Ivanko succeeds Canadian Colin Stewart, "to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for his dedicated service and effective leadership of MINURSO," U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a press briefing.
"Chief of Staff of MINURSO since 2009, Ivanko brings to this position more than 30 years of experience in international affairs, peacekeeping and journalism," Dujarric said.
Ivanko began his career in journalism, working as a correspondent in Afghanistan and the United States for a Russian newspaper. He also served as a senior advisor to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (1998-2005).
He holds a master's degree in journalism from Moscow State University and is fluent in Russian and English.