Sonja Taga
Krujë
Summary
I am an international relations graduate with comprehensive training across various sectors, including NGOs, government, and international organizations. With a focus on global issues like governance, law, and security, I am passionate about using my knowledge and skills to contribute to meaningful research, advocacy, and policy development in international affairs.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Languages
Work History
Trainee
European Economic and Social Committee
04.2025 - 07.2025
- Drafted briefings and background notes for diplomatic missions and bilateral meetings
- Conducted research on EU external trade policy and civil society structures (e.g. Bilateral meeting on Roma inclusion, Plenary Session: For a Democratic Belarus, Water Diplomacy)
- Conducted policy research and provided input on the EU-Singapore Domestic Advisory Group, with focus on US tariff impacts and trade frameworks
- Prepared full info packs for EESC opinions, including REX/610 and 'A Common European Way Forward for Ukrainians in the EU'
- Supported planning and documentation for EESC missions to Budva (10th Western Balkans Civil Society Forum), and Malabo (African Peace and Security Architecture, ECOSOCC Citizens Forum 2025), EU-Equatorial Guinea
- Took part in the EESC diplomatic mission to Tirana in the context of the first EU-Albania Joint Consultative Committee
- Drafted country backgrounders and thematic materials on Western Balkans and African Union regions
- Attended and reported on high-level events, including the EU-India Strategic Partnership Roundtable, EPC events on Ukraine, Moldova, and Albania, and the Transatlantic Relations Follow-up Committee
- Assisted coordination of Domestic Advisory Groups under EU Free Trade Agreements
- Produced weekly key developments in international relations through weekly press coverage on trade and global affairs
- Supported research and outreach in preparation of the EESC delegation visit to Chicago
- Participated in EESC section, Bureau, and plenary sessions to follow institutional decision-making and opinion adoption processes
- Participated actively in EESC REX Section meetings, Bureau meetings, and Plenary sessions to monitor and understand EU institutional decision-making, opinion formation, and adoption processes.
Freelance Researcher
NAVANTI group
01.2022 - 2022
- Conduct thorough research using various online resources to gather and synthesize information on relevant political, economic, and social topics.
- Utilize personal insights and experiences to contextualize data, ensuring a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of local dynamics.
- Identify and analyze trends, opinions, and behaviors that reflect the perceptions of the local population.
- Provide well-documented and credible reports that highlight key findings and insights.
- Conduct interviews with individuals to gather qualitative data that complements the quantitative research.
- Use effective interviewing techniques to ensure informative and comfortable conversations, such as demonstrating empathy, warmth, and attentiveness.
- Avoid judgmental attitudes and remain fully engaged with respondents, using active listening techniques, and allowing for silence to encourage detailed responses.
- Follow up on new information provided by respondents without losing track of the interview's overall direction.
- Capture and provide geo-tagged photos to visually support the research findings.
- Ensure that photos accurately represent the contexts and environments relevant to the research topics.
- Integrate visual data with written reports to enhance the depth and clarity of the insights provided.
Assistant Research Officer
The Balkan Forum
03.2021 - 09.2021
- Conducted in-depth research on the Berlin Process and Circular Economy, producing reports, analysis, and recommendations for various stakeholders.
- Assisted in maintaining project documentation, conducting project-relevant research, and preparing detailed reports.
- Organized and coordinated NGO events, ensuring effective execution and participant engagement.
- Contributed to advocacy and communications efforts, supporting outreach through social media and dissemination among WB6, EU, and USA contacts.
- Published four regional overviews on the Circular Economy in the Western Balkans, with a focus on Albania and Kosovo.
- Researched key topics such as reconciliation and recognition of higher education qualifications within the Berlin Process in Albania.
Intern
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in Albania
04.2020 - 07.2020
- Assisted in preparing and organizing official documents and briefings for government advisers and politicians.
- Participated in policy discussions and training sessions on foreign affairs, gaining insights into government operations.
- Collaborated with a team of interns to develop a joint project, enhancing teamwork, communication, and project management skills.
- Supported day-to-day administrative tasks, contributing to the smooth functioning of the ministry's operations.
Journalist
QSA
11.2019 - 05.2020
- Wrote articles and participated in trainings on counterterrorism and constructive journalism in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
- Developed expertise in constructive writing, focusing on positive and solution-oriented news reporting.
- Contributed to two media projects aimed at improving journalism practices and promoting accurate information.
Intern
Mjaft
05.2019 - 10.2019
- Participated in the 'I Vote' movement to raise awareness about political engagement and transparency.
- Monitored the Albanian Parliament's official website to assess transparency and compliance with legal requirements.
- Supported initiatives to promote political and social awareness within the NGO's broader advocacy efforts.
Education
Master - International Relations
Corvinus University of Budapest
09.2022 - 06.2024
Bachelor - Political Science
Faculty of Social Sciences-University of Tirana
10.2017 - 07.2020
Foreign Affairs Department - undefined
IDSA International Diplomatic Student Association
03.2023 - Current
Summer School - Fighting for Democracy in Exile
Deutsche Gesellschaft e. V.
04.2024 - 09.2024
Regional School for Youth Participation - undefined
Politeia
05.2021 - 05.2021
Youth and Elections 2021 - undefined
National Youth Congress and Euro News Albania
04.2021 - 04.2021
Online Model European Union Skopje - Accession Process of the Western Balkans, Transparency against Corruption
BETA Macedonia
04.2021 - 04.2021
University Debate on Integration - undefined
Science and Innovation for Development
12.2020 - 03.2021
Skills
Policy Research and Analysis
Report Writing and Policy Briefing
Data Collection and Interpretation
Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Multilingual Communication
<Enter your own>
- Date of Birth: 26/07/1999
- Gender: Female
- Nationality: Albanian
Timeline
Trainee
European Economic and Social Committee
04.2025 - 07.2025
Summer School - Fighting for Democracy in Exile
Deutsche Gesellschaft e. V.
04.2024 - 09.2024
Foreign Affairs Department - undefined
IDSA International Diplomatic Student Association
03.2023 - Current
Master - International Relations
Corvinus University of Budapest
09.2022 - 06.2024
Freelance Researcher
NAVANTI group
01.2022 - 2022
Regional School for Youth Participation - undefined
Politeia
05.2021 - 05.2021
Youth and Elections 2021 - undefined
National Youth Congress and Euro News Albania
04.2021 - 04.2021
Online Model European Union Skopje - Accession Process of the Western Balkans, Transparency against Corruption
BETA Macedonia
04.2021 - 04.2021
Assistant Research Officer
The Balkan Forum
03.2021 - 09.2021
University Debate on Integration - undefined
Science and Innovation for Development
12.2020 - 03.2021
Intern
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in Albania
04.2020 - 07.2020
Journalist
QSA
11.2019 - 05.2020
Intern
Mjaft
05.2019 - 10.2019
Bachelor - Political Science
Faculty of Social Sciences-University of Tirana
10.2017 - 07.2020
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