Studies of law (Mainz and Marburg/Germany), M.A. Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Boston/USA.
Deputy Head of Foreign Minister Genscher`s Private Office during the years of Germany`s reunification (1988 – 91); German Ambassador to Kenya (1991 – 95), Estonia (1995 – 99) and to India (2006 – 2009).
Director General for Global Issues, the United Nations, Human Rights and Humanitarian Assistance, Federal Foreign Office (2001 – 2002).
Foreign and Security Policy Advisor to Chancellor Gerhard Schröder and Head of Foreign and Security Policy Department (2002 – 2005).
Special representative of the Foreign Office to Afghanistan and Pakistan (2009 – 2010).