Our Team in Montenegro

Ms Ekaterina Paniklova currently serves as the UNDP Resident Representative a.i. in Montenegro.

Mr. Bouchardy, UNHCR’s Representative in Montenegro since 2021, has more than 30 years of experience with the UN. Mr. Bouchardy was UNHCR’s Representative in Belarus between 2013 to 2020. He has held managerial positions both at UNHCR HQ and in the field, such as Senior Operations Manager in the Russian Federation, Head of sub-offices in Iran, Senior Refugee Coordinator in Armenia, and Special Advisor at the Division of Human Resource Management. Between 1992 and 2004, Mr. Bouchardy also served at the Division of Operational Support at UNHCR’s HQ as Head of the Geography Unit, where he introduced the concept of geo-information management. During more than 10 years he covered over 40 operations worldwide, including humanitarian emergencies in the Great Lakes, Kosovo, and Sudan. Prior to UNHCR, Mr. Bouchardy worked for UNEP, UNITAR, and the Ministry of Transport of France - and as a visiting professor and researcher. Mr. Bouchardy obtained his Master’s degree in Geography from the University of Grenoble, France followed by a D.E.A. (post-graduate diploma). He holds a PhD in Sciences and Geography.

After many years of international experience with UNICEF in Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, Venezuela, and Thailand, Juan Santander, a Spanish and Argentinian national, is the UNICEF Representative to Montenegro from June 16, 2020. Prior to his engagement in Montenegro, Santander served as the Deputy Representative for UNICEF in Thailand and Venezuela. Before that, he worked as the Chief of Social Policy, Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation in Lebanon, Chief of Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation in Yemen and Knowledge Management Specialist in Iraq. Before joining UNICEF, Santander worked for the United Nations Assistance Mission to Iraq and for UNDP in Iraq. Santander holds a Master’s degree in Global Studies from Albert Ludwig University, Germany and he is fluent in English, Spanish, and French.

Michela brings expertise in humanitarian affairs, conflict analysis and resolution, and team management in insecure environments. Before UNOPS, she held various senior positions as a country director with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRIC) in conflict-affected countries in Africa, Latin American and Asia. She also worked in the humanitarian sectors in the UK and Canada, and in the financial sector in the City of London. Michela holds a PhD in International Relations, a Doctorate in Languages and Literature and a Master degree in Development Studies

Mina Brajovic is the Head of WHO Country Office in Montenegro since its establishment in April 2008. She is responsible for driving the WHO response to the country health needs. She supports policy-making for sustainable health development by providing guidance, building up local relationships to implement technical cooperation, making standards and agreements, and ensuring that public health measures are coordinated and in place during crises.

Nina Krgovic joined ILO as a National Project Coordinator. She was engaged in the creation of Decent Work Country Program. She currently works on topics of social dialogue, employment, labour legislation reform, informal economy. Before joining ILO, Nina was the Deputy Director of the Anti-Corruption Directorate of Montenegro. She also worked for the UNHCR.

Mr. Gjorgjiev has over 24 years of experience at the international, regional and national levels, with extensive knowledge of the region, international experience in procurement across the globe and most recently also experience as Chief of Mission in Azerbaijan. He is experienced Procurement specialist with a demonstrated and successful history of working in the international humanitarian procurement, supply industry and operations. Skilled in International affairs, Policy making, Operations Management, work with Governments, Humanitarian assistance, Public Procurement, Warehouse Operations, Development and with a Master's degree in Economics and an International Certificate on Public Procurement from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply.
Mr. Gjorgjiev also worked in Amman, Jordan, Nairobi, Kenya, Philippines, Indonesia, North Macedonia, East Timor and short term assignments in DR Congo, Haiti, Colombia, Peru, Afghanistan, Panama, Myanmar etc.