Maarika has many years of professional experience at the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, where she worked also as Head of EU Coordination. Previously, she worked in the field of education, which broadened her experience in coordinating international cooperation programmes. She also has experience in policymaking at the local level. Maarika holds a master’s degree in international relations.

Her professional experience and educational background have given Maarika a broad understanding of how the public sector operates, as well as of policymaking and decision-making processes at the national, local and European Union levels. In her work, Maarika is characterised by thoroughness, attention to detail and a systematic approach.