Key skills and expertise

With over 20 years in civil society and intergovernmental sectors, the expert excels in research, policy development, and organizational growth. Key skills include strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, and EU-funded project management. The expert has led initiatives on Roma integration, securing significant funding and drafting regional policies. Achievements include developing the Roma Inclusion Index and mainstreaming Roma issues in regional agendas. Leadership roles have involved directing company operations and managing programs, focusing on social inclusion, minority rights, and capacity building across Europe.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors such as the European Union, Open Society Foundations, and the World Bank. Involvement includes project implementation, technical assistance, and capacity building in sectors like governance, education, and health. The expert has worked on regional projects across the Western Balkans, Turkey, and other European countries, focusing on Roma integration, minority rights, and social inclusion. Notable projects include the Roma Integration action and Delivering Improved Local Services (DILS), highlighting a commitment to enhancing socio-economic participation and non-discrimination.

Sectors and geographic focus

Bringing extensive experience in sectors such as civil society, NGOs, social development, fundraising, human rights, training, institutional development, and capacity building, the expert has held roles including director, policy expert, and program manager. Responsibilities have included strategic planning, project management, and advocacy. The expert possesses cross-cutting expertise in integrating digital and green agendas into social inclusion efforts. Work has spanned regional and country-specific initiatives across Europe, focusing on Roma integration, minority rights, and socio-economic empowerment, leveraging interdisciplinary knowledge to enhance governance and policy frameworks. The expert has extensive geographic experience across Europe, with significant work in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, and the UK. This includes deep familiarity with local governance and cultural dynamics, particularly in the Western Balkans. The expert has been involved in long-term assignments focusing on regional development issues, notably in Roma integration and minority rights, leveraging region-specific expertise to drive impactful initiatives.

Languages and education

The expert is fluent in Macedonian, English, Serbian, Bosnian, Croatian, and Montenegrin, with proficiency in Bulgarian and basic knowledge of Romanes. These language skills have been utilized in diverse contexts, including in-country work, multilingual teams, and translation tasks. The expert's linguistic competencies have supported roles in international development projects and collaborations across Europe, facilitating effective communication and cultural understanding in various professional settings. With a background in Electrotechnical Engineering, the expert holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Skopje, North Macedonia, focusing on computer techniques, information, and automation. Additionally, the expert has pursued a Master's in Political Science at the Institute for Social and Political-Legal Research, University of Skopje, which is currently paused.