Mehanja
Announcement Number: N/A
Blerta Mehanja *******@*****.***
803-***-**** 2102 Webbed Way
Opelika, AL 36804
Citizenship: US Preferences: email
Objective: Announcement Number: N/A, GS 12, NTERNATIONAL PROGRAM SPECIALIST (PROJECT MANAGEMENT)
Professional Summary: Experienced professional with over eight years of demonstrated measurable success and expertise in developing and executing information campaigns, conducting target audience analysis, and collaborating across teams to achieve mission objectives in complex operational environments, including strategic communication, Psychological Operations (37F) planning processes, and understanding cultural nuances to influence behaviors and attitudes. Work consistently in client relationship management enhancing interpersonal, analytic, intercultural, and program management skills including communication skills (written and oral). Utilize skills developed throughout training and practical hands-on experience in Antiterrorism & Force Protection, Target Audience and Open-Source Research, Unconventional Warfare/Irregular Warfare, Exploitation Anomalies and Trends, Strategic Planning & Analysis, and Risk Assessment/Mitigation. Knowledgeable in various platforms: Windows 10, Mac OS, Various Social Media Platforms, OSR Platforms, SQL, Linux and Network Analysis Tools: C2IE, Palantir, PULSE. Familiar with Project Management life-cycle and tools and techniques to successfully see a project through from start to finish. Professional Experience
Psychological Operations Specialist 01/2016 – 02/2024 United States Army – Various Global Locations S: Matthew Vela Regional Information Support Team P: 210-***-****, Contact: Yes Balkans, Moldova, Afghanistan 40hrs/wk
Duties, Accomplishments, and Related Skills: (Psychological Operations Specialist, 37F, E-6) PROGRAM OPERATIONS: Successfully developed and received U.S. Embassy support for two Counter Disinformation Programs for Special Operations Command, Europe (SOCEUR). DATA VALIDATION: Served as Subject Matter Expert (SME) in regional affairs, assisting in identifying narratives and exploiting network vulnerabilities. Analyzed and qualified strengths and vulnerabilities of the local population to prepare the Target Audience Worksheet using OSINT and other intelligence platforms. RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT: Building strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders, participating in meetings with international partners for technical discussions on new project, and developing effective working relationships with inter-agency and international partners. PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Provided project leadership by serving as a team lead, spearheading the development and coordination of comprehensive project plans. This included establishing acquisition baselines and strategies, formulating implementation plans, and securing funding, all while ensuring alignment with internal and external guidance documents. Successfully navigated resource constraints and project uncertainties to deliver desired outcomes. Maintained communication with COR throughout entire process.
Psychological Operations Specialist 07/2021 – 12/2021 United States Army – Various Global Locations S: Eddie Williams Military Information Support Team P: +1-910-***-**** Contact: Yes Mehanja
Announcement Number:
Moldova 40hrs/wk
Duties, Accomplishments, and Related Skills: (Psychological Operations Specialist, 37F, E-6) PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION CONTROLS: Effectively developed and submitted information campaigns to educate the local population on media literacy resulting in a 3% increase in the population’s ability to identify false narratives. Developed project plans and collaborated with project stakeholders and teams to ensure on- time completion of products resulting in 50 products. PROBLEM-SOLVING CRITICAL THINKING: Fielded incoming customer requests and complaints, performed root cause analysis, and developed action plans to minimize the impact on customers’ operations. Performed extensive problem-resolution and conflict-management strategies to negotiate mutually beneficial agreements between conflicting parties.
RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT: Building strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders, participating in meetings with international partners for technical discussions on new or ongoing projects, and developing effective working relationships with inter-agency and international partners. Psychological Operations Specialist 06/2020 – 09/2020 United States Army – Various Global Locations S: Caleb Shalala Special Operations Joint Task Force (SOJTF IWTF) P: +1-330-***-****, Contact: Yes Afghanistan 40hrs/wk
Duties, Accomplishments, and Related Skills: (Psychological Operations Specialist, 37F, E-6) Organized and distributed more than 130 messages across various media platforms including television, radio, and social networks to support three separate task forces. Served as liaison between program stakeholders to facilitate the integration of operational planning and information analysis and development of proper reports and communication to disseminate companywide. Collaborated with team leaders to review enemy narratives and action plans, gathered Open Source Intelligence and various data points, and evaluated the effectiveness of friendly operations within local populations. Analyzed future target audience behaviors, and current strategies, and developed processes to support military efforts and influence the attitudes and movements of the enemy and host population within Area of Operation. Leveraged Subject Matter Expertise on local cultural traditions and customs within the Afghan population to develop target audience analysis and identify key data points to drive mission-critical decisions.
Psychological Operations Specialist 07/2017 – 01/2020 United States Army S: Nate Nolan
Training Unit P: +1-361-***-****
Various US Locations 40hrs/wk
Duties, Accomplishments, and Related Skills: (Psychological Operations Specialist, 37F, E-4, E-5) Participated in a rigorous training schedule incorporating various elements of strategic warfare including Intercultural Training, Tactical Psychological Operations Training in the field, Psychological Operations Planner courses, and Russian Language Training. Acquired and implemented invaluable knowledge and strategy development in Unconventional Warfare/Irregular Warfare (UW/IW), providing deployed Special Operations, senior leadership teams, and mission planners, with crucial information on vulnerabilities and potential threats to ongoing field operations.
Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic) 07/2016 – 07/2017 Mehanja
Announcement Number:
United States Army S: Owen Davis
Training Unit P: +1-706-***-****
Vilseck, Germany 48/wk
Duties, Accomplishments, and Related Skills: (Healthcare Specialist, 68W, E-4) Served as first responder in active military operations, administering emergency medical treatment to military personnel. Successfully trained and mentored Soldiers in first responder and lifesaver offerings to better equip teams in supporting field operations.
Additional Experience
Budget Analyst-Contracting Specialist 03/2010 – 07/2012 AC First S: Billy Legans
P: Unknown (deceased)
Kandahar, Afghanistan 72hrs/wk
Responsible for managing the entire contract lifecycle, from solicitation and negotiation to execution and administration. Ensured compliance with regulations and internal policies, mitigated risks, and maintained positive relationships with local and international suppliers and vendors. Sourced and procured critical materials and equipment for field operations, ensuring timely delivery and optimal cost-efficiency through effective negotiation and vendor management. Tracked and analyzed procurement costs, identifying cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality standards and adhering to project budgets.
Maintained strong relationships with suppliers and vendors, evaluated their performance, and ensured compliance with contract terms.
Identified and mitigated potential risks associated with contracts, such as cost overruns, delays, and quality issues.
Ensured that all contracts comply with relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies. Financial Analyst 01/2009 – 08/2009
FINCA S: Engyl Palusha
P: Unknown
Prishtina, Kosovo 48hrs/wk
Analyzed financial information and prepared reports to help managers make decisions. Prepared financial forecasts and models to project future revenues and expenses. Evaluated investment opportunities and recommended investment strategies to clients or management. Conducted research on companies and industries to identify investment opportunities. Monitored financial markets and economic trends to stay informed about investment opportunities and risks. Analyzed the financial performance of companies and industries. Developed and implemented financial plans and strategies. Presented financial information to clients or management.
Contracting Specialist 07/2007 – 07/2008
AECOM S: Deya Abu Khalaf
P: Unknown
Bagram, Afghanistan 72hrs/wk
Mehanja
Announcement Number:
Responsible for managing the entire contract lifecycle, from solicitation and negotiation to execution and administration. Ensured compliance with regulations and internal policies, mitigated risks, and maintained positive relationships with local and international suppliers and vendors. Sourced and procured critical materials and equipment for field operations, ensuring timely delivery and optimal cost-efficiency through effective negotiation and vendor management. Tracked and analyzed procurement costs, identifying cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality standards and adhering to project budgets.
Maintained strong relationships with suppliers and vendors, evaluated their performance, and ensured compliance with contract terms.
Identified and mitigated potential risks associated with contracts, such as cost overruns, delays, and quality issues.
Ensured that all contracts comply with relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies. Associated Field Buyer 09/2006 – 07/2007
Kellogg Brown & Root S: Louis Szivolesz
P: Unknown
Kabul, Afghanistan 72hrs/wk
I was responsible for procuring goods and materials necessary for our operations in the region. This involved managing inventory levels, negotiating favorable terms with local suppliers, and ensuring the timely delivery of goods, all while analyzing market trends to inform purchasing decisions. Given the challenging environment, I also prioritized the safe and secure procurement and transportation of goods, navigated complex logistical hurdles, and strictly adhered to Federal Acquisitions Regulations. Payroll Supervisor 05/2005 – 07/2006
DynCorp International S: Firas Khirfan
P: unknown-LinkedIn
Amman, Jordan 48hrs/wk
As a Payroll Supervisor, I oversaw and managed all payroll-related activities. This included ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll, staying compliant with tax laws and regulations, managing and mentoring the payroll team, and resolving any payroll discrepancies. I also analyzed and improved payroll processes for increased efficiency and accuracy, while maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive employee information.
Finance Assistant 01/2005 – 05/2005
DynCorp International S: Unknown
P: Unknown
Baghdad, Iraq 80hrs/wk
As a Finance Assistant I provided administrative and clerical support to the finance department. I maintained financial records, processed invoices and payments, reconciled bank statements, and assisted with budget preparation and financial reporting. I also supported accounts payable and receivable, tracked expenses, and performed other financial tasks as needed.
Education
06/2024 Cybersecurity Certification, Google
12/2016 Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security Minor in Cybersecurity Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Mehanja
Announcement Number:
Job-Related Training
03/2021 Military, Mobile Force Protection Training Course, Guardian Defense Training Group 12/2020 Information Operations Integration Course-Cyberspace Operations (1st IO) 10/2020 Security Cooperation Course, JSOU Special Operations Forces 02/2020 Introduction to Special Operations Forces Certificate, Joint Special Operations University Course 12/2019 Irregular Warfare, Joint Special Operations University Course 11/2019 SERE Level C (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape), U.S. Army (FT Liberty) 05/2019 Live Environment Training and Certification, Riga, Latvia 11/2018 Psychological Operations Qualifications Course, Special Warfare Center 10/2018 Basic Special Operations Language Completion (Russian), Special Warfare Center 06/2017 Airborne Course, FT Benning
12/2016 Psychological Operations Assessment and Selection Languages
Russian (Intermediary, lvl 2), Albanian (Fluent, Advanced) and German (Fluent, Advanced) Honors and Awards
07/2023 The Army Commendation Medal, SF Commander, TF 10 12/2021 The Army Commendation Medal, SF Commander, TF 10 08/2020 The Joint Service Achievement Medal, Award, Secretary of Defense 09/2020 Non-Article 5 NATO Medal for service with NATO in relation to the RESOLUTE SUPPORT Mission, Afgh Other Information
I certify that I can type 40 wpm that the information within this resume is accurate and have English Language Proficiency in accordance with 38 S.S.C. 7402(d).
References
Name Job Title Employer Phone Email
*Matthew Vela 1SG US Army +1 (210) 998-
0275
*******.****@*****.***
*Christopher
Amsley
MAJ US Army +1 (910) 396-
3047
***********.*.******.***@*****.***
*Eddie Williams MSG US Army +1 (910) 689-
3342
*****.************@*******.***
*Nicholas Bulgiari 1LT US Army +1 (607) 229-
0275
********.*.********.***@****.*** Indicates a Professional Reference