I am a humanitarian professional and documentary photographer dedicated to telling human stories with empathy and integrity. My work spans migration casework, diplomatic reporting, private sector operations, and visual storytelling, with experience across NGO, UN, and private sector environments in Greece and New York. I combine field research, community outreach, and photojournalistic practice to illuminate the experiences of displaced people and migrants while upholding ethical engagement and cross-cultural dialogue. Based in Paris, I hold an MSc in Migration Mobility and Development from SOAS University of London and am fluent in English and Greek, with working knowledge of Croatian and Spanish. My practice is rooted in rigorous research, narrative sequencing, and collaborative storytelling that respects subjects and communities I work with.

Ivan-Alexios Badanjak

I am a humanitarian professional and documentary photographer dedicated to telling human stories with empathy and integrity. My work spans migration casework, diplomatic reporting, private sector operations, and visual storytelling, with experience across NGO, UN, and private sector environments in Greece and New York. I combine field research, community outreach, and photojournalistic practice to illuminate the experiences of displaced people and migrants while upholding ethical engagement and cross-cultural dialogue. Based in Paris, I hold an MSc in Migration Mobility and Development from SOAS University of London and am fluent in English and Greek, with working knowledge of Croatian and Spanish. My practice is rooted in rigorous research, narrative sequencing, and collaborative storytelling that respects subjects and communities I work with.

Available to hire

I am a humanitarian professional and documentary photographer dedicated to telling human stories with empathy and integrity. My work spans migration casework, diplomatic reporting, private sector operations, and visual storytelling, with experience across NGO, UN, and private sector environments in Greece and New York. I combine field research, community outreach, and photojournalistic practice to illuminate the experiences of displaced people and migrants while upholding ethical engagement and cross-cultural dialogue.

Based in Paris, I hold an MSc in Migration Mobility and Development from SOAS University of London and am fluent in English and Greek, with working knowledge of Croatian and Spanish. My practice is rooted in rigorous research, narrative sequencing, and collaborative storytelling that respects subjects and communities I work with.

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Experience Level

Expert
Intermediate

Language

English
Fluent
Greek, Modern
Fluent
Croatian
Advanced
Spanish; Castilian
Advanced

Work Experience

Operator at Aegean Pacific SA
January 1, 2025 - September 1, 2025
Served as primary liaison between shipowner operational teams and charterers, managing communication across the full voyage lifecycle including port procedures, cargo operations, and compliance requirements. Managed commission invoicing and maintained an Excel-based tracking system for financial reconciliation and reporting.
Employability Department Intern at Solidarity Now
July 1, 2024 - July 1, 2024
Designed a pilot field study — including literature review and survey instrument — to investigate appointment no-show rates among migrant clients of the employability department, and to identify barriers to service access. Conducted outreach to approximately 30 private enterprises as part of the Bridging the Gap employment program, mapping hiring gaps to inform the connection of refugee and migrant job seekers with employment opportunities. Engaged daily with migrant clients in a casework capacity, providing information and support on employment pathways and Civil Society Organization services.
Admin and Accountant at Echo100Plus
April 1, 2023 - July 1, 2024
Spearheaded the refinement of Excel-based accounting practices to improve financial transparency and donor reporting, and liaised with external accountants to support tax filing and financial audits. Supported inventory planning and budget allocation to maintain effective workflows across ongoing NGO operations. Provided Greek language instruction and exam preparation to migrant students pursuing official Greek language certification. Translated outreach materials to support community access to services.
Case Worker at Khora Asylum Support Team (KAST)
October 1, 2021 - January 1, 2022
Staffed a WhatsApp hotline supporting approximately 15 asylum seekers, refugees and undocumented migrants per week with information on asylum procedures, medical access and shelter options. Conducted accompaniments to government offices, hospitals and asylum authorities, providing on-the-ground advocacy and Greek language interpretation to ensure clients could navigate and be represented within Greek bureaucracy.
Advisor/Intern for the Middle East Division at Permanent Mission of Greece to the UN
October 1, 2019 - January 1, 2020
Attended UN Security Council meetings, producing daily analytical reports synthesizing positions across up to 50 member states, with particular focus on Greek neighborhood geopolitics and Eastern Mediterranean affairs. Drafted reports submitted to the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs covering Security Council proceedings on the Middle East, the Yemen conflict, and refugee situations in Jordan. Attended EU Delegation meetings where European member states coordinated and aligned national positions on UN Committee agenda items, gaining direct exposure to multilateral diplomatic negotiation. Monitored daily press releases from the Secretary-General and UN agencies to track developments relevant to Greece's diplomatic priorities.
Front Desk Support at Consulate General of the Hellenic Republic Boston
March 1, 2019 - May 1, 2019
Supported front desk operations at the Consulate General, screening visitors, scheduling appointments and managing consular workflow. Provided administrative and translation support for official documents and assisted with social media and website updates. Welcomed and guided visitors through consulate exhibitions, serving as a first point of contact representing the Hellenic Republic to the public.

Education

MSc in Migration Mobility and Development at SOAS University of London
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2021
B.A. in International Relations and Psychology at Boston University
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2019

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Non-Profit Organization, Media & Entertainment, Government, Professional Services