Co-Plan Staff - Co-PLAN

At Co-PLAN, people like a good challenge, they are among the best experts in the fields they represent, and add valuable experience and professionalism Co-PLAN. Our experts are young, energetic, and come from different backgrounds, which represents best the work philosophy of Co-PLAN. Co-PLAN staff is qualified in several thematic areas: Territorial Governance and Spatial Planning, Environment and Climate Resilience, Economic Development, Innovation and Sustainable Tourism, Research and Citizens’ Science and Civil society and activism. Most of our staff have completed their studies in reputable overseas universities, mainly in prominent academic institutions and research, namely: Erasmus University, MDF (Foundation for Management Development), and IHS (Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies ) in the Netherlands, International Peoples College in Denmark, University of Cincinnati-t, Pittsburgh and the U.S., University of Florence in Italy, etc.

Co-PLAN Staff, 2024

To learn more about Co-PLAN’s organizational capacities and skills, please follow the link.

Get to know us

Anila BEJKO (GJIKA) is the Executive Director of Co-PLAN and has been part of the organization since 2005, contributing her expertise in Territorial Governance.Read more......Read less

With over 20 years of experience, Anila has advised the Albanian government on legal frameworks and strategic documents, particularly in Regional Development reform, Territorial Administrative reform, Decentralization, Fiscal Decentralization strategies, and Territorial Planning reform. Anila holds postgraduate qualifications in Urban Development Policies, Intergovernmental Fiscal Relations & Local Financial Management, a Master’s in Housing and Land Development, and an MBA. She brings a wealth of knowledge from her involvement in management, research, and technical expertise in more than 40 donor-funded projects, focusing on green transition, sustainable economic development, urban and spatial planning, city development strategies, regionalization and regional development, and public financial management. She serves academia since 15 years as a researcher and lecturer at Polis University.

Ogerta GJIKNURI is a highly experienced professional in financial management issues. She has extensive experience in different sectors, including not-for-profit and for-profit (including construction, insurance and project-based finance). Read more......Read less

A solid educational background (in finance and postgraduate studies in financial risk management) and more than 20 years of applied expertise in finance shape her outstanding financial manager profile. Ms. Gjiknuri’s skills and expertise are noteworthy, particularly in preparing and analysing financial statements. Her ability to design, implement, and monitor grant schemes aligned with the European Commission requirements is exceptional.
With extensive experience managing project cycles, including monitoring, controlling, reporting, and project closure, she has established herself as a reliable, efficient, and resourceful professional. During the last decade, Ms Gjiknuri has shared her knowledge as a lecturer at POLIS Univeristy, covering topics related to applied business analysis and project management.

Merita TOSKA, PhD., is an economist with more than 15 years of experience in economic development and public financial management (engaged in more than 35 national and international projects). Read more......Read less

After almost 8 years of experience in the Bank of Albania, she joined Co-PLAN, Institute for Habitat Development, in 2015 as an Expert on Economic Development and Finances. Over the years, she has engaged as a team leader and expert on projects related to economic development and green transition, public financial management, public-private partnerships, economic and financial feasibility studies, business plans, and the cost of public services.
Ms Toska has extensive experience designing and delivering training curricula in public financial management (municipal finances, mid-term budgeting, strategic planning linked to capital investment planning), feasibility studies, CBAs, and PPPs). Since 2015, Ms Toska is a full-time lecturer at POLIS University and is actively engaged in scientific and applied research.

Kejt DHRAMI PhD is a spatial planning and regional development expert at Co-PLAN, and lecturer at Polis University. Read more......Read less

She completed her doctoral studies in 2020, in the IDAUP (Polis / Ferrara) program, focusing on the relationship between spatial typologies, urban morphology and land development indicators. Kejt has over 8 years of work experience in research, project acquisition, as well as project implementation and management for regional, local and sectoral planning, drafting general local plans, designing regional development programs, disaster risk reduction plans, social housing plans, detailed local plans, territorial development strategies, etc. Her skills extend to GIS database systems management and operationalization. Kejt has managed several initiatives / activities within international projects, funded by USAID, World Bank, IADSA, UNDP, etc., as well as Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe projects. Currently, Kejt is Head of the Territorial Governance and Spatial Planning Unit at Co-PLAN.

Fiona IMAMI PhD is a regional development programming, planning & monitoring expert and researcher with a strong educational background in planning and management issues, and a doctoral studies programme in 2021 in the IDAUP (Polis / Ferrara) program.Read more......Read less

With a professional experience of around 10 years, Fiona has significantly contributed to central and local government institutions in Albania, specializing in strategic document preparation and administrative staff capacity building. Over the years she has worked especially in project implementation and management for local and regional planning and programming, including here drafting of territorial plans, economic development strategies, regional and national programmers etc. funded by various international institutions such as USAID, ADA, SDC, GIZ and UNDP. On a management level, she has long contributed to project acquisition, project writing and management of various project teams and working groups. As a researcher Fiona’s current interests spans over fostering green transition initiatives, in which she’s involved in EU Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe projects funded projects. Additionally, Fiona’s academic rigor is sustained by her continuous engagement as lecturer at Polis university and her commitment in authoring and co-authoring a list of scientific and policy papers.

