Lucia Candu

I have 5 years experience in urban economic development in administrative, analytical, research, grantmaking and managerial roles. I've worked for business associations, non-profits, governments and international development organizations.

I've done work in local government reform, international sustainable development, regional development, voter education, community relations, and corporate social responsibility, and I'm excited by recent developments in the green economy.

My greatest satisfaction comes from working with a team to develop and implement effective programs and projects that provide value to organization's clients and stakeholders as well as the society at large.

If this sounds like someone who could make valuable contribution to your organization, please contact me at lcandu at yahoo dot com or 347-413-0041.

Lucia Candu’s Specialties:

Corporate Responsibility, Sustainability, International Aid, Urban Economic Development, Community Development, Public-Private Partnerships, Local Goverment Reform, Community Relations/Affairs, Communications/PR

Fluency in English, Russian and Romanian.

Lucia Candu’s Experience

Volunteer

Council on the Environment of New York City

(Environmental Services industry)

March 2009 — Present (9 months)

Assisting the Director of Environmental Education in organizing and promoting events aimed to increase environmental awareness of schoolchildren in New York City.
Community Organizer

New York Corporate Social Responsibility Meetup

(Public Relations and Communications industry)

November 2008 — Present (1 year 1 month)

Since first creating this group, I've organized monthly meetings with corporate responsibility professionals and activists in New York.

Promoting the group using existing online social and professional networks to expand membership and create interesting content for group members.
Blogger

Corporate and Responsible

(Management Consulting industry)

August 2008 — Present (1 year 4 months)

THe Corporate and Responsible Blog (http:www.corporateandresponsible.com/) promotes companies' best practices in the area of corporate responsibility and citizenship and contributes to the international debate on CSR.

Researching and writing about corporate responsibility and sustainability with a focus on New York City.

Contributing innovative insights as part of a larger online community of ethical business entrepreneurs and supporters.
Chair of Corporate Responsibility Committee

American Chamber of Commerce

(International Trade and Development industry)

January 2008 — November 2008 (11 months)

Represented Eurasia Foundation as member in this business association.

Helped create and subsequently chaired the CSR Committee.

Promoted the CSR concept through a series of initiatives, including a first-ever CSR Awards program, and two editions of a CSR conference.
Program Officer

Eurasia Foundation

(Non-Profit; Non-Profit Organization Management industry)

June 2007 — October 2008 (1 year 5 months)

Oversaw a diverse portfolio, including conceptual development and detailed implementation, of CSR projects such as two editions of CSR Conference, 12 issues of CSR e-bulletin and two community development projects.

Managed implementation of a large program area within a $ 3 million contract, including 30 grant projects in the area of economic development, voter education and good governance.

Conducted annual program budgeting, cost projections and evaluation that recommended program improvements.

Developed requests for proposals in cooperation with the financial manager and prospective partners.

Developed grant contracts, tracked performance indicators and compiled reports in web-based database systems.

Managed relationships with grantees, board members and external stakeholders, such as media and donor organizations.

Provided technical support on project management, reporting, fundraising and communications to grantees.
Director, Regional Development Unit

Ministry of Local Public Administration

(Government Administration industry)

July 2006 — June 2007 (1 year )

Advised the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Local Public Administration on urban economic development policy, local government reform, fiscal decentralization, international cooperation and European integration issues.

Designed the Local Government Employee Training Strategy, improving the quality of municipal services.

Analyzed regional economic development disparities and evaluated a wide range of policy solutions.

Developed and implemented the national regional development policy, increasing the availability of economic development opportunities in underdeveloped regions by establishing industrial parks and business zones.

Led processes of establishing regional development institutions and monitored implementation progress.

Oversaw the process of building capacities of prospective partners to implement economic infrastructure projects.

Researched industry sectors and designed project management methodologies used in the policy implementation process.
Public Finance Consultant

Habitat Moldova Center

(Public Policy industry)

July 2006 — November 2006 (5 months)

Conducted analysis of the municipal finance system of Chisinau City as part of a World Bank Cities Alliance and UN Habitat project proposal to improve municipal fiscal management and service delivery.

Presented the project proposal in public workshops and hearings, building citizens’ support for and engagement in municipal reform and government accountability.
Management Consultant

East Midtown Partnership

(Partnership; Non-Profit Organization Management industry)

February 2006 — June 2006 (5 months)

Performed comprehensive financial and programmatic analysis of operations (street waste disposal, public safety, beautification) recommending actions to increase their cost-effectiveness and financial sustainability.

Presented recommendations to the executive team and board, which resulted in a 50% increase in the membership fees.
Development Intern

United Nations

(Non-Profit; International Affairs industry)

2005 — 2005 (less than a year)

Coordinated the review process of UN Sustainable Development Indicators for use in program development.

Assisted in organizing an Expert Group Meeting which convened 50 high-level national government officials.
Municipal Services Program Manager

The Urban Institute

(Non-Profit; Think Tanks industry)

September 2001 — August 2004 (3 years )

Managed a portfolio of municipal services projects, including strategic planning, technical assistance and training in 50 municipalities for efficient service delivery and financial management.

Developed annual work programs and performance outcome tracking systems in the area of municipal service delivery.

Acted as community liaison in the strategic planning and implementation of community service business development centers, health services, youth training, water utilities and solid waste management.

Lucia Candu’s Education

New School University

MS , Urban Policy and Management , 2004 — 2006

The academic program included hands-on policy analysis projects in the following areas: 1) alternate side parking regulations, New York City Department of Transportation, Department of Sanitation and New York Police Department; 2) affordable housing risk assessment strategies, New York City Housing Development Corporation; 3) foster care programs, NYC Council Speaker’s Office and NYC Administration for Children's Services.
Universitatea 'Babes-Bolyai' din Cluj-Napoca

MA , European Studies , 1999 — 2001
Universitatea 'Babes-Bolyai' din Cluj-Napoca

BA , English & Finnish Languages , 1995 — 1999