The LEAD Albania program management and the selection commission is looking for individuals who are most likely to fulfill the mission of the program. The following criteria are considered when selecting the Fellows:
Interested candidates can apply online at the application section of our website. All applications must be submitted with supporting documents. Please see application section for more details.
Applicants are notified in April if they have been selected for first round interviews after an evaluation of their application form. If selected, they will receive a notification explaining the time and location for interviews.
First round interviews will be conducted by AADF management roles. The candidates selected for the second round of interviews with the Selection Commission will be notified of the time and location by e-mail.
Candidates will be interviewed by the Selection Commission in the second round of interviews. These interviews will determine which Fellows will be recommended to the host institutions. The second round of interviews is followed by a networking event.
The finalists recommended by the Selection Commission will interview with principals at the host institutions. Host institutions will make the final decision.
Final design of individual placements and the launching ceremony of the new cohort in October.
Fellowship year begins in 01 of November of the respective year.
Orientation Phase,
Training on topics
related to LEADERship
Development
Departure of the first
group of Fellows for
the Executive Training
in Harvard, USA
Mona Xhexhaj has 13+ years of experience in Albania’s civil society sector, leading EU-funded initiatives on enlargement, rule of law, governance, and youth engagement.
She holds a dual BA in Political Science & International Relations (UNYT/Empire State College, USA) and a Postgraduate Diploma in European Politics and Policy (UCL, Chevening Scholar). Since 2018, she has been Executive Director of the Academy of European Integration and Negotiations (AIEN), advancing capacity building on EU accession and fostering a 320+ member expert network.
She has contributed to IPA, Jean Monnet, and Europe for Citizens programs, specializing in research, project management, and stakeholder engagement, while serving in national consultative mechanisms on EU integration.
Kestrina is a financial professional with over 12 years of experience in national and international markets, specializing in financial analysis, strategic planning, and emerging markets.
She has guided institutions, governments, and UN agencies in aligning financial practices with sustainability objectives, promoting entrepreneurship, EU integration, and inclusive growth across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Western Balkans.
Currently, she advises organizations on integrating sustainability and competitiveness into operations and actively mentors young professionals while advocating for women’s economic empowerment.
Erblin Jaku holds a Master of Public Policy from the London School of Economics and degrees in Journalism and Communication and Public Relations from the University of Tirana.
He has over a decade of experience across media, academia, and policy, collaborating with international organisations such as the Council of Europe, the European Union, and UNDP. He previously served as Editor in Chief at Top Channel and currently lectures at the University of Tirana.
His work focuses on media freedom, democracy, governance and public diplomacy, with a particular interest in strengthening democratic institutions in Albania and the wider region.
Dea Llagami is a legal professional specializing in competition law, market regulation, and EU integration, holding advanced degrees from the University of Amsterdam and KU Leuven.
She has served at the Albanian Competition Authority, contributing to legislative reforms, EU alignment, and representing Albania in international forums such as the OECD Global Forum on Competition.
A licensed attorney and assistant lecturer at the University of Tirana, Dea combines legal expertise with policy experience to support institutional reform, rule of law, and Albania’s EU accession process.
Alban Avdulla is a lawyer specializing in the intersection of energy and technology, holding three master’s degrees, including one from Duke University in Intellectual Property and Technology Law.
He has contributed to international initiatives such as the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence and gained early experience interning at the UK House of Commons and lecturing at the European University of Tirana.
Alban provides legal counsel and representation in Commercial, Civil, and Energy Law, notably supporting renewable energy producers managing over 100 hydropower plants, influencing regulatory changes, and promoting sustainable energy development in Albania.
Adi Muja is a lawyer with over five years of experience in private practice and civil society, specializing in legal consulting, contract negotiation, compliance, and legislative analysis.
He has collaborated with the Albanian Parliament on anti-corruption and accountability initiatives and serves as General Director of ECOAST, an NGO for socio-cultural development.
Holding advanced degrees in Private Law and EU Business Law, Adi combines legal expertise with institutional cooperation to promote transparency, good governance, and the rule of law in Albania.
Kej Lili holds Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in industrial engineering from TU Darmstadt, specializing in Electrical Engineering and IT with a focus on alternative energy and energy distribution.
She has conducted research on sustainable innovation and gained professional experience in Germany through projects supporting the EU’s decarbonization goals in project management, process optimization, and renewable energy.
Returning to Albania, Kej aims to contribute to the country’s energy transition and alignment with EU environmental standards, while her passion for travel reflects her curiosity, adaptability, and openness in both life and leadership.
Amanda Terpo is an urban and mobility planner with over 10 years of experience in sustainable development, mobility strategies, and project management.
She works as an independent consultant, designing policies and initiatives that connect planning, people, and sustainability. She has led projects on environmental governance, sustainable mobility, and youth engagement, including contributions to the Western Balkans Green Agenda.
Previously Vice Dean at Polis University, Amanda now lectures on urban mobility and GIS, combining academic expertise with practical applications. As a professional she holds a PhD in Architecture & Urban Planning and an MSc in Urban Planning.
Boralda Minaj is a marketing and PR professional with over 9 years of experience, specialising in communication strategies, digital marketing, and the organisation of international events.
As the Founder and CEO of B Limitless Agency, she has brought global events such as Junction Hackathon and Slush’D to Albania, building bridges between local startups, international investors, and the global innovation ecosystem.
Boralda has experience in the public sector leading national campaigns and high-level communication, and in the private sector developing marketing strategies that drive brand growth and partnerships.
Artenisa Peçulaj holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Environmental Biology from the University of Tirana and has over a decade of experience in biodiversity conservation, protected areas, sustainable fisheries, and environmental policy.
She has worked with institutions such as the National Agency of Protected Areas and WWF Adria, coordinated national projects, engaged stakeholders, and contributed to international networks like the European Rangers Federation.
Currently, she is finalizing the proclamation of Vjosa Valley as a UNESCO Biosphere Region, coordinating grants in protected areas, and pursuing a PhD at the University of Camerino on microplastic pollution and circular economy strategies for marine ecosystem restoration.
