Eleonora Ganescu
Uccle
Summary
Learning and Development Leader with 20+ years of experience in executive education, public sector innovation, and organizational transformation across EU institutions and global NGOs. Expert in designing and scaling digital learning platforms, leading multi-stakeholder collaborations, and aligning education programs with strategic policy objectives. Recognized thought leader, author, and public speaker in the fields of systems change, learning strategy, and digital capability building.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
14
14
years of post-secondary education
5
5
Languages
Work History
STRATEGIC LEAD - LEARNING AS A STRATEGY & DIGITAL LEARNING SYSTEMS
EUROPEAN COMMISSION, JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE
Uccle
09.2019 - Current
- Led the development and implementation of the EU Academy, a multilingual digital learning platform serving 8 million civil servants across the EU.
- Designed the strategic vision and operating model for executive and professional education across EU agencies.
- Drove partnerships with DG Reform, ComPAct, and other stakeholders to embed learning into public policy design and implementation.
- Oversaw platform governance, onboarding programs, and quality assurance frameworks for content owners and learners.
ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE & LEARNING STRATEGY EXPERT
EUROPEAN COMMISSION, JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE
Brussels
01.2015 - 08.2019
- Supported multilateral and public-sector clients in aligning organizational strategies with upskilling and digital transformation agendas.
- Facilitated executive retreats, learning needs assessments, and change readiness programs.
- Advised on platform design, learning experience frameworks, and measurement of learning impact.
REGIONAL LEARNING & STRATEGY ADVISOR
Habitat for Humanity International
Bratislava
11.2011 - 06.2014
- Coached, trained, and supported the development of Communities of Practice across the EMEA region.
- Designed and led a six-month Appreciative Inquiry-based transformation process to unify and rebuild the EMEA team following a regional merger.
- Initiated and led the development of the EMEA Knowledge Hub to support learning and knowledge sharing across member organizations.
- Designed and facilitated leadership development training and strategic planning sessions.
- Managed the full strategy development cycle for the 2013-2018 period, including planning, facilitation, and evaluation.
- Led a comprehensive stakeholder analysis process involving national member organizations, donors, and funding partners to ensure inclusive input into strategic direction.
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE SERVICES
Community Intelligence Ltd
Brussels
01.2007 - 01.2011
- Served clients (such as the European Commission) to harness the potential of their collective intelligence by developing vibrant Communities of Practice.
- Developed and managed the organizational strategy around the key services in the field of Communities of Practice.
TRAINER
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Brussels
01.1997 - 01.2011
- Developed and delivered onboarding programs for new civil servants at the European Commission, focusing on communication, international teamwork, intercultural collaboration, and early-career leadership.
- Designed and facilitated training programs in intercultural communication, train-the-trainer approaches, organizational development, volunteer coordination, youth engagement, and project management.
Education
Ph.D. - COMMUNICATION STUDIES
Ludwig Maximillian Universität
Munich, Germany 10.1999 - 06.2005
Bachelor of Arts - SOCIOLOGY
Babes Bolyai Univeristy
Cluj NApoca, Romania 10.1992 - 06.1997
High School Diploma -
Liceul De Informatica Tiberiu Popoviciu
Cluj Napoca, Romania 09.1987 - 06.1991
Skills
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 11/21/72
- Nationality: Romanian Belgian
Publications
- "Learning as a Strategy" for Better EU Policy Understanding and Implementation in the Digital Era, Hearn, P., Elias, L., Ganescu, E., Digital Society, 2, 13, 2023, Springer
- Play the System: The Corporate Rebel's Guide to Make Their Organization Listen and Change, Nora Ganescu, Morgan James Publishing, 03/03/20
- The CEO's Playbook: Turning the Employees You Have into the Dream Team You Always Wanted, Nora Ganescu, Morgan James Publishing, 07/11/17
- Ethnische Minderheiten in der rumänischen Presse: Eine quantitative und diskurshistorische Zeitungsanalyse, Eleonora Ganescu, 2006
Timeline
STRATEGIC LEAD - LEARNING AS A STRATEGY & DIGITAL LEARNING SYSTEMS
EUROPEAN COMMISSION, JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE
09.2019 - Current
ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE & LEARNING STRATEGY EXPERT
EUROPEAN COMMISSION, JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE
01.2015 - 08.2019
REGIONAL LEARNING & STRATEGY ADVISOR
Habitat for Humanity International
11.2011 - 06.2014
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE SERVICES
Community Intelligence Ltd
01.2007 - 01.2011
Ph.D. - COMMUNICATION STUDIES
Ludwig Maximillian Universität
10.1999 - 06.2005
TRAINER
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
01.1997 - 01.2011
Bachelor of Arts - SOCIOLOGY
Babes Bolyai Univeristy
10.1992 - 06.1997
High School Diploma -
Liceul De Informatica Tiberiu Popoviciu
09.1987 - 06.1991
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