Olafs Arnicāns

Olafs Arnicāns has a diverse range of work experience. Most recently, they worked as a Sales Development Representative at GoCardless starting in January 2023. Prior to that, they held the same role at Nordigen from June 2022 to January 2023.

Before transitioning into sales, Olafs worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, where they held the position of Senior Desk Officer in the Development Cooperation Policy Department from October 2021 to February 2022. In this role, they were responsible for developing and coordinating Latvia's position for senior-level meetings at the Council of the European Union and the European Commission. Olafs also drafted policy documents and represented Latvia in EU working group meetings.

From September 2019 to September 2021, Olafs worked as an Attaché/Political Officer at the European External Action Service. In this role, they monitored and reported on local developments and activities, provided political and technical support for EU projects, and represented and defended EU positions to domestic audiences. Olafs also engaged with various stakeholders and created new networks to advance the EU's interests.

Olafs also has experience as a Co-Founder of the Integration and Peace Institute, where they focused on promoting societal integration in Latvia through research-driven understanding and cooperation between NGOs, government institutions, and society. Additionally, they worked as a Project Manager/Researcher at the Latvian Institute of International Affairs from September 2015 to July 2016, where they managed projects, organized public events, conducted research, and published op-eds.

Overall, Olafs Arnicāns has demonstrated expertise in sales development, policy coordination, project management, and research-driven analysis, with a focus on international relations and cooperation.

Olafs Arnicāns completed their education with a Master's degree in Peace & Conflict Studies from Uppsala University during the years 2016 to 2018. Prior to that, they obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Amsterdam University College from 2012 to 2015. In terms of their high school education, Olafs attended the High-School of the Ecuadorian Air Force, UEE Fuerza Aerea Ecuatoriana from 2010 to 2011, where they focused on Physics & Mathematics. Additionally, Olafs has obtained various certifications, including a MEDDPICC Masterclass from MEDDICC in July 2023, a Protocol & Etiquette and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations certification from the European External Action Service in July 2021, an Awareness-Raising Session on EU Values on Human Rights and Gender Equality certification from the European Commission in March 2021, a Political Analysis & Reporting certification from the European External Action Service in February 2020, a Basic Awareness in Security BASE certification from the European External Action Service in September 2019, and a Security Awareness in Fragile Environments SAFE certification from the European External Action Service also in September 2019.