Manuela started to work with UNFPA in March, 1994 as Deputy Director of UNFPA Maternal and Child Health Programme, and in 1997 National Programme Officer of UNFPA Country Programme. She holds a bachelor degree in General Medicine, specialized in Intensive Care & Anaesthesiology, and a Master Degree on Gender and Development from Tirana University. In her 20 years of work with UNFPA, Manuela brings in professionalism, commitment and dedication to development programmes, and vast managerial experience and skills of 18 years as Assistant Representative/Head of Office and member of the UN Country Team in Albania.