Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Timeline
Generic

Matthew Grech

ARPA Project Officer
Santa Lucija

Summary

Results-driven and detail-oriented professional with extensive experience in public administration, EU-funded programmes, and project support within the public sector. Currently serving as a Project Officer within the ARPA Paying Agency, contributing to the implementation and closing of the CAP Strategic Plan 2023–2027.

Possesses a solid background in administrative coordination, data management, and stakeholder engagement, developed through progressive roles within Jobsplus and G4S. Demonstrates strong expertise in processing EU-funded project claims, conducting inspections, compiling reports, and ensuring adherence to regulatory and procedural requirements.

Highly organised and adaptable, with proven ability to work in fast-paced and high-pressure environments, manage multiple responsibilities efficiently, and maintain effective communication with diverse stakeholders. Committed to accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement in all areas of work

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages

Work History

PROJECT OFFICER

MAFA ARPA PAYING AGENCY
12.2022 - Current
  • Contributed to the implementation of the CAP Strategic Plan 2023–2027, ensuring alignment with EU agricultural policy objectives.
  • Worked on major investment projects, including national initiatives such as Water Services, MGOZ, and various private sector investments.
  • Supported the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS), ensuring accurate management, verification, and compliance of agricultural aid schemes.
  • Conduct on-the-spot (OTS) inspections and farmer compliance checks in line with EU regulatory frameworks.
  • Monitor eco-schemes and funded investment projects whilst keeping in line with the Statutory Management Requirements (SMR).
  • Compile detailed inspection reports, including identification of breaches and assessment of force majeure cases.
  • Organise and coordinate stakeholder meetings, ensuring effective follow-ups and continuous communication between entities.
  • Conduct Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) surveys, collecting and analyzing key national agricultural data.

SENIOR CLERK

JOBS PLUS
01.2020 - 12.2022
  • Managed high volumes of phone calls and emails from the general public, ensuring efficient routing to the appropriate departments while maintaining a consistently professional approach.
  • Oversaw daily administrative operations, including updating room schedules in line with client and staff requirements.
  • Coordinated the creation and scheduling of training courses, liaising closely with lecturers to resolve issues efficiently.
  • Maintained continuous communication with colleagues and stakeholders, ensuring smooth and effective day-to-day operations.

Community Inclusive Employment Scheme (CIES):

  • Served as a key point of contact between local councils, LSF, and the Parastatal Section of Jobsplus.
  • Maintained accurate and well-organised records, both physically and digitally, ensuring full traceability and accountability.
  • Monitored ongoing processes closely, ensuring effective coordination and control through strong communication.

Data Management & Administration:

  • Managed and tracked applications, correspondence, and official documentation, including retention records and scheme-related data.
  • Maintained structured Excel and Word databases to ensure accurate record-keeping and efficient data retrieval.
  • Streamlined internal processes by introducing more efficient systems, improving overall workflow and productivity.

Additional Exposure & Responsibilities:

  • Gained cross-departmental experience by supporting multiple schemes, including A2E, Trade Testing, Training Pays, and the Average Wage Scheme.
  • Performed verification checks on grants and applications prior to processing, ensuring compliance and accuracy.

SENIOR CLERK

JOBS PLUS
09.2017 - 12.2019
  • Executed day-to-day administrative tasks, including transport arrangements, filing, data entry, handling invoices, and attendance records, while maintaining an organized office environment. Performed clerical duties at a senior level to ensure the smooth functioning of office operations. Managed weekly rosters in a fair and balanced manner to assign roles efficiently.
  • Utilized the Structural Funds Database (SFD) to process invoices and reimbursement claims for EU-funded projects, such as ESF.02.048 – The VASTE Programme. Responsibilities included cross-checking and inputting all relevant details into SFD, scanning and uploading required documents for the Line Ministry and the Treasury, and facilitating direct payments to suppliers or reimbursement claims submitted by beneficiaries and project partners.
  • Additionally, assisted in maintaining an organized store for the work provided by JobsPlus Msida as part of their training services. Coordinated with my supervisor to ensure that office supplies and stock levels were consistently up to date.

