<\/p>\n
Gentiana is a human rights activist and capacity-building expert for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with experience in project cycle management, a background in Economics, and extensive training in gender equality, among other related fields.<\/p>\n
No wonder her passion for human rights and strong civil society have led her to BIRN.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe access to rights, reliable information and civic engagement empowers individuals to drive real change, while BIRN\u2019s commitment to transparency and accountability and public participation are values I share deeply,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
\u201cI dedicated over 15 years of my career to human rights activism, fundraising and strengthening civil society across the Western Balkans, and throughout this journey I\u2019ve learned firsthand how to build resilient organizations and achieve lasting impact.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m thrilled and excited to work alongside BIRN\u2019s team and diverse stakeholders, bringing people together to shape strategies and develop impactful initiatives that empower independent media and civil society, contributing to a more transparent and accountable region and ultimately driving positive change,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n
Now, as Head of Programmes, her key responsibilities include setting programme goals aligned with BIRN\u2019s strategic objectives and overseeing their implementation.<\/p>\n
She works closely with Programme Managers, providing guidance and problem-solving support and ensuring smooth coordination between programme, editorial, operations and finance teams.<\/p>\n
These are all very important tasks because BIRN Hub has four core programmes. Gentiana explains how those programmes contribute to the overall strategy of the organisation.<\/p>\n
\u201cBIRN\u2019s programmes strengthen independent journalism, hold power to account, and promote transparency and democracy in Southeast Europe,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Gentiana also focuses on risk management, reporting and impact assessment, including developing monitoring and evaluation tools. Her responsibilities here include strengthening BIRN\u2019s visibility, building partnerships and enhancing interdepartmental cooperation.<\/p>\n
Additionally, she ensures compliance with policies, supports staff capacity building, and contributes to budget planning to drive BIRN\u2019s mission and long-term sustainability.<\/p>\n
But what does her typical working day look like?<\/p>\n
\u201cAs the Head of Programmes at BIRN, a typical working day is dynamic and involves overseeing multiple responsibilities across various programmes and spending a significant part of the day in meetings. Morning (or sometimes a whole day \ud83d\ude42) starts with briefings and prioritizations, meaning reviewing emails, requests and updates from Programme Managers, followed by prioritizing tasks based on deadlines, ongoing projects and any emerging issues.<\/p>\n
\u201cI check in with team members to track the progress of ongoing activities, address any challenges, and ensure alignment with BIRN\u2019s strategic objectives. We discuss timelines, goals, and any adjustments needed to stay on track,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
After that, she usually reviews project reports, ensuring they meet donor requirements and reflect the impact of BIRN\u2019s work.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring the day, I participate in strategic planning, working with the team to resolve issues related to resource allocation, risks or changes in direction. I also engage with external partners like media organisations, donors and stakeholders. I work with the Operations Department on budget allocation and resource use,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n
\u201cA key part of my role is ensuring that the Programme Managers and other team members have the tools and support they need to succeed. This includes providing guidance on project management, facilitating professional development, and mentoring staff to enhance their skills.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery day brings new challenges but the goal is always the same: ensuring the success and impact of BIRN\u2019s programmes. And yes, I rely on a lot of coffee to keep up with the fast pace! \ud83d\ude42\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
As in every job, there are favourite \u2013 and least favourite \u2013 parts of being a Head of Programmes for Gentiana.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy absolute favorite part is planning\u2014I\u2019m obsessed with it! I firmly believe that a well-structured plan is half the work done. On the other hand, my least favorite part is when time constraints don\u2019t allow me to plan as thoroughly as I\u2019d like! Hahaha. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n
\u201cBut seriously, one of the most rewarding aspects of my role is working with an incredible team. You might wonder how, given that we are a large group with diverse personalities, experiences, backgrounds and expectations. Yes, it can be challenging, but I\u2019m an eternal optimist who finds inspiration in every small step our team takes forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince we spend so much time at work, I believe we have a unique opportunity to learn from, support, and inspire each other every day. And when challenges arise, we step away from our laptops, grab a coffee, and let a good conversation spark fresh ideas!\u201d she concludes.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n