Curriculum Vitae. Personal information. Work experience. First name(s) / Surname(s) Diana Spiteri

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1 Curriculum Vitae Personal information First name(s) / Surname(s) Diana Spiteri Address(es) Wignacourt B, Flat 1, Triz Iz-Zerniq, Is-Swatar - Birkirkara BKR4241, Malta Telephone(s) (+356) Mobile: (+356) dianaspiteri@gmail.com Nationality Maltese Date of birth 7 February 1985 Gender Female Work experience Dates 17 October to date Research & Innovation Programmes Executive within the Strategy, Policy and Internationalisation Unit Managing a number of Research & Innovation Funding Programmes (National and EU) Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST), Villa Bighi, Bighi, Kalkara KKR 1320 National advisory body to Government on Science and Technology Policy. Dates September October 2014 Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) / Horizon 2020 Executive FP7 / Horizon 2020 Programme Committee Member and National Contact Point for the following areas: - Energy; - Environment; - Nano-Technology, New Materials & New Production Technologies; - Transport (incl. Aeronautics); - Food, Agriculture & Fisheries, and Biotechnology; - Health; - Research Infrastructures; - SMEs; - European Research Council; - Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions; - International Cooperation. As the national delegate for the above mentioned areas since September 2010 I have represented Malta in Commission Programme Committee Meetings and National Contact Point Meetings, putting forward Malta s position and lobbying for Malta s interests for Research & Innovation in these fields. Moreover, researchers received first-hand information about the calls available, consultation on choosing the right call, advice on administrative procedures, assistance on proposal writing and finding foreign partners for local clients such as industry, academia as well as the public sector. The main tasks are as follows: - Attend FP7 travel commitments for National Contact Points and Programme Committee Meetings (PCM); - Participate in consultations such as the National Research and Innovation Strategy as well as Malta s position on Horizon 2020 during the Council discussions, prior to its launch. - Other duties assigned by the Management in various issues related to EU Affairs and other areas within my responsibility. Curriculum Vitae of Spiteri Diana 1

2 My role also includes the responsibility of drafting the following: - Reports following each Programme Committee Meeting and National Contact Point meeting attended; - Briefing notes and speaking notes for the Prime Minister and other Government Officials on FP7 / Horizon 2020, and other R&I dossiers when coordinating the Competitiveness Council (Research & Innovation, and Space); Malta comments and positions on various Work Programmes and other policy documents pertaining to the above mentioned areas following the relevant consultations. Having worked and attended meetings on the above mentioned areas I have formed contacts with colleagues from different Member States, which in turn has given me the opportunity for lobbying. Having voiced Malta s position during meetings as well as having lobbied prior to Programme Committee Meetings has enabled me to strengthen my interpersonal and diplomatic skills. I have also attended Pre-meetings organised by Member States which are held the day before the Programme Committee Meeting to ensure room for support and lobbying ahead of the Programme Committee Meeting. Hosting the same meetings at Dar Malta in Brussels meant garnering support and building strong relations for Malta s interests. I was also Managing in the following FP7 Projects: C-Energy+, EuroRIsNet+, NMP Team 2, Health NCP Net. Such projects have enabled me to attend training sessions on managing FP7 proposals, financial issues and best practices on how to be an effective National Contact Point, as well as having provided me with the experience of managing EU funding for the Mediterranean Projects for local participation. On a local level I have held meetings with various Government Entities, Ministries, members of the Academia as well as Private Companies and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises which have enabled me to learn more about Malta s interests in Research, Development and Innovation. I have also conducted trainings both locally and abroad to other NCPs and clients as to how to master tapping into FP7 / Horizon 2020 funding. Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST), Villa Bighi, Bighi, Kalkara KKR 1320 National advisory body to Government on Science and Technology Policy. Dates May September 2010 EU Research Analyst on Justice and Home Affairs at the EU Secretariat - OPM Assisting in the coordination of the timely preparation and formulation of: - Memoranda required for the Inter-Ministerial Committee Meeting for European Union Affairs; - Instruction notes required for COREPER I and COREPER II meetings, Council / Commission Working Groups as well as any other related meetings; - Briefs for meetings held by the Permanent Representative of Malta to the EU, the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs and the Prime Minister; - Assisting the Permanent Representative of Malta to the EU during Ministerial meetings and meetings chaired by the Permanent Representative; - Coordinating the clearance process for relevant documentation between the relevant Ministries and the Permanent Representation of Malta to the EU, for onward transmission to the relevant European Union Institutions / Permanent Representations; - Coordinating follow-up action as required; - Ensuring that the relevant reporting structures with regard to participation in meetings are adhered to; - Assisting the Acting Head of the EU Secretariat as required; - Representing the Permanent Representative or the Acting Head of the EU Secretariat when they are unable to attend meetings pertaining to the area of Justice and Home Affairs such as MEUSAC meetings. Curriculum Vitae of Spiteri Diana 2

