ARMELA XHAHO

Dr. Armela Xhaho is a distinguished scholar with robust expertise in the advancement of national and international development initiatives and research programmes. She was awarded a prestigious scholarship at the University of Groningen, the Netherlands, where she completed her PhD research. Her academic journey is further marked by a fellowship at the CEU in Budapest, where she earned her MA degree and 2nd honor degree from Empire State College, University of New York Tirana.

With over 15+ years of experience in the programme management and fundraising, she has a positive track record in implementing, coordinating and managing large development projects and multi-stakeholder research initiatives, including EU-funded programmes. Her leadership in managing relationships with diverse stakeholders underscores her capability in fostering collaborations that drive impactful outcomes. Dr. Armela Xhaho works as a lecturer at the University of Elbasan, specializing in research methodology.

Throughout her career, Dr. Xhaho has offered expertise to various global organizations, including IOM; GI-TOC; GIZ; World Vision; CoE; ICMPD; UNICEF; UNODC, etc. As a senior researcher and project manager at various think tanks and international organisations, she has led critical projects that address complex social challenges. Recently, IOM has contracted her as a key national expert to assist the Ministry of Interior in developing the National Strategy on Migration and action plan for 2024-2030. Her research work spans multiple countries and includes significant contributions to policy formulation, advocacy, capacity building and strategic communication, making her a sought-after expert in her field. Moreover, her expertise in designing research methodologies, overseeing data analysis, and bridging the gap between policy and research has positioned her as a key expert in shaping evidence-based strategies that influence national policies and practices.

She has produced over 50+ publications, including academic papers in top peer-reviewed international scientific journals, book chapters, policy and strategic documents. Armela’s robust background in academia combined with her hands-on experience in coordinating large-scale projects, makes her a proficient expert in the national and international research community. Currently, Dr.Xhaho works as a senior expert on project management at EIT RawMaterials Albanian Regional Innovation Center.

Her main research interests are human rights, gender and security issues, migration, social inclusion, evidence-based policymaking, and child and youth protection.