With over three decades of experience in international governance, Rafael has dedicated his career to advancing human rights, the rule of law, and democratic principles across Europe.

Since joining the Council of Europe in 1994, Rafael has held several prominent roles, including:

• Director of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
• Director of Programme and Budget
• Chief of Protocol
• Head of the Programme Department
• Head of the Public Law Department
• Head of the Anti-Terrorism Division
• Head of the International Law Division
• Head of the Public Law Unit

Throughout his tenure, Rafael has contributed extensively to legal fields such as administrative law, international criminal justice, criminal law (with a focus on corruption and terrorism), and public international law.

In addition to his leadership roles, Rafael has been a visiting lecturer at the Institute of International Relations (ITI-RI) and the International Human Rights Institute (IIDH) in Strasbourg. He has also served on the admissions board of the prestigious École Nationale d’Administration (ENA) in France.

Before joining the Council of Europe, Rafael gained valuable experience in the private sector, working in a law firm and a business association.

Rafael holds a Master’s degree in European Law (LL.M.) from the College of Europe in Bruges and degrees in Law and Finance from ICADE, University of Comillas, Madrid. He also pursued studies in Political Science at UNED, Madrid.

A skilled multilingual communicator, Rafael is fluent in Spanish, English, French, and Italian.