Sergiu Panainte

Sergiu Panainte is the acting regional director of the Bucharest office, overseeing the strategic and operational implementation of grantmaking and capacity building activities in the wider Black Sea area. He is responsible for conceptualizing and leading programs, engaging with major donors and stakeholders, and managing a diverse team to foster regional cooperation and development. 

Panainte’s professional background spans international relations, grant management, and democracy, with a focus on the Black Sea basin and the administration of programs that support civil society, media, human rights, and democratic development. His expertise also extends to monitoring, evaluation, and learning.

Fluent in Romanian and Russian, Panainte holds master’s degrees in international relations and European studies from Central European University in Budapest and in international relations from Moldova State University. His scholarly work includes several publications focused on Central and Eastern European politics.