Council for Career and Professional Guidance

The Council for Career and Professional Guidance is a strategic advisory and coordination body established by the Institute for Leadership and Public Policy (ILPP). The Council was initiated within the framework of a project supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, aimed at strengthening the integration of young people into the labour market. Operating at the national level, the Council brings together key labour-market stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive, coordinated, and sustainable approach to the transition of young professionals from education to employment. Its composition reflects a multi-sectoral partnership, including universities (through their career centres), chambers of commerce, employment agencies, municipal administrations, and independent senior professionals, ensuring evidence-based guidance, policy relevance, and strong alignment with labour-market needs.

Council Members

Mirjeta Ilazi

Mirjeta Ilazi

Chair of the Council

Mirjeta Ilazi is a Professor of Economics with over 20 years of experience in teaching and educational management. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, a Master’s degree in Management and Marketing, and a PhD in Industrial Management from Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, where her doctoral research focused on indicators of sustainable industrial development and increasing production efficiency. For six years, she served as Director of the Secondary Municipal School “8 September” in Tetovo, overseeing more than 120 staff members and over 1,200 students. Her professional interests include economic efficiency, youth empowerment and advancement, leadership, and sustainable national development.  

Drilon Iseni

Drilon Iseni

Member

Drilon Iseni is a legal expert with more than fifteen years of professional experience in European and international law. He has worked extensively on legal compliance, regulatory frameworks, and institutional governance, supporting both public and private sector stakeholders. His expertise is grounded in continuous legal research and practice in cross-border and EU-related legal matters. Drilon Iseni is fluent in Albanian, Macedonian, Croatian, and English, enabling effective engagement in international and multilingual policy environments.

Bashkim Ziberi

Bashkim Ziberi

Member

Bashkim Ziberi is a Professor of Physics with extensive academic and research experience in nanotechnology and materials engineering. He earned his PhD from Leipzig University, Germany, specializing in ion-beam material modification, and has held research and leadership positions at scientific institutes in Germany before returning to serve at the University of Tetova. He has been actively involved in international research frameworks, including Horizon 2020, and is a Fulbright Scholar with research experience at Harvard University in the field of nanotechnology-based cancer treatment. He has authored over 40 scientific publications in internationally recognized journals and is an active member of regional and international scientific networks, contributing to the advancement of science, innovation, and academic cooperation.

Mirushe Ameti

Mirushe Ameti

Member

Mirushe Ameti is a senior executive with over 20 years of leadership experience in HR management, IT, customer operations, and organizational governance. Experienced in leading and advising teams across international organizations, public institutions, and private enterprises, with a strong focus on building stable structures, optimizing complex processes, and ensuring operational and compliance excellence. Known for integrity, resilience, and calm, solution-driven leadership in high-responsibility environments.


 

Florinda Imeri

Florinda Imeri

Member

Florinda Imeri is an academic and researcher in computer science and information technology with extensive teaching and scholarly experience. She holds a PhD in Computer Science and has been a long-standing faculty member at the State University of Tetova, where she teaches and mentors students in areas including software engineering, programming, and information systems. Dr. Imeri has participated in international academic collaborations and contributes to scientific publications and professional activities in her field. She also serves on editorial and coordination committees, reflecting her commitment to academic excellence and interdisciplinary cooperation in science and technology education.  

Sanije Sinani

Sanije Sinani

Member

Sanije Sinani is an accomplished finance professional with extensive experience in financial management and regional operations. She has built her career working with large and well-established companies, including Kipper Market, where she held key finance roles and contributed to financial planning, analysis, and operational oversight. Currently, she serves as a Regional Finance Manager, overseeing financial performance and supporting strategic decision-making across multiple business units. She holds a degree from the South East European University (SEEU) and is known for her strong analytical skills, professionalism, and results-driven approach.  

Arben Halili

Arben Halili

Member

Arben Halili is an experienced executive with a strong background in the private, media, and institutional sectors. He has previously served as Organizational Director at Klan Macedonia and as General Director (CEO) of Normak Investment Group AD Tetovo. He holds key governance roles as a Member of the Council for the Advancement and Oversight of the Audit of the Republic of North Macedonia and the IPARD Monitoring Committee (2021–2027), and serves as Vice President of the Supervisory Board of the Economic Chamber of North-West Macedonia. He holds a Ph.D. in Economic Sciences from the University “St. Cyril and Methodius” in Skopje, combining academic insight with practical leadership experience.


