Kovačević is a human rights lawyer who supports the protection needs of refugees in Serbia.[1] He also helps asylum seekers and refugees find shelter, employment, education and healthcare, so that they can eventually build a new life in Serbia.[1] Kovačević's desire to represent refugees and asylum seekers was sparked by an encounter with an Iranian family in 2012 at a Serbian asylum centre.[2] Since then, he has represented nearly 30% of all asylum seekers granted protection in Serbia.[3]
In 2021, Kovačević was the regional winner of UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award for Europe.[2] The award is given to "individuals, groups and organizations that go beyond their responsibilities in the field of protection of refugees, displaced persons and stateless persons."[4] He is the first person from Serbia and the Balkans to win the award.[2] Kovačević's work has helped to bring about significant improvements to the asylum system in Serbia, including an increase in the number of refugees granted asylum.[1]
Kovačević is a member of the A11 Initiative for Human Rights, a Non-governmental organization based in Belgrade.[5]