Onorina Soric
Chisinau
Summary
Program management professional with history of driving projects to successful completion. Known for fostering team collaboration and delivering results in dynamic environments. Proven expertise in risk management and resource allocation.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Manager for Moldova
Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE)
01.2024 - 02.2025
- Developed and executed CIPE Eastern Europe's strategic vision to promote democratic governance, strengthen business associations (BAs) and civil society organizations (CSOs), and support local entrepreneurs in policy advocacy, digitalization, anti-corruption efforts, countering disinformation, and enhancing economic resilience
- Managed and oversaw 8+ annually funded cyclical projects (grants) aligned with the country portfolios' economic and governance priorities, supporting the organization's strategic vision
- Led the conceptualization, design, and assessment of new annual programs and multi-sector projects, both globally and regionally, ensuring alignment with democratic governance, innovation and digitalization, and economic development priorities
- Oversaw and contributed to feasibility studies, impact evaluations, budget planning, and resource allocation
- Oversaw program administration, financial management, and compliance, ensuring effective resource allocation and operational efficiency across all projects
- Directed monitoring and evaluation efforts, developing quarterly and annual reports to assess program impact and ensure alignment with program objectives, donor expectations, and strategic goals
- Enhanced cross-regional cooperation with CSOs and business associations in Eastern Europe and Central Europe (including Ukraine, Slovakia, Poland)
- Drafted ToRs, blogs, and internal communications, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and compliance with donor and organizational standards
- Strengthened thought leadership and cross-regional learning by leading expert panels and knowledge sharing at the Moldovan Empower Local Conference and the International Mayors' Summit (IMS)
- Led high-level advocacy with private sector leaders, driving legislative reforms, including Moldovan Investment Security Law amendments and other regulatory frameworks, to align with EU recommendations
- Managed and coordinated multidisciplinary teams of local and international experts to conduct policy research and analysis on economic security, governance, and institutional reforms, providing expert input to key publications, including the Red Flag Report on the Moldovan Investment Screening Law, the White Book of SMEs, and the White Paper on the Moldovan Light Industry Sector
- Provided high-level strategic guidance to local stakeholders on good governance practices, organizational development, and institutional capacity building
- Strengthened public-private dialogue by engaging government institutions, local public administration, and private sector stakeholders while coordinating civic engagement initiatives to foster strategic collaborations and collective action
- Engaged with international donors, policymakers, and business leaders to advance the private sector agenda of the Moldova portfolio, strengthen partnerships, and ensure program alignment with global economic and governance trends
- Led fundraising initiatives, securing additional donor funding from the U.S. National Endowment for Democracy (NED), U.S. Department of Commerce (CLDP) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA)
Program Officer for Moldova
Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE)
12.2021 - 01.2024
- Managed over 6 complex, annually funded cyclical projects (grants), both regionally and globally, fostering collaboration between CSOs, BAs, and the government to drive innovation, economic development, enhance digitalization, strengthen anti-corruption measures, and support policy reforms
- Coordinated the day-to-day implementation of assigned projects, ensuring effective planning, administrative oversight, and budget management to ensure successful outcomes
- Led the conceptualization, design, and assessment of new annual programs and multi-sector projects within the Eastern Europe portfolio, including initiatives for Ukraine's reconstruction
- Directed monitoring, evaluation, and reporting activities, including quarterly and annual reports, to assess program effectiveness and ensure donor compliance
- Fostered cross-regional cooperation with counterparts from Eastern Europe, Central Europe, and Asia to enhance collaboration and implement impactful regional projects
- Designed and coordinated civic engagement initiatives
- Conducted stakeholder mapping and analysis to identify key actors, strengthen engagement, and maximize impact
- Managed and coordinated expert teams, including academia, to implement programs such as the Leadership Academy for Development in collaboration with Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law of the Stanford University
- Led policy analysis and provided expert guidance in the development of the SMEs Code of Ethics and the Moldova and Ukraine Labour Framework Analysis, while spearheading collective advocacy efforts that contributed to economic reforms and streamlined regulatory processes by supporting business associations in their legislative agendas