 

Ahmed Qazimi

Ahmed Qazimi

Member

Ahmed Qazimi is a senior education and public administration professional with extensive experience in higher education policy, institutional governance, and public service. He holds a Doctor of Education and currently serves as Head of the Department for Higher Education at the Ministry of Education and Science in Skopje, where he contributes to policy development and strategic oversight of the higher education system. Throughout his career, he has held advisory and leadership roles within government institutions, local administration, and educational organizations, including service as a State Advisor and as an education professional and consultant. He combines strong academic expertise with practical experience in education management, public policy, and international cooperation.

Ideal Amzai

Ideal Amzai

Member

Ideal Amzai is a legal professional with a background in law and criminal sciences. He graduated in Law from the University of Tetovo and obtained a Master’s degree in Criminal Sciences from South East European University. He is currently employed at the Employment Agency of the Republic of North Macedonia, at the Employment Center in Tetovo, where he serves as Head of the Employment Center. In this role, he is actively involved in the implementation of active labor market policies, coordination of employment services, and initiatives aimed at workforce development and employability enhancement.  

Sevim Berzati

Sevim Berzati

Member

Sevim Berzati is a qualified lawyer, graduated in 2006, with extensive experience in public institutions and local government administration. She has worked as an external associate at the Public Broadcasting Service of the Republic of North Macedonia and as a legal officer at the Ministry of Culture in Skopje. For the past four years, she has served as Coordinator in the Cabinet of the Mayor of the Municipality of Tetovo, cooperating with organizations that support women affected by domestic and other forms of violence, with a strong commitment to professionalism, empathy, and institutional responsibility.

Bujar Salija

Bujar Salija

Member

Bujar Salija is a legal professional from Tetovo, born in 1986. He graduated from the Faculty of Law at South East European University (SEEU) in 2008 and passed the Bar Examination in 2011. He completed a two-year court traineeship and is a co-founder of the Association for the Rule of Law “EUNIVERS.” He worked as a company lawyer at Keti-Teks from 2012 to 2023 and later served at the Fund for Innovation and Technological Development, first in the Legal Sector and then as an Advisor for Program Implementation (2024–2025).  

Zudi Xhelili

Zudi Xhelili

Member

Zudi Xhelili is a textile engineer and experienced public sector professional with a strong background in municipal governance and regional development. He has served as Head of Production at the textile factory “Goteks” in Gostivar and held several key public roles, including Municipal Councilor, President of the Municipal Council, and Head of the Crisis Management Task Force for the Gostivar region during the 1999 refugee crisis. He was appointed Assistant Director of the Agency for Underdeveloped Areas and later served as a Member of Parliament. Zudi Xhelili is an expert in local self-government policies, with extensive experience in public administration and local development.

Safet Asani

Safet Asani

Member

Safet Asani is an Assistant Professor and a Sector Head at the Municipality of Gostivar. He is the author of several academic publications focusing on law and legal studies, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and scholarly research at both local and international levels. His professional interests include public law, local governance, and legal policy development.

Valon Shabani

Valon Shabani

Member

Valon Shabani is an experienced university administrator and career development professional, currently serving as Head of the Career Center at the University of Tetova. With a background in Public Administration, obtained from South East European University, he has been engaged in higher education administration since 2007, supporting students in career guidance, employability development, and institutional services. Valon has strong experience working within academic environments and is fluent in Albanian, Macedonian, and English, with additional knowledge of Croatian. His professional interests include career development, student support services, and higher education administration.

Ilir Idrizi

Ilir Idrizi

Member

Ilir Idrizi is a political scientist and higher education adviser with experience in academic administration, international projects, and entrepreneurship. He serves as an Adviser at Mother Teresa University in Skopje and leads the Careers and Entrepreneurship Center, supporting student career development and university–industry collaboration. His work focuses on education modernization, innovation, and sustainable development in North Macedonia and beyond.

Durim Zekiri

Durim Zekiri

Member

Durim Zekiri is the Executive Director of the Economic Chamber of North-West Macedonia, where he leads the executive office, oversees strategic operations, and builds partnerships to support business development and economic growth. He holds a degree from the Faculty of Public Administration and Political Sciences and brings diverse professional experience from roles in quality auditing, international transport, and media before transitioning into economic development and organizational leadership. At the Chamber, Durim focuses on service expansion for members, networking with institutions and donors, and project management to strengthen the regional business community and foster sustainable economic cooperation.