Cristina Malai joined Millennium Partners as VP for Technical Direction and Business Development in July 2022. With over 25 years of experience in rule of law projects, she has worked in Moldova, Kosovo, Ukraine, and the United States. Her expertise includes managing complex, multi-million-dollar projects aimed at developing IT systems to enhance judicial capacity, reduce corruption, promote judicial ethics, and improve access to justice. Since joining Millennium, she has broadened the company’s efforts around the globe, guiding and supporting the implementation of anticorruption, e-governance, judicial reform, access to justice, and human rights projects and activities.
Millennium President Esther Hannon sat down with Cristina to discuss her career path, how it has informed her current role as VP of Technical Direction, and what has transpired in the two years since she joined the team.
What have you learned in the past two years since joining Millennium Partners?
My two years with Millennium Partners have been remarkable. Before joining the Millennium Partners Home Office, from 2007-2022, I led complex and successful USAID-funded rule of law and judicial reforms projects in my home country, Moldova, and provided consultancy to judiciaries in Kosovo and Ukraine.
My role as VP for Millennium Partners has required different skill sets. Expanding the company’s visibility, assisting with business development, providing program management and technical support for our teams in different countries, while being adaptable and resilient — are just a few of the different skills I have honed and continue to nurture in my role as VP.
What motivated you to pursue a career in international development?
I was inspired to pursue a career in international development in 1993, when I was among the first Moldovan participants in the U.S.-Government-funded Future Leaders Exchange/FLEX Program for high-school students.
During my year in the United States, I experienced firsthand how a rule of law society functions. I continued my studies at the Moldova Law School, followed by a Master of Law at the University of Illinois and a Legislative Fellowship at the American Bar Association in Washington D.C. Upon returning to Moldova, I took on leadership roles in several USAID-funded projects and provided consultancy to judiciaries in Kosovo and Ukraine.
Back in 1993, I could not even imagine how my FLEX experience would lead me to my current role at Millennium Partners. I am deeply grateful to Esther and Brian Hannon, Millennium Partners President and CEO, for entrusting me with this big role and responsibility of supporting the implementation of anticorruption, human rights, and e-governance programs around the world.
Can you share any memorable success stories since joining Millennium Partners in 2022?
I am very proud of the award to Millennium Partners for two projects, the proposals for which I worked on – the $28.9 million, five-year USAID Global Accountability Program/Strengthening National Architectures to Counter Corruption (GAP/SNA) to fight corruption and kleptocracy, and the U.S. Department of State $740,000 Addressing Hate-Based Crimes Project supporting marginalized and vulnerable groups.
In June 2023, Millennium Partners received the USAID Small Business Contractor of the Year Award for Fiscal Year 2022 for extraordinary customer service, creative, unique and innovative ideas, and cost, time, and manpower savings for USAID.
Additionally, Millennium Partners has increased its visibility by launching its LinkedIn and Facebook channels, and quickly gaining followers.
I am also impressed by the remarkable contributions to human rights and e-governance reforms by our outstanding teams in Moldova, Ethiopia, and Bosnia. In Bosnia, for instance, we are digitizing key government systems such as e-Construction permits, e-Inspection services, e-Signature, and a citizen-monitored e-Public Procurement portal to promote government accountability and effectiveness in public service delivery.
What are your main insights and challenges since joining Millennium Partners?
My main insights are that the ability to understand cultural sensitivities, provide support to teams working in complex operating environments, and the ability to communicate in a way that cultivates a positive company culture and motivates teams to deliver results on time are crucial to the successful implementation of international development programs.
The main challenge is that remote work, while it has its advantages, also limits the possibilities to engage in informal ideas exchanges and team-building activities, which happen when teams work in person.
What leadership qualities do you believe are essential for managing international development programs?
Cultural knowledge, empathy, strategic vision, adaptability, and good communication skills are important for effective management of international development programs. It is important to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, while maintaining integrity and high ethical standards, and to lead by example. Encouraging a positive company culture, where team members openly communicate, is essential for high performance.
What activities do you enjoy during your free time?
I enjoy hikes with my family, going to painting classes with my teenage daughter, exploring the amazing Moldovan restaurants and wineries, and going to opera and ballet performances.
Learn more about Millenium Partners and its work here.