Migena Xhaferaj

Administrative Support:

• Managed the minister's schedule, appointments, and travel arrangements.
• Collaborated with directors and board members on children's events and lesson plans.

Document Preparation:

• Drafted, edited, and proofread official documents, letters, reports, and policies concerning youth and children's issues.

Communication Management:

• Handled incoming and outgoing communications related to youth and children.
• Coordinated with government officials, the Ministry's youth agency, and external stakeholders.

Meeting Coordination:

• Organized meetings, conferences, and events focused on youth and children, both internally and with external stakeholders.
• Prepared meeting agendas and maintained meeting records.

Research and Briefings:

• Conducted research on youth and children's issues and prepared briefing materials.
• Kept the Minister informed and prepared for meetings and public appearances.

Advocacy and Awareness:

• Promoted the Minister's initiatives through public awareness campaigns, press releases, and media interactions.

Constituent Services:

• Addressed inquiries and concerns from constituents, parents, and youth-focused organizations.

Collaboration and Coordination:

• Collaborated with government departments, NGOs, and international organizations to benefit youth and children.

Document Management:

• Maintained an organized and secure filing system for official documents and records.
• Handled confidential information with discretion.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Participated in program and project monitoring and evaluation for the well-being of youth and children.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Engaged with youth and children's organizations, parents, educators, and other stakeholders to gather input and collaborate on initiatives.

Protocol and Etiquette:

• Assisted in organizing official visits and ceremonies.

Public Relations:

• Managed the Minister's public image and media interactions.
• Prepared press releases, statements, and responses to media inquiries.

Policy Support:

• Supported the development, implementation, and monitoring of policies benefiting youth and children.

Coordination with Staff:

• Worked closely with ministry staff, advisors, and assistants to ensure smooth operations.

Language Support:

• Provided translation and interpretation services as needed, particularly for international meetings.

Policy Analysis:

• Analyzed legislative and policy issues, preparing briefs and recommendations for the Minister's consideration.

Crisis Management/Response:

• Assisted in managing crises and emergencies affecting youth and children, ensuring the Minister's informed and effective response.

Role Significance: My role as an Assistant/Interpreter for the OSCE/ODIHR 2021 Election Observation Mission contributed to promoting transparency and accountability in the electoral process in Albania. By ensuring that language barriers were overcome and information was accurately conveyed, I played a vital part in the mission's ability to provide impartial and informed assessments of the election.

Professionalism and Impartiality:

As an observers assistant, it was essential to maintain professionalism, impartiality, and a commitment to the mission's mandate of assessing the electoral process objectively.

Overall, my work in this role was integral in upholding democratic principles and supporting free and fair elections in Albania. My contributions helped provide valuable insights into the electoral process and its adherence to international standards.

Logistical Support:

• Responsible for facilitating the daily activities of the LTOs. This included organizing transportation, scheduling meetings, and ensuring all necessary resources were available.

Interpretation:

• My role involved providing high-quality interpretation services during meetings, interviews, and interactions with local stakeholders, electoral authorities, and community members. My linguistic skills were critical in ensuring effective communication.
• Information Gathering: Collaborating with LTOs, I collected relevant information about the electoral process, voter registration, campaign activities, and electoral legislation. This data was essential for mission reports and assessments.

Meetings and Interviews:

• I assisted in organizing and participating in meetings and interviews with a wide range of stakeholders, including political candidates, representatives of political parties, local authorities, civil society organizations, and voters. My interpretation skills helped bridge language barriers during these interactions.

Crisis Response:

• In the event of unforeseen situations or incidents related to the electoral process, I assisted the LTOs in effectively reporting and managing these incidents.

Language Proficiency:

• My fluency in the required languages (both the local language and English) was a critical asset for the smooth functioning of the mission.

In 2019, I had the privilege of being part of Y-PEER, Educators Network, UNFPA Albania's impactful work as a Peer Educator and participant at the Human Rights Academy. In this role, I actively contributed to promoting human rights awareness and education among young people and played a significant role in fostering positive change.

