IRINA ILIEVA
Sofia
Summary
Results-driven professional with extensive experience in strategy development, business analysis, and project leadership across corporate, philanthropic, and international organizations. Expertise in stakeholder engagement, financial oversight, and cross-sector collaboration with a proven track record of driving operational efficiency, cost optimization, and revenue growth. Multilingual and highly adaptable, skilled in leading multi-stakeholder initiatives and delivering data-driven strategic recommendations.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Operations Officer
Junior Achievement Bulgaria
02.2021 - Current
- Served as Acting CEO (2023- 2024), overseeing strategic direction and operations
- Lead 14-member team to innovate and excel, fostering partnerships with European academic networks, international organizations and private sector ESG leaders
- Initiated budget optimization strategies, reducing the funding gap by 10% in one year
- Represent JA Bulgaria and Beyond pre-accelerator (venture builder) 30+ international events ensuring new partnerships and financial sustainability and 7 international awards
- Budget management and monitoring progress for 20+ projects and 60+ partnerships
- Member of key expert groups, including international consortia with 40+ corporate and public partners
Community Officer for Bulgaria
European Institute for Innovation and Technology
10.2024 - Current
- Manage 3 innovation projects within the EIT KIC framework
- Facilitate collaboration between universities, businesses, and research partners
- Supported 15 Bulgarian startups to apply for EIT Open Calls for venture funding
- Oversee operations, events, and budget management
- Promote community initiatives, enhancing online presence and awareness of EIT opportunities
Program Officer
America for Bulgaria Foundation
03.2017 - 02.2021
- Led due diligence for project proposals, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and standards
- Monitored and provided strategic consultation to partner organizations, fostering impactful initiatives
- Portfolio management, monitoring, and evaluation of 60+ projects impacting over 150 000 beneficiaries
- Served as keynote speaker, mentor, and jury member at education and industry events and awards
- Co-created the biggest educational leadership community in Bulgaria (300 schools)
- Led high-profile initiatives, contributing to policy implementation in education and economic development
- Acted as mentor, speaker, and jury member in industry events, awards, and CSR initiatives
Communications and External Relations
OPEC Fund for International Development
04.2015 - 03.2017
- Assisting in oversight of financial flows of €20 million annually for grants and external relations
- Independently managed the annual staff committee budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources
- Led planning and financial oversight for 30+ international events
- Secured 7+ high-value media and industry partnerships, strengthening engagement in SDG initiatives
- Contributed to high-quality content including publications, press releases, and speeches
Quality Analyst
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
11.2014 - 04.2015
- Implemented my prior experience as a Technical Support Agent for HP project(2012) in
identifying quality problem areas and specific items for the agents I was assigned. - Conducted and lead regular quality feedback sessions and presentations and attended
additional technical training to improve understanding of audited processes. - Developed and maintained quality assurance procedure documentation.
Education
Master of Science Degree - Economics of Globalisation and European Integration
University of Antwerp
Belgium10.2014
Bachelor of Science - International Economic Relations
University of Economics Varna
Bulgaria11.2012
BBA - International Business Administration
University of Applied Sciences Seinäjoki
Finland06-2010
Skills
- Agile Project Management
- Creative Problem Solving
- Operational Performance Tracking
- Advanced Excel Proficiency
- Business Reporting Tools
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Partnership development
- Team Management
Certificates And Training
- Telerik Academy Upskill Mini MBA, 2025
- Ability to Execute: Essentials – McKinsey & Company, 2024
- National Program Governing Skills – Bulgarian School of Politics, Accredited by Council of Europe, 2022
- Circular Economy and Sustainability Strategies – Cambridge Judge Business School, 2021
- Monitoring, Evaluation and Exploration Training – Dr Ray Rist, Ph.D., advisor to the World Bank, 2019
Languages
Bulgarian
Proficient
C2
English
Proficient
C2
German
Proficient
C2
Spanish
Intermediate
B1
French
Beginner
A1
Timeline
Community Officer for Bulgaria
European Institute for Innovation and Technology
10.2024 - Current
Chief Operations Officer
Junior Achievement Bulgaria
02.2021 - Current
Program Officer
America for Bulgaria Foundation
03.2017 - 02.2021
Communications and External Relations
OPEC Fund for International Development
04.2015 - 03.2017
Quality Analyst
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
11.2014 - 04.2015
Master of Science Degree - Economics of Globalisation and European Integration
University of Antwerp
Bachelor of Science - International Economic Relations
University of Economics Varna
BBA - International Business Administration
University of Applied Sciences Seinäjoki
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