CLERK

G4S
06.2013 - 11.2015
  • Provided administrative support across multiple hospital wards, including the emergency department, adapting effectively to high-pressure and fast-paced environments.
  • Handled a range of clerical duties, including managing correspondence, filing, handling phone calls, and supporting nurses and medical staff in daily operations.
  • Ensured strict compliance with established procedures and protocols at all times.

CREW MEMBER

MCDONALDS MALTA
07.2012 - 04.2013
  • Recorded and maintained data related to health and safety procedures, ensuring compliance with company standards.
  • Contributed to a positive team environment by supporting colleagues and promoting effective teamwork.
  • Worked efficiently in a fast-paced environment while consistently adhering to company policies and procedures.

Education

DEGREE IN ECONOMICS AND PUBLIC POLICY -

B'Com: Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy
Msida, Malta
09-2018

ADVANCED LEVEL CERTIFICATE - Systems of Knowledge, Philosophy Intermediate, Pure Maths A'Level, Economics A'Level, Accounts A'Level, English Intermediate

De La Salle College 6th Form
Malta
03-2012

SEC CERTIFICATE - Maltese, Religious Knowledge, English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Physics, French, Accounting, Economics, Piano Theory (Grade 7), Piano Practice (Grade 6)

De La Salle College
Malta
06-2010

Skills

  • Digital Skills
  • Document management
  • Meeting facilitation
  • Project management
  • Data collection
  • Stakeholder relations
  • Presentation skills
  • Status reporting
  • Quality control
  • Deadline adherence
  • Workflow coordination
  • Risk assessment
  • Resource allocation
  • Operational reporting
  • Document coordination
  • Proficient in Microsoft

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Management and Leadership Skills

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I have had the opportunity to delegate work under supervision. I have learned that face-to-face communication followed by an email is the most effective approach. Additionally, it is essential to review work after it has been completed. I consider this one of my strengths and am eager to gain more experience in this field.

Organisational Skills
  • Motivating Employees: In some workplaces, tasks could become repetitive, which can affect motivation. I have learned that maintaining my own motivation positively influences my colleagues’ efficiency.
  • Multi-tasking: I am capable of handling multiple tasks simultaneously, such as assisting a colleague while completing my own responsibilities.
  • Goal-Oriented: At the start of each shift, I set clear goals that I strive to achieve.
  • Efficiency and Effectiveness: I believe tasks should be completed promptly while maintaining high-quality standards.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Communication has been crucial in all my past workplaces. Early experiences at McDonald’s helped me develop strong communication skills. Later, working in an office environment emphasized the importance of efficient communication within a small team. I consider communication one of my strongest skills and do not find it difficult to work collaboratively as a team player.

Job-Related Skills
  • Adaptability: I quickly adjust to new environments.
  • Team-Oriented: I am always ready to collaborate with colleagues.
  • Problem-Solving: I can analyze situations, quickly identify possible solutions, and implement the best outcome.
  • Reliability: Tasks assigned to me are completed efficiently and on time.
  • Organisation: From my experience, strong organisation is key to maintaining efficiency.

Timeline

PROJECT OFFICER

MAFA ARPA PAYING AGENCY
12.2022 - Current

SENIOR CLERK

JOBS PLUS
01.2020 - 12.2022

SENIOR CLERK

JOBS PLUS
09.2017 - 12.2019

CLERK

G4S
06.2013 - 11.2015

CREW MEMBER

MCDONALDS MALTA
07.2012 - 04.2013

ADVANCED LEVEL CERTIFICATE - Systems of Knowledge, Philosophy Intermediate, Pure Maths A'Level, Economics A'Level, Accounts A'Level, English Intermediate

De La Salle College 6th Form

DEGREE IN ECONOMICS AND PUBLIC POLICY -

B'Com: Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy

SEC CERTIFICATE - Maltese, Religious Knowledge, English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Physics, French, Accounting, Economics, Piano Theory (Grade 7), Piano Practice (Grade 6)

De La Salle College
Matthew GrechARPA Project Officer