Theodora Blum

Head of Complaints Handling and Audit Monitoring Unit in a Managing Authority for a programme financed under FEDR

Theodora has more than 20 years of experience in management and control of European funds (PHARE, ISPA, SCHENGEN Transition Facility, IPA, ENPI, FEDR) across a variety of roles, from counselor to Head of Unit and General Director.

Her expertise spans the full project cycle management, having been involved in nearly every stage of a project—from approval and contract drafting to technical and financial management, procurement, and complaints handling for a wide range of project types (services, supply, and works).

Key Career Highlights:

• Head of Twinning Unit (PHARE funds): Managed contracting and payments, while playing an active role in planning, contracting, and overseeing the implementation of all projects within the department’s portfolio.
• National First Level Control Coordinator (2013-2017): Coordinated first-level control tasks for Romanian partners in European Territorial Cooperation-funded projects during the 2013-2017 programming period; provided training for the programmes’ beneficiaries, raising awareness on financial and administrative aspects of the programmes, the first level control procedure, eligible expenditure and how to avoid errors in implementing and reporting the costs.
• Head of Complaints Handling and Audit Monitoring Unit: Oversaw the resolution of complaints from project beneficiaries concerning evaluation, monitoring, financial management, and procurement issues, ensuring compliance and transparency throughout.