Ivan Zenar is the Deputy Director, International Development and Humanitarian Program at Veterinarians Without Borders North America/Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Amérique du Nord.
Ivan joined Veterinarians Without Borders in May of 2024 as the Deputy Director of International Development and Humanitarian Program.
Ivan has over 20 years of experience in humanitarian and development programming, managing projects and operations in Cambodia, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Libya, and in Canada. His experiences have taken him to conflict areas, post conflict, and supporting communities with long term development across (just about) all sectors. Ivan began his career in Cambodia as an intern and never looked back.
Ivan settled in Ottawa with his wife Diana, where they made their home and family.
This blog shares firsthand accounts from VWB’s earthquake response in Myanmar, highlighting how local partners are delivering urgent care to people and animals alike, and demonstrating the impact of a locally led, One Health approach in the midst of a humanitarian crisis.
This article explores the critical importance of integrating animal welfare into disaster preparedness, drawing on current research, offering practical strategies, and highlighting how VWB’s One Health initiatives build resilience by strengthening animal health systems and safeguarding livelihoods before and after disasters strike.
This article explores how VWB’s goat farming and cheese-making initiative in Ukraine supported rural families in rebuilding livelihoods during conflict—highlighting sustainable agriculture, community-led training, and a replicable model for economic resilience.
