Key skills and expertise

With over 13 years of experience in environmental and social risk management within the infrastructure sector, the expert is adept at developing Environmental and Social Impact Assessments, Management Plans, and Resettlement Action Plans. Career highlights include leading projects with both international and local initiatives, ensuring compliance with International Financial Institution standards. Responsibilities have included managing due diligence processes and capacity-building initiatives, contributing to sustainable project outcomes. The expert has also been involved in project management, policy analysis, and institutional capacity building, taking on leadership roles in enhancing environmental and social practices for complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors such as the World Bank, KfW, EBRD, AFD, SIDA, EIB, and UNDP. Their involvement has spanned project implementation, technical assistance, evaluations, and capacity building. Thematic areas of work include infrastructure, environmental management, and social risk management. Projects have been regional and national in scope, taking place in geographic locations including Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, and Montenegro.

Sectors and geographic focus

Worked across several key sectors, including rural development, roads and bridges, tourism, water and sanitation, fisheries and aquaculture, and agriculture. Previously held roles such as Environmental and Social Specialist, Project Manager, and Technical Consultant. Cross-cutting expertise includes integrating environmental and social risk management into infrastructure and rural development projects. The geographic scope of work primarily covers Albania and the broader Balkan region. Extensive experience in the Balkans, particularly in Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, and Montenegro, has provided deep familiarity with local governance, cultural dynamics, and regional development issues, addressing environmental and social challenges in these areas.

Languages and education

The expert is a native speaker of Albanian and is fluent in English, Italian, and Spanish, utilizing these language skills in various professional contexts, including in-country work across the Balkans and collaboration with multilingual teams on international projects. The educational background includes a B.Sc. in Environmental Engineering and two M.Sc. degrees in Environmental Engineering, specializing in Water Treatment Technology and Energy Efficiency, all obtained from the Polytechnic University, Faculty of Civil Engineering Tirana, in Albania.