Our DNA
We believe diverse, purpose-driven teams, united by shared intention, can achieve extraordinary things.
We believe diverse, purpose-driven teams, united by shared intention, can achieve extraordinary things.
People need space to take responsibility, room to grow, and a reason to care - values we embody in how we work and how we stand beside you. We strive to advance social and environmental transformation by partnering with those tackling the world’s most pressing challenges. We help build the structures, strategies, and strength to move with purpose.
We see organizations as living systems that thrive when grounded in vision, structured with care, and animated by people who know their purpose. Our work is deeply human - even when it’s technical - shaping systems with people in mind. Momentum is politically neutral but never indifferent. Guided by principles of dignity, freedom, and responsibility, we help your impact unfold, phase by phase.
In a world of disruption, we offer steadiness. In times of fragmentation, we build coherence.
Our Team
We are a team of practitioners with a diverse training and experience, united by a shared passion for working with people and teams across cultures and geographies.
While our company is Brussels-based, we operate globally. We work in English, French, Spanish and German.
We also engage highly qualified colleagues from our extensive professional network when we believe that this will contribute to the success of a project.
Expertise
After years of work across the UN, NGOs and the private sector, we founded our company to live our passion and pursue our purpose in support of causes that matter most to us.
Our thematic areas of expertise include:
- Crisis Response and The Humanitarian – Peacebuilding – Development Nexus
- Early Recovery
- Area-based Development
- Stabilization
- Inclusive Governance and Participation
- Public Administration and Reform
- Climate Action and Energy Transition
- Inclusive Socio-Economic Development
Our functional competencies include:
- Leadership Development
- Organizational Design
- Strategy and Programme Design
- Team Systems Analysis and Team Performance Management
- Scenario Planning
- Organizational Capacity Assessments
- Macro-economic Analysis
- Communications and Public Outreach
Paulina Agudelo
Ayan Abshir
Joerg Kuehnel
Senior Analyst, Data & Economic Analysis
Paulina Agudelo
Paulina is a development economist with a strong foundation in macroeconomic and policy analysis. Her career spans NGOs, international organizations, and the private sector — always at the intersection of data, insight, and impact. With a talent for distilling complexity, Paulina brings both precision and warmth to her work. At MOMENTUM, she strengthens strategic design through analytical depth and an eye for what matters most.
Engagement Manager
Ayan Abshir
Ayan brings a rare blend of public and private sector experience, with a strong grounding in strategic communication and political analysis. Her work spans diplomacy, development, and institutional reform, always with an eye toward human complexity. Ayan is passionate about context intelligence — understanding the political, cultural, and relational layers that shape development outcomes. At MOMENTUM, she helps teams align message, meaning, and movement.
Director
Joerg Kuehnel
Joerg brings over 25 years of experience in international development, including 20 years in leadership roles across the United Nations system (UNDP, IOM, UNHCR). He has led complex operations and UN coordination efforts in crisis and transition contexts such as Afghanistan, Somalia, Sudan, Northern Nigeria, and DR Congo. Joerg is deeply passionate about leadership and innovative approaches to team development — especially in high-stakes, high-complexity environments. As founder of MOMENTUM, he supports organizations and leaders navigating ambiguity with clarity and coherence.