Mateja Kunstelj

◼ I am a dedicated purpose-driven professional with 25+ years of experience in IT, public administration, digital transformation, business process re-engineering, information and knowledge management, programme and project management, evaluation and change management on research, operational, strategic, managerial, and leadership levels, out of which 13+ years in the international development sector. ◼ I am passionate about helping organisations to improve their business through digital transformation, business process re-engineering, and enhanced management of information and innovation. ◼ Currently, I work as a Digital Re-engineering Specialist at UNDP Botswana, assisting the Government of Botswana in the implementation of their National Digital Transformation Strategy through business process re-engineering and digitalisation (I developed the approach and a roadmap, supported the launch of the initiative, I build capacity, lead and advise across the entire public sector), modernisation of information management regime, facilitation of access to public information, promotion of personal data protection and information security, conceptualisation and establishment of Botswana Public Sector Innovation Lab, facilitation of implementation of enterprise architecture and its enabling building blocks for effective digital government transformation, as well as capacity building and advising in various digital and organisational transformation areas. ◼ Prior to that, I led the information management function in different international organisations, including EULEX Kosovo, EUROPOL and OPCW. I have worked on the development, implementation, and management of comprehensive cross-functional information and knowledge management and digital transformation strategies, programmes, projects and activities, review, development and implementation of policies, procedures, and IT systems as well as the responsibility for the effective daily operation of the function and its services to internal and external clients in highly operational, dynamic and sensitive environments. ◼ This included leading and managing the team, coordinating with various stakeholders across the entire organisation and external partners, budget planning and management, procurement, recruitment, contract management, risk management, training, performance evaluation, quality management, auditing, and addressing data privacy and information security issues. ◼ Among my achievements, I would like to highlight the successful establishment of the information management unit and the whole range of its functions and services for EULEX Kosovo, the largest EU civilian mission to date, and the development and implementation of a programme for complete modernisation and digitalisation of the information and knowledge management function for OPCW including the procurement, design, and implementation of the new Enterprise Content Management (ECM) system and expansion of the organisational secure network for which I also obtained substantial EU aid funds. ◼ Prior to that, I worked as a lecturer and researcher at the University of Ljubljana in the area of Digital Government. I participated as a project team member or leader in numerous research and development projects funded by the national government or by the EU. My work included strategy and policy analysis, business analysis, evaluation, business process re-engineering and digitalisation, conceptualisation and design of various innovative organisational and IT solutions, including online public portals, integrated public e-services based on life/business events, one-stop government, records and workflow management solutions as well as the development of frameworks, roadmaps, evaluation, business and change models, and methodologies for the design, implementation and evaluation of complex digital transformation, information and knowledge management initiatives in public administration. ◼ Among my advantages, I would like to highlight my strong organisational, analytical, strategic thinking and digital skills as well as creativity and client orientation, which, combined with my knowledge and experience in business analysis, evaluation, strategic planning, conceptualisation, design, programme and project management, change management, policy and procedure development, implementation and training, make me a motivated professional, being able to deal with a broad range of complex cross-functional problems, act as a bridge between different stakeholders, identify needs, gaps, issues, and risks, and find solutions that fulfil user needs, are aligned with strategic objectives, compliant with relevant regulations and standards, and strive to continuous improvement and innovation through digital transformation, streamlining business processes and augmenting management of information and knowledge in an integrated and systematic way. ◼ I am known for having a holistic, forward-looking and visionary view and ability to find innovative and effective solutions. I like new challenges, am eager to learn, work hard and constantly strive for improvements in a proactive way. I am an excellent team player and independent leader, always prepared to share and develop ideas with others. I have very good communication, persuasive and judgmental skills as well as the ability to manage priorities, work under pressure and a highly versatile approach to complex issues, which I have proven with my work in different international organisations in highly operational, dynamic and sensitive multicultural environments. ◼ I have (co-)authored several tens of scientific articles, book chapters, project deliverables and reports, drafted several strategy, programme, project, policy and procedure documents, training materials and delivered lectures for university students, presentations at scientific conferences, as well as briefings, training and workshops during my work for international organisations. ◼ I am a certified Prince2 Practitioner, a certified Change Management Professional, Certified Information Management Master and have, among others, received training in Leadership, Risk Management and Quality Management Systems Auditing (ISO 9001:2015).