Biljana Janeva
Skopje
Summary
Results-oriented executive professional with history of delivering impactful and strategic initiatives. Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, fostering culture of dialogue and inclusion. Renowned for adaptability and strong focus on achieving measurable results through effective collaboration and leadership.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
OHRID Institute for Economic Strategies and International Affairs
10.2006 - Current
- Managing the day-to-day work of the Institute, planning, overseeing the Institute’s projects and activities, coordinating Institute’s relations with different stakeholders
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment for increased productivity.
- Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging professional development opportunities for staff members.
- Represented organization to local public by giving presentations and speeches and participating in community events.
- Collaborated with external organizations including non-profits, businesses and government agencies to create mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to expand the organization''s reach and influence.
- Championed diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the organization to create a more inclusive work environment.
Project Coordinator
The Boris Trajkovski International Foundation
02.2005 - 10.2006
- Overall project cycle management, coordinating activities and daily work of the foundation
- Kept projects on schedule by managing deadlines and adjusting workflows.
- Supervised multiple projects from project start through delivery by prioritizing needs and delegating assignments.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular meetings, fostering a positive work environment for increased productivity.
- Prepared meeting agendas and minutes for distribution and record keeping.
- Played an active role in brainstorming sessions held for the purpose of generating innovative ideas/solutions which could potentially be incorporated into existing/new projects being undertaken by the foundation.
Teaching Assistant in International Negotiations, Theory of the International Relations
EU Integration Theory and Practice, Law Faculty, Sofia University St.Kliment Ohridski
05.2004 - 02.2005
- Teaching students, research assistant, independently led practical work for student groups
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, creating a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic success.
- Supported classroom activities, tutoring, and reviewing work.
- Provided additional support for students with special needs, ensuring they received appropriate accommodations and resources.
Education
NGO Advanced Leadership Certificate -
Hekima, University of Michigan, Weiser Center for Europe and Eurasia, William Davidson Institute
01.2023
Certificate - Fraud And Corruption Awareness And Prevention
UNDP
01-2022
Certificate - Prevention of Sexual Exploitation And Abuse (PSEA)
UNICEF
01-2022
Strategic Planning For Electoral Management - Certificate
BRIDGE-Building Resources in Democracy
01-2021
Human Rights Education Certificate - undefined
Council of Europe
01.2016
MBA - Think Tank Management
Atlas International Economic Foundation
Washington, DC09.2008
Master - International Relations
Faculty of Law, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski
05.2004
Skills
- Intercultural Communication
- Dialogue Facilitation
- Civil Society Engagement
- Policy development
- Program development and management
- Partnership & network building
- Public speaking and moderation
- Community engagement and outreach
- Organizational leadership
- Strategic thinking
- Diversity and inclusion
- Mediation and consensus-building
Accomplishments
- Initiated and led the national campaign for democratic integrity, as the author and organizer of the Declaration for Free and Fair Elections and Against Hate Speech, signed by 46 political parties across the political spectrum. This commitment has been renewed at every local and general election since 2013, fostering a culture of peaceful political competition and respect for democratic values.
- Pioneered the intersection of politics and innovation as the creator and organizer of the first Political Hackathon for Integrity, promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen-driven solutions for political reform.
- Designed and facilitated the Declaration for Integrity in Politics, a landmark initiative uniting 36 political parties in a shared commitment to ethical conduct and political responsibility.
- Founded the first Political Dialogue Program in the country, a groundbreaking initiative that brought together senior leadership from all political parties to engage in structured dialogue on issues of strategic national importance, contributing to depolarization and institutional trust-building.
- Developed the Youth Political Dialogue Platform, engaging all registered youth political wings in joint forums, projects, and dialogue initiatives—cultivating the next generation of democratic leaders and fostering cooperation beyond party lines.
- Established the first Multiparty Youth Parliament, a model parliament simulating inclusive democratic processes for youth political representatives to deliberate on key youth issues and policy proposals, strengthening political literacy and civic engagement.
- Authored and implemented the 21 Local Active Platforms for Social Inclusion, creating local-level policy dialogues between municipal authorities and civil society organizations. These platforms promoted the participation and representation of vulnerable and marginalized groups accenting on inclusive dialogue and social cohesion.
Languages
Macedonian
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Bulgarian
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Serbian
Advanced (C1)
Croatian
Advanced (C1)
German
Intermediate (B1)
Spanish
Intermediate (B1)
Affiliations
- Vice Chair , International No Hate Speech Network, registered in the Kingdom of Netherlands
- Member, International Pan European Union (international)
- Board Member, Educational Initiative for Central and Eastern Europe (international)
- Member of the International Board, Institute for Global Economic Growth (international)
- Member, International Policy Experts Database, maintained from the Heritage Foundation, USA
- Advisory Board Member, Openworld Institute for eGovernment initiatives (international)
- Founding Member, No Hate Speech Movement (national)
- Contact Point for the Seventh Framework Programme - the "Ideas"
- Contributing Partner for the EU-27 Watch, financed by the European Commission
- Member, TAIB Sectoral Monitoring Committee – Government of North Macedonia
- Member, Women’s Lobby
- Member, WAVE, Women Against Violence Europe
Creating curricula for students
- Educational Initiative for Central and Eastern Europe, Vienna, Austria, Curriculum for International Leadership School
- University American College, Skopje and Ohrid Institute Curriculum for International Political Economy joint student course
- Curriculum for Balkan Leadership Programme, Institute of Politics, Bulgaria
- Multiparty School for Politicians, Ohrid Institute
- Multiparty Schools for Politicians, Ohrid Institute SELF- School for Economic Liberty and Freedom, Ohrid Institute
- HEART -Human Rights Educational Activity for Respect and Tolerance, Ohrid Institute
- Leadership Academy for young politicians, OSCE and Ohrid Institute
- No Hate Speech School, OSCE and Ohrid Institute
- Women Leadership School, Ohrid Institute
- School for Antidiscrimination, Academy of Activists, No Hate Speech Network
Timeline
Executive Director
OHRID Institute for Economic Strategies and International Affairs
10.2006 - Current
Project Coordinator
The Boris Trajkovski International Foundation
02.2005 - 10.2006
Teaching Assistant in International Negotiations, Theory of the International Relations
EU Integration Theory and Practice, Law Faculty, Sofia University St.Kliment Ohridski
05.2004 - 02.2005
Human Rights Education Certificate - undefined
Council of Europe
Master - International Relations
Faculty of Law, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski
NGO Advanced Leadership Certificate -
Hekima, University of Michigan, Weiser Center for Europe and Eurasia, William Davidson Institute
Certificate - Fraud And Corruption Awareness And Prevention
UNDP
Certificate - Prevention of Sexual Exploitation And Abuse (PSEA)
UNICEF
Strategic Planning For Electoral Management - Certificate
BRIDGE-Building Resources in Democracy
MBA - Think Tank Management
Atlas International Economic Foundation
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