Secretariat

Sophia Sandström - Project Coordinator

Sophia Sandström is a water professional and strategist with a track record in facilitating high-level dialogues and partnership building to advance the water agenda. As the Coordinator of the Global Hydrometry Support Facility (WMO HydroHub) at the World Meteorology Organization (WMO), Sophia engages national hydrological services, financing institutions and the private sector in order to enhance and innovate hydrological monitoring systems, build human capacity and facilitate the free and unrestricted sharing of water data. Prior to joining WMO in 2017, Sophia worked on a public-private partnership on water at the World Economic Forum in Geneva, on a water supply and sanitation project at the UNESCO Office in Jakarta and on international relations at the Japan Water Forum in Tokyo. Sophia holds a master’s degree in Hydrology from the University of Freiburg in Breisgau, Germany.

Igor Chernov - Project Officer

Igor Chernov is an environment professional with in-depth experience in implementing projects enabling interoperable data sharing across international borders. As WMO HydroHub Project Officer, Igor is also responsible for the development and completion of the WMO Global Hydrology Survey, the organization of various workshops and the development of the Distance Learning course "Interoperable data exchange in hydrology". Prior to joining WMO in 2017, Igor graduated as an engineer in Russia in 2010 and worked in the field of thermodynamics research. In 2016, he also graduated as an opera singer in Geneva and performed in Lyon’s Opera House. After this experience, Igor turned his professional career towards environmental protection by graduating from the University of Geneva with a master’s degree in environmental sciences and working as a consultant for the Global Water Partnership (GWP).

Beatrice Giovinazzo - Associate Communication Officer

Beatrice is a young graduate in Economics and International Management with a specialization in International Relations, obtained at the University of International Studies in Rome. She started gaining experience in the field of digital communication and social media by joining Global Action Italy - NGO providing young students with free quality education - as Social Media Manager. Prior to joining World Meteorology Organization (WMO), Beatrice was part of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Communications Team, and also worked as Communications Assistant in the Public Information and Media Section of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). As Associate Communication Officer, Beatrice takes care of all the communication and promotional activities related to the work of the HydroHub.