BERNADETTA PAŁKA-MACIEJEWSKA
Chicago,USA
Summary
Senior foreign service professional with over 20 years of expertise in diplomacy, international administration, and consular operations within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland. Currently leading the Passport and Visa Team at the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago, overseeing high-volume consular services for one of the largest Polish diaspora communities in the United States. Demonstrates a strong track record in international cooperation, crisis management, and public administration leadership, with proven ability to coordinate complex operational environments effectively. Recognized for strategic vision and adeptness in fostering cross-cultural relationships to enhance diplomatic initiatives.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Passport and Visa Team
Consulate General of the Republic of Poland
Chicago, USA
01.2021 - Current
- Lead operational management of passport and consular services.
- Manage a consular team delivering high-volume citizen services.
- Coordinate mobile consular missions across five Midwestern U.S. states.
- Implement operational improvements and workflow planning systems.
- Cooperate with local authorities, diaspora organizations and diplomatic partners.
Acting Consul General / Acting Head of Mission
Consulate General of the Republic of Poland
Chicago, USA
07.2024 - 12.2024
- Managed overall operations of the diplomatic mission including administration and staff supervision.
- Represented the Consulate in official engagements and diplomatic events.
- Coordinated high-level government visits including the visit of the President of Poland.
Consular Officer
Consulate General of the Republic of Poland
Chicago, USA
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Handled passport, visa and citizenship cases.
- Provided support in diplomatic protocol and citizen assistance cases.
Senior Expert / HR Specialist – Foreign Service Personnel
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland
Warsaw, Poland
01.2010 - 01.2020
- Managed recruitment processes for senior diplomatic and managerial positions.
- Coordinated rotations and assignments of Heads of Missions abroad.
- Prepared HR policies and personnel procedures for diplomatic staff.
- Supported strategic workforce planning for the foreign service.
Policy Specialist / Policy Officer
Office of the Committee for European Integration
Warsaw, Poland
01.2006 - 01.2009
- Supported EU policy coordination across government institutions.
- Prepared analytical materials related to European integration.
Education
Master of Law -
European School of Law and Administration
Warsaw, PolandPostgraduate Studies - Foreign Policy
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking Abilities
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
- Excellent communication
- Decision-making
- Flexible and adaptable
- Dependable and responsible
LANGUAGES
Polish – Native
English – C1 Professional Proficiency
Spanish – Basic
Timeline
Acting Consul General / Acting Head of Mission
Consulate General of the Republic of Poland
07.2024 - 12.2024
Head of Passport and Visa Team
Consulate General of the Republic of Poland
01.2021 - Current
Consular Officer
Consulate General of the Republic of Poland
01.2020 - 01.2021
Senior Expert / HR Specialist – Foreign Service Personnel
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland
01.2010 - 01.2020
Policy Specialist / Policy Officer
Office of the Committee for European Integration
01.2006 - 01.2009
Postgraduate Studies - Foreign Policy
Master of Law -
European School of Law and Administration
SECURITY CLEARANCES
- National Security Clearance –confidental(Poland)
- NATO Security Clearance – confidental
- EU Security Clearance – confidental