Overview.
Welcome to the Impact Assessment Institute (IAI). We are based in Tirana, Albania, with activities across EU countries, Western Balkan countries, Georgia, Lebanon, Moldova, Ukraine, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and more.
We offer a comprehensive suite of services, including consultancy, project management, advocacy, event management, training, capacity building, procurement assistance, analysis, and research.
With an extensive experience of over 20 years across diverse domains, we have established our expertise and proficiency in the following key areas:
Regulatory Impact Assessment & Evaluation
We have extensive experience in assessing the impacts of policies, legislation, projects, and other initiatives, both ex-ante as well as ex-post.
Better Regulation
We excel in formulating, improving, and implementing systems for policy development and effective management of the policy cycle.
Stakeholder Consultations
We have broad experience with developing and implementing (online) stakeholder consultation policies. We have facilitated complex and demanding dialogues with stakeholders, contributing to meaningful and collaborative decision-making.
Strategic Planning
We have assisted governments and organizations with developing effective strategies, guiding them towards effective implementation and sustainable success.
Work Planning
We have worked with governments and organizations to compile functioning systems for planning and reporting on their activities, increasing transparency and accountability.
EU Decision Making
We have a deep understanding of EU policies and decision-making processes. We assist our clients in navigating the complex procedural framework of the EU and devise strategies and concrete actions that enable them to effectively engage with European institutions.
Administrative Burden Reduction
We have extensive expertise in developing and implementing policies for administrative burden reduction. We combine this with the skills and experience of identifying reduction measures and devising solutions to minimize bureaucratic complexities, increasing operational efficiency, and improving the end-user experience.
Meet Our People.
Erik Akse
Founder of Impact Assessment Institute
Erik Akse is the expert for EU decision-making and policy development with more than 20 years of experience. Erik Akse has managed a range of complex Technical Assistance projects related to Public Administration Reform and Better Regulation. He was directly involved in over 180 Impact Assessments, evaluations, and related public consultation processes.
He provides trainings and presentations on EU decision-making and policy development; coaches individuals on the functioning of and engagement with the European Union; and provides strategic advice on strategic engagement with EU procedures for maximum effect in public affairs.
Erik’s expertise extends to the design and implementation of systems for Public Administration Reform, strategic planning, ex-ante Regulatory Impact Assessment, ex-post Evaluation, stakeholder consultation, and administrative burden reduction.
Erik regularly shares his practical insights by publishing books and articles on EU decision-making and Better Regulation.
Publications
EU decision- making explained
From Eu policy to EU law and back
Publication date: June 12, 2022
Publication date: June 12, 2022
How the EU Institutions work:
Your Handbook and Guide to EU Decision- Making
Publication date: September 8, 2020
Publication date: September 8, 2020
The EU Flow:
From EU policy to EU law and back (English Edition)
Publication date: September 5, 2017
Publication date: September 5, 2017
Joana Naci
Managing Director at Impact Assessment Institute
Joana Naçi is the Managing Director at Impact Assessment Institute and plays a pivotal role in driving the organization’s success.
Joana started her experience at Peace Corps Albania & Montenegro and CBS – Creative Business Solutions.
Before joining the Impact Assessment Institute, she was the Office and Administration Manager for the EU Twinning Project related to improving Food Safety in Albania. She was responsible for project communications, liaising with implementing partners, and supporting the preparation of project plans and reports. She also coordinated administrative procedures and systems; implemented procurement procedures in compliance with EU and Albanian law; was responsible for contract management; and organised events, trainings, workshops and (international) study visits.
Joana holds a Bachelor ‘s Degree in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Finance-Banking from the Mediterranean University of Albania.
Jona Jaha
Research Consultant
Jona Jaha joined the Impact Assessment Institute in September 2023, in the position of Research Consultant. Her role entails conducting thorough research and data analysis in various regions, encompassing the Western Balkans and EU nations. Ms. Jaha is responsible for delivering research-driven insights and data-backed recommendations in fields such as Impact Assessment, Better Regulation, Stakeholder Consultation, and Strategic Planning.
Ms. Jaha, with extensive experience in state administration reform and local policies in Kosovo, served as a Policy Advisor and UNICEF Junior Expert/Policy Analyst. As Chief Research Officer at the Kosovo Local Government Institute, she led research for donor-funded programs, enhancing local governance. Jona’s expertise extends to consultancy with the World Bank, addressing local governance challenges. During her time at the O’Neill School, she led an international project under the U.S. Department of State Diplomacy Lab, focusing on mitigating methane emissions in Turkmenistan.
Jona Jaha holds a Master of Public Affairs (MPA) degree from the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University Bloomington in the United States, with a specialized concentration in Applied Energy Developmen.