3 My role in the Justice and Home Affairs area at the EU Secretariat also meant, the coordination of Malta s position, the drafting of the relevant documents and correspondence and ensuring that Malta s concerns are addressed with regard to the following achievements: The Visa Waiver Programme with the United States and Brazil. The issuance of Biometric Passports and visa facilitation. Ensuring that Malta s concerns pertaining to Justice and Home Affairs are addressed in all areas such as: - the European Council Conclusions issued for each European Council; - the European Pact on Immigration and Asylum (which introduced a mechanism for the voluntary reallocation of persons from Member States under disproportionate pressures to others) particularly concerns as regards Illegal Immigration, Asylum and Libya; The Pilot Project for Intra-EU Relocation of beneficiaries of international protection from Malta. Malta s bid to host the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) marketing / promoting Malta to host the Office. European Union Secretariat within the Office of the Prime Minister, Auberge De Castille, Valletta European Union Secretariat, Office of the Prime Minister Dates January October 2007 Project Executive As a Project Executive (part-time) for ERCS my commitment was to assist the Project Manager and ensure that the EU funded project Development of a glossary of EU terms funded by the Transitional Facility Programme, for the University of Malta supports the organisations approved higher level strategic objectives especially the standard of the work and that it runs on schedule. Such coordination also involved overseeing the translation of EU related terminologies from English to Maltese, the grading of the word / term reliability, the context being given and the grammar explanation of the word / term. This project enhanced my knowledge for EU terminologies in Maltese and my experience in coordinating an EU project. Stefano Mallia, Managing Director, EUROPA Research and Consultancy Services Limited (ERCS), 35-36, Archbishop Street, Valletta VLT 08, Malta EUROPA Research and Consultancy Services Ltd (ERCS) is specialised in the provision of EU consultancy to private enterprises, public administrations and non-governmental entities. Dates November 2005 February 2006 Work experience within the Office of MEP Simon Busuttil Assisting within the Office of Simon Busuttil, Member of the European Parliament in administrative duties as necessary on a weekly basis. This was my first experience of an EU working environment that enhanced my knowledge for EU Affairs and helped me develop valuable contacts. This experience also gave me a good understanding of the European Parliament s work and influence on the European Decision Making Process. Simon Busuttil, Member of the European Parliament, 36, Archbishop Street, Valletta, VLT 1447, Malta Office of Simon Busuttil Member of the European Parliament Curriculum Vitae of Spiteri Diana 3

