Key skills and expertise

With 18 years of experience in international development, the expert possesses extensive skills in project cycle management, gender equality, and social inclusion. They have led initiatives focused on economic empowerment and youth employment, collaborating with organizations like FAO and UN Women. Expertise includes strategic planning, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement, with a strong track record of developing and implementing strategies for marginalized groups using the Market Systems Development approach. Leadership roles have involved managing large-scale projects across Albania and the region, achieving significant improvements in working conditions and economic opportunities for target communities.

Project experience and donor exposure

Bringing over a decade of experience, the expert has collaborated with international donors such as FAO, UN Women, HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation, and UNICEF. Involvement includes project implementation, technical assistance, capacity building, and evaluations. The expert has worked on projects focusing on gender equality, social inclusion, economic empowerment, and youth employment. These projects have been implemented at both national and regional levels, particularly in Albania and surrounding regions, addressing sectors such as agribusiness, tourism, ICT, and property rights.

Sectors and geographic focus

Worked across diverse projects involving key sectors including agribusiness, tourism, ICT, and social development. Previously held roles such as Gender Expert, Project Manager, and Consultant, with responsibilities in strategy development, project implementation, and stakeholder engagement. Interdisciplinary expertise includes integrating digital solutions in tourism and enhancing economic empowerment through value-chain development. The expert's work is primarily focused in Albania, with regional involvement in Kosovo, Northern Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, addressing issues like youth employment and gender inclusion in both public and private sectors. Extensive experience in Albania includes focusing on regional development, gender equality, and economic empowerment, addressing local governance and social inclusion, and collaborating with both public and private sectors. Additionally, the expert has engaged in regional initiatives in Kosovo, Northern Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, contributing to youth employment and the inclusion of marginalized groups. Deep familiarity with the cultural dynamics and development challenges in these areas underpins effective project implementation and stakeholder engagement.

Languages and education

The expert is fluent in English, holding an IELTS certification with an overall band score of 7.5 and a MET Michigan English Test at Level C1. These language skills have been utilized in international development work, collaborating in multilingual teams and engaging with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the expert is proficient in Greek and Italian, enhancing capability to work effectively in various cultural and linguistic contexts. The expert holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from the University of Tirana, Faculty of Economy & Agrobusiness, Albania. Academic focus includes strategic management, finance, business risk management, and public policy. Additionally, a G.N.V.Q. Business Advanced qualification was completed at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, UK, emphasizing business administration, accounting, and human resources.