- Drafted strategic documents, including talking points, contracts, and ToRs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance with standards
- Authored blogs and managed the communication of project deliverables on social media platforms
- Represented the organization in high-level discussions and conferences with government institutions, donors, diplomatic missions, and business leaders, advocating for policy reforms and advancing public-private dialogue
- Led successful fundraising initiatives, securing partnerships with the U.S. National Endowment for Democracy (NED), the U.S. Department of State, and Swiss Cooperation Office in Moldova (SDC)
Senior Project Officer
Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe
07.2020 - 06.2021
- Led the implementation of the 'Reinforcing the Culture of Dialogue and Consultation of Local Authorities in the Republic of Moldova - Phase I' project, overseeing daily operations, planning, monitoring, and reporting to advance local governance reforms and citizen engagement strategies
- Developed annual and quarterly work plans, managed financial planning, procurement, contracting, and drafted ToRs to ensure project alignment with objectives
- Oversaw small grants focused on regional development, digitalization, green economy transition, and women's empowerment, ensuring measurable impact
- Managed and coordinated national and international expert teams to conduct the Baseline Assessment for the Institutional Position of the Congress of Local Authorities of Moldova (CALM)
- Provided expert recommendations on documents developed by specialists, ensuring alignment with local governance reforms
- Designed and delivered over 10 capacity-building training sessions, equipping 100+ CALM members with policy advocacy and participatory governance skills
- Developed visually engaging infographics to simplify complex governance issues, improving understanding of the advocacy process among CALMs members
- Led policy advocacy initiatives to strengthen local governance, improve participatory decision-making, and foster local institutional reform
- Provided strategic guidance to implementing partners, serving as the primary liaison between the Council of Europe Congress in Brussels and local stakeholders, enhancing coordination and program impact
- Drafted the strategic framework for Phase 2 of the project, ensuring alignment with governance priorities and stakeholder needs
Project Associate
UNDP Moldova - Parliamentary Governance Project
10.2017 - 12.2019
- Designed and implemented capacity-building programs for newly elected MPs, improving legislative effectiveness through skills development in communication, transparency, and governance
- Contributed to the development of Moldova's first Parliamentary Handbook - a structured guide on legislative procedures, governance frameworks, and ethical standards
- Provided technical assistance during the initial phase of implementing Moldova's electronic voting system (e-voting), supporting the project's project manager by organizing strategic meetings, drafting minutes, and engaging key stakeholders in the first phase of the assessment
- Led project monitoring and evaluation efforts, including coordinating the mid-term evaluation of parliamentary assistance (2016-2018), assessing impact, and recommending improvements that strengthened the institutional governance
- Developed awareness tools to align MPs' legislative efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Moldova's 2030 Agenda
- Led UNDP's parliamentary governance communications strategy, enhancing public awareness and donor visibility through press releases, reports, and briefs
- Assisted in developing project work plans, budgets, progress reports, ToRs, talking points, and meeting minutes
- Managed procurement, travel arrangements, and logistical support for high-level events, ensuring smooth execution and strategic stakeholder engagement
Project Manager
Chemonics - National Inbound Tourism Association
01.2017 - 09.2017
- Managed and supported the implementation of sustainable tourism projects focused on promoting national culture and environmental responsibility in rural areas
- Coordinated tourism promotion campaigns with international media and bloggers to raise awareness of sustainable tourism practices
- Supported the conceptualization of the first Moldova Tourist Information Center, contributing to the promotion of sustainable tourism and local development in Moldova
Senior Consultant
State Chancellery - Diaspora Relations Bureau
03.2014 - 12.2016
- Provided support to the conceptualization and led the organization of innovative national diaspora engagement programs, including Diaspora Days, the Diaspora Festival, and the Diaspora Congress, to strengthen connections between the diaspora and national development efforts
- Designed the Diaspora Investment Forums, securing public-private partnerships for investment and economic collaboration
- Provided administrative and financial oversight for the successful implementation of national programs
- Drafted reports, talking points and minute meetings
- Provided strategic advice to the State Chancellery on policy frameworks to effectively mobilize, engage, and integrate diaspora contributions into national development strategies
- Oversaw the implementation of strategic engagement programs and regional partnership grants
- Engaged with diplomatic missions and donor agencies, demonstrating commitment and leadership in diaspora-driven governance and economic initiatives
