Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
Volunteer Experience
Timeline
Generic

Nikoleta Petalidou

Thessaloniki

Summary

Licensed neuropsychologist with over 10 years of experience in humanitarian aid and protection services. Dedicated professional specializing in gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), leading initiatives in gender-based violence in emergencies (GBViE), and implementing protection from sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (PSEAH) programs. Brings strong expertise in protection coordination and project management, complemented by a background in scientific research, neuropsychology, and psychopharmacology. Proven track record in developing inclusive protection strategies and providing consultancy services, combining clinical expertise with humanitarian field experience to deliver comprehensive support to vulnerable populations.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Head of Research and Development

E.N.A
03.2025 - Current

Led cross-functional teams to drive innovation and development initiatives. Oversaw research projects, ensuring alignment with company strategy and market needs. Mentored junior researchers, fostering skill development and enhancing team performance. Implemented streamlined processes to improve project timelines and resource allocation.

Senior Scientific Associate

AHEPA University General Hospital - 3rd' Psychiatric Department
02.2015 - Current

Conducted and led in various psychiatric research studies and clinical trials, analyzing data and contributing to scientific publications. Collaborated with healthcare professionals in the development and implementation of research. Worked on bipolar disorder research, psychometric tool development, psychiatric assessment in psychotic patients, project management, clinic duties, outpatient offices, and teaching.

Chief Scientific Officer

SignalFusion
02.2024 - 03.2025

Contributed to the development of psychiatric screening protocols by conducting thorough clinical data analysis, enhancing accuracy and effectiveness of assessments. Managing human capital risk and performance through cutting-edge AI technologies that offer deeper insights and proactive measures.

PROJECT MANAGER

Symbiosis
01.2023 - 12.2023
  • Lead the ASAP project with a focus on inclusive planning, execution, and continuous monitoring, aligning with organizational goals and community needs
  • Foster collaborative relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including local communities, to enhance service access and share effective practices.

Programs Coordinator

ASB - Arbeiter Samariter Bund
09.2021 - 10.2023
  • Successfully managed and implemented multiple humanitarian and development programs, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and organizational objectives.
  • Protection Program: Led initiatives to safeguard the rights and well-being of vulnerable populations, improving referral pathways and advocacy efforts. Developed community-based protection strategies that enhanced access to services for refugees and displaced persons.
  • Site Management Support (SMS) Program: Oversaw site coordination in displacement settings, facilitating service provision, infrastructure development, and community engagement, resulting in improved living conditions and better access to essential services.
  • Skills Development & Employability Program: Designed and executed vocational training and livelihood initiatives, increasing beneficiaries' employment opportunities and economic self-sufficiency. Established partnerships with local businesses and training providers to expand skill development programs.
  • Education Project: Implemented formal and non-formal education initiatives, increasing access to quality education for children and youth. Strengthened collaboration with educational institutions and local authorities to improve learning outcomes.
  • Managed program budgets, ensuring efficient resource allocation and financial accountability.
  • Led capacity-building initiatives for staff and local partners to enhance program implementation and sustainability.
  • Conducted monitoring & evaluation activities, using data-driven insights to improve program impact and effectiveness.
  • Built and maintained strong relationships with donors, government agencies, and stakeholders to support program growth and sustainability.

PROJECT MANAGER / NATIONAL RESEARCHER FOMEN

Symbiosis
12.2019 - 08.2021
  • Lead and coordinate the FOMEN project, integrating gender sensitivity and intersectional approaches in strategies targeting men
  • Conduct research and gather data on gender-based violence, analyzing the role and impact of masculinity norms
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to develop and implement effective prevention programs and awareness campaigns
  • Monitor, evaluate, and report on project progress, ensuring alignment with objectives and making data-driven adjustments as necessary.

PROTECTION MANAGER (PROTECTION / CHILD PROTECTION / LEGAL)

ASB - Arbeiter Samariter Bund
11.2018 - 08.2021
  • Oversee protection programs, ensuring effective implementation of child protection and legal assistance services
  • Coordinate with partners and stakeholders to enhance protection efforts
  • Monitor, evaluate, and report on program outcomes, adapting strategies as needed.

NATIONAL DELEGATE

European Council, Gender Equality and social inclusion council
11.2016 - 11.2019
  • Represent national interests and policies in gender equality and social inclusion discussions
  • Participate in council meetings and contribute to policy development
  • Collaborate with international delegates to foster inclusive strategies and initiatives.

