Institutional description
HIGGS is a non-profit organisation based in Greece, dedicated to strengthening Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) through practical education, advisory support, and capacity-building. We primarily work with small and medium-sized organisations, helping them strengthen their structures, improve sustainability, and maximise their social impact. HIGGS currently runs two flagship programmes designed for the Greek CSO ecosystem: The Accelerator supports small and medium-sized non-profit organisations operating in Greece for more than two years. It offers a structured combination of training and consultancy, helping organisations improve strategy, internal systems, and overall organisational performance. The Incubator is a training and advisory programme supporting organisations and initiatives that seek to design/redesign or strengthen their organisational model, regardless of how long they have been operating. In collaboration with the Stewards Greece team, the programme also supports organisations wishing to strengthen their governance through the steward-led model—an innovative approach where responsibility remains with custodians of the mission rather than owners or shareholders. In addition to its flagship programmes, HIGGS provides specialised consulting and training services to non-profit organisations, foundations, and CSR departments in Greece and internationally. These services include support in social impact measurement and evaluation (including SROI analysis), organisational processes and optimisation, project design and implementation, digital presence and communications, volunteer management, governance, legal and financial coordination, and the effective use of digital tools and new technologies. Through this integrated approach, HIGGS supports organisations in strengthening transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability.
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Researchers
Alexandra Emirza — Deputy Director, HIGGS
Alexandra Emirza has over 14 years of professional experience in project management, programme monitoring, and the implementation of donor-funded initiatives across the consulting and civil society sectors. She holds an academic background in Public Administration and Health Care Policy & Management and has led the design and delivery of large-scale capacity-building programmes for Civil Society Organisation (CSO) professionals in Greece.
She has co-developed and delivered training programmes and seminars for more than 800 CSO representatives, addressing key thematic areas including project proposal development, EU funding frameworks, social impact measurement, strategic planning, and organisational sustainability. Her work combines strategic oversight with practical implementation, supporting organisations to strengthen effectiveness, accountability, and long-term resilience.
Anna Tsekani — Assistant Project Manager, HIGGS
Anna Tsekani is an Assistant Project Manager at HIGGS, where she supports the coordination, implementation, and monitoring of EU-funded projects. She holds a degree in Political Science and International Relations from the University of the Peloponnese and has further pursued academic training in Psychology at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Her academic background, combined with hands-on experience in European project implementation, enables her to contribute effectively to project coordination, partner communication, reporting processes, and the delivery of capacity-building activities for civil society organisations.