Valeriya Gonitashvili
International Relations & Multilingual Project Specialist
Tbilisi, GE.About
International Relations specialist and educator with 4+ years of teaching experience at NovaMova/SRAS, Thomas Jefferson Research Center, Topchubashov Research Center, and Karabakh University. Teaching experience includes Russian and Soviet Politics, Energy Security in the Black Sea and Caspian regions, Peacebuilding and Negotiation, and Frozen and Post-Conflict Studies. Strong background in academic research, teaching, and international project work, with a focus on contemporary international affairs, conflict resolution, and geopolitical challenges.
Work
Baku, Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan
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Remotely, Occasionally On Site
Summary
Educator at the Topchubashov Center, facilitating discussions on international relations, conflict studies, and regional affairs.
Highlights
Supported dissemination of research through discussions and outreach-oriented formats.
Engaged participants in debates on conflict dynamics, geopolitics, and post-conflict issues.
Karabakh University
|Teacher/Facilitator
Khankendi, Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan
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Remote and Occasionally On Site
Summary
Served as an educator in university-led projects, delivering sessions and facilitating student learning in international relations and diplomacy. Supported student engagement and preparation for the first-ever QUMUN Conference. Invited by Bir Konulu Organization and the International Youth Dialogue Platform to contribute to youth-focused educational initiatives.
USAID “Dopomoga Ukraini” / People in Need Georgia “GamarJob” Projects
|Translator/editor/researcher
Tbilisi, Georgia, Georgia
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Summary
Provided translation, editing, and research support for humanitarian projects focused on Ukraine and Georgia. Participated in focus groups assessing the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and supported stakeholder communication on employment and education opportunities. Contributed to the preparation of outreach and social media materials in Georgian, English, Ukrainian, and Russian.
Highlights
Developed Georgian language course materials and syllabus for Ukrainian IDPs and supported translation within a Public Service Hall project.
NovaMova/SRAS
|Company Manager and Tutor
Tbilisi, Tbilisi, Georgia
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Summary
Coordinated comprehensive study programs and cultural activities, while delivering language and Soviet politics tutoring to American SRAS cadets.
Highlights
Managed operational logistics and student support, ensuring smooth program execution and high participant satisfaction.
Focused on discussion-based learning and analytical skill development.
Global Educational Services
|International Students Coordinator
Tbilisi, Georgia, Georgia
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Summary
Supported international students through admissions and academic integration, acting as a liaison between students, families, and educational institutions. Coordinated with the Public Service Hall, embassies, and the Ministry of Education on student documentation, visas, and temporary residence permits. Assisted students in navigating academic systems and provided cross-cultural support in a diverse learning environment.
Observatory of Politics and Law
|Fellow Researcher
Tbilisi, Tbilisi, Georgia
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Summary
Conducted research and interviews, attended parliamentary sessions, and contributed to policy paper development.
Highlights
Attended parliamentary sessions, gaining firsthand insight into legislative processes and policy formulation.
Contributed to the development of a policy paper, synthesizing research findings and contributing to policy recommendations.
Thomas Jefferson Research Center
|Assistant General Manager
Lodz, Poland, Poland
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Summary
Supported and led discussions on international affairs and conflict studies, with a focus on student engagement and debate. Helped coordinate international educational forums in Łódź with Ambitna Polska and co-developed an educational project on Georgian–Polish, Georgian–EU, and Georgian–NATO relations, focusing on regional security and cooperation in the Black Sea region.
Highlights
Strengthened relations with foreign NGOs, specifically 'Fundation Ambitna Polska', enhancing international collaboration and resource acquisition.
Organized and executed study workshops and international forums in Lodz, Poland, promoting knowledge exchange and networking.
Education
Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University
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Master of Social and Political Science, Eurasian and Caucasian Studies Program
Eurasian and Caucasus Studies
Grade: 3.7
International Black Sea University
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Bachelor of IR
Faculty of Social and Political Science, International Relations Program
Grade: 3.7
Publications
Languages
Russian
First Language
Ukrainian
First Language
English
Advanced
Georgian
Advanced
Certificates
Certificate for participation in the International Student Forum on Youth, Peace and Security in Baku and Shusha
Issued By
International Student Forum
Certificate for participation in the project "Peace Education Corridor for Youth" in Gyumri
Issued By
Peace Education Corridor for Youth Project
Certificate in Short Study Program "How does the EU work?" at the EP, Brussels
Issued By
European Parliament (EP)
Certificate in "M100 Young European Journalists Workshop" in Berlin and Potsdam
Issued By
M100 Sanssouci Colloquium
Certificate in Study Program in Verkhovna Rada and mass media of Ukraine
Issued By
Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine
Certificate in "Public Administration and Civil Activism" at the Civil Monitoring Center, Tbilisi
Issued By
Civil Monitoring Center
Certificate of participation in the law project "Monitoring parliamentary activities" in the Innovation and Development Foundation, Tbilisi
Issued By
Innovation and Development Foundation
Skills
International Relations
Foreign Policy, Geopolitics, Regional Security Research, International Law, Human Rights, Policy Analysis.
Multilingual Communication
Translation (Russian, Ukrainian, English, Georgian), Interpretation (Russian, Ukrainian, English, Georgian), Proofreading, Editing, Cross-cultural Communication, Interpersonal Communications.
Project Management
Project Coordination, Event Management, Program Development, Stakeholder Management, Client Assistance, Case Management, Operational Logistics.
Research & Analysis
Qualitative Research, Interviewing, Data Analysis, Policy Paper Development, Attention to Detail, Quality Assurance.
Community & Educational Engagement
Community Relationships Development, Student Support, Cultural Awareness, Tutoring, Educational Program Coordination.
Administrative & Legal Support
Human Resources Best Practices, Document Management, Legal Business Guidance, Public Administration.
Interests
Geopolitics & Regional Studies
South Caucasus geopolitics, Energy security in the Caspian region, Azerbaijani and Georgian politics, Eurasian and Caucasian studies.
International Law & Human Rights
International law, Combating state terrorism.