Responsibilities and Contributions:

• Peer Education: I took on the role of a Peer Educator, engaging in delivering educational sessions and workshops to my peers and other young individuals. My focus was on raising awareness about various human rights issues, including gender equality, sexual and reproductive health, and youth empowerment.
• Workshop Development: I was deeply involved in the development of educational workshops and training materials. These workshops were designed to create a platform for open and informative discussions on human rights, equipping young people with knowledge and empowering them to become advocates for their own rights.
• Facilitation: I had the honor of facilitating group discussions, interactive activities, and informative presentations during the Human Rights Academy. Creating a safe and inclusive environment for participants to express their thoughts and concerns was of utmost importance to me.
• Participant Engagement: As a participant at the Human Rights Academy, I actively immersed myself in learning and networking with other young individuals who shared my passion for human rights. I contributed to discussions, shared my insights, and expanded my understanding of the subject.
• Advocacy and Awareness: My commitment to human rights extended beyond the workshops and academy. I was actively involved in advocacy efforts, organizing awareness campaigns, discussions, and other initiatives aimed at advocating for human rights in our community.
• Youth Empowerment: My role as a Peer Educator and participant empowered young people to understand their rights and encouraged them to take an active role in promoting these rights. It was incredibly rewarding to witness the transformation and growth in the young individuals I had the privilege to work with.
• Networking: Engaging with peers, professionals, and experts in the field of human rights was a valuable experience. Networking facilitated knowledge exchange and provided opportunities for collaboration on various human rights initiatives.
• Community Impact: Through my involvement with Y-PEER and the Human Rights Academy, I contributed to creating a positive impact on our community and society at large. I helped foster a sense of responsibility and a commitment to human rights values among young people.

Significance: My role as a Peer Educator and participant at the Human Rights Academy was deeply significant in promoting human rights education and advocacy among young individuals. By raising awareness, providing education, and empowering my peers, I actively contributed to the development of a more informed and socially conscious generation that is committed to upholding and advocating for human rights principles.

Personal Development: Participating in these activities also enhanced my personal development, including leadership skills, public speaking, and a deeper understanding of human rights issues. These experiences will undoubtedly be valuable for my future endeavors and in contributing to a more just and equitable society.

In 2019, I had the privilege of working as a National Minority Assistant and Political Analyst Assistant/Interpreter at the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission in Tirana, Albania. My role was multifaceted and involved a range of responsibilities crucial to the mission's success.

National Minority Support:

• As a National Minority Assistant, I played a key role in ensuring that the electoral process was inclusive and addressed the needs of national minorities. This involved liaising with national minority representatives, understanding their concerns, and providing support to facilitate their participation in the electoral process.

Political Analysis Assistance:

• I assisted the Political Analyst in the analysis of the political landscape surrounding the elections. This included monitoring campaign activities, assessing the political environment, and contributing to the overall analysis of the election-day and post electoral phases.

Interpretation Services:

• I served as an interpreter to facilitate effective communication among mission members, local stakeholders, and national minority representatives. My language skills were instrumental in bridging language barriers and ensuring accurate communication.

Data Gathering and Documentation:

• I actively collected and documented data related to the electoral process, campaign events, and interactions with political actors. This data was critical for the mission's comprehensive assessment reports.

Meeting Coordination:

• I organized and participated in meetings with a diverse range of stakeholders, including political parties, electoral authorities, civil society organizations, and representatives of national minorities. These meetings were essential for gathering information and insights.

Report Contribution:

• I contributed to the preparation of mission reports by summarizing findings and observations related to national minority participation and the political context. These reports played a vital role in assessing the fairness and transparency of the elections.

Supporting Mission Objectives:

• My role was aligned with the mission's mandate to observe and assess the electoral process impartially and professionally. I upheld the organization's commitment to democratic principles and supported its objectives.

