In recent years, my primary focus has been the management of EU-funded projects under DG ECHO, complemented by selected assignments as a coach and trainer in professional training environments.
Below is a selection of recent projects:
Project CROSSFLOOD 2025
[ 01/01/2025 – today] as Senior Project Advisor
The Full-Scale Exercise (FSX) CROSSFLOOD is designed to prepare Civil Defence Organisations and UCPM modules for operations in post-conflict environments.
The exercise focuses on strengthening operational readiness, interoperability, coordination, and mission-specific capabilities in complex emergency scenarios. In parallel, the project supports the development of a sustainable and practice-oriented training programme for future deployments and multinational cooperation.
The project is coordinated by the Department of Emergency Situations in close cooperation with publicomm GmbH (PCC). PCC supports the project through organisational and administrative project management, operational coordination support, logistical planning and services, and strategic advisory assistance throughout the exercise lifecycle.
This cooperation ensures efficient project implementation and contributes to strengthening European civil protection preparedness and cross-border emergency response capabilities.
EU MODEX EUCPT-TAST
[ 01/01/2024 – 2025] as Project Manager
Management of a tender funded by DG ECHO under the EU MODEX 2024–2026 programme, Lot 4, for the design, planning, implementation, and self-evaluation of two functional exercises for experts of the European Union Civil Protection Team and the Technical Assistance and Support Team.
Each exercise was designed as a comprehensive four-and-a-half-day deployment simulation covering all operational phases of an international mission, including:
- mission preparation and deployment procedures,
- coordination and operational management,
- scenario-based field operations,
- refresher training modules,
- evaluation and structured feedback sessions.
The exercises focused on strengthening interoperability, leadership, coordination, and operational readiness within the framework of the European Civil Protection Mechanism.
MODEX 1 — Wicklow County, Ireland
Conducted from 24–28 March 2025 in Wicklow County.
MODEX 2 — Tenerife, Spain
Conducted from 17–21 November 2025 in Tenerife.
The project contributed to enhancing the preparedness and effectiveness of European civil protection experts for complex international emergency response operations.
EU HNS Table Top Execises
[ 01/05/2022 –06/2023 ] as Project Manager
Management of a tender funded by DG ECHO for the design, planning, implementation, and evaluation of two EU Host Nation Support (HNS) tabletop exercises (TTX) for stakeholders involved in UCPM response operations both within and outside the European Union.
The project included the development and delivery of two multinational tabletop exercises conducted in different operational environments — one in the Middle East and one in Eastern Europe — each reflecting distinct emergency management structures and combining national, international, and cross-border coordination dimensions.
The implementing partners for the exercises were:
- Public Security Directorate, Civil Defence Directorate
- General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations
Amman, Jordan
The first tabletop exercise was conducted in Amman from 21–25 November 2022.
Chișinău, Moldova
The second tabletop exercise was conducted in Chișinău from 20–24 February 2023.
The exercises focused on strengthening preparedness, coordination mechanisms, and Host Nation Support procedures for complex international emergency response operations under the European Civil Protection framework.
Project INDIMA (Integrated Disaster Management)
[ 01/01/2021 – 30/06/2022 ] as Project Manager, Deputy Exercise Director
A simulation tabletop exercise (SIMEX) was conducted in Timișoara from 23–25 March 2022. The project focused on the development and validation of a practical checklist for integrated disaster management involving multiple stakeholders.
As Project Manager, responsibilities included overall project planning and coordination, stakeholder management, project visibility and communication, documentation, as well as the organisation and execution of the SIMEX. Additional responsibilities covered quality assurance, risk management, client liaison, and conflict resolution to ensure successful project delivery. The exercise brought together all relevant actors to test the developed checklists, identify areas for improvement, and strengthen operational knowledge for practical application.
Exercise Design and Methodology
The SIMEX was structured as a progressive, multi-phase scenario exercise, supported by Virtual Reality (VR) simulations and scenario injects to enhance realism and decision-making dynamics.
It followed a three-phase operational framework:
- Phase I: National response
- Phase II: National and cross-border response
- Phase III: Recovery and transition phase
A structured post-exercise evaluation provided feedback on procedures, coordination mechanisms, and the applicability of the developed checklists, contributing to improved disaster management practices and interoperability among stakeholders.
IRONORE 2019 – International Civil Protection Exercise
[ 01/11/2018 – 30/11/2020] as Project Manager for Austrian Red Cross, Headquarters
Project Manager for IRONORE 2019, an international EU-funded discussion-based (DBX) and full-scale (FSX) Civil Protection exercise conducted at the Erzberg site in Eisenerz. The project included participation under an FP7 trial framework and represented one of the most complex large-scale civil protection exercises implemented in Austria. As Project Manager, responsibilities included end-to-end project planning and coordination, stakeholder and partner management, project visibility and communication, documentation, as well as oversight of delivery, quality assurance, and risk management. Additional responsibilities included client liaison, operational coordination, and conflict resolution throughout the project lifecycle.
The exercise combined an international discussion-based training phase with a subsequent full-scale operational exercise, involving a wide range of national and international response organisations.
Participating Organisations
Austria
- Austrian Red Cross
- Cave Rescue Services
- Austrian Police
- Government of Styria
- Austrian Armed Forces
- Fire Brigade Services
Germany
- German Red Cross
- DLR Drone Teams
Hungary
- Hungarian Red Cross
- Hungarian Water Aid Unit
Slovenia
- MUSAR Team
- Cave Rescue Team
IRONORE 2019 was the largest international civil protection exercise conducted in a real-world “sandbox” environment on Austrian territory, with approximately 800 participants involved in operational and support roles.
The project originally planned for 18 months was extended to 21 months due to COVID-19-related restrictions, ensuring full delivery of all exercise components and evaluation activities despite operational challenges.