Maria Schembri

Since 2002, Maria Schembri’s professional experience has been focused on assisting public and private organisations tap into EU funding programmes as well as in managing large and small scale EU funded projects. Between 2008 and 2011, Ms Schembri spearheaded the Malta-EU Steering and Action Committee’s (MEUSAC) EU Funding Unit. Under the headship of Ms. Schembri, this unit managed to successfully secure over 13 million Euros in EU Funds over a span of just 30 months. The unit provides support and assistance to local councils and civil society organisations in identifying EU funding opportunities, as well as, provides technical specific assistance to help such beneficiaries in drawing up funding applications. The unit also acts as a consultant on various fields, such as project planning and design, the eligibility of projects against funding criteria and in the actual procedures that would lead to the submission of an application.

Between 2007 and 2008, Ms Schembri was self-employed as a consultant with the Ministry for Investment, Industry and Information Technology where she was responsible for the implementation and launch of four projects under the National ICT Strategy 2004-2006 and 2008-2010. Ms. Schembri was also successful in obtaining in over 1 million euros in EU funds in relation to ICT in education. She also formed part of the Strategy Execution Office within the Malta Information Technology Agency.

Between 2005 and 2006, Ms. Schembri headed the Educational and EU Cultural Affairs Unit within the National Student Travel Foundation. During this period she managed and coordinated the NSTF - Mini European Assembly, the Science Programme which included the Malta Student Science Forum; School Contest for Young Scientists; European Union Contest for Young Scientists; the National Science Week and Expo Science Med.

Ms. Schembri graduated with honours in philosophy and also holds a Master’s degree in Creativity and Innovation, both from the University of Malta.