Natalia Cieslik is an accomplished strategic communications professional with a wealth of experience in designing and implementing communications strategies for internal and external constituencies across multiple organizations. With an excellent academic background in political science, history, literature, and security studies, Cieslik has extensive knowledge of development issues and political trends, including global economic development, poverty reduction, climate change, international security, fragility and conflict, maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS, and food security. She has worked on the ground in over 20 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East and Asia as a journalist and development worker.

In addition to experience in the field, Cieslik is an expert in message development, coaching, and briefing senior managers. Her skills have been employed in reputational risk and issue management, crisis communications, and she has a track record of managing high-pressure situations with poise. Most recently, Cieslik has advised on Global Risk and Issue Management at The World Bank, where she formerly served as Adviser to the Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, Senior Communications Officer and Chief of Broadcast and Multimedia, and Communications Director for the World Development Report 2011.

Before her time at The World Bank, Cieslik worked as Communications Director at Women for Women International and Senior Communications Specialist at International Medical Corps. Her career began as a Television Reporter for ZDF-German Television and Africa Correspondent in Johannesburg, South Africa, for SRF-Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen.