Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic
Amber Darmanin

Amber Darmanin

Mellieha

Summary

Experienced in leading effective initiatives, specialising in project design, implementation, PR, Marketing and events management. Skilled in event planning and management, securing funding and managing projects and campaigns for maximum impact. Versatile in working with and leading multi-disciplinary teams. Passionate about driving positive change.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Department Manager

Malta Public Service Detailed To Jobsplus
02.2021 - Current
  • Leading the Department for Projects Design & Management at Jobsplus , responsible for public relations, marketing, events management, communications and the design and implementation of National and EU-funded projects.
  • Proactively tapping into potential EU funding sources. Successfully awarded EU funded projects through Interreg Europe, EEA & Norway Grants, Erasmus+, and ESF+, to develop and implement pilot projects aligned with National policies, Jobsplus' strategic direction and labour market needs including the Free Childcare Scheme, Youth Guarantee, Intercept Project, @Work4NEETs, ALMalta Mobility Scheme.
  • Co-ordinating with service providers, key National stakeholders, International partners and responsible authorities to ensure the smooth implementation of projects while promoting them for maximum impact.
  • Successfully planning and executing high-level events, including co-ordinating logistics, managing vendors and ensuring seamless execution, while implementing innovative strategies to enhance attendance and engagement, resulting in increased awareness and participation.
  • Developing comprehensive promotional campaigns tailored to the objectives of the Entity or projects, utilising market research and audience insights to devise targeted messaging and strategies and implementing multi-channel marketing approaches for maximum effectiveness.
  • Overseeing the effective management of the Entity’s social media platforms including Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, dedicated to promoting initiatives through engaging multi-media content, including posts, videos and graphics.
  • Managing all procurement requests, including drafting of tenders in adherence to regulatory standards.
  • Coordinating content design for the new redesigned Jobsplus website, launched in Q1 2024, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and strategic objectives.
  • Conducting thorough testing of website user experience, identifying and addressing usability issues to enhance overall navigation and functionality.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams (in-house and third party providers) to gather and organise content, while overseeing the publishing process to maintain consistency and quality.
  • Led the development of dialogs for the Entity's AI virtual agent, optimising user interactions and ensuring accurate and helpful responses.
  • Directing the activities of executives and administrative personnel within the Department, allocating responsibilities and providing guidance on policies and operations.
  • Managing recruitment processes, conducting performance evaluations, addressing training requirements and other personnel-related tasks.
  • Representing the Entity in National and European fora, including chairing International project meetings and acting as Malta’s representative in the Youth Guarantee Co-ordinators' Group under the European Commission’s DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion.

Senior Manager Operations

Ministry For Education And Employment
07.2015 - 02.2021

• Heading the Youth Guarantee Unit, responsible for overseeing the implementation of educational and employment-related initiatives targeting individuals aged 15 to 25, including: the NEET Activation Scheme II, SEC Revision Classes, MCAST Preventive Classes and the ICT Summer Courses.

• Organising promotional campaigns and events and managing social media platforms related to the Youth Guarantee, and the Free Childcare Scheme.

• Engaging with key stakeholders and relevant authorities including the Managing Authority (PPCD) to ensure adherence to related Directives, Regulations and local Legislations concerning the implementation of the Youth Guarantee initiatives.

• Analysing feedback collected and changes in policy, and proposing solutions in procedures, timelines, targets, eligibility criteria, and estimated disbursement schedules to optimize the effectiveness of the Youth Guarantee initiatives.

• Co-ordinating and overseeing the activities of executives and administrative personnel within the Unit and delegating tasks accordingly. Providing guidance to the team, fostering motivation among team members and offering support as necessary.

• Handling all recruitment processes, performance evaluations and training requirements.

• Ensuring the efficient functioning of the Youth Guarantee Unit in aspects related to financial budgeting, human resources, office procurement and other operational aspects that may impact the Unit's activities.

• Representing Malta in the Youth Guarantee Coordinators Group under the European Commission’s DG Employment, Social Affairs, and Inclusion.


Personal Assistant to the Chairman

Employment & Training Corporation
06.2014 - 07.2015
  • Co-ordinating, supporting, and supervising the effective implementation of all Jobs+ Committee and ESF funding initiatives, alongside active labour market measures aligned with the objectives of the Making Work Pay policy initiative
  • Collaborating as needed in the planning and execution of special events and public engagements, including broadcasting programs, to spotlight issues, directives and initiatives pertinent to ETC and Jobs+ Committee.
  • Providing regular updates to the Chairman of ETC and JOBS+ on prevailing issues and concerns expressed by stakeholders of the JOBS+ committee
  • Managing procurement requests and overseeing personnel within the Department
  • Addressing all administrative and informational requirements and providing guidance to managers and Youth Guarantee Officers as necessary and as per the Chairman's direction.

Project Manager (Scholarships Unit)

Ministry for Education and Employment
08.2013 - 06.2014
  • Developing work plans including setting tasks, deadlines and monitoring and summarising progress of the project.
  • Assigning responsibilities to clerical support staff and overseeing their training and work.
  • Managing the effective implementation of the projects and tasks assigned.
  • Co-ordinating promotional activities and producing promotional materials.
  • Organising meetings such as scheme status meetings, team meetings and Scholarship Scheme Board meetings.
  • Managing the day-to-day operational aspects of the project as per Manual of Procedures issued by the Managing Authority within the Ministry for European Affairs and Implementation of the Electoral Manifesto.
  • Maintaining all the necessary documentation, including purchase documents and invoices; the inputting of these documents in the Structural Funds Database (SFD07), and the upkeep of the Project files.
  • Monitoring the costs, time schedule and quality of the work being carried out.

Communications Co-ordinator

Malta Union of Teachers
10.2012 - 08.2013
  • Managing communications between the Union and media representatives, ensuring clear and effective messaging across various platforms.
  • Co-ordinating and executing events aimed at promoting Union services, effectively engaging members and stakeholders
  • Conducting comprehensive research and analysis of media coverage to inform strategic decision-making and communication efforts.
  • Providing support to Union Officials in their communication endeavours, facilitating smooth and transparent interaction with members.
  • Developing and implementing communication strategies to enhance the Union's visibility and reputation within the community.
  • Collaborating with internal teams to align communication efforts with organisational objectives, fostering unity and coherence in messaging.

Intern - Development Committee (S&D Group)

European Parliament
09.2011 - 09.2012
  • Drafting Policy Papers
  • Preparing amendments
  • Research and report writing
  • Monitoring and reporting on meetings and conferences
  • Taking minutes and assisting the Political Advisor as needed.

Journalist

ONE Productions Ltd
03.2011 - 08.2011
  • Reviewing newspapers
  • Article writing
  • On-site journalism
  • Radio news broadcasting.

Cabin Crew

Air Malta
06.2006 - 08.2011
  • Providing excellent customer service to passengers while ensuring their comfort and safety throughout the flight
  • Trained to deal with security and emergency situations which may arise, including administration of First Aid.

Education

Master of Arts (M.A.), Diplomatic Studies -

Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC) - University of Malta
10.2009 - 06.2010

Bachelors (Honours) in European Studies and International Relations -

European Documentation And Research Centre (EDRC) - University of Malta
10.2006 - 06.2009

Sixth Form -

St Aloysius’ College
10.2004 - 06.2006

Skills

Change Management

Strategy Oriented

Communication

Emotional Intelligence

Clear Writing

Analytical Skills

Event Planning and Management

Microsoft Suite

iOS

Timeline

Department Manager

Malta Public Service Detailed To Jobsplus
02.2021 - Current

Senior Manager Operations

Ministry For Education And Employment
07.2015 - 02.2021

Personal Assistant to the Chairman

Employment & Training Corporation
06.2014 - 07.2015

Project Manager (Scholarships Unit)

Ministry for Education and Employment
08.2013 - 06.2014

Communications Co-ordinator

Malta Union of Teachers
10.2012 - 08.2013

Intern - Development Committee (S&D Group)

European Parliament
09.2011 - 09.2012

Journalist

ONE Productions Ltd
03.2011 - 08.2011

Master of Arts (M.A.), Diplomatic Studies -

Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC) - University of Malta
10.2009 - 06.2010

Bachelors (Honours) in European Studies and International Relations -

European Documentation And Research Centre (EDRC) - University of Malta
10.2006 - 06.2009

Cabin Crew

Air Malta
06.2006 - 08.2011

Sixth Form -

St Aloysius’ College
10.2004 - 06.2006
Amber Darmanin