures, feasibility studies, energy and environment projects, organizational development and HRD, business management, outsourcing/privatisation. He has worked as a financial advisor for projects in Bulgaria, Romania, Latvia, Estonia, Slovak Republic and Hungary as well as in developing countries.

Elisaveta Alexandrova, Manager and Technical Assistant
Elisaveta is an experienced project manager and has worked on a number of internationally-financed projects in Bulgaria since 1998. Elisaveta, a linguist, speaks fluent English, Russian, Hindi and Urdu.