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Developing Leaders through Transformative Training & Coaching

Our Services

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What Sets us apart

Proven and Impactful Content

We work with practical, well-tested tools and approaches, shaped by over ten years of experience in civil society. Our content is continuously refined through practice and feedback.

Care for People and Purpose
We care about the people we work with and the purpose they serve. Through reflection, trust, and personal support, we create learning spaces that enable real change.
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Outstanding Facilitation

Our work is guided by skilled, well-prepared facilitation that is engaging, structured, and goal-oriented. We design and lead processes that help people move from learning to action.

Our KEY CONCEPTS

Our leadership development and coaching work is grounded in a set of practical concepts and tools that are part of the Civil Society Academy toolbox.


These concepts have been developed, tested and iterated over more than a decade and are used across our leadership trainings, coaching programmes and organisational development work.

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Leadership in Civil Society: Self, Team and Organisation

This concept highlights leadership as a multi-level practice, spanning self-leadership, team leadership and organisational leadership. It helps leaders understand how their personal leadership connects to team dynamics and the wider civil society context in which organisations operate.

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Self-Leadership – The Only Tool You Have Is Yourself

Our self-leadership framework focuses on values, integrity, self-management and people orientation as the foundation of effective leadership. It supports leaders to become more aware, authentic and resilient in complex and demanding environments.

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The Impact Navigator

​The Impact Navigator is a reflective tool to assess and strengthen organisational leadership, linking purpose, culture, structures, people, impact and resources. It supports leadership teams to align ambition with reality and to identify concrete areas for organisational development.

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Inspirational Leaders and Role Models - Impactcards.org

We work with a curated set of inspirational leaders and change-makers from civil society and beyond to stimulate reflection on values, courage and leadership practice. These examples help participants connect leadership concepts to real-world action and social change.

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Integrating Masculine and Feminine Leadership Aspects

This concept highlights the importance of integrating masculine and feminine leadership qualities—such as clarity and empathy, decisiveness and inclusiveness—for balanced and effective leadership. It supports leaders to move beyond stereotypes and to draw consciously on a broader leadership repertoire.

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Head, Heart and Hand – Three Dimensions of Change

​The head–heart–hand framework addresses change as both a rational, emotional and practical process. It helps leaders design and lead change processes that create understanding (head), connection and motivation (heart), and concrete action (hand).

Our tRACK rECORD

Flagship programmes and open trainings
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  • Leadership that engages mind and heart: Our leadership programmes are designed to engage both the analytical and personal dimensions of leadership, supporting participants to reflect on values, behaviour and purpose, and to initiate profound individual and collective change processes.

  • Leadership Masterclass: Our flagship Leadership Masterclass has been delivered 11 years in a row, reaching over 200 participants. The programme combines two in-depth modules with individual coaching in between and is widely recognised as a high-impact and transformative learning experience for civil society leaders.

  • Demonstrated impact through outcome harvesting: Outcome harvesting from fellowship and leadership programmes shows significant changes in participants’ leadership practice, including stronger teamwork, improved communication, reduced self-centred leadership styles and greater awareness of collective responsibility, particularly among emerging leaders.

  • Leadership and Team Management trainings: We have delivered around 50 open leadership and team management trainings, reaching close to 1,000 participants from civil society organisations worldwide. These trainings have been conducted in English and French, across Africa and Asia, and are among our most in-demand offers.

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Tailor-made leadership and team development
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  • Customised leadership and team trainings: We have delivered more than 50 tailor-made leadership and team management trainings for organisations, leadership teams and country offices, including Welthungerhilfe country offices, as well as national organisations such as HUNDI (Ethiopia) and CINI (India), and partners in many other countries.

  • Integrated coaching for deeper impact: Many of these tailor-made processes combine training with team coaching and individual coaching, significantly strengthening learning transfer, leadership practice and organisational effectiveness.

 
Coaching, peer learning and fellowships
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  • Coaching of civil society leaders: Over the years, we have coached hundreds of civil society leaders, both within leadership programmes and through stand-alone coaching assignments.

  • Peer coaching as a core method: Peer coaching is a central element of our leadership approach, enabling participants to develop listening skills, powerful questioning and reflective practice, and to shift from advice-giving towards more facilitative leadership.

  • International Land Coalition Fellowship programmes: We delivered the leadership and capacity-building components of the last two International Land Coalition Fellowship programmes, supporting young land rights leaders worldwide through leadership development, advocacy and project management training, and individual coaching in English, French and Spanish.

