Silvia Chiarelli is a seconded international expert in conflict and post-conflict contexts from Italy, who joined the Mission as Head of the Planning, Reporting and Evaluation Section in September 2023. 

Briefly describe your career and tell us why you applied for a position with EUAM Iraq. 

After having worked as a researcher and practitioner in post-conflict countries in Western and Eastern Africa for twenty years, EUAM Iraq is my third EU mission and my first in the Middle East. I previously served as reporting officer and senior reporting officer/chief of unit at EUCAP Sahel Niger and EUCAP Somalia.  

Before joining CSDP missions in 2016, I led a project in Mali on the protection of civilians in 2014 and 2015. I also worked as an adjunct professor of political science at a private university in Bamako. Prior to that, I developed sociological research projects related to the youth in Algeria and Sudan. Academically, I hold a PhD in Political Studies, with my thesis being on the implementation of Sharia in northern Nigeria. 

Coming to Iraq concluded a 20-year period related to Africa. It offered me the possibility to in the Middle East, a region that has always fascinated me. I applied for my current position because I was looking for new challenges and contexts to learn from after my assignment in Somalia.  

Tell us about your daily work. 

My daily work consists of coordinating the work of a multicultural team composed of two planning and evaluation officers, as well as two reporting officers. Together we contribute to the production of the planning, reporting and evaluation documents of the Mission. They are key to inform our Headquarters in Brussels and the Member States of our activities and the progress made in supporting a civilian security sector in Iraq. Most of my work – and that of the Section’s – is only possible in coordination and collaboration with other Mission entities, especially the Advisers of the Department of Operations.  

How do you find working with colleagues from many different backgrounds? 

It is enriching, rewarding, and an experience to learn from – about others and also about yourself. It requires being open-minded and embracing diversity, respecting individual differences, but also learning regularly and leading by example through continuous collaboration with others.   

This Mission is composed of colleagues with civilian, police and military backgrounds from different EU Member States as well as a large number of Iraqi colleagues, all of whom have impressed me with their kindness and generosity.  

What has been the most rewarding or memorable experience for you on the Mission so far? 

The most rewarding experience for me is when I have the opportunity to meet and interact with Iraqi counterparts and international partners. Although my work keeps me behind my desk most of the time, I like meeting new people because behind each person there is a story.  

Because I am fascinated by the rich history and the culture of Iraq, as well as its artistic and archaeological artefacts, the cultural visits organised by the Mission are really a dream come true for me. As I love art, the visit to the National Museum of Iraq was a remarkable experience.  

If you could live anywhere, where would you choose? 

The world is so full of amazing places to discover that it is difficult to choose one place. Moreover, I don’t think that the place is the only important factor; what I do and the people who are with me really matter the most. Doing something which allows me to make a difference and have an impact, with the help of others, is the right formula to enjoy a place at a given time. 

How do you relax?  

I relax by taking the time to recharge my battery after work and over the weekend by doing sports, such as swimming, pilates, walking and running. I like also to go to the gym. Working 44 hours per week in a sedentary job is demanding, and doing sports is a relief from stress and a way to remain focused. Meditation and prayer complement physical practice and nourish my spirit. 

I often call friends and my parents to share my feelings with those who helped me to become the person I am today. I also use my spare time to study and attend online courses to develop my skills and try to grow personally and professionally.  

Thanks to the social events organised by the Mission’s Welfare Committee, I have the opportunity to meet my colleagues in a different setting in Iraq.