With an academic background in Law and over 15 years of experience in CSO sector, Ms. Topalli is currently working for Beyond Barriers Association in Albania, under the role of Program Manager, focusing in youth policy development, employability, entrepreneurship, skills development, inclusion and diversity. Having worked since 2007 in international cooperation and cross sectorial approaches, she is very well connected to the youth related issues, programs and stakeholders in the WB region specifically, but also in EU level, while she acts as an expert for programs such as Erasmus+, Europe for Citizens and European Solidarity Corps. She is working as a freelance trainer and consultant in non-formal education since 2009, having conducted more than 100 events. Ms Topalli has been providing expertise to several international organizations and institutions, such as EU Commission, CoE, RYCO, WBF, TACSO, KCSF, FES, etc.
Irena is a member of the SALTO-SEE Pool of Trainers and Pool of Accreditors as well as an expert for the Erasmus+ and ESC programs in Albania, while supporting all interested organizations and young people to join these programs. She is part of SEEYN network, while in the past she was a Steering Board member for 2 consecutive mandates (6 years), and also served as a President of the Steering Board for 3 years.