
Driving transformation
Paeradigms was conceived on a rooftop in North Africa among colleagues supporting an African Union higher education project. We were inspired by the project and we wanted to make a difference. We knew how international cooperation works and saw the willingness and dedication of people working to advance social, environmental, and economic transformation. Paeradigms was formed to bring these people together: local actors who believe in the power of community, experts with respect for and experience with the local context, and subject-area experts, and donors to support these efforts.

We are...


We embrace these core values
Collaboration
… across sectors, disciplines, communities, and cultures. Equitable partnerships ensure our solutions reflect a range of perspectives and address the real needs of those involved.
Sustainability
… across sectors, disciplines, communities, and cultures. Equitable partnerships ensure our solutions reflect a range of perspectives and address the real needs of those involved.
Ownership &
Empowerment
… across sectors, disciplines, communities, and cultures. Equitable partnerships ensure our solutions reflect a range of perspectives and address the real needs of those involved.
Innovation & empowerment
… across sectors, disciplines, communities, and cultures. Equitable partnerships ensure our solutions reflect a range of perspectives and address the real needs of those involved.
Equity & Inclusion
… across sectors, disciplines, communities, and cultures. Equitable partnerships ensure our solutions reflect a range of perspectives and address the real needs of those involved.
Our capacity development approach
Capacity development lies at the heart of Paeradigms’ work. We believe that solutions are best shaped by those who know the context, and our approach is driven by localisation and ownership. Working closely with local experts who deeply understand the needs and dynamics of their communities, we support capacity development at the system, organisational, and individual levels. Our process is highly participatory, fostering consensus and ensuring that all voices are heard. By engaging stakeholders in every step, we build a shared vision and empower them to lead the change. We see ourselves as facilitators, helping to unlock existing potential within individuals and organisations. Through meaningful stakeholder engagement, we ensure that the path forward is shaped by local insights, making solutions sustainable and effective. Learning is reciprocal with an even exchange of knowledge between local and international experts. Ultimately, our goal is to help partners strengthen their own capacity, enabling them to drive long term change from within. By embedding ownership and participation at the core of our approach, we create a foundation for lasting impact.
60+ experts
across 5 continents and 33 countries

With offices in Switzerland and the EU (Estonia), Paeradigms operates globally, supported by a network of more than 150 experts across five continents. Our team brings experience from 50 countries, ensuring deep local insights into the specific challenges each region faces.
We carefully select teams for each project based on the specific challenge, blending the analytical insights of academics with the hands-on expertise of practitioners. Local expertise is always a priority, as we recognise that understanding regional contexts is crucial for delivering meaningful and sustainable solutions. We focus on understanding the unique historical, cultural, and environmental contexts of every project, allowing us to create solutions that are both locally grounded and globally informed.
Meet our team

Dr Nina Volles
Managing Director & Founding Partner
Higher Education & Research I Communication I Multi-stakeholder Platforms I Public-private Partnerships

Dr Boutheina Lassadi
Expert in curriculum development
TVET and HE reform, employability, gender, and SMEs in the MENA region

Joseph Hoffman
Senior Associate
Higher Education I Project Leadership I Research and Policy Capacity-Building I Governance I Public Finance Reform

Dr Gregor Walter-Drop
Executive Director Chair NGO &
Co-Founder
Governance I Higher Education & Research

Jéssica Jossias
Project Manager
Project Management I Communication I Data Analysis I Research

Eva Kagiri-Kalanzi
Senior Advisor
Energy I Climate Change I Food Security & Agriculture I Health I Uban Development I Policy I Innovatio

Bart Fonteyne
Senior Associate
Policy I Funding I Higher Education I Evaluations I Scoping Studies