4 Dates September 2004 June 2005 Administration of the Culture and Entertainment department within the University Students' Council My role at the University Students' Council at the University of Malta (KSU: Kunsill Studenti Universitarji) was within the Culture and Entertainment department. In this department I was responsible for the coordination and administration of most events and entertainment activities like Campus Fest, Frisk and the Photographic Exhibition and administrative duties as necessary. This work was done under the direction of Simon Sciberras and Malcolm Azzopardi, both then responsible for Culture and Entertainment. Simon Sciberras and Malcolm Azzopardi, Culture and Entertainment, University Students' Council, Student's House, University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, Msida, MSD 2080, Malta Student Council at the University of Malta Dates April 2003 December 2006 English / Business English Teacher Teaching English as a foreign Language (TEFL) at AM Language Studio for 4 years, and Business English for the last 6 months. This experience has taught me how to communicate better with people from all over the world and expand my knowledge of different cultures, personalities and businesses. I also gained international business contacts by teaching Business English. When teaching Business English I was to train my students with the following skills: recruitment, negotiations with other business partners, social business interactions as well as effective written business communication. Larissa Jonk, Director of Studies, AM Language Studio, 299, Manwel Dimech street, Sliema, SLM 1054, Malta English Language School Curriculum Vitae of Spiteri Diana 4

5 Education and Training Dates October 2012 June 2015 M.A. in Humanitarian Action (Part-Time) (Pending Dissertation) Principle Subjects/occupational skills Principle subjects: An introduction to humanitarian action; the legal framework: Humanitarian Law and Diplomacy; Governance and Policy Making; Practical aspects; Simulation exercises; Security and Ethics; Media; Contemporary issues; and Medicine and Public Health. Skills: the ability to analyse critically humanitarian and development action, how it is framed, structured, and delivered; the ability to plan, programme, implement, and evaluate effectively humanitarian and/or development interventions; the ability to navigate among the numerous players involved in humanitarian and development assistance; Confident oral presentation skills on the topics ; and an Analytical writing in the area of humanitarian and development cooperation. Status: To date I have successfully passed all modules and am simply pending my dissertation which will be written in the coming months on How Malta operated the Humanitarian Hub during the Libya crisis in 2011? Can it be considered as a best practice? University of Malta Dates June 2013 PRINCE2 Registered Practitioner APMG Principle Subjects/occupational skills Project Management APMG Dates October 2012 Certificate for Communication / Train-the-Trainer Principle Subjects/occupational skills This training gave a good understanding of the difference between learning and rehearsing models and tools on communication, perception and interpretation, stress, pressure and communication, making a connection between the inner world and external effects, achieving goal orientated communication and action (use of the goal model), and avoiding conflicts through complete messages. Birgit Baumann, Businessmind, Austria ( Dates May 2011 Certificate for Train-the-Trainer 1 Principle subjects/occupational skills This training aimed at giving participants immediate applicable know-how and additional experience for presentations and in particular training design and implementation, to use exercises / games and new methods for training others as well as gain more security as regards presentations and methods for training design / implementation. Birgit Baumann, Businessmind, Austria ( Curriculum Vitae of Spiteri Diana 5

6 Dates 2006 B.A. (Hons.) European Studies The main subjects of interest were: EU policies and Political Dynamics; Comparative Politics of the European Union; Regional Development and the EU Structural Funds; Concepts of European Foreign Policy; and Conflict Resolution in Contemporary Conflicts. My dissertation was entitled: How ready is the EU for another Bosnia-type situation? University of Malta Dates 2003 Professional Training Programme in Public Speaking This course taught me how to address a group of people with practical concepts and useful skills when giving presentations. MISCO, Fino Buildings, Notabile Road, Mriehel, BKR 3000, Malta Dates Matriculation Certificate Post-Secondary Education Certified that I have obtained a Pass in: Advanced Level: English and Philosophy; Intermediate Level: Biology, Information Technology and Systems of Knowledge. G.F. Abela Junior College, Msida Dates 2002 GEOS Malta Language Centre Certificate of Induction in the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (T.E.F.L.) The course the following main areas: - The teaching of grammar, vocabulary and phonology, reading, speaking, listening and writing skills. - Classroom management and Teaching techniques. - Lesson planning and planning a series of lessons. - Teaching adults and teenagers, individuals and groups. The course included peer teaching practice opportunities to watch live classes and classes in action on video and write assignments. Overall grade: B+ (Assignments and Peer Teaching) - Holding an EFL Permit no: 0975 GEOS Malta Language Centre, November 2002 Curriculum Vitae of Spiteri Diana 6