 
Leadership toolbox and values-based approach
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  • A leadership toolbox for civil society: Our leadership and coaching work is grounded in a comprehensive toolbox, drawing on established leadership thinking (including Peter Drucker, John C. Maxwell and Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits) and adapted specifically to civil society realities.

  • Values- and purpose-driven leadership: We emphasise values-based and purpose-driven leadership, enriched with real-world cases and stories from civil society leaders, including over 100 inspiring leadership profiles integrated into tools such as the Impact Cards.

Facilitators

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Beykham Saleumsouk

Topics: Leadership and Team Management

Beykham is a dedicated facilitator specialising in adult learning, soft skills training, and youth development. With a focus on empowerment, Beykham's expertise extends to leadership training, gender equality, and inclusive education. She excels in designing custom curricula and comprehensive programs, collaborating with local stakeholders and sponsors to meet specific needs.

 

Beykham's work transforms individuals and communities, equipping them with essential skills and promoting lifelong learning. Her passion for capacity building and education drives positive change, making her a catalyst for personal and societal growth. Beykham Saleumsouk's commitment to enhancing skills, leadership, and gender equality through education leaves a lasting impact on those working with her.

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Dirk Reber

Topics: Leadership, Organisational Development, Youth Empowerment

Dirk has been committed to the civil society sector for more than 25 years. With his passion, positive energy, optimism, and autonomy, he likes to see people grow and find their true meaning and values. His international experience in different leadership positions throughout Asia and Africa qualifies him as a facilitator, trainer, and coach: preferably with you in one of the CSA courses, otherwise as an outdoor trainer at YEP Academy. Dirk's center is his family and nature.

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George Hounga

Topics: Leadership

Georges croit fermement au pouvoir de chaque individu à créer un impact positif et durable dans sa propre vie et autour de lui. Il rêve d'un monde où chacun vit pleinement en harmonie avec soi-même et la planète grâce à des choix éthiques et sains. Fort de presque 20 ans d'expérience terrain à travers le monde, Georges combine expertise en gestion agile de projets et programmes internationaux, résilience organisationnelle et coopération en contextes sensibles (post-conflits). Diplômé en Ingénierie de l'Environnement et détenteur d’un Master en Solidarités et Actions Humanitaires, il incarne le profil idéal du leader authentique, orienté vers les résultats et profondément humain.

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Aujourd’hui Membre de l'équipe de gestion flexible pour l’ONG Welthungerhilfe, Georges inspire par son approche axée sur la communication positive, l'empowerment des équipes pour atteindre une performance durable et un réel épanouissement collectif.

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Helina Yigletu

Topics: Leadership, Human rights based Approach, Social Accountability

Helina’s eclectic skillset and interests have led her on a meandering path cutting across a global consulting firm, a publishing collective, a feminist social enterprise, and organizations working in the development sector.

 

As a Coordinator for CSA Africa, she worked on gradually nurturing the entity into an impactful changemaker in the local civil society ecosystem and beyond. She values the inspired vision and progressive values of CSA and finds herself at home in training spaces where collective knowledge is woven into meaningful strategy. She spends the rest of her time on creative outlets and cultivating meaning, knowledge, and connection. xx

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Herbert Wolpert

Topics: Leadership, Organisational Development,
Coaching

Herbert has consulted for organizations of all sizes in the industry, commerce, education and healthcare, both in Europe and Australasia. For more than 25 years, he has been leading organisations and leadership development programmes for senior management. Since 2011, he is consulting with Welthungerhilfe and the European Network Alliance 2015. His facilitation and coaching skills are unmatched!

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Joachim Schwarz

Topics: Leadership, Coaching, Social Innovation, Advocacy,
Multi-Actor Partnerships

Joachim is passionate about social justice and co-creation. In 2014, he left his NGO career to embark on a mission to support civil society actors and social entrepreneurs in becoming more powerful and innovative. Together with his colleagues, he founded the Civil Society Academy, which began its journey in India and later expanded to many parts of the world. In 2023, Joachim established Civil Society Academy International as a social enterprise in Germany.

 

With more than 25 years of experience across Africa and Asia, he brings deep insight into the realities and potential of social change.​

 

Joachim is an outstanding trainer and coach who loves facilitating collective processes that are creative, fun, and deeply impactful. His work focuses on leadership, culture, innovation, and strategy — always with a strong commitment to empowering disadvantaged groups. Now based in Berlin, he continues to inspire and support changemakers worldwide.

