The Council of Europe Office in Chisinau is delighted to welcome Natalia Voutova as its new Head of Office. With over 30 years of experience in high-level political positions and a strong background in development aid, Natalia brings strong expertise in diplomacy, policy design, international aid, and research.

Natalia’s professional journey includes serving as a human rights lawyer and policy design specialist at the Council of Europe, OSCE, and Doctors Without Borders. She has been stationed in France, Chechnya, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, Armenia, and Georgia.

Before taking up her new post in Chisinau, Natalia served as Head of the Council of Europe Office in Tbilisi, where she led a team of over 50 colleagues and oversaw the implementation of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia.

Natalia has pioneered the integration of behavioural science/social and behavioural change (SBC) into the Council of Europe’s assistance to member states, enhancing the effectiveness and impact of our shared work. She has also developed a comprehensive system for data collection and strengthened results-based project reporting within the organisation.

Her scientific research focuses on gender stereotypes, benevolent sexism, and the innovative use of theatre for social change, all aimed at finding new solutions to address gender and other forms of discrimination.

Natalia is a Bulgarian and French national. She is married and proud mum of two young adults daughters.

We look forward to Natalia’s leadership and to advancing our mission together under her guidance