Founder
Elvis Zutic is the Founder of IREGS World. He is a governance, human rights, localization, and evaluation professional with more than two decades of experience leading programs across conflict-affected and transitional contexts. His work combines practical leadership with innovative approaches that strengthen accountability, empower local actors, and deliver lasting impact.
Select leadership roles and achievements
Chief of Party Roles
- Directed large-scale USAID governance and civic engagement programs advancing human rights, civic space, and accountability in fragile contexts.
- Oversaw program implementation in politically sensitive environments, fostering inclusive participation and safeguarding civic freedoms.
Country Director Roles
- Led stabilization, humanitarian, and governance initiatives in conflict-affected states, strengthening local councils, civil society organizations, and community structures.
- Guided large, multi-sector teams through crises, while ensuring programmatic integrity and donor compliance.
Senior Advisor & Team Leader
- Provided advisory and technical leadership to international organizations on evaluation, risk assessments, and strategic program design.
- Supported global operations through applied research, learning frameworks, and policy innovation.
Innovative Practices and Thought Leadership
- Developed constituency outreach methodologies enabling Members of Parliament to engage systematically with citizens.
- Designed inclusive, participatory approaches for issue-based policy solutions that built ownership and legitimacy.
- Pioneered the Human Rights Empowerment Fund, introducing rapid response grant mechanisms for at-risk defenders.
- Authored practical handbooks and manuals, including guides for newly elected parliamentarians and oversight committees.
- Introduced innovative evaluation and data synthesis tools, such as the Alternative Explanation Log and Summary Judgment Table, improving analytical rigor in fragile contexts.
Engagement and recognition
Elvis contributes regularly to thought leadership on governance, resilience, and human rights, including through his blog Democracy Dispatch. His insights draw on lived experience in conflict and fragile states, blending professional expertise with a strong commitment to justice and civic freedoms.
He is recognized internationally for advancing adaptive governance, participatory methods, and resilience pathways in fragile and contested environments.
Connect with Elvis on LinkedIn or Contact IREGS World to learn more.
