2001
As the Regional Representative of the ECMI based in Macedonia: Core competencies utilized: High level diplomacy, negotiations, policy analysis, program design & development, advocacy, resource mobilization, human resource development, project management, monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment, public speaking, media liaison.
Registered the organization in Macedonia and set up regional headquarters and five sub offices in the country. I recruited and systematically motivated three international and fifteen national staff members. I also conducted on the job trainings for the team members.
I led the implementation of the ECMI civil society project bringing together 70 local NGOs.This entailed developing and implementing an umbrella grants program administering and monitoring 50–70 community projects each year.
I also conceptualized and supervised the implementation of a political dialogue project. Regularly networked with the political and administrative elite of the country to ensure productive implementation of this politically sensitive initiative.
Conceptualized and supervised the implementation of capacity building project for Romani Experts in the country.
I led the fundraising efforts for the entire operation ensuring a fifteen fold increase in the funding of the operation and diversification of the funding base. Liaised with bilateral and multilateral donors in and outside the country, which resulted in ECMI being seen as a lead source of expertise on civil society issues in Macedonia. I conceptualized and supervised the implementation of all the information dissemination tools of the operation including four web sites.
What?
Sector
Where
When
With Whom
Sector?
Refugees, Humanitarian Emergencies
What?
Strategic Communication, Strategic Partnerships
Where?
Republic of Macedonia
Why?
The Centre for Refugee and Forced Migration Studies was a newly established think tank. The challenge was how to establish linkages and partnerships with the well-established think tanks around the world on refugee and migration issues.
When?
2000, 2001
What Exactly?
In 2000 UNHCR and the University Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Skopje jointly set up the Centre for Refugee and Forced Migration Studies (CRFMS). UNHCR commissioned me to develop the strategy for this Think Tank including a Communications Strategy.Following the strategy a website, newsletter, brochures and flyers were developed for the Centre. Targeted dissemination of the outreach material resulted in high visibility of the Centre and its output.We established a strategic partnership with the Brookings Institute and an international conference in Skopje on IDPs was organized.
With Whom?
UNCHR, University Of Skopje
What Happened?
Strategic partnerships were established with leading think tanks including the Brookings Institute and the European Centre for Minority Issues and an international conference in Skopje on IDPs was established.
Director
European Centre for Ministry Issues, Germany
Sector?
Refugees, Humanitarian Emergencies
What?
Strategic Communication, Strategic Planning, Strategic Partnerships
Where?
Republic of Macedonia
Why?
Within the first ten years of its existence, two major refugee influxes impacted the Republic of Macedonia. Support of the international community helped the country cope gracefully with these humanitarian emergencies. Acknowledging the inherent volatility of the region, it was vital that the know- how generated in the country in dealing with displaced populations is institutionalized and capacity be built systematically for emergency preparedness.
When?
2000, 2001
What Exactly?
I conducted a needs assessment and a mapping of potential partners. I then developed the project proposal and fundraised with donors to set up the Center for Refugees and Forced Migration Studies (CRFMS) at the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje. The aim of the Center is to become a leading regional resource center in its field; to foster a regional network of similar research centers and to promote standards of excellence in research on Refugee and Forced Migration related subjects. Set up with seed funding from UNHCR, I led vigorous fundraising andexpandedthe portfolio of donors. Ialso set up and mentored the project management team of the centre. The project was implemented from February 2000 to September 2001.
With Whom?
UNCHR
What Happened?
Set up of an active, well functioning research centre on refugee and forced migration issues
Established a wide portfolio of donors thus enhancing the sustainability of the centre
Management staff was trained to take over the management of the centre
Well functioning resource center with a specialized library
Internationally networked program on refugee studies was established
Adviser, Human Rights & Democracy
Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), Department for Europe, Division for South Eastern Europe.
Sector?
Civil Society, Peace Building, Inter Ethnic Relations
What?
Dialogue Management
Where?
Republic of Macedonia
Why?
The armed conflict of 2001 in Macedonia left a society divided along ethnic lines. The fragile Ohrid peace agreement required quick measures for building confidence in the communities.
When?
2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
What Exactly?
I travelled around the country meeting with communities, citizens and villagers to find those NGOs that were truly committed to improving inter-ethnic relations in the country. The ECMI NGO Network for Improvement of Inter-ethnic Relations in Macedonia was launched with a core group of 17 NGOs from across the country and ethnic groups. Gradually the network grew to a 70 member strong group that engaged in joint design and implementation of grassroots projects. Sunoor headed an umbrella grants program, administering and monitoring 50–70 community projects each year. The project carried a strong capacity enhancement component with emphasis on ethics for the participating NGO Managers.
This project benefitted very much from the guidance and commitment of Farimah Daftary of the ECMI. When no international expert was willing to travel to Macedonia due to the armed conflict, Farimah headed to Macedonia to meet with stakeholders and do a direct assessment of the ground realities. Her research and reporting were instrumental in the project receiving its seed grant. Dr. Eben Friedman succeeded Farimah Daftary at the ECMI as the focal point for Macedonia and maintained the high standards set by Farimah.
With Whom?
ECMI, Sida, DFID, Swiss Ministry
What Happened?
Established the first truly multi-ethnic network of NGOs in Macedonia consisting of 70 NGOs committed to improving inter-ethnic relations.
50–70 community projects generated and implemented each year jointly by NGOs members of the Network.
Network becomes reference point for good practices and NGO ethics in Macedonia.
Department of Southeast European History, University of Graz
Graz, Austria