Expertise
The Square Dot team specialises in the policy fields of social inclusion, migration, VET and skills development. We develop research and provide policy advice with the view to enrich public policy with tailor-made, innovative and socially responsible solutions in the areas of:
Meet the team
Dr. Elissavet Lykogianni
Founding Partner & Managing Director
Elissavet has extensive expertise in the policy domains of Research & Innovation, Digital market and Employment, Skills, Migration, Education and Social affairs. With her research background (PhD in Applied Economics), she has led numerous projects involving large, multi-disciplinary and international research teams of Universities and Research institutes and possesses a very strong network of researchers in the academic sector in Europe.
During the past 15 years she has built considerable expertise in the coordination of policy-related studies and the management of international consortia for a variety of (framework) contracts for DG Research, DG Education, DG Competition, Cedefop, DG Connect, among other, such as the EC Multiple Framework Service Contract for Expert Support with the Production and Analysis of R&D Policy Indicators, Horizon projects and Grants in the areas of Migration and Inclusion, as well as studies in the areas of Employment, Education and Skills, Cultural Heritage, Digital policies, R&D and Innovation policies.
Elissavet speaks fluently English, Dutch and Greek and understand French at intermediate level.
Zoi Toliopoulou
School Education Expert
Her expertise is in contemporary language teaching approaches, in pedagogical methods and in the development of innovative school curricula for the ‘Modern’ School.
Zoi has an extensive work experience in tutoring as well as in teaching in state and private schools (both primary and secondary, in Greece, Luxembourg and Belgium), with a solid knowledge of the syllabus and the exams of National, European and International Baccalaureate. Her specific research interest centers on communicative teaching approach, especially on the development of critical literacy for adolescent students in multilingual school environments.
She is certified in Greek as second/foreign language and in adult education. Since 2021 she teaches in the commune Greek language School of Leuven (Belgium) where she has also assumed the role of curriculum specialist. Zoi speaks Greek and English.
Marievi Gretsi
Senior Project Manager
She has an extensive experience in project management of national, international and EU-funded projects focusing on education, tailored-made trainings and skills development for young unemployed, entrepreneurs and socially vulnerable groups. As a mentor, certified by the University of Ghent, she has informed young people in Greece about career opportunities in the Blue Economy in the framework of Blue Generation project funded by EEA and Norway Grants.
Marievi volunteered in the implementation of the Prince’s Trust International and the Mellon – Skills Accelerator programme in Greece aimed at integrating young people into the labour market. Significant experience in the field of communication and organisation was gained as a Customer Service Specialist and as an Assistant Phychologist in psychological support for young teenagers.
Marievi holds a BA in International, European and Regional Studies from Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences of Athens. She is a native Greek speaker, fluent in English and French.
Carolina Egúsquiza
Research and Education Expert
Her academic background is in Educational Sciences, Language and Intercultural Communication, and Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship.She has 15 years of international experience in Higher Education and Research in Peru, the USA, Belgium and the Netherlands. Working with an interdisciplinary team, she has designed a learning track with a focus on Skills Development Training and Career Guidance for university students of the Rotterdam Business School in the Netherlands. The aim has been to equip students with the right competences and attitudes to adapt to international career contexts in our ever-changing labor force and to boost employability in complex and uncertain times.
Carolina continues to have a coordinating role and teaches a variety of skills courses at higher education level in combination with her role at the Square Dot team. Finally, she has co-founded social projects in Peru and Belgium to promote female empowerment and the use of sustainable, innovative materials in the textile and clothing industry.
She truly believes in the power of education to change societies. She speaks English, Dutch and Spanish fluently as well as French at beginner’s level.
Jasee M.Thamby
Expert in Communications
Jasee is an Expert in Communications at the Square Dot Team. She holds more than 24 years of experience in strategic communication, stakeholders’ engagement, brand marketing, project management and sponsorship events. During her time working in the agriculture industry in Malaysia, Jasee worked closely with the Members of the European Parliament on matters pertaining to environment, sustainability and policies through outreach programs. In Belgium, prior to joining Square Dot Team, Jasee has worked with reputable companies namely GlaxoSmithKlien (GSK) on innovation campaign, Tenneco Automotive Europe on change management and Caobisco Europe on EU food industry funded projects. Given her vast experience working with international stakeholders, she has led numerous successful projects in various multicultural settings. Jasee uses her strength in communication to integrate with targeted audiences towards achieving a successful project outcome. She is a proactive professional with global perspective.
She holds a BBA (Hons) Marketing from Mara University of Technology Malaysia and MBA in International Management from UIBS Brussels Business School.
Jasee speaks fluent English, Malay, Tamil, Dutch (near intermediate) and French (near intermediate) level.
Work with us
Research analyst The Square Dot team, Leuven
- Educational policies including school education and higher-education programs
- Skills and access to the labour market
- Vocational Education Training (VET) and career counselling policies
- Entrepreneurship and SME support
- Migrant integration and inclusion
- Awareness raising for the environment and climate change
We work in an international environment with a wide range of EU and non-EU partners based in Europe with whom we cooperate in Research and Policy projects. Our team members, therefore, are part of a wide and inspiring network of EU policy advice organizations working for EU-funded research. Our work includes desk research, qualitative and quantitative analysis, reporting, organization of live and online events for project promotion, dissemination activities of project events, coordination and administration of project results and tasks.
Main responsibilities:
- Implementation of several projects co-funded by the European Commission in the areas of education, skills and the labour market, migrant integration, environment and climate change, awareness raising and dissemination activities
- Project planning and budget administration
- Preparation of project reporting
- Coordination with project partners and preparation of project deliverables
- Preparation of meetings and awareness raising events
- Preparation of content material for projects’ social media
Profile:
- University studies in the fields of Economics, Social Sciences, Education Studies, Communication Studies
- 1-2 year experience in management and implementation of European projects - experience with Horizon 2020 and Erasmus+ projects will be considered as an additional asset
- Experience in research reporting and data collection
- Capacity to work in a multicultural context with partners and beneficiaries from several Member States;
- Essential IT skills and familiarity with Microsoft office
- Familiarity with social media platforms in a professional environment and website software
Personal qualities:
- Excellent analytical, communication and presentation skills
- Very good organizational skills: ability to plan and prioritise tasks
- Excellent command of English and Dutch or French (written and spoken)
- Willingness to travel in Europe, where required.
We offer:
- A stimulating multicultural European environment with excellent working conditions
- Full-time contracts
- A small dynamic, international team.