Mr. Jonathan Vassallo began his career in the Public Service in 2006 as a Programme Manager within the Planning and Priorities Coordination Division (PPCD). In this role, he was responsible for overseeing financial control for the Single Programming Document (SPD) 2004-2006 and projects funded by the Cohesion Fund for the same period.

He was subsequently appointed Senior Manager within the PPCD and later advanced to the role of Director General in 2011. As Director General, Mr Vassallo was tasked with ensuring the efficient absorption and management of European assistance, including EU and bilateral funds, through effective coordination among Government departments, authorities, agencies, and other stakeholders.

During his tenure, he successfully led the closure and completion of the 2004-2006 SPD, oversaw the closure of the 2007-2013 Cohesion Policy Operational Programmes, and spearheaded the launch of the 2014-2020 Operational Programmes. He also played a pivotal role in establishing Malta’s first Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP).

In September 2022, Mr Vassallo was appointed Permanent Secretary, assuming responsibility for EU Funds in Malta. By 2024, his portfolio expanded to include Social Dialogue, Industrial and Employment Relations, Equality, and reforms. In this capacity, he also led Malta’s delegation to the Human Rights Committee during the Committee's review of the country’s human rights practices.

Mr Vassallo serves on various supervisory boards overseeing the implementation of financial instruments supported by European funding.

He holds a degree in Public and Private Sector Management, with a specialization in Public Policy, from the University of Malta.