Senior Consultant
Chisinau City Hall
12.2012 - 03.2014
- Managed local governance projects, overseeing activities, preparing narrative reports, and ensuring financial compliance to meet project objectives
- Supported urban resilience and green economy transition projects, focusing on promoting sustainable practices and fostering environmental responsibility
- Facilitated stakeholder engagement, showcasing leadership in public-private partnerships
Manager (Sales and Marketing)
Bucuria Company
02.2011 - 12.2012
- Organized and managed national and international trade exhibitions (e.g., Paris, Berlin) to promote the confectionery industry
- Developed strategic plans, budgets, and sales/marketing strategies to drive market expansion and enhance brand recognition
- Conducted market analysis, presented reports, and provided data-driven insights to senior management for informed decision-making
Deputy Head of the Investment Department
Moldova Investment and Export Promotion Organization (MIEPO)
07.2008 - 12.2010
- Led the execution of high-profile investment forums, economic dialogues (B2B), and innovative events, including Moldova Business Week, the Moldova Economic Forum, and the 11th CEI Summit Economic Forum, in collaboration with the Central European Initiative (CEI)
- Developed strategic investment attraction initiatives, ensuring alignment with national regulatory frameworks to enhance Moldova's business environment
Education
Master of Science - Business Administration
Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova
01.2011
Bachelor's Degree - International Economic Relations
Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova
01.2007
Skills
- Project Management & Planning
- Strategic Planning & Communication
- Budget & Financial Management
- Governance & Anti-Corruption Expertise
- Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Stakeholder Engagement & Cross-Regional Cooperation
- Progress Reporting & Evaluation
- Policy Analysis & Public Policy Development
- Advocacy & Policy Expertise
- Proposal Writing, Fundraising & Research
- Data Collection & Research
- Analytical Thinking & Problem-Solving
- Business Development
- Detail-oriented
Certification
- 08/2024, Non-Profit Management, Module I transcript, Institute for Organization Management (IOM), U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- 06/2024, Socrates Leadership Seminar, Aspen Institute Romania
- 07/2023, Non-Profit Management, Module II transcript, Institute for Organization Management (IOM), U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- 10/2023, Certified in Change Management, APMG International
- 09/2022, The Role of Public Policy in Public Sector Development: The Rule of Law, Economic Development, and Quality of Government, CDDRL Stanford
- 09/2020, Certified in Evidence and Result-based Reporting, European Training Center in Paris
- 03/2019, Certified in Grant Proposal, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology
- 06/2019, Certified Project Manager, Prince 2 Foundation
- 09/2018, Certified in M&E for Senior Managers and Practitioners, UNDP
- 11/2016, Certificate in Public Policy Elaboration, Institute for European Politics (IEP)
- 10/2015, Certificate in Public Policies, Government of Moldova
- 10/2008, Certificate in Market Access Requirements, CBI
Accomplishments
- Led over 20 governance projects and programs focusing on economic development, anti-corruption compliance, and good governance.
- Led capacity-building initiatives to strengthen governance and policy engagement for over 500 private sector representatives.
- Provided expert input to key analyses and documents, including the Red Flag Report and the White Paper on the Light Industry Sector.
- Drove the growth of membership in targeted business associations by over 100%.
- Secured over $4 million in funding for sustainable development projects in the Eastern Europe portfolio.
- Strengthened cross-border cooperation with Eastern Europe, Central Europe, and Asia counterparts.
- Contributed to the establishment of Moldova's first Tourist Information Center.
- Supported the conceptualization and led the first-ever Diaspora Days program in Moldova.
Personal Information
Date of Birth: 07/12/85
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Russian
Advanced (C1)
Spanish
Upper intermediate (B2)
French
Intermediate (B1)
Timeline
Program Manager for Moldova
Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE)
01.2024 - 02.2025
Program Officer for Moldova
Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE)
12.2021 - 01.2024
Senior Project Officer
Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe
07.2020 - 06.2021
Project Associate
UNDP Moldova - Parliamentary Governance Project
10.2017 - 12.2019
Project Manager
Chemonics - National Inbound Tourism Association
01.2017 - 09.2017
Senior Consultant
State Chancellery - Diaspora Relations Bureau
03.2014 - 12.2016
Senior Consultant
Chisinau City Hall
12.2012 - 03.2014
Manager (Sales and Marketing)
Bucuria Company
02.2011 - 12.2012
Deputy Head of the Investment Department
Moldova Investment and Export Promotion Organization (MIEPO)
07.2008 - 12.2010
Bachelor's Degree - International Economic Relations
Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova
Master of Science - Business Administration
Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova
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