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Jonathan Tusubira

Topics: Advocacy, Human Rights-based Approach,
Journalism

Jonathan is an award-winning Innovator, Civic Journalist, Trainer and consultant in the areas of Human Rights, Media Development, Media Literacy and Good Governance in Africa. Over the last 15 years of his career, he has consulted for the Ford Foundation/Uganda Land Alliance, Disability Rights Fund, DW (Deutsche Welle) Akademie, and Boehm Gladen Foundation, among others.

 

One of Jonathan’s social innovations aims at creating more spaces for diverse voices in the media and gives leaders an opportunity to listen to their citizens, and generally make better decisions. He believes that a community without a voice breeds disorder, suspicion, and a lack of public trust.

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JUDITH BAKWANGIRA 

Topics: Leadership and team Management, Organizational Development, mental Health practioner

Judith is a member of International Association of Facilitators (IAF), Vice chairperson of IAF Uganda Chapter, She is a passionate facilitator that adepts to fostering collaborative environments, enhancing communication, and guiding group/team processes. With 15 years of working with NGOs/INGOs in Uganda, she has expertise in project management, leadership and team management training, youth development and empowerment, soft skills training, social inclusion and community development.

 

She empowers individuals, organizations to navigate personal challenges, build resilience, and achieve goals and objectives as a team. As an organizational development practitioner, she optimizes systems and fosters cultures for effectiveness. Additionally, as a project management expert she ensures successful execution, timely delivery, and alignment with organizational objectives, fostering sustainable development and teamwork.

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lav Bunrithy

Topics: Leadership and Team Management, Organizational Development, Advocacy

With over 20 years of experience in national and international NGOs and government ministries, Bunrithy specializes in providing comprehensive training, coaching, and capacity development services at grassroots, national, and regional levels. His expertise includes Do No Harm and Conflict Sensitivity, Organizational Development, Leadership and Team Management, and Advocacy, among other areas.

 

Throughout his career, he has consistently driven organizational growth and social impact, leveraging his extensive knowledge and expertise to deliver high-quality results. Based in Phnom Penh, Bunrithy is committed to making a meaningful difference and contributing to the success of the organizations and communities he serves.

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Leonore Gruenberg

Topics: Gender Equality & Transformative Approaches, Advocacy, Organizational Development 

With over 17 years of experience in international development, Leonore offers exceptional depth in gender transformative approaches, advocacy, and organizational capacity development. Her work spans sectors and continents — from land governance and gender equality in Ethiopia and Germany to microfinance and financial inclusion in Madagascar, Mozambique and India to leadership and mentoring across the globe.

 

A highly engaging multilingual facilitator, Leonore has designed and led strategic planning and advocacy trainings in English, French, and Spanish-speaking contexts. Since joining CSA in 2022, she has developed robust training curricula, coached emerging facilitators, and led mentorship initiatives for young leaders from the global South. Leonore holds a Master’s degree in International Economics and has previously worked with organisations as diverse as GIZ, PlanetFinance and numerous grassroot NGOs. Her work is guided by a strong commitment to empowerment.

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Dr. Moritz gekeler

Topics: Design Thinking, Innovation,
Coaching

Dr. Moritz Gekeler is a strategic consultant, coach and facilitator for co-innovation and design thinking. Over the last ten years he has gained professional experience in various institutions such as the foresight department of Daimler AG, the HPI School of Design Thinking and the SAP Design and Co-Innovation Center. In 2015 he founded dolaborate as a co-innovation consultancy.

 

Moritz works with international companies of all sizes in the process of participatory strategy making especially in regard to design and innovation. He also enables them by teaching creative methods, facilitating innovation events and as a key-note speaker. Besides working in the business sector, Moritz has also taught at various universities in Germany. He is a member of the expert team of the German design research network design:transfer.

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Dr. Petra Speier-werner

Topics: Leadership, Multi-Actor Partnerships,
Coaching

Dr. Petra Speier-Werner is fervently dedicated to transforming organizations and individuals through pioneering and sustainable approaches. She has lived and worked in various sectors in Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America. As an organizational psychologist, economist and political scientist, with a doctorate in change management, her training, conferences and coaching are distinguished by a rich interdisciplinary perspective.

 

 

Driven by a soulful purpose, Petra aspires to serve as a wellspring of inspiration and unconditional love, empowering individuals to discover and embrace their authentic truths. Her mission is to foster a transformative journey for all, enabling them to lead lives aligned with their genuine selves.

