I am Ivana Gegenbauer, a strategic consultant and co-founder of the European Institute of Innovation for Sustainable Investment (EIISI). I specialize in digitalisation, innovation, sustainable agriculture, culture, finance and investments, with a strong track record of securing support from local businesses and corporate partners, and of preparing proposals for EU and UN donors. I am passionate about transforming agrifood systems, addressing climate change, and promoting sustainable development aligned with the EU Green Deal. Throughout my career I have led cross-functional, multicultural teams across international organizations and the private sector. I focus on capacity building, marketing and communications, and training delivery, with emphasis on gender equality, youth empowerment, and minority inclusion. I enjoy mentoring, content creation, and driving practical impact through strategic partnerships and knowledge sharing.

Ivana Gegenbauer

I am Ivana Gegenbauer, a strategic consultant and co-founder of the European Institute of Innovation for Sustainable Investment (EIISI). I specialize in digitalisation, innovation, sustainable agriculture, culture, finance and investments, with a strong track record of securing support from local businesses and corporate partners, and of preparing proposals for EU and UN donors. I am passionate about transforming agrifood systems, addressing climate change, and promoting sustainable development aligned with the EU Green Deal. Throughout my career I have led cross-functional, multicultural teams across international organizations and the private sector. I focus on capacity building, marketing and communications, and training delivery, with emphasis on gender equality, youth empowerment, and minority inclusion. I enjoy mentoring, content creation, and driving practical impact through strategic partnerships and knowledge sharing.

Available to hire

I am Ivana Gegenbauer, a strategic consultant and co-founder of the European Institute of Innovation for Sustainable Investment (EIISI). I specialize in digitalisation, innovation, sustainable agriculture, culture, finance and investments, with a strong track record of securing support from local businesses and corporate partners, and of preparing proposals for EU and UN donors. I am passionate about transforming agrifood systems, addressing climate change, and promoting sustainable development aligned with the EU Green Deal.

Throughout my career I have led cross-functional, multicultural teams across international organizations and the private sector. I focus on capacity building, marketing and communications, and training delivery, with emphasis on gender equality, youth empowerment, and minority inclusion. I enjoy mentoring, content creation, and driving practical impact through strategic partnerships and knowledge sharing.

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Experience Level

Intermediate
Intermediate

Language

Serbian
Fluent
English
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Intermediate
Italian
Advanced

Work Experience

Co-founder | President | Strategy Consultant at European Institute of Innovation for Sustainable Investment (EIISI)
May 1, 2023 - Present
Lead and represent the organization, with a strategic focus on digitalisation, innovation, sustainable agriculture, culture, finance and investments. Secured financial support from local businesses and corporate partners to fund conferences and high-profile events. Oversee the preparation and writing of project proposals and grant applications for EU and UN donors. Design and implement strategies that support the transformation of agrifood systems, address climate change, and promote sustainable development, with an emphasis on gender equality, youth empowerment, and minority inclusion in alignment with the EU Green Deal. Apply expertise in design thinking, human-centered design, value chain analysis, and systems-based approaches to drive innovation and capacity development.
Independent Expert at Self-employed / Independent
January 1, 2019 - Present
Led the development of project strategies, public awareness campaigns, and investment attraction efforts, resulting in successful funding and sponsorship acquisition across multiple initiatives. Preparation of feasibility studies / business cases, market modelling, new products/ services offerings for end users. Specialized in strategic planning, capacity building, marketing, communications, and project design, with a strong track record of securing business partnerships and donor support. Created content and copy for diverse promotional materials and designed and delivered training courses on business development, agricultural finance and investments, digital marketing, entrepreneurship, and value chain development. Managed multiple social media accounts and contributed to a digital magazine.
Financial and Economic Affairs Assistant to Chairwoman of the Executive Board and Senior Vice President at Delta Holding
November 1, 2024 - November 1, 2025
Support strategic planning and coordination of key initiatives for the Executive Board and CEO. Provide high-level advisory and analytical support, including executive briefings and reports on core business and financial performance. Liaise with external partners and stakeholders, ensuring cross-functional alignment and coordinating multidisciplinary teams to drive implementation of strategic initiatives. Develop and monitor business strategies, manage project timelines, and analyze revenue, EBITDA, and budget performance.
Rural Finance and Investment Specialist at Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2020
Structured value chain investment analysis for SDG fund allocation. Supported the Director General’s advisor on SDGs alignment strategy, investments, innovation, communication and strategy. Coordinated with UN agencies, stakeholders, and government officials to secure project support and funding. Managed complex issues and delivered project outputs within tight timeframes; drafted progress reports and contributed to capacity development activities in marketing, investments, rural finance, entrepreneurship, SMEs development and financing for the transformation of food systems.
Knowledge Management and Capacity Building Specialist at Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2020
Coordinated the High-level side event on SDG2 and innovation. Supported organization of the International Conference for 250+ professionals and assisted in writing post-conference proceedings. Consolidated corporate inputs for official reports, produced technical papers, reports, training materials, case studies and briefs. Led training initiatives and assessed training impact, contributing to capacity development in marketing, investments, rural finance, entrepreneurship, and SMEs financing for food system transformation.
Assistant Buyer Non-Food at Metro Cash & Carry
January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2005
Managed a portfolio of over 150 suppliers and 250+ products, overseeing purchasing agreements, delivery schedules, payment terms, and promotional materials. Conducted process reviews to enhance efficiency and supplier performance; applied market and competitor analysis to optimize pricing and product development.
Investment Analyst at Hypo Alpe-Adria Bank (Addiko Bank)
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2004
Analyzed strategic, financial, and operational data to support investment decision-making. Produced monthly financial reports, supported cost-benefit analyses, and prepared briefing materials for executive meetings.

Education

B.A. in Business Administration at John Cabot University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2001
Master in Banking and Finance at European University (EU Business School)
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2003
Executive Master in Management of International Organizations at SDA Bocconi School of Management
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2020

Qualifications

Executive Master in Management of International Organizations
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2020
Master in Banking and Finance
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2003
B.A. in Business Administration
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2001

Industry Experience

Non-Profit Organization, Government, Professional Services, Education