OZLEM DEMİREL COOK

• Managed and supported project activities in close cooperation with national partners and stakeholders (The Ministry of Justice, Turkish Constitutional Court, Council of State, Justice Academy of Türkiye, Union of Turkish Bar Associations, Ombudsman Institution of Türkiye, Human Rights and Equality Institution of Türkiye, Council of Judges and Prosecutors, selected public administration agencies, and CSOs); coordinated national and international consultants to contribute to the substantial implementation of the projects; supervised the training needs assessment, design of a gender-based training curriculum (to mainstream gender professionally), gender experts were included in the process of training needs assessment and the planning of the training modules, implementation of the Training of Trainers (ToT), and the cascade training programs for court staff and members of the judiciary. Additionally, conducted preliminary, mid-term, and final evaluations of the training programs using an impact assessment methodology.
• Coordinated a court user satisfaction survey that comprised a quantitative element and a qualitative element in line with CEPEJ methodology to enable measurement of both expectation and satisfaction levels of certain aspects of the judicial services provided. Analyzed elements of the advocacy program in line with the public awareness and communication strategy. Managed the preparation of the bidding process with a team of experts in terms of technical and administrative components for the establishment of an e-library for the Turkish Justice Academy.
• Co-developed project proposals and evaluation framework completion upon the projects. Ensured close budgetary follow-up of all activities and expenditures, in accordance with CoE rules; drafted interim and final narrative reports; prepared any other documentation and reports as needed. Supervised and coached the work of project team members.

Projects – Duration- Partners

• 1. 12/2022-03/2023: Strengthening the Criminal Justice System and the Capacity of Justice Professionals on Prevention of the European Convention on Human Rights Violations in Turkey (Project is co-funded by the European Union, Republic of Türkiye and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe) https://www.coe.int/en/web/ankara/strengthening-the-criminal-justice-system-and-the-capacity-of-justice-professionals-on-prevention-of-the-european-convention-on-human-rights-violations-in-turkey
• 2. 02/2020-14.12.2022: Improving the Effectiveness of the Administrative Judiciary and Strengthening the Institutional Capacity of the Council of State (Project is co-funded by the European Union, Republic of Türkiye and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe). https://www.coe.int/en/web/ankara/e-library-joint-project-on-improving-the-effectiveness-of-the-administrative-judiciary-and-strengthening-the-institutional-capacity-of-council-of-state
• 3. 04/2018- 05/2019: Improving the Effectiveness of Investigation of Allegations of Ill-treatment and Combating Impunity (Voluntary Contribution funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and Human Rights Trust Fund)

• Coordinated overall project portfolio in the areas of policy development, strategic management, migration and governance areas under “the Reuniting Europe Program, Rule of Law, Justice, Migration and Bilateral Programme”, supported by UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office under Europe Directorate.

Projects – Duration- Partners

• 7/2009-2/2011
• 1. Improving the Assessment System for the Judges and Prosecutors to Enhance Impartiality of Judiciary Reform in Turkey.
• 2. Effective implementation of the mediation in Turkish judicial system with public engagement in line with EU standards.
• 3. Impact Assessment of the Project on Enhancing Capacity of Military Judges & Prosecutors under the Turkish General Command on ECHR, ECtHR & International Human Rights Standards.

• As part of the BC's Social Inclusion, Governance, and Society Programs, provided support for direct implementation of the projects to promote social inclusion, “multiculturalism” and diversity (Media and Diversity, Living Together by the Council of Europe; Imagine Your Future and Migrant Cities/Turkey components) and strategic thinking approach for the public administration (Strategic Planning and Management in Public Administration, Prime Ministry). Developed project proposals. Managed project budget and staff.

• Company Overview: Technical Assistance, BeyazGemi Ltd. Sti
• Co-ordinated consultancy services for the development of community awareness campaigns and disaster education resources that the implementing organizations could utilize.

• Considering the latest developments in disaster management, response, mitigation, and education, oversaw ARC's operations and provided TRCS staff with guidance and support in carrying out community disaster education programs, including developing curricula and instructional materials for both formal and informal disaster education for kids (called “Learning Safe Living with Kizilay”). Co-lead disaster management regional cooperation plans for Central Asia and the Caucasus. Participated in the final round of monitoring and evaluation while completing and closing down the remaining projects.

• Worked as a field officer for the long-term, participatory, community-based sustainable development project. Ensured the delivery of disaster education and training programme for volunteers in the region and raised community awareness on disasters by collaborating with local communities, civil society organizations, and educational institutions. Managed volunteer response sites in coordination with the Kocaeli Civil Defense Directorate and non-governmental organizations.

• Co-facilitated negotiations with TRCS (Turkish Red Crescent Society) staff regarding broad guidelines and procedures for DRPM (Disaster Response and Preparedness Management) and acted as a liaison officer between TRCS and ARC to encourage and foster collaboration.

• Company Overview: National Education Development Project (NEDP-II)/Council for Higher Education (YÖK), World Bank Loan, Ankara
• Assisted ASU project operations in Turkey related to the execution of the Technical Assistance Agreement that the principal contractor, the British Council, had signed. Provided administrative support for Turkish fellowships, student placement and program progress of master's and doctoral degrees at US universities. Monitored project budget and prepared monthly project vouchers.

• Company Overview: National Education Development Project (NEDP) / Ministry of National Education (MoNE) World Bank Loan
• Provided program and contractual assistance to local consultants. Supported the MoNE staff's orientation locally and coordination for exchange programs at US universities. Facilitated administrative support for the organization of the seminars. Monitored the project budget and prepared monthly project vouchers.