Significance: Working as an Assistant at the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission was a unique opportunity to contribute to the promotion of democratic values and the integrity of elections. My role aimed to ensure that national minorities had a voice in the electoral process and that the political landscape was thoroughly analyzed.

Commitment to Impartiality: Throughout my role, I maintained a commitment to impartiality and objectivity, focusing on the mission's mandate of assessing the electoral process without bias.

My experience in this role was not only professionally rewarding but also a significant contribution to the larger goal of fostering free and fair elections in Albania.

• Providing verbal and written translations of contracts and verbal interactions between employers and business partners.
• Translated documents from English to Albanian and vice versa.
• Reviewed final works to spot and correct errors in punctuation, grammar, and translation.
• Listened to recordings and translated confidential information.
• Applied cultural understanding to discern specific meanings beyond literal written words.

A Youth Leader Volunteer in SOS Children's Village Albania plays a vital role in supporting and guiding young people who are part of the SOS community. The organization's mission is to provide a stable and loving home environment for children and youth who have lost parental care. Here's an explanation and description of what a Youth Leader Volunteer does in SOS Children's Village Albania:

Role Overview: A Youth Leader Volunteer serves as a mentor, caregiver, and positive role model for young people living in SOS Children's Village Albania. The primary aim is to empower and support youth in their transition to independence, helping them develop life skills, pursue education, and build a strong foundation for their future.

Key Responsibilities:

Mentoring and Guidance:

• Provide emotional support and guidance to young residents.
• Offer advice, encouragement, and a listening ear to address their concerns and challenges.

Life Skills Development:

• Organize and facilitate life skills workshops and activities. These can include cooking, budgeting, time management, job-seeking skills, and other practical skills necessary for independent living.

Education Support:

• Assist youth in their educational pursuits, including homework help and providing resources for higher education or vocational training.

Career Guidance:

• Offer guidance on career choices, job-seeking, and internships.
• Encourage and help young people in building their career plans.

Community Integration:

• Foster connections between the youth and the local community.
• Encourage participation in community activities, events, and social integration.

Crisis Management:

• Provide a stable and supportive environment in times of emotional crises or challenges.
• Offer conflict resolution and emotional support when needed.

Advocacy:

• Advocate for the rights and needs of the young residents within the organization and the broader community.

Recreational Activities:

• Plan and organize recreational and social activities to promote a sense of belonging and well-being.

Cultural and Personal Development:

• Encourage youth to explore their cultural heritage and personal interests.
• Facilitate opportunities for cultural enrichment and personal growth.

Record Keeping:

• Maintain records and reports on the progress and challenges faced by the youth under your care.

Role Significance:

To succeed in this role, I must possess qualities such as patience, empathy, strong communication skills, and a deep commitment to the well-being of the young residents. I'm dedicated to making a meaningful and lasting difference in their lives.

Overall, serving as a Youth Leader Volunteer at SOS Children's Village Albania is a deeply fulfilling and meaningful role that empowers young people and helps them build a brighter future.

• Millennium Development Goals) Campaigns Acting as Trainer and Peer Consultant
• In addition, I engaged in participating in Skype Conferences on violence against children in Albania and acted as designated spokesperson during the European Development Days
• I participated in the following MDG 3 campaigns: “Future we want”; “My World Survey” and “Children Violence in Albania”
• In 2014 I engaged as Advocate/Activist in the Advocacy Campaign “Youth Voices from Albania”.

• Spokesperson for “Youth Coalition 2030”, Children Villages International Engaging as Spokesperson for the Youth Coalition, representing 10 countries, I also acted as Public Speaker representing Albania.
• Gave numerous public speeches at industry trade shows, conferences and other events.

• Active participation in the process of amending the Albanian Law ensuring that needy youngsters living in residential public institutions are sheltered and taken care of by the Albanian authorities until they are 18 years old instead of 14.
• Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.