EMCS Academy has designed the training programme in Design and Management of EU Cohesion Policy Projects for individuals seeking hands on knowledge, to improve skills and proficiencies.
The overall objective of this training programme is to prepare individuals so that they can translate a project idea into a project proposal and take it through the implementation cycle.
This training programme is designed to build and strengthen the capacity of stakeholders in the design, management, implementation, and control of EU Cohesion Policy Projects. It aims to provide a good understanding of:
By the end of the Course, participants will gain knowledge on:
| Modules | Dates | Time |
| An introduction to Cohesion Policy Session 1 The new multi-annual Framework 2021-2027
The role of the EU Institutions and local structures
| 26/09/2024 | 08:30-11:45 |
| Translating a project idea into a project proposal Session 2 Programme guidelines and call for applications
Understanding the Intervention Logic
Session 3 Completing a project proposal
Identifying the resources for the project
| 03/10/2024
08/10/2024 | 08:30-11:45 |
| Project management and implementation Session 4 Important Obligations
| 09/10/2024 | 13:30-16:45 |
| Session 5 On the spot checks, audits and irregularities The Structural Funds Database
| 17/10/2024 | 08:30-11:45 |
A mix of learning methodologies will be used to ensure that that participants are engaged in the learning process throughout the training programme. Various training methods will be adopted throughout the training sessions, including Presentations, Case studies, Group discussions and Workshops.
The course will be delivered over a 4-week period (part-time).
The training will be delivered in person which allows for the necessary direct interaction and presentation of the training material, facilitate queries and the ability of easily holding group work and discussions in separate breakout rooms/groups.
The course will be delivered in English.
Participants’ CV will be requested to verify the above. A request for copies of certification and references will be made, if necessary.
Alison is a Director at EMCS and a leading expert in EU funding, Cohesion Policy and programme management. With over twenty years of experience in the field, she has worked extensively across the full policy and programme cycle, from the design and drafting of Malta’s Partnership Agreement and Operational Programmes, to evaluation, monitoring, project selection and implementation.
At EMCS, Alison leads the firm’s EU funding advisory services, supporting public, private and voluntary organisations in identifying suitable funding opportunities at both national and EU level. Her work includes proposal development, project planning and design, and implementation support, with a strong focus on ensuring alignment with EU priorities and funding requirements. She also advises on the formulation of funding programmes and conducts evaluation assignments, including Cohesion Policy evaluations and assessments of major EU‑funded initiatives.
Before joining EMCS, Alison spent fourteen years in the Malta Public Administration, primarily within the Managing Authority for Cohesion Policy. She was responsible for the management of ESF programmes, coordinated calls and project selection processes, and formed part of the Government core team that drafted Malta’s 2007–2013 and 2014–2020 Cohesion Policy programming documents. During this time, she also represented Malta in various EU fora and technical committees and provided extensive training to civil servants, programme managers and beneficiaries.
Alison holds a Master of Arts in European Studies and a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) in Management, both from the University of Malta. She has also served as President of the Malta Business Bureau.
Edel spearheads the MCAST Strategy Implementation unit and is a visiting lecturer at the University of Malta. She has worked with the Manging Authority for Cohesion Policy in Malta for 7 years, where she headed the ESF unit, has garnered extensive experience in the management of ERDF projects, and also worked on evaluation of the impact of Cohesion Policy in Malta and monitoring structures.
She is an educator by profession with an educational background in psychology, sociology, human resources and training. She is currently reading for a PhD.
Mariah holds a Bachelor of Science in Earth Systems from the University of Malta, with background knowledge in EU relations.
During her studies, Mariah concentrated on project management, geospatial information systems, EU and national environmental legislation, and impact assessments. She began her career as a Research Officer with Ambjent Malta in the GIS unit, where she refined her project management skills and gained proficiency in data entry and analysis. Subsequently, she took on the role of Assistant within the Sustainability unit in the SaT department at EY. There, Mariah applied her expertise to large-scale projects, collaborating on projects linked to the European Commission and various other clients.
In November 2023, Mariah joined EMCS as an Associate within the EU Advisory Team. She has since gained substantial experience in managing EU-funded projects, including the submission of application proposals. Her responsibilities encompass formulating and issuing tenders, managing reimbursement procedures, liaising with the relevant MA, scheduling, and evaluation.
Additionally, Mariah provides consultancy services to businesses, NGOs, and public entities, advising on suitable EU funding channels for proposed investment. She is involved in application writing, budgeting, research, and evaluation committees.
Stephen C Vella, BA (Hons), MA, Dip Forensic Studies, Director of Corporate Services & EU Projects within the Foundation for Social Welfare Services with over 30 years of services rendered in the social field. Held various managerial positions in social related services, including residential services and acted as advisor to various Ministries on EU Funded projects. Carried out his university degrees in Ireland, obtain his masters in Italy and post-graduate Forensic Studies in Malta. Proficiently trained in procurement procedures, project management, youth work and health & safety.
Project led various ESF projects focused on the following issues: Integration of Asylum Seekers (PASSI); Training of frontline workers assisting persons at risk of social exclusion; Training young people to find suitable employment (Embark for life); and training of persons with disability to integrate into the labour market (Me2); and setting up of Community based social services (LEAP) across Malta and Gozo, and recently the OK Project and Hiliet il-Komunita’ – an ERDF project in Valletta focusing on the social dimension of the inner harbour region. Mr Vella currently also coordinates two nationwide food distribution schemes: FEAD (EU Funded) and the State Funded Food Distribution scheme.
Currently submitting new EU projects proposals for the Foundation, and in the last 15 years collectively managed over Euro 20 million from EU funds in social related projects.
He is currently actively involved within the Community of Practice (COP) European Competence Centre for Social Innovation and participate in regular meetings and sit on one of its Steering Group Committees.
