Penny Appeal appoints experienced new Director of International Programmes

Penny Appeal is pleased to confirm the appointment of Monica Blagescu as its interim Director of International Programmes. The move is part of a wider programme of restructuring and capability enhancement currently underway across the organisation.

Monica brings with her 20 years’ experience across international development, policy, governance, safeguarding, operations and change management. This includes her recent role as  Director of Humanitarian Programmes and Accountability at the Disasters Emergency Committee, during which time she was also on secondment as Advisor to the Safeguarding Unit of the former UK Department for International Development.

In her role, Monica will oversee partnerships and the operations of Penny Appeal’s projects across the world. She will also contribute to the wider programme of organisational growth and change management which is underway at the charity. This seeks to build on the huge progress made by Penny Appeal since it was founded in 2009, and ensure that it has the best possible platform for future success.

Penny Appeal UK Interim CEO, Harris Iqbal, said:

“We are delighted to be adding somebody of Monica’s stature to our team at Penny Appeal.

Monica has worked in complex humanitarian and development contexts and has managed large funding portfolios, focusing on accountability and results for communities. Her experience will be invaluable to Penny Appeal and the people we exist to support, as we strengthen our organisation in the UK and around the world.”

Monica Blagescu said:

“I am excited to be joining Penny Appeal at this important moment in its development. Penny Appeal has quickly established itself as one of the leading British charities and has delivered enormous impact for thousands of the world’s most vulnerable people.

I have seen first-hand the positive impact that the generosity and solidarity of individual supporters can have on the lives of communities in need around the world. With ongoing support, Penny Appeal must continue to work hard to deliver results for people affected by disasters or living in poverty.

In my interim capacity, I look forward to playing my part so that Penny Appeal reaches its potential as a global force for good.”