Masha Chichtchenkova is a security risk management consultant at Open Briefing. She has over 20 years of experience in human rights and the protection of human rights defenders at risk. Masha has provided direct, tailored support and security trainings to individuals facing acute stress and serious threats, always centring their agency and decision-making. She was previously a protection coordinator at Front Line Defenders, a regional programme coordinator at the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), and a programme officer at the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH). Her work spans Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Eastern, Central, and Western Europe. Masha holds a master’s degree in social science and is fluent in Belarusian, English, French, and Russian.

Philippa Williams is a security risk management consultant at Open Briefing. She has worked across Latin America with civil society groups, grassroots organisations, and independent journalists, developing tailored risk management strategies and holistic protection plans for individuals and communities at risk. Her work has included investigations and support in contexts involving land and environmental defence, enforced disappearances, gender-based violence, and reproductive rights. While based in Mexico, she co-founded Técnicas Rudas, a social enterprise that supports social movements through technology, strategic research, project development, and institutional strengthening, and continues to serve on its board. Philippa also has a background in global supply chain analysis and enterprise risk management, having worked as a consultant across multiple jurisdictions on complex investigations and risk strategies. She holds a master’s degree in Conflict, Security and Development and speaks English and Spanish.

Mélanie Paboeuf is a security risk management consultant at Open Briefing. She was the protection and security coordinator for Peace Brigades International in Mexico for three years, after previously serving as an international field observer in the country. Mélanie has also worked as a security consultant for the UN Human Rights Office in Honduras and for ALLIED (the Alliance for Land, Indigenous, and Environmental Defenders) and Bread for the World in Mexico. She was formerly the technical secretary of the Security and Urgent Action Group of the National Network of Women Human Rights Defenders in Mexico (RNDDHM). Mélanie holds a master’s degree in international relations (Latin America–Europe) from Sorbonne University. Originally from France, she has lived in Mexico for the past 12 years and speaks French, Spanish, and English.

Zia Kandler is a security risk management consultant at Open Briefing. She is a social justice organiser and facilitator with extensive experience supporting frontline and grassroots communities to assess and mitigate risk. Before joining Open Briefing, she was the safety and protection officer for Peace Brigades International’s Colombia project and coordinated the digital security laboratory at Fundación Karisma. She has also served as an international human rights accompanier in Guatemala, Honduras, and Colombia. Originally from the United States, Zia is now based in Colombia and speaks English and Spanish.

Jean-Jacques Schwenzfeier (JJ) is a security risk management consultant at Open Briefing. He has over 20 years of experience supporting environmental and human rights defenders at risk across more than 40 countries. JJ has worked with several international organisations protecting activists and facilitating investigations in high-risk areas, including as an international actions and logistics coordinator for Greenpeace International. He holds a master’s degree in international relations and certifications in international and regional security, security management, and personal safety and security. Based in Thailand, he speaks English, German, Spanish, and French.

Araba Cole is a security risk management consultant at Open Briefing. Araba has worked in some of the world’s most dynamic and challenging environments, including Afghanistan, Libya, Ukraine, and Ethiopia, as well as in strategic and leadership roles across Europe. After serving in the Royal Engineers, she spent eight years in the humanitarian sector, including as global director of safety and security for the International Rescue Committee and a roving security adviser for the Norwegian Refugee Council. Now based in the United Kingdom, she has helped organisations of all sizes strengthen their security and resilience while keeping their people safe.

Sandra Elvin is a security risk management consultant at Open Briefing. Sandra was previously the overseas safety and security manager for the US Institute of Peace. She complements her risk management expertise with a strong background in conservation, wildlife management, and expedition leadership, including with the National Geographic Society and the Environmental Investigation Agency. Sandra holds a doctorate in environmental studies, a master’s in marine management, and a graduate certificate in conservation criminology. She speaks English and French.

Gael Leopold is a security risk management consultant at Open Briefing. Gael worked in country director and programme roles in international NGOs for nearly a decade, including with Première Urgence Internationale, WWF International, and ACTED in Chad, Palestine, Lebanon, Haiti, Afghanistan, and Fiji. He was also previously the executive director of Toilettes du Monde and the Rotary Pacific Water for Life Foundation. After three years in Palestine, Gael returned to France and now provides security consultancy and personal security training (HEAT) to NGOs in the humanitarian, development, and human rights sectors. He is fluent in French, English, and Spanish.