Kujtim Sermaxhaj

Work History

Component Manager

LuxDev

11.2023 - Current

Led cross-functional teams to achieve project goals on time and within budget constraints towards education reform in Kosovo, focused on reskilling and upskilling.
Drafted proposals, conducted diagnosis, and supervised the implementation of over 1 MLN Euro partnership agreements.
Initiated process improvements that ensured increased candidates in the employment system within EARK of the Ministry of Finance.
Conducted baseline study and developed tailored recommendations for barriers and opportunities of women's inclusion in Lifelong Learning and Circular Economy.

National Research and Development Expert

LuxDev

09.2022 - 12.2023

Reforming the TVET National Governing structure and adapting the related Legal Framework: towards further autonomy, accountability, adequate school leadership, qualitative and financial sustainability, elements of TVET Dual System adapted to the local context
Member/chair of numerous Donor Coordination Meetings, Working Groups drafting National Strategies or Bylaws, monitoring counter violence and extremism measures (with the Prime Minister Office)
Creating and managing synergies and ad hoc collaborations with other Donor Funded Projects, international organizations and institutions (EU Delegation, World Bank funded projects, GIZ, USAID, ADA, ETF, SDC, UNDP, French Embassy, and others)
Technical assistance to the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology of Kosovo in the reform of the VET system, in the country strategy and the subsequent action plan (Kosovo Education Strategic Plan), VET legal reform on a national level, identification of priorities and challenges, etc
Development of a new strategy for a future National TVET Financing System
Development of NQF Level 4 and 5 qualifications (Occupational Standards, curricula and TLM);
Large-scale capacity development plans and trainings for school management, teachers and instructors;
Establishment of new national TVET Institutions (ICT Center of Competence);
Development and integration of Information Systems related to the provision of Career Guidance Services, Industrial liaison, Labour Market Information and Data management, M&E, Job Placement, School Management
Creation of a National Monitoring and Evaluation System for the VET in Kosovo
Initiation and facilitation of PPPs with local and internationally renowned companies such as Pearson Education, Essilor/Luxottica Group, Basic Check AG, Viva Fresh, and others
Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.

Grant Administrator

International Foundation Manifesta

12.2020 - 12.2022

Responsible for the management of the financial and administrative implementation process of the Creative Europe Western Balkan Grant
Serving as a contact point for all 12 implementing partners in EU and WB6 and ensuring smooth implementation of the project
Draft and monitor implementing partnership agreements, financial administration of the project, creating and maintaining effective communication channels between all partners, maintaining and monitoring timesheets, budgets, procurements, contracting and expenditures, and leading the project progress monitoring
Managed multiple concurrent deadlines while remaining detail-oriented when submitting progress and financial reports to funders.
Assisted in building organizational capacity through participation in relevant workshops, conferences, and networking events focused on grants administration.

Business Coordinator

International Foundation Manifesta

12.2020 - 08.2022

Creating and managing the administrative, legal and financial backbone structure for the Manifesta 14 Biennale and being liable for managing all financial, HR, legal, administrative, procurement, operational and governance aspects of the organization
Managing a team of 31 staff and 15 interns and coordination with 250 support team members.
Led a dynamic formulation and development team, steering the conceptualization and execution of 15 high-profile projects.

Successfully executed initiatives in collaboration with esteemed entities like the EU Commission, US Embassy, and other notable donors, totaling a remarkable budget of 3.8 million Euros.
Assumed full responsibility for project lifecycle management, from negotiations and contracting to meticulous implementation and thorough reporting.
Spearheaded negotiations with partners, directed contract execution, and ensured projects were delivered within defined parameters.
Fostered valuable relationships with external partners, diplomatic entities, and donors, ensuring sustained support for the organization's initiatives.

Program and Operations Manager

KYC Kosova

09.2018 - 08.2022

Lead the empowerment of youth of all gender through education, meaningful participation and innovation programs
Promoted PFO role for the finance and vendor management of the youth organization, a 200,000 Eur per year program focused on youth education, empowerment and representation
Created strategic plans to improve performance and a tool to monitor benefits realization
Direct and develop financial models, space and capacity planning, and stakeholder requirements to ensure performance indicators
Supervised up to 10 staff
Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers to obtain best pricing and terms.

Head of Business Development/Project Manager

Ekoinvest

06.2011 - 12.2018

Lead and represent company in local, national and international events
Directly managed more than 20 projects in yearly basis with budget of 20 mln Eur per year
Supervised business development department, procurement, sales and marketing: ensured customer satisfaction; implemented policy and strategy procedures
Analyzed key metrics and business drivers against historical performance, plans and forecasts to initiate efficiency and overall process improvements
Proactively identified and implemented new strategies to grow revenue in accordance with company strategic business plan

Program Manager

Kosovo 2.0

01.2018 - 12.2018

Guided organization 3 departments in designing and developing projects
Collaborated with media production and management teams to deliver assigned projects
Developed group and individual timelines, assessed/identified potential bottlenecks in each project process
Directed the recruitment of key employees
Established goals and milestones for organization
Ensured that all programs were executed with established time period and complied with the defined standards
Directly managed 3 programs, 8 projects, valued more than 1.0 mln
Eur, and supervised 14 staff

Managing Partner

Centre for Research and Strategic Development

01.2012 - 12.2017

Promoted as the point person to build organization objectives and goals
Directed project design, implementation and monitoring that maintained delivery of 100,000 Eur per year in transactions
Directed general finance, controllership, and accounting
Utilized Six Sigma initiatives
Served as Program Finance professional and installed reporting discipline

Executive Director

Global Remote Support J.S.C.

01.2014 - 12.2016

Governed all aspects of the 500,000 Eur budget that supported outsource services for Deutche Post services
Partnered with IT leadership and company execs to gain by-in for new processes and procedures and support program
Supervised 22 staff

Summary

Overview

Work History

Component Manager

National Research and Development Expert

Grant Administrator

Business Coordinator

Program and Operations Manager

Head of Business Development/Project Manager

Program Manager

Managing Partner

Executive Director

Education

MBA - General Management, Strategy Formulation and Business Decision

Master of Arts - EU internal market, Media and cultural diversity

Bachelor of Science - Management and Informatics, Macroeconomics

Skills

Research and publications

Community Service

Consulting projects

Timeline

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