Jagoda Munic

Consultant , environment, nature protection and climate, civic space and NGO development and leadership

Brussels, Belgium

Experienced NGO CEO, leader, programme project manager and researcher in environment, nature and climate (25+ years). Skilled in strategy development, advocacy, analysis, policy and project management. Available for jobs or consultancy work in environmental and climate research and advocacy, project management, NGO management & leadership. Preference for remote but open to field work.

Contact Jagoda Munic
Area of Expertise:
  • Director, CEO, COP, President
  • Environment, Climate, Energy, Water, Sanitation
  • Fundraising, Business Development, Grants Writer
  • Monitoring, Evaluation, Policy, Research, Analysis
  • Private Sector, Social Enterprise, Corporate Social Responsibility
Professional Experience:

As a seasoned environmental leader with over two decades of experience, I have dedicated my career to advancing environmental and climate justice on both European and global stages. My tenure as Executive Director at Friends of the Earth Europe and Chairperson at Friends of the Earth International has equipped me with a profound understanding of strategic leadership, organizational resilience, and effective advocacy.

Professional Highlights:
• Strategic Leadership & Organizational Development: Guided Friends of the Earth Europe through significant external challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, ensuring stability and growth. Coordinated decentralized work structures and collective leadership within Friends of the Earth International and coordinated development of the system change guidance to guide strategic organisational decision-making.
• Environmental Advocacy & Campaigning: Led multiple successful environmental and nature protection campaigns in Croatia, such as abolition of notorious Golf law a and preventing the privatisation of natural resources. Coordinated international solidarity missions, linking efforts with relevant program activities to drive systemic change.
• Fundraising & Resource Mobilisation: Supported fundraising efforts that resulted in budget increases for Friends of the Earth International, enabling the expansion of environmental initiatives worldwide.
• Capacity Building & Mentorship: Worked extensively in the Western Balkans and Turkey, mentoring civil society organisations in advocacy campaigning, networking, and sustainable energy practices.

I am passionate about science, continuous learning, and working in multicultural environments. My commitment to environmental, climate, and social justice drives me to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, from local communities to international leaders, to create a sustainable and equitable future.
Let's connect to explore opportunities for collaboration and advancing environmental initiatives.

Currently, as of January 2025, I work as independent consultant.
I am offering consultancy in the following areas of work:
• Environmental, Climate and Civic space Policy Research and Advocacy
• Organisational Resilience & Strategic Planning for NGOs
• Advocacy & Campaign Strategy development
• Fundraising Strategy development and resource mobilisaiton for NGOs,
• Coaching and support for EU and private donors grant writing
• Support in programme and project management
I am also researching changes in legal framework related to corporate sustainability and nature based solutions and want to support companies in applying them in practice.

Examples of work done:
- TACSO - EU Technical Assistance to CSO (TACSO 3) in the Western Balkans and Turkey
Senior Non-Key Expert (SNKE) for mentoring in developing a Fundraising Strategy (The Independent Communication Network - IPS)
- Expert reviewer of the UNEP GEO-7 report

Education:

My education spanning multiple fields, reflecting a diverse and interdisciplinary approach to environmental science, biology - ecology, information sciences and leadership.
I hold an M.Sc. in Ecology and Biology from the University of Zagreb, Croatia, where I completed my thesis titled "Daily Activity of Griffon Vultures (Gyps fulvus) at the island of Cres." Under the supervision of Dr. G. Susic from the Ornithological Institute, Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, I conducted detailed research on the behavior and activity patterns of this endangered and protected species. This research demonstrated a strong understanding of both ecological fieldwork and species conservation, with a particular focus on endangered species.
My education continued with another M.Sc., this time in Pollution and Environmental Control from The University of Manchester, United Kingdom. My thesis, titled "Spatial Relationships and Influence of Short Term Change on Birds in Farmland Habitat," was completed under the supervision of Dr. E. Bellinger from the University of Manchester and Dr. J. Petch from Manchester Metropolitan University (these universities merged since). During this program, I gained in-depth multidisciplinary knowledge of environmental sciences and management and applied GIS as tool in showing short term spatial (habitat) changes on population distribution.
Additionally, I undertook specialized training in environmental sciences and policy through the Central European University in Budapest, where I completed the first module of the M.Sc. course in Environmental Sciences and Policy, which provided me with a solid understanding of environmental governance and policy frameworks.
I also hold a B.Sc. in Library and Information Sciences from the University of Zagreb. My thesis, "Croatian Academic and Research Network Databases: Users and Their Needs," supervised by Dr. M. Jokic from the National and University Library, demonstrated my strong analytical skills and increased understanding of how information systems support academic research. During my time in this field, I worked with scientific databases such as Current Contents and MEDLINE, and trained scientists in their use, showcasing my ability to communicate complex information in an accessible way.
Most recently, in January to March 2023, I completed the Women’s Leadership Development Programme at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, UK. This program, delivered in collaboration with the online education company GetSmarter, equipped me with modern leadership techniques and strategies, with a focus on enhancing my ability to lead effectively in complex and diverse environments. Apart from this formal education I have learned a lot on daily basis in non-formal way and practice by working in different countries and both at local, national and international environments.

Affiliations and Achievements:

My career is marked by a combination of grassroots activism, high-level strategic leadership, and national and international environment and climate advocacy. My work in environmental and climate justice, capacity building, resource mobilization, and organizational growth demonstrates my ability to operate at multiple levels—from local communities to international forums, whether it is leading delegations at UN conventions, working with local communities affected by climate change, or steering complex multinational projects.
I have extensive experience in project management in field of energy and natural resources management and capacity building for NGOs, particularly in the Western Balkans and Turkey. From 2009 to 2016, I have coordinated Governmental and EU funded projects in these areas starting from project design, management and coordination and reporting and monitoring and evaluation. I successfully managed cross-border initiatives in a politically sensitive and diverse region. These efforts contributed to promoting sustainable development in countries that were undergoing significant political and economic transitions.
Although much of my career has been rooted in the civil society sector, I have also worked closely with governments and multilateral organizations. Early in my career, I played a key role in the development of Croatia's national forest management strategy. I was part of the coordination team that worked to bring together input from a range of stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and environmental groups. This collaborative approach helped shape a forest management strategy that took into account sustainable practices and stakeholder interests. I have been deeply involved in international climate advocacy, representing Friends of the Earth at various United Nations conventions and global forums. I headed large delegations at major international climate summits, including leading a 100+ member delegation at the UNFCCC COP in Paris in 2015.
During involvement with Friends of the Earth International I have undertaken field visits to local communities in Asia, Africa, and Latin America to witness firsthand the impacts of climate change and land use practices on indigenous peoples and local populations. My experiences from these field visits have informed my work at the global level, as I was able to integrate grassroots perspectives into broader climate and environmental advocacy campaigns. I am strong advocate for diversity and I thrive by working in multicultural environments.

Available for:

  • Consulting assignments
  • Job opportunities
  • Being headhunted – make me an offer

Years of Experience:

More than 20 years

Highest Qualification:

Masters

Languages:

English, Spanish, Croatian, other South Slavic languages

Nationality:

Croatia

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