Ledio ALLKJA PhD is a spatial and urban planning expert. He has been working at Co-Plan since 2017 in the Territorial Governance and Planning Department. Read more......Read less

He conducted his bachelor studies (2011) at the University of West of England in Bristol on Property Development and Planning. Afterwards, continued his master at Radboud University Nijmegen on European Spatial and Environmental Planning (2012), and his PhD on Europeanization of Spatial Planning Systems at the Vienna University of Technology (2020). Since 2012 he has worked also at POLIS University as a lecturer and researcher. His work experience include preparation of general local territorial plans (Zagoria, Krume, Sarande, Shkoder, Mat), preparation of the General National Territorial Plan for Albania, the Integrated Cross Sectorial Plan for the Tirana-Durres area. At Co-PLAN he has been involved in different key projects in the areas of Urban Development and Management (PLGP), Disaster Risk Reduction and adaptive planning, housing etc. He has over 8 years of work experience in research, project writing, project implementation and project management.

Imeldi SOKOLI Imeldi Sokoli is an accomplished expert with a robust academic background and extensive practical experience in the field of governance and urban development. He holds a postgraduate diploma in Good Governance Read more......Read less

for Complex and Contemporary Cities from the esteemed IHS Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies at Erasmus University Rotterdam. Since joining Co-PLAN in 2014, Mr. Sokoli has dedicated himself to the complexities of territorial planning and governance across multiple administrative levels in Albania. His work has afforded him a comprehensive understanding of local contexts and the challenges they face. In 2019, he began collaborating closely with environmental civil society organizations, emphasizing capacity-building initiatives and managing small grants focused on critical environmental issues, particularly air pollution. His expertise encompasses the development of Solid Waste Management Plans, Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies, and Energy Efficiency Local Plans, among other strategic documents.

Over his decade-long tenure at Co-PLAN, Mr. Sokoli has successfully coordinated and managed a wide array of projects and processes, reflecting his steadfast commitment to advancing sustainable development and effective governance in the region.

Enkela PORO has been a part of Co-PLAN since 2022 and currently holds the position of Environmental Engineer and Junior Researcher. Read more......Read less

She earned her bachelor’s degree and MSc. in Environmental Engineering, specializing in Water Treatment, from the Polytechnic University of Tirana, Faculty of Civil Engineering. In the environmental field, she has co-authored around six papers, including “Study of Physico-Chemical Parameters of Surface Waters in the Lana River, Albania” (2018) and “The Determination of Some Organic Pollutants in the Waters of the Seman Basin” (2021). Additionally, she has participated in various small-scale projects with a direct impact on local communities.
Her prior experiences include over five years of work in the communications field. She also has three years of volunteering experience in a student organization, during which she undertook various roles such as facilitator, team leader, and vice-president. During her time at Co-PLAN, Enkela has been responsible for overseeing various tasks, ensuring overall project management, timely provision of activities, and reporting. Her contributions also extend to writing, editing, and distributing content.

Elvis NDREKA is an Environmental Engineer, graduated from the Polytechnic University of Tirana and works as an Environmental and Energy Expert at Co-PLAN. Read more......Read less

His experience consists of over 10 years of working in several fields related to the energy efficiency, waste management, circular economy and environmental expertise related to green transition, decarbonization, depollution, public sector development, construction sector and nonprofit organizations which are very active within country.
He has been involved in local planning and management developments, in addition he has taken part in a numerous dynamic development in the fields of circular economy, environmental planning and monitoring projects, infrastructure as well as civil and industrial construction and environment, engaging in water supply projects, civil and industrial construction by conducting technical expertise, analytical, environmental and energy assessment and audit, project implementation consultancy and asset management for water supply. He is certified as an environmental expert and auditor of energy systems in buildings and industry processes.

Rea MUKA is a dedicated GIS and Planning Expert affiliated with Co-PLAN, Institute for Habitat Development. Read more......Read less

She earned her degree in Urban Planning and Management from Polis University in September 2020, where her thesis focused on “The co-existence of urban cultural heritage with future developments in the city of Tirana through Financial Instruments of Land Development,” exploring innovative approaches to heritage preservation.
Currently pursuing a PhD jointly at Polis University and Ferrara University in Architecture and Urban Planning, Rea’s tenure at Co-PLAN has been characterized by valuable contributions. She has played key roles in initiatives such as formulating Social Housing Plans for Albanian municipalities, territorial plans at the village level, and conducting research on ecosystem services in wetlands, specifically the Kune-Vain Lagoon, under the Horizon Europe initiative.
Within Co-PLAN, Rea is involved in various projects spanning disaster risk reduction, circular economy, urban biodiversity, and waste management. Her commitment to ongoing learning reflects her dedication to enhancing environmental and spatial planning practices.