7 Dates 2001 Ordinary Level Matsec Certified that I have obtained a Pass in eleven subjects as follows: Maltese, English, French, Italian, English Literature, Mathematics, Physics, Accounts, Economics and Religion. St. Joseph School, Sliema Dates School Leaving Certificate with a very good conduct. Primary and Secondary Education St. Joseph School, Sliema Dates 2000 Student Parliament for Secondary School Students My role was to represent my school and discuss current issues with other school s representatives at the national Parliament. This was a highly prestigious opportunity whereby we voiced our opinions at such a young age and attempted to address our concerns to the Members of Parliament. St. Joseph School Sliema Dates 1996 English Speaking Examination This English Speaking examination consisted of giving a presentation about a favourite topic, reading and extract from book and reciting a poem. This course initiated my interest in public speaking particularly the articulation of speaking clearly. Overall grade achieved: Passed with Merit. English Speaking Board ESA Personal skills and competences Mother tongue(s) Maltese and English Other language(s) Italian and French Self-assessment Understanding Speaking Writing European level (*) Listening Reading Spoken interaction Spoken production Italian C1 C1 C1 C1 C1 French B1 B1 A1 A1 A1 (*) Common European Framework of Reference for Languages Social skills and competences I enjoy meeting people and this was particularly the case whilst working as a National Contact Point and Programme Committee Member whereby I socialised with my colleagues from different Member States whilst lobbying for Malta s interests as best possible. This helped in developing good relations so as to ensure positive lobbying initiatives in the long term. Curriculum Vitae of Spiteri Diana 7

8 Organisational skills and competences Computer skills and competences I believe that my experience at the EU Secretariat as well as at the Malta Council for Science and Technology have enhanced my organisational skills and competences as it is a constant interaction between the relevant Stakeholders, Ministries, the Permanent Representation of Malta to the EU and the relevant EU Institutions. Moreover, abiding to tight deadlines has taught me how to prioritise and ensure that all the work is done diligently within the time stipulated. Having attended a number of FP7 and Horizon 2020 Programme Committee Meetings as well as National Contact Point Meetings has given me the opportunity to lobby on behalf of Malta and ensure that Malta s interests are taken on board especially as regards FP7 1 and Horizon 2020 R&I Funding. Both roles gave me the responsibility to ensure that all aspects of the areas falling within my remit were assessed; reviewed and addressed from my end constantly and that any red lines for Malta are not overlooked. Working in such dynamic environments has ensured that I follow both national and EU affairs closely so as to ensure that the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman of the Malta Council for Science and Technology, Permanent Representative of Malta to the EU, Minister or Prime Minister have the correct information when meeting their counterparts. I have a sound knowledge of computer skills particularly Microsoft Word, Excel and Power point. Artistic skills and competences Dancing Folk with The Daphne Lungaro Ensemble, so far I have performed both locally and abroad for festivals and conferences. The all time favourite remains the Chinese New Year, January 2006 in Hong Kong Dance: Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Spanish, Modern Jazz and Hip Hop. February 2011 Passed with Merit the Advanced Royal Academy of Dance Voluntary Work at Paolo Freire Institute Zejtun with 11 to 13 year old girls, guiding them and teaching them dance, crafts, and general knowledge. Driving licence Relevant Documents and Certificates I hold a driving licence for category B vehicles. Transcript of results for the first 2 years of Masters in Humanitarian Action Bachelor of European Studies (Hons.) Certificate. References Mr. Mario Borg, Chief Administration Officer, Malta Council for Science and Technology Dr. Josie Muscat, Chairman, St. James Hospital Group Mr. Tony Cassar, Managing Director, Cyberspace Solutions 1 Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development Curriculum Vitae of Spiteri Diana 8