Monika Lajhner

Global Strategic Communications & Events Leader
Building and leading high-impact communications, brand strategy and flagship events for international organisations, global networks, think tanks and mission-driven foundations.
Get in Touch

My Expertise

Translating complex policy agendas into clear narratives, strong digital presence and compelling public engagement across Europe, Africa and Asia. With more than 15 years in global strategic communications, experience includes leading outreach for an 85-member central banking network, managing EU-aligned campaigns, directing high-level regional forums and strengthening visibility for multi-country development programmes.

Strategic Communications

Designing and leading communication strategies for global networks, multi-country programmes and regional organizations.

Brand & Narrative Development

Building credible narratives on financial inclusion, gender equality, green transition, governance, digital rights and EU integration.

Content Strategy & Digital Communication

Overseeing multi-channel content systems, SEO-optimised platforms, analytics frameworks and large publication portfolios.

High-Level Events & Global Forums

Directing conferences with 50–1,000+ participants, including AFI Global Policy Forums and flagship regional events.

Stakeholder Engagement & Diplomacy

Collaborating with policymakers, ministries, EU institutions, civil society and international partners across diverse political contexts.

Team Leadership & Cross-Regional Coordination

Leading teams and agencies across continents, establishing workflows, KPIs and editorial systems that enhance quality and cohesion.

Media Relations

Cultivate and sustain strong relationships with media outlets to enhance your organization’s visibility and credibility.

Crisis & Issues Communication

Guiding organisations through sensitive situations with clear messaging, contextual awareness and reputation-protecting communication strategies.

Experience Across International Policy and Development

A career grounded in leading strategic communications for international organisations and policy networks, with experience across AFI, UNDP SEESAC, USAID, the Goethe-Institut and the Council of Europe. Work spans narrative-building, stakeholder engagement and delivery of high-profile events across Europe, Africa and Asia.

Learn More
”

“I have learned that challenges become lighter with structure, honesty and a calm mind. With clarity and care, transitions turn into steady pathways forward.”

Case Studies

Explore case studies that showcase how strategic communications, advocacy, and event management have advanced the missions of international and nonprofit organizations and fostered positive change.

Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI)

  • Case Study: Expanding Reach and Engagement
  • Challenge: AFI needed to broaden its social media presence to connect with more stakeholders in the financial inclusion sector.
  • Solution: Developed and implemented consistent content strategies that resonated with the audience’s needs and interests across various platforms.
  • Results: Expanded social media following from 11,000 to 56,000, significantly increasing engagement and mobilizing greater support for financial inclusion initiatives.

UNDP SEESAC

  • Case Study: Strengthening Digital Communications
  • Challenge: Fragmented project profiles led to a scattered audience, weakening communication efforts.
  • Solution: Streamlined digital communications by merging project profiles into unified social media channels.
  • Results: Tripled audience interaction, amplifying the program’s impact and deepening community engagement across the region.

USAID Separation of Powers Program

  • Case Study: Improving Digital Accessibility for Public Institutions
  • Challenge: The Serbian Parliament, Supreme Court, and High Court Council required modern, accessible websites to better serve citizens, along with communications strategies and public trust and confidence plans for select courts.
  • Solution: Facilitated the design and launch of user-friendly websites, communications strategies and public trust and confidence plans  tailored to the needs of the public and stakeholders.
  • Results: Enhanced digital accessibility, facilitating greater transparency and empowering citizens with easier access to vital information.

Council of Europe Office in Belgrade

  • Case Study: Enhancing Online Visibility and Engagement
  • Challenge: The office needed to bolster its online presence to effectively communicate its initiatives and engage with the public.
  • Solution: Created dedicated social media channels and developed a strategic communication plan to highlight key initiatives.
  • Results: Increased public awareness and engagement, successfully promoting the Council’s activities and strengthening its connection with the community.

Testimonials

Hear from those who have experienced the transformation and success brought by my strategic communication and event management services.

Exceptional professional capability and resilience

“Her capacity to embrace progressively challenging roles in communications showcases her exceptional professional capability and resilience. Monika approaches tasks with a positive attitude, open-mindedness and objectivity.In her daily work she shows high motivation, anunwavering dedication to delivering superior results, and full loyalty to the organization.“

Dr. Alfred Hannig
Executive Director
Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI)

Innovative manager in demanding environments

“Monika is a true professional who adapts quickly to new challenges, consistently thinks outside the box, and learns fast. Her innovative approach to problem-solving makes her highly effective in managing complex projects, enabling her to thrive in demanding environments. Monika’s creativity and enthusiasm make her a pleasure to work with, bringing both energy and fun to any team. I thoroughly enjoyed working with her and have learned a great deal from her. She consistently delivers exceptional results while fostering a positive and collaborative atmosphere.”

Sonja Prostran
Judge and a leading advocate of court administration reform

World class professional communications advisor

“Monika is a world class professional communications advisor – a strategic thinker and relentless activator. With the experience of multi-cultural sensitivities from working with the central banks of over 100 countries her credentials are impeccable. Managing it all with a smile is simply miraculous. Great to work withHer event management skills are unparalleled, ensuring every detail is meticulously handled.”

Michael Oke
Senior Partner
Aura Financial

Exceptional leadership and communications prowess

“Working with Monka during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic allowed me to witness her exceptional leadership and communications prowess. I had the privilege of partnering with Monika, who was then leading the communications efforts for a global organization. In the face of unprecedented challenges, Monika played a critical role in championing our agency’s recommendations to pivot the organization’s communications strategy to navigate the rapidly changing landscape.”

Vanessa Wakeman
CEO and Founder
Wakeman Agency

Results-oriented leader

“Monika excels at turning challenges into opportunities, always finding innovative solutions that drive success. Her ability to streamline processes while encouraging creative thinking made our work both effective and enjoyable. Monika is a results-oriented leader who empowers her team to achieve excellence.”

Ana Jovanovic
Engeener and International Development Specialist