Amira is the Head of Sector responsible for Programme Governance and Executive Agencies in the Programme implementation unit of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology
Amira Möller, EMPA
As Head of Sector responsible for Programme Governance and Executive Agencies in the Programme implementation unit of the Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CNECT), I draw daily on the lessons learned from the Executive Master in Public Administration (EMPA) Programme at LSE.
The programme enhanced my strategic understanding of policy design, implementation, and evaluation—skills that are directly applicable in my current role, where programmes must align with EU priorities, legal frameworks, and long-term strategies. It also provided me with essential governance and accountability tools and deepened my interdisciplinary knowledge of economics, law, public policy, and political science—critical for managing the intersection of digital policy with legal, technological, and socio-economic issues. Additionally, the programme’s emphasis on using data and analysis to inform decision-making has been invaluable, especially in programme governance, where decisions impact funding and policy outcomes.
Combining theory and practice has always been a cornerstone of my professional journey. By immediately applying newly acquired knowledge, I have gained a deeper understanding of both conceptual frameworks and real-world implementation. This approach led me to begin my career alongside my studies in Business Administration: I gained valuable hands-on experience through internships in the company SAP as well as in an insurance and several manufacturing companies. Upon completing my studies, I continued in the private sector, managing international consulting projects at Ernst & Young and later leading a team of plant controllers at Saint-Gobain in the automotive industry.
During my PhD, which focused on economic and ecological evaluation, I balanced again work with academia. It was during this period that I realized my desire to contribute to the public good through policymaking at the European level, going beyond the individual company view I had in my work so far. This shift in focus led me to become an official at the European Commission. After some years in my new role during which I mainly supported sustainable energy projects and migration and home affairs matters, I pursued the Executive Master in Public Administration to enhance the policy knowledge I had gained so far. Although I was already engaged daily with public policy, regulatory analysis, and political science, I sought a stronger academic foundation to better fulfil my responsibilities.
Overall, the programme was not only academically enriching and improving my daily work but also provided the opportunity to engage with a diverse and inspiring cohort. The mix of public and private sector backgrounds among EMPA students brought unique perspectives to our discussions, further enriching my learning. What stood out most was the global, interconnected perspective the programme offered. I gained insights not only through classes but also through collaboration with professors and peers, both of which continue to inspire me professionally and personally until today.
(The information and views set out in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the Institution)