22nd June 2023
In this episode, we are discussing civil society strengthening in the context of the Ukraine crisis response in Eastern Europe with Olga Nikolska, the Program Director of Culture of Philanthropy Development at Civil Society Organisation Ednannia, and Pawel Mania, the Deputy Director for Transformational Response at the Humanitarian Leadership Academy. Listen for insights from more than 20 years of experience of Ednannia – one of the largest and most experienced civil society organisations in Ukraine, as well as the HLA’s localisation approach and view on the challenges and needs specific to the region.
Listen to the full podcast episode now available on Spotify and Buzzsprout.
About the podcast speakers
Olga Nikolska (she/her) is the Program Director of Culture of Philanthropy Development at Civil Society Organisation EDNANNIA. With a background in consultancy in strategic planning, fundraising, and communication, Olga became the Culture of Philanthropy Development Program Director at ISAR Ednannia in 2017. Olga oversees the Emergency Support Program for Ukrainian Community Foundations and the organisational development grants component.
“The Initiative Center to Support Social Action “Ednannia” was founded in 1997 and officially registered in 1999. With the aim of creating a harmonious society, Ednannia focuses on strengthening the capacity of civil society organisations and individual experts, leaders, and activists, through the work and cooperation of international and Ukrainian donor organisations and businesses.
Pawel Mania (he/him) is the Deputy Director for Transformational Response at the Humanitarian Leadership Academy. He has broad international experience and a background in strategy setting, research and evaluation, cross-functional collaboration, and implementing large-scale, high-impact programmes. Pawel’s passion in his humanitarian work is development, including peacebuilding and migration, learning, and innovation. He leads his team with a value-driven perspective, focusing on transformational changes in alignment with the Engine 2 approach.
Oksana Dobrovolska (she/her) is the Communications Officer at the Humanitarian Leadership Academy. She joined the HLA in early 2023 and holds a background in communications in the security-oriented international relations sector.
Listen to the podcast episode