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Retta Menberu

Topics: Leadership, Advocacy, Human Rights Based Approach

Retta Menberu Woldetsadik (M.D., MSc) stands up for civil society-state dynamics, good governance, advocacy, and a rights-based approach to development. Since 2018 he has been part of CSA, built up, and leads the Africa office to advocate for change and empower the youth. After working more than two decades in development and health leadership, as a trainer, researcher, and consultant in clinical medicine and public health, Retta developed himself to a broader development leadership and facilitation role by operating as Country Director for ActionAid International, and as regional Strategy Adviser for Rush Foundation. 

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He works as a coordinator, researcher, adviser, and facilitator for international development and humanitarian organizations, alliances, and multi-actor partnerships in diverse contexts across Africa, Asia, and Europe.

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Rishi Meena

Topics: Leadership and Team Management, PCM, Design Thinking, Innovation

Rishi is a social impact strategy and development professional with 14+ years of experience in institution development and project management across livelihoods, climate, health, and nutrition. He specializes in building agile teams, fostering innovation, and driving collaborations. He has worked in strategy and program management at TRI, as Scaling Coordinator at Welthungerhilfe, and as an Executive at PRADAN. His expertise includes project management, organizational strategy, IT-based systems, and stakeholder engagement. At CSA International, he leverages design thinking, digital transformation, and social innovation to create impactful learning programs. Rishi holds a management degree from FMS Delhi and a B.Tech from MNNIT Allahabad.

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Sohini paul

Topics: Leadership, Social Accountability, Advocacy,
Human Rights-Based Approach, Coaching

Sohini Paul brings over thirty years of experience in the development sector, grounded in a strong social science background. She holds a master’s degree in Geography and Regional Planning and is a certified Life and Leadership Coach. Her work combines analytical rigour with a deep commitment to human growth, learning, and transformation.


Over the years, Sohini has worked with a wide range of social change organisations on issues including local self-governance, the right to information, and land rights. She has extensive experience in strengthening the capacities of civil society actors, from grassroots communities to large networks and coalitions.

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Passionate about building a vibrant and resilient civil society, Sohini is known for her warm, inclusive, and reflective facilitation style. She creates learning spaces that encourage curiosity, trust, and meaningful growth.

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Stefan bannach

Topics: Leadership, Organisational Development,
Inter-cultural Communication, Coaching

Stefan is a Coach and Facilitator with 20 years of experience with international organisations, NGO, commercial and public sectors. He coaches individuals and leaders who want to see more authenticity, joy and direction in their lives. In organisations, Stefan works with the moderation method, facilitating processes in organizational development, team building and participative strategic planning.


Stefan is experienced in setting up training modules in the fields of inter-cultural communication and in the training of trainers. He is a skilled researcher with a postgraduate university degree (MA) in Sociology from the University of Hamburg.

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Dr. Tesfaye Yimer

Topics: Leadership, Organisational Development

Tesfaye holds a Doctor in Transformational Leadership/DTL in Entrepreneurial Organisational Transformation, MA in Organisational Leadership and BSc in Agricultural Economics. Previous to founding Sankofa Consultancy Service (SCS), he had worked with the government as well as NGOs in different leading positions. Tesfaye established SCS in 2014 and ever since he has been facilitating workshops and trainings on diverse topics such as change leadership, project cycle management, and organisational capacity assessment of CBOs.

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Trang Nguyen

Topics: Resource Mobilization, Social Innovation, Marketing Communication, Coaching

Trang Nguyen holds a degree in Social Sciences and has worked with governmental and non-governmental organisations in India, Vietnam, and Germany — including GIGA Hamburg, GIZ, and Welthungerhilfe. Since joining CSA in 2015, she has moved from marketing and communications into facilitation, mentoring, and coaching, with a focus on resource mobilisation, communication, innovation, and social entrepreneurship.

 

In 2018, she co-developed CSA’s first fundraising and resource mobilisation curriculum, which has since reached hundreds of participants across Asia and Africa. Since 2019, Trang has played a key role in leading innovation processes and training workshops at CSA International. A creative and forward-thinking professional, she thrives on learning, sharing, and connecting.

 

In 2020, she became a professionally trained Life and Leadership Coach, further expanding her ability to support individuals and teams on their growth journeys.

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The Civil Society Academy International inspires and supports individuals and civil society organizations to become strong, impactful, and value-based actors that contribute to more inclusive and democratic societies.

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