Paloma Fra

Professional Background

Paloma Fra is a distinguished lawyer with a Master's degree in International Relations and European Union studies. With a career spanning over 20 years, Paloma has cultivated a wealth of expertise in EU funding strategies, specifically concentrating on the funding opportunities presented by the European Commission for the 2021-2027 period. Her work is instrumental in shaping the future of numerous cutting-edge initiatives funded by the European Union, including projects related to digital transformation, research, and artificial intelligence. Paloma's extensive involvement with major EU funding programs such as Horizon Europe, NextGenerationEU, and the European Green Deal underscores her commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in Europe.

In her various roles, Paloma has served as the JIP Joint Investment Plan progress manager at Serendipity, where she expertly managed investment plans to maximize EU funding opportunities. She previously held the position of EU Funds coordinator at ASOCIMI, and her journey also includes pivotal roles as an EU Funds Advisor for the Ayuntamiento de Zaragoza and as a consultant for several prestigious organizations, including Microsoft. Throughout her career, Paloma has acquired extensive experience working with reputable multilateral organizations such as the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the World Bank, allowing her to develop a rich understanding and strategic insight into global funding mechanisms.

Education and Achievements

Paloma's educational journey is as impressive as her career. She received her initial training at Universidad Complutense de Madrid, where she studied both DEA in International Relations, European Union, and Globalization, and Law with a focus on International Relations. Furthermore, she expanded her academic prowess by studying European Communication and European Union Studies at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. To further enhance her executive skills, Paloma pursued the Program for Development Directors (PDD) at IESE Business School, University of Navarra, preparing her for high-level stakeholder engagement and strategic thinking in complex environments.

Paloma has been at the forefront of several key projects funded by the European Commission, such as the European Cloud Business Development initiatives including EOSC, ESRI, and OCRE. Her leadership and strategic foresight have contributed significantly to the advancement and execution of projects funded by major programs such as the Connecting Europe Facility, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and the European Social Fund (ESF). With a wealth of project management experience and a background in financial coordination, Paloma has adeptly navigated complex funding landscapes to secure financial support for various impactful projects.

Achievements

As a highly skilled professional in the domain of EU funding, Paloma Fra has achieved notable success in her mission to facilitate access to critical funding opportunities for numerous organizations. Her role as EU strategy expert at Universidad Francisco de Vitoria allowed her to guide academic institutions in aligning their objectives with EU funding priorities, particularly focusing on the 2018-2027 strategy. Furthermore, her time at Vortex Bladeless as Grant Manager and H2020 SME Instrument Manager showcased her exceptional proficiency in securing grant funding to support innovative developments in renewable energy technologies.

Paloma's commitment to sustainable development and environmental initiatives is exemplified through her work as the LIFE Administrative/Financial Coordinator at LIFE MONTADO ADAPT, where she managed cross-border projects aimed at climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and her ability to drive collaborative efforts among diverse stakeholders have earned her recognition as a thought leader in the international funding arena.

With a career characterized by a commitment to public service, strategic innovation, and dedication to addressing pressing global challenges, Paloma Fra continues to be a valuable asset in the field of EU funds strategy. She combines her robust legal background, vast experience in multilateral contexts, and a passion for environmental and technological advancements to drive impactful change across Europe and beyond.