WOMEN'S PROTECTION AND EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM MANAGER

IRC - International Rescue Committee
06.2017 - 02.2018
  • Manage and develop programs focused on women's protection and empowerment
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance support and advocacy for women's rights
  • Oversee program evaluation, ensuring impactful and sustainable outcomes.

SENIOR RESPONSE OFFICER

IRC - International Rescue Committee
02.2017 - 06.2017
  • Lead emergency response initiatives, coordinating rapid and effective interventions
  • Collaborate with teams and partners for streamlined crisis management
  • Oversee response evaluation and adapt strategies for maximum impact.

GENDER BASED VIOLENCE - WOMEN'S PROTECTION AND EMPOWERMENT - CASE WORKER

IRC - International Rescue Committee
06.2016 - 02.2017
  • Provided comprehensive support and counseling to women affected by gender-based violence, tailoring interventions to individual needs
  • Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement effective protection strategies and empowerment programs
  • Conducted assessments, documented cases, and advocated for resources and support to enhance the safety and well-being of women.

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Maastricht University
01.2014 - 12.2015
  • Assist in conducting neuropsychological and psychopharmacological research
  • Analyze data and contribute to academic publications
  • Support the department in research project administration and coordination.

Education

Project Management Professional (PMP), Student -

Project Management Institute
08.2024

Certified Psychoanalyst -

Lacanian Orientation
12.2022

Child Protection Certificate -

Children's Rights in Theory And Practice - EdX
12.2022

MSc in Neuropsychology -

Maastricht University
12.2016

BSc(hons) Psychology -

University of Derby
12.2014

Skills

  • Executive Function
  • Memory
  • Neuroscience
  • Clinical Neuropsychology
  • Psychometrics
  • Neuroimaging
  • Brain Imaging
  • Functional Neuroimaging
  • Cognitive Neuropsychology
  • Clinical Neuroscience
  • Neuropsychological Assessment
  • Quantitative and Qualitative research
  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Counseling
  • Case management and Social Support
  • Proposal writing and Negotiation
  • Consultancy
  • Policy Drafting
  • Clinical Trial
  • Clinical Research
  • Psychopharmacology research
  • Neuropsychological Imaging
  • Good clinical practice guidelines
  • Clinical trial protocols
  • MHPSS Consultancy

Additional Information

Additional details and information are available upon request.

Volunteer Experience

  • Amnesty International, 01/01/04, NOW
  • Medecins Du Monde, 01/01/12, NOW
  • To Hamogelo tou Pediou, 01/01/11, NOW, Active member of the Greek non-governmental organization "To Hamogelo tou Pediou". Creative activities with children ailing from cancer, being hospitalized.

Timeline

Head of Research and Development

E.N.A
03.2025 - Current

Chief Scientific Officer

SignalFusion
02.2024 - 03.2025

PROJECT MANAGER

Symbiosis
01.2023 - 12.2023

Programs Coordinator

ASB - Arbeiter Samariter Bund
09.2021 - 10.2023

PROJECT MANAGER / NATIONAL RESEARCHER FOMEN

Symbiosis
12.2019 - 08.2021

PROTECTION MANAGER (PROTECTION / CHILD PROTECTION / LEGAL)

ASB - Arbeiter Samariter Bund
11.2018 - 08.2021

WOMEN'S PROTECTION AND EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM MANAGER

IRC - International Rescue Committee
06.2017 - 02.2018

SENIOR RESPONSE OFFICER

IRC - International Rescue Committee
02.2017 - 06.2017

NATIONAL DELEGATE

European Council, Gender Equality and social inclusion council
11.2016 - 11.2019

GENDER BASED VIOLENCE - WOMEN'S PROTECTION AND EMPOWERMENT - CASE WORKER

IRC - International Rescue Committee
06.2016 - 02.2017

Senior Scientific Associate

AHEPA University General Hospital - 3rd' Psychiatric Department
02.2015 - Current

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Maastricht University
01.2014 - 12.2015

Certified Psychoanalyst -

Lacanian Orientation

MSc in Neuropsychology -

Maastricht University

BSc(hons) Psychology -

University of Derby

Project Management Professional (PMP), Student -

Project Management Institute

Child Protection Certificate -

Children's Rights in Theory And Practice - EdX
Nikoleta Petalidou