Klesta GALANXHI is a seasoned professional with more than 10 years of experience in multimedia and visual communication. Read more......Read less

She kickstarted her career as a part-time lecturer in the Design Department at the University of Albania. Her journey then led her through Video and Advertising Companies, TV post-production, and online magazines. Alongside her professional endeavors, she pursued and earned a Professional Master’s Degree in Multimedia from the University of Arts, Tirana.
In 2020, Klesta joined the Co-PLAN team, as part of the Communication Department. Currently serving as the Multimedia Expert, she is entrusted with the creation of visual content, spanning design, video, photography, and brand development and implementation. Furthermore, she plays a key role in the upkeep and enhancement of multiple project websites. Throughout her career, she has leveraged her skills to craft impactful visual narratives and ensure brand consistency across a variety of media platforms. Her portfolio showcases her versatile expertise, evident in her work on aid and donor-funded projects, where she translates complex concepts into visually engaging content.

Androniqi NINI is a Finance Specialist at Co-PLAN, Institute for Habitat Development. Read more......Read less

Her academic qualifications in addition to studies in Finance-Accounting, include postgraduate studies in Master of Science in “Insurance Industry and Risk Management”. Her professional experience is primarily in the private sector in the aviation and automobile industry. Where among other responsibilities she reconciled with third parties, oversaw accounts, and reconciled the internal reporting system with the fiscal one. Androniqi has also been active in conferences organized for young economists with the publication of papers entitled “Wealth generation: The financial Challenges of Generation Y”, and “Challenges for the sustainable development of the Albanian economy and prospects for its integration into the EU ”, etc.
In her role as a Finance Specialist at Co-PLAN, she has overseen and contributed in key areas such as grant management and financial reporting, ensuring strict compliance with donor regulations. In addition to daily financial tasks such as managing accounts, maintaining precise and up-to-date financial records through proficient use of accounting software, and providing crucial support during audit processes, as well as compliance with tax regulations. Her diverse tasks demonstrate her financial management skills and significantly contribute to Co-PLAN’s financial integrity and regulatory compliance.

Erinda DHESKALI is a project Finance Specialist at Co-PLAN, Institute for Habitat Development, since 2022. Read more......Read less

She graduated from the Public University of Tirana with a Professional Master degree in the field of Finance-Accounting. Her previous professional experience has been focused in the private and NGO’s sector. Her responsibilities included daily financial management, accounting and internal reporting system with the fiscal one, etc. During this time, Erinda has 3 years of experience as Finance Manager in an active national organization, working with international donors such as SIDA, and European Union including as well as the preparation of Financial Reporting and the supporting in the external Audit for the implemented projects.
In Co-PLAN Erinda has extended her professional experience on managing and monitoring on a daily basis sub-grants schemes as part of a SIDA ‘s project in which she has to review their Financial Reports ensuring the completeness with the supporting documents. In addition, she is an added value to Co-PLAN team for supporting in Internal and External organization audit processes, etc.

Merushe ZENELI is a Sociologist by education and holds a Master’s degree in Democracy and Human Rights in Southeast Europe from the University of Bologna. Read more......Read less

Her professional journey began with volunteer work and quickly expanded to roles in community-based organizations in Albania, Slovenia, and Croatia. She is an Alumnus of the Community Solutions Program of the U.S. Department of State, taught at the University of Tirana and serves as a Council Member of a European wide network called ECOLISE. In her role at Co-PLAN, she works as a Civil Society and Gender Expert, addressing critical issues related to civil society and gender equality.

Rudina ÇOPA, has completed her professional bachelor and master studies in Environmental Engineering. She has Read more......Read less

several years of experience as an environmental engineer, in the public sector and in non-governmental organizations. Rudina is certified as an environmental expert and energy auditor. She has contributed to projects aimed at improving energy efficiency and environmental protection, being engaged in various initiatives to raise public awareness and promote sustainable development.

Greta SHEHU is a committed young professional currently working as a Junior Expert in the field of environment and GIS at Co-PLAN. Read more......Read less

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Polis University and is pursuing a Master’s in Urban Environmental Management at the same institution, deepening her expertise in sustainable urban development.
Greta has consistently taken a proactive approach to her career, actively engaging in trainings, seminars, and conferences. In addition to her academic background,her areas of expertise include GIS, AutoCAD, programming languages, and a foundational knowledge of SPSS. As a rising expert in her field, Greta combines technical expertise with a fresh, innovative outlook, driven by a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Alesia XHUMRI holds a Master’s degree in “Child and Family Issues” and a Bachelor’s degree in “Social Work” from the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Tirana..Read more......Read less

With a hands-on experience throughout her educational years, she has gained valuable skills through various roles, including internships and volunteer work in several projects and activities.

Curently, she has the role of “Administrative Assistant and Social Media Manager ” in Co-PLAN, where she combines her organizational skills with her passion for social change.

Altion QIRKO has been a dedicated member of the Co-PLAN team since 2008, serving as an administration driver. Read more......Read less

With over a decade of experience within the organization, he possesses a deep understanding of its operations and a proven ability to handle challenging situations effectively.
Altion’s work ethic and adaptability make him a reliable team member, capable of navigating various challenges. His contributions have played a role in maintaining a smooth workflow within Co-PLAN.