Open to opportunities

Karolina Widanka

@karolinawidanka

Message

I am a legal practitioner specialising in international law, compliance, and data protection.

Denmark

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek mission-driven international roles where I can apply international law, GDPR and mediation skills to advance sustainability and human rights within collaborative, multicultural teams that offer strategic impact and professional growth.

I am an Australian-qualified legal practitioner, admitted to the Supreme Court of Victoria (May 2021) with an LLB and Practical Legal Training. I completed the European Data Protection Course (ERA) in September 2024 and bring a solution-oriented approach to complex international matters.

As Legal Officer at an international public health organisation, I provide legal guidance on donor-funded, multi-country projects in LMICs, draft and negotiate grant and partnership agreements, and act as Data Protection Officer responsible for GDPR compliance and internal training.

Previously, I supervised legal and corporate matters at a global technology-for-good company, managed immigration matters at a specialist migration practice, and oversaw operations and EHS at a national office. These roles developed my capabilities in due diligence, contractual negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and project delivery.

I am passionate about mediation, sustainability and mission-led work, and I am seeking to apply my international law, compliance and data protection expertise to support impactful, collaborative projects that advance human rights and global justice.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Legal Officer

Current

ICARS

May 2024 - Present (1 year 3 months)

Provide legal guidance on international project implementation and donor-funded partnerships in LMICs, draft and negotiate grant and multi-party agreements, and serve as Data Protection Officer ensuring GDPR compliance. Advise senior leadership and negotiate with stakeholders including WHO, FAO and ministries to secure legally robust outcomes.

International Law Contract Drafting GDPR Data Protection Legal Research

Executive Assistant/Paralegal

Too Good To Go

Aug 2022 - Apr 2024 (1 year 8 months)

Supervised legal and corporate matters and coordinated executive and board activities across 16 countries, conducted due diligence and escalated legal issues, and supported GDPR and commercial law compliance. Managed event and board logistics and liaised with investors and external counsel.

Corporate Governance Contract Review GDPR Due Diligence Board Support Event Management Project Management

Legal Assistant

Ethos Migration Lawyers

Feb 2020 - Oct 2021 (1 year 8 months)

Managed immigration client files, drafted visa and appeal submissions and ministerial intervention requests, and liaised with government agencies including the Department of Home Affairs and the AAT to progress cases. Prepared evidence bundles and client correspondence in line with legislative requirements.

Immigration Law AAT Appeals FOI Client Management Legal Research Case Management

Office Manager

Methven Australia

Nov 2017 - Nov 2019 (2 years)

Managed head office operations including EHS programs, delivered risk assessments and safety systems, drafted HR policy and oversaw budgeting and project coordination. Supported senior stakeholders and managed office decommissioning post-acquisition.

Office Management EHS Risk Assessment HR Policies Budget Management Project Coordination