Personal Portfolio

This webpage is the Personal Portfolio of my Projects,
Consultacy assignments, Communication Campaigns, Dev works, and Reserch Articles.

About


I am a Project Manager with 12 years of experience in EU project management and extensive knowledge in Communication.

During my professional career, I have successfully created and implemented several large-scale projects funded by various EU programs such as Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, LIFE, Creative Europe, Health, IPA, regional programs, such as Smart Balkans, WBF, and national programs, such as: Leviz Albania, Tirana European Youth Capital, etc.

I love learning new things and try out new technologies.

My goal is to deliver professional consultancy services in project writing, project management, reporting, policy and communcation research, and communication strategy development and implementation.

Besides Project management and communication, I'm also a full stack programmer with excellent skills in web development and web applications.

Visar

Career Collaborations


I have created a list of institutions/organizations that I have worked for during my professional career.

Portfolio


List of Projects:

Project Title: Integrimi Social dhe Forcimi i Kapaciteteve të Qendrës Komunitare "Saver" në Lushnjë (Social Integration and Capacity Building of Saver Community Center in Lushnja) (SAVER-4-ALL)

Implementation Organizations: Municipality of Lushnje, Institute of Romani Culture in Albania (IRCA)

Donor: UNDP

Grant Program: Leave No one Behind (LNB2)

Period: January 2024 - December 2024

Project Title: Digital Inclusiveness for CSO and Citizen Engagement in Regional Cooperation (DIGI-CORE), Call Reference No: SB RG 02/23

Implementation Organizations:Association "Social Center for Helping People in Need" Fushë-Arrëz (QSNNN), Edutask Institute, Blink 42-21

Donor: SMART Balkans

Grant Program: Call for Regional Projects

Period: December 2023 - September 2025

Project Title: Enhancing Albanian and Italian Youth to Support Disadvantaged Communities to become Climate Change Resilient through Art and Culture (REACT)

Implementation Organizations: Institute of Romani Culture in Albania (IRCA), Associazione di Promozione Sociale Giallo Sassi

Donor: Allianze Foundation

Grant Program: Climate Cultures Call

Period: March 2023 - October 2023

Project Title: Empowering Disadvantaged Women in Fushë-Arrëz through Social Entrepreneurship in the Medical Herb Industry (PROSPERITY)

Implementation Organization: Association "Social Center for Helping People in Need" Fushë-Arrëz (QSNNN)

Donor: European Union

Grant Program: Project “TWIST - ToWards a new socIal entrepreneurShip model in confiscaTed assets in Albania” IPA/2021/171607-2/14 - EuropeAid/171607/DD/ACT/AL

Period: November 2023 - September 2024

Project Title: Recycling plastic before waste (riciklimi i plastikës para se të kthehet në mbetje) (BE4WASTE)"

Implementation Organizations: Destination Management Organization, Young Shapers of Albania Hub (YSAH)

Donor: Leviz Albania Project of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC (Embassy of Switzerland in Albania)

Grant Program: 8th Call for projects

Period: January 2022 - December 2022

Project Title: Accelerating Western Balkans University Modernization by Incorporating Virtual Technologies (VTech@WBUni)

Implementation Organization: VTECH was an Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education project led by Aleksander Moisiu University of Durrës, Albania and was implemented by 11 partners out of which 6 were HEIs form Albania and Kosovo, and 5 partners HEIs from Program countries namely Estonia, Poland, Slovenia and the Republic of North Macedonia.

Donor: European Union

Grant Program: Erasmus+ KA2 Project No: 610281-EPP-1-2019-1-AL-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP

Period: November 2019 - November 2022

Project Title: Virtual Albanian European Universities Exchange (VALEU-X)

Implementation Organization: VALEU-X was an Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education project led by Technische Universitaet Dresden Germany and was implemented by a consortium composed by 9 institutions from Europe and Albania.

Donor: European Union

Grant Program: Erasmus+ KA2 Project

Period: November 2019 - November 2022

Project Title: Reconnecting universities and enterprises to unleash regional innovation and entrepreneurial activity (KnowHub)

Implementation Organization: KnowHub was an Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education project led by FH Joanneum, Austria and was implemented by a consortium composed by 11 institutions from Europe and Albania.

Donor: European Union

Grant Program: Erasmus+ KA2 Project

Period: Novemeber 2019 - May 2023

Project Title: Investigating and implementing hearing and vision screening for children in EU countries (EUSCREEN)

Implementation Organization: EUSCREEN was a Horizon 2020 project led by Erasmus MC Rotterdam (EMC), The Netherlands and was implemented by a consortium composed by 9 institutions from Europe and Albania.

Donor: European Union

Grant Program: Horizon 2020

Period: 2016 - 2021

Project Title: Genetic and environmental factors of insulin resistance syndrome and its long-term complications in immigrant Mediterranean populations (EUGENE)

Implementation Organization: EUGENE was a Horizon 2020 project led by University of Montpellier, France, and was implemented by a consortium composed by 22 institutions from Europe and Albania.

