Abeje Mekonnen

Working for various organizations such as World Vision Ethiopia (WVE), Dorcas Aid International-South Sudan (DAI-SS), International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), and Freedom House (FH) over the course of my eighteen (18) years of experience has allowed me to gain expertise in my field and advance my career from a junior support position to a Senior Leadership Team (SLT) member. I have had an amazing opportunity to work in leadership or senior level positions for more than five years, mid-level positions for almost three years, advisory positions for about two years, and technical and expert level positions for nine years since 2005. I have had the chance to work in South Sudan and in my own country, Ethiopia on both development and humanitarian projects funded by the WFP, UNHCR, BPRM, EU, ECHO, Dutