Project Management Professional www.linkedin.com/in/mblerta

Summary

Highly motivated and results-oriented project management professional with 8 years of experience leading and managing complex projects in dynamic, international environments. Proven ability to develop and execute comprehensive project plans, manage timelines and budgets effectively, and consistently deliver successful outcomes on time and within budget. Expertise in leading and motivating cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration, and achieving project goals. Adept at identifying and mitigating risks, analyzing target audiences, and leveraging open-source intelligence (OSINT) for informed decision-making. Eager to contribute my skills and experience to drive success within the Project Management Institute.

Skills and Expertise

Project Management: Planning, execution, monitoring, and closure of projects; budget management; risk assessment and mitigation; timeline management; stakeholder communication.
Leadership and Teamwork: Leading and motivating cross-functional teams; fostering a positive and collaborative work environment; conflict resolution; delegation and mentorship.
Target Audience Analysis: Identifying and analyzing target audiences for effective communication and engagement; utilizing OSINT and intelligence platforms for research and data collection.
Strategic Planning and Analysis: Developing and implementing strategic plans; analyzing complex situations; identifying trends and anomalies; adapting strategies to achieve objectives.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent written and oral communication; strong interpersonal skills; building rapport with diverse stakeholders; effective negotiation and persuasion.
Technical Proficiencies: Windows 10, macOS, various social media platforms, OSINT platforms (e.g., C2IE, Palantir, PULSE).

Professional Experience

United States Army – Various Global Locations | January 2016 – February 2024

Psychological Operations Sergeant | Regional Information Support Team, Balkans | Jan 2023 – Jul 2023
- Developed and managed comprehensive project plans, timelines, and budgets.
- Served as Subject Matter Expert (SME) in regional affairs, providing assistance 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.
Psychological Operations Sergeant | Military Information Support Team, Moldova | Jul 2021 – Dec 2021
- Developed and implemented 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 the on-time completion of 50 products.
- Fielded incoming customer requests and complaints, performed root cause analysis, and developed action plans to minimize impact on customers' operations.
Psychological Operations Sergeant | Special Operations Joint Task Force (SOJTF IWTF), Afghanistan | Jun 2020 – Sep 2020
- Organized and distributed more than 130 messages across various media platforms to support three separate task forces.
- Served as a liaison between program stakeholders, facilitating effective communication and collaboration.
- Collaborated with team leaders to review enemy narratives and action plans, gather OSINT and various data points, and evaluate the effectiveness of operations within local populations.
Psychological Operations Sergeant Training within the US | July 2017 – Jan 2020
- Participated in a rigorous training program incorporating various elements of strategic warfare, including Intercultural Training, Tactical PSYOP Training, PSYOP Planner courses, and Russian Language Training.
- Acquired and implemented invaluable knowledge and strategy development in Unconventional Warfare/Irregular Warfare (UW/IW), providing crucial information on vulnerabilities and potential threats to ongoing field operations.
Healthcare Specialist - Combat Medic | Vilseck, Germany | July 2016 – July 2017
- 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.

Additional Experience
AC First | Budget Analyst-Contracting Specialist 03/2010 – 07/2012

Kandahar, Afghanistan
- 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. Identify, document, recommend, and implement system improvements and corrective actions to optimize communication strategies and operational plans, akin to system improvements in financial/accounting systems.
- 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.
FINCA | Financial Analyst 01/2009 – 08/2009

Prishtina, Kosovo
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.
AECOM | Contracting Specialist 07/2007 – 07/2008

Bagram, Afghanistan
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. Prepare and execute communication plans and messaging strategies, drawing parallels to preparing and executing software test plans and system change requests.
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.
Kellogg Brown & Root (KBR) | Associated Field Buyer 09/2006 – 07/2007

Kabul, Afghanistan
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.
DynCorp International | Payroll Supervisor 05/2005 – 07/2006

Amman, Jordan
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.
DynCorp International | Finance Assistant 01/2005 – 05/2005

Baghdad, Iraq
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.
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Education and Certifications

Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Irregular Warfare Certificate | Joint Special Operations University
Security Cooperation Certificate | JSOU Special Operations Forces
PSYOPS Qualifications Certificate | Special Warfare Center
Defensive Driving - Mobile Force Protection Certificate
SERE Level C (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape)
Russian Language Program Completion | Special Warfare Center

Languages

Russian (Intermediary)
Albanian (Fluent)
German (Fluent)

Clearance

Active TS/SCI