Donor: European Union

Grant Program: Horizon 2020 FP7-HEALTH - Specific Programme "Cooperation": Health

Period: January 2012 - July 2016


List of Recent Assignments:

Assignment Title: Senior Expert in Communication and Retention Policy Development in the Public Sector of the Project “Young Cells Albania”

Description: Prepare the final report and the Communication Strategy of the Project “Young Cells Albania”.

Institution:Institut national du service public (INSP)

Start Date: May 25, 2024

Status: In Progress

Period: 10 days

Assignment Title: Consultant for “LOT 5: Enhancing the Implementation of Green and Digital Agenda” in Albania

Description: Create the strategy for the implementation of Green and Digital Agenda in Albania

Institution: Council of Europe (COE)

Start Date: February 12, 2024

Status: In Progress

Period: 2 years

Assignment Title: Communication and Promotion Development and Ex-Ante and Post-Ante Report of the Project "Constrution of the Roma Market of Gjirokaster"

Description: Develop a targeted promotion campaign (logo, trademark, visuals designs, web page, print material), which also promotes the visibility of the the Roma Market of Gjirokaster and administer a survey and prepare the Ex-Ante and Post-Ante Report of the project.

Institutions:European Union, EU4Municipalities, Municipality of Gjirokaster, Institute of Romani Culture in Albania (IRCA)

Start Date: October 24, 2023

Status: In Progress

Period: 4 months

Assignment Title: Trainer for the Project "Local initiatives for better access of Roma communities to rights and social services"

Description: Training of Roma comunities on access to rights and social services in Albania.

Institutions:UNDP, within the "Leave No One Behind" LNB2 program, Institute of Romani Culture in Albania (IRCA)

Start Date: October 24, 2023

Status: Completed

Period: 2 weeks

Assignment Title: Trainer of the project “Inclusive EduJobs - Towards Context Relevant Policies and Services Enhancing Employability and Educational Outcomes of Roma and Egyptians in Albania”, Project Reference: EC Grant contract: IPA/2022/432-813,

Description: Training of Roma and Egyptians on Employability and Digital Skills in Albania.

Institutions: European Union, Open Society Foundation for Albania (OSFA), Institute of Romani Culture in Albania (IRCA)

Start Date: October 24, 2023

Status: Completed

Period: 2 weeks

Assignment Title: Communication Expert of the national project “Platform for Diaspora Knowledge Gain in Renewable Energy and Circular Economy in Albania” (QARKON)

Description: I managad the communication strategy, created the communicationl materials, managed the website, and organized the stakeholder engagement with government institutions, private companies and investors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and academic professors to develop cooperation and advocate for increased implementation of Circular Economy and Renewable Energy projects in Albania.

Institutions: Open Society Foundation for Albania (OSFA), Young Shapers of Albania Hub (YSAH)

Start Date: April 1, 2021

Due Date: December 31, 2021

Status: Completed

Period: 8 months


List of Communication Campaigns that I have managed:

New Webinar Launch
Campaign Title: CIRCULAR ECONOMY APPROACH IN ALBANIA: Sharing Experiences

Description: A Campaign and webinar organization entitled, "CIRCULAR ECONOMY APPROACH IN ALBANIA: Sharing Experiences"

Target Audience: Circular Economy experts, NGOs, Public Authorities, and general public

Period Managed: Novemeber 2021 - December 2021

Summer Sale Promotion
Campaign Title: The Effects Of The Energy Crisis And The Construction Of Renewable Energy Policies

Description: A Campaign and webinar organization entitled, "The Effects Of The Energy Crisis And The Construction Of Renewable Energy Policies"

Target Audience: Renewable Energy experts and practitioners

Period Managed: Novemeber 2021 - December 2021

Rebranding
Campaign Title: Orientation Days of the University of Medicine, Tirana

Description: A comprehensive rebranding and promotion campaign including Orientation Days, Student Guide materials, and Career Days to inform future student about the University of Medicine, Tirana.

Target Audience: Students of Medical Sciences

Period Managed: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017


List of Websites that I have built:

Rent To Go

RentToGo Albania

Janus GSE

Janus SHPK

Estero Sicuro

Estero Sicuro

International Dike Albania Ltd Shpk

International Dike Albania Ltd Shpk

Tour Plans Albania

Tour Plans Albania

QSNNN

QSNNN

IRCA

IRCA

REACT CLIMATE

REACT CLIMATE

SECURE WEB

SECURE WEB

RETURNEE STARTUP

RETURNEE STARTUP

SUPPORTING THE SOCIAL INCLUSION OF YOUNG ROMA THROUGH NON-FORMAL EDUCATION

ERASMUS PROJECT


List of Web Apps that I have created:

Calculator

Calculator with input in Albanian

Art Gallery

Art Gallery

Chinese - Albanian Dictionary

Chinese - Albanian Dictionary


List of Research Articles Published:

  • Sylaj, V. & Alimehmeti, G. (2022). Communicating Tourism in the Albanian Media during 2020: A Corpus Content Analysis. Proceedings of the Conference “Science for Youth”, Barleti Press, Tirana, Albania. ISBN 978-9928-4675-4-6.
  • Dong, H. J., Zhou, M. L., & Sylaj, V. (2020). Research on Linguistic Diversity and Poverty (多种语言与脱贫研究综述). Language Fieldwork Memoir XV (IN).
  • Sylaj, V. (2020). Mapping China’s Belt and Road Initiative in the Albanian Media – A Corpus Content analysis study. China – CEE Institute working papers 2020 No. 21. ISSN: 2560-1628.
  • Alimehmeti, G. & Sylaj, V. (2017). CSR reports similarity and self-promotion: a study with modality markers unveiling the truth of communication. Scientific bulletin of University of Vlora―Ismail Qemali - issue, 2017. ISSN 2310-6719.
  • Alimehmeti, G. Sylaj, V. & Shala, A. (2015). CSR Communication in Albania: Strategy or Imitation. Economics and Business.

List of Conference Presentations:

  • Sylaj, V. (2022). "A Framing Analysis of the COVID-19 Chinese Vaccines in the Albanian Online News Media". International Scientific-Practical Conference “10 years Cooperation, Exchange and Connectivity between China and CEE Countries”, organized by Association for the Promotion of Agricultural Cooperation between China and CEE Countries (APACCCEEC) and University of Sofia, November 4-5, 2022, Sofia, Bulgaria.
  • Sylaj, V. (2021). "“Confronting an invisible enemy” – Metaphors of Covid-19 in the Albanian media reports". International Conference “7-th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON HUMANITIES AND LAW”, organized by Beder University, May 27, 2021, Tirana, Albania.
  • Sylaj, V. (2021). Sustainable Tourism in the Albanian Media Reports: A Content Analysis. Inter-University Conference “Possibilities and Challenges for Sustainable Tourism) (Mundesite dhe sfidat per nje turizem te qendrueshem)”, organized by Barleti University, May 27, 2021, Tirana, Albania.
  • Alimehmeti, G., Sylaj, V., & Shala, A. (2015). CSR Communication Practices: Case Study on the Albanian Transportation and Storage Service Industry. TransLawFer 2015 Elbasan and International Transport, organized by University of Elbasan, Elbasan, Albania.
  • Alimehmeti, G., Sylaj, V., & Shala, A. (2015). Online CSR Communication of Albanian Companies: An Investigation of the Communication Features. ICRAE2015 Conference-Abstract Proceedings, ISSN: 2308=0825, organized by University of Shkoder, Shkoder, Albania.

List of Certifications Obtained:

  • Certificate of Completion - E-Commerce in EU Marketplaces
    European Union - EU4Digital
    Issued May 2024
    Credential ID: 4668672815VS
    Skills: E-Commerce, How to set up a seller store in a e-commerce marketplace in EU, Amazon Seller Central, EU legal, tax and custom requirements, Allegro, eBay Sales
  • Certificate of Completion - Generative AI Overview for Project Managers
    Project Management Institute
    Issued May 2024
    Skills: Generative AI in Project Management
  • Outdoor Tourism Content Creator
    Open Tourism Data Initiative for Emerging Destinations in Southeast Europe, Outdooractive AG
    Issued May 2024
    Skills: Tourism Content Creator, Digital Marketing, Content Management, Copywriting, Tourism content creation, Content Marketing, Tourism Marketing, Tourism advertising
  • Sustainable NGOs Academy
    Group of the European Youth for Change (GEYC)
    Issued May 2024
    Credential ID: 2022-2-SI02-KA220-YOU-000094226
    Skills: Green competences
  • AI-Powered Shopping ads Certification
    Google
    Issued March 2024, Expires March 2025
    Credential ID: 259164218
    Skills: Google AI-Powered Shopping Ads
  • Certificate of Completion - Business Accelerator: Empowering Entrepreneurs for Success
    Frankfurt School of Finance & Management
    Issued March 2024
    Skills: Business Accelerator, Start-up Business Training, Digital Marketing, Networking, Innovation Business Models
  • Esperto di Fattura Elettronica
    InfoCamere
    Issued March 2024
    Credential ID: elearning@infocamere.it
  • LinkedIn Marketing Strategy
    LinkedIn
    Issued March 2024, Expires March 2026
    Credential ID: 69ohh6c6gmon
    Skills: LinkedIn Marketing
  • ClickUp Expert Certificate
    ClickUp
    Issued February 2024
    Credential ID: zcmroruaykva
  • Program Certificate Diploma in Project Management
    International Business Management Institute (IBMI)
    Issued February 2024
    Credential ID: 583004-170-697-6608
    Skills: Project Management
  • License of Legal Translator of Italian Language
    Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Albania
    Issued January 31, 2023
  • Membership
    Association for Project Management
    Issued January 04, 2023, Expires February 05, 2025
    Credential ID: P0522387
  • Certificate of Attendance: Energy Community Summer School
    Energy Community
    Issued August 2021
    Skills: Energy Communication, EU Energy Policy, EU International Policy

Contact


You can find me on:


Or you can write me at: visar.sylaj at gmail (point) com