Igor Paunovic is currently Officer-in-Charge of the Virtual Institute. Holder of degrees in economics from the University of Zagreb, Croatia, and the New School for Social Research, USA, Igor is a senior economist specialized in economic development and macroeconomic analysis. After an academic career at the University of Zagreb, he worked for the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean in Mexico and Chile, and later for UNCTAD, where he currently focuses on issues related to global governance, South-South cooperation and regional integration. He has authored UNCTAD and ECLAC publications, and published extensively in specialized national and international journals.

Susana OLIVARES joined the Virtual Institute in 2006. Susana's background includes expertise in the domains of communication, education and web technology. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Journalism, an Associate of Arts in Communication, a bilingual education teaching certificate and master coursework in education. Susana joined the Virtual Institute team in July, 2006, after managing websites and developing distance learning courses at Vi’s sister programme, TrainForTrade. Before joining UNCTAD in 2003, she was webmaster of IUCN-The World Conservation Union, owner of a web development company, editor of the digital edition of a large U.S. daily newspaper, and a teacher. At the Vi, she is responsible for the programme's communications, virtual services, online courses, the Vi newsletter and is focal point for contact with Vi associate members.

Florence HUDRY joined the Virtual Institute in October, 2013. Experienced in administration, desktop publishing and coordination of technical assistance and capacity-building activities, she manages Vi videoconferences and organizational and logistical arrangements of fellowships, workshops and other services for our members.