MENU
About Us
Civic Space comprises a dynamic team of talented and diverse professionals, strategically positioned at the forefront of advocacy, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement across sectors of global significance. We act as a vital link—“bridging the gap”—between our clients and a wide array of stakeholders, including businesses, governments, public institutions, associations, law firms, and non-profits worldwide.
With over a decade of experience, our team brings extensive expertise and skills in key areas such as strategic advocacy, public affairs communications, and event management. Our proficiency enables us to navigate the complexities of communication landscapes effectively and influence public policy outcomes.
Civic Space offers a comprehensive range of integrated services that include stakeholder mapping, research, and event management, as well as thought leadership positioning and digital campaigns. Our team, headquartered in Brussels, collaborates seamlessly with colleagues and partners in London and Abu Dhabi, ensuring our clients are fully prepared to achieve their business objectives while enhancing their market positions.
What We Value
Civic Space prioritizes facilitating effective communication channels between clients and their stakeholders, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. Our methodologies involve rigorous data analysis and continuous monitoring to provide actionable insights that inform decision-making processes. We specialize in finding long-term solutions that will last, enabling our clients to engage adeptly within their industries, while navigating the intricacies of political transitions and societal movements, strategically positioning clients for optimal outcomes. Our communication strategies are meticulously tailored to align with client objectives, ensuring consistency and efficacy across all channels. These principles serve as the foundation for Civic Space as we work alongside clients to achieve sustained success.
Meet the Founder
CEO & Founder
Ismael Paez Civico
Ismael Paez Civico is a seasoned leader in European civil society and youth organisations, currently serving as Executive Director at the Confederation of European Senior Expert Services. He brings over a decade of experience in project management, communications, and international relations, demonstrating a strong commitment to driving meaningful change through strategic advocacy.
With a solid legal academic background, Ismael possesses a comprehensive understanding of regulatory frameworks and public policy dynamics. He is fluent in English, French, Spanish, and Italian, and has proficiency in Dutch and Portuguese, which enables him to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders across various contexts.
He has collaborated closely with a range of European institutions, especially the European Commission and Council of Europe, providing advisory support on comprehensive communication strategies, particularly in the areas of migration policy and youth engagement. Ismael also served as a Board Member of the European Youth Forum, focusing on funding, crisis management, digitalisation, and civic space. In addition to his role as Executive Director, he actively contributes as a board member on prominent advisory panels, driving impactful initiatives aimed at empowering young people and fostering international cooperation. His extensive background equips him with a unique perspective at the intersection of public policy, citizen engagement, project management, and strategic communication.
COO
Jonathan Shearman
Public affairs and strategic communications expert with 12+ years of experience working in-house for the world’s leading tech, defense and space companies, as well as the European Commission and European Parliament.
Jonathan is currently the Head of Communications for Platforms, Systems, Space and Cyber Defence at Edge Group, the world’s fastest growing advanced technology and defence conglomerate.
Jonathan has provided campaign management, strategic insights, communications expertise and policy advice for some of the most disruptive global industry/ technology programmes, including: Amazon’s AI public affairs campaign in EMEA, rollout of Microsoft’s ChatGPT in UK/ Europe, Amazon Kuiper’s participation in the EU’s space programme, and management of global communications at Edge Group, UAE.
CTO
Zakee Ahmed
Graduated in Politics and International Relations at the University of East Anglia, UK. Brining a wealth of experience working in local government, specialising in Digital Delivery, where he diagnoses operational issues, designs new digital solutions and realises efficiencies.
Marked by impressive performance and progression, his experience is matched by a passion for strategy and critical thinking, with a knack for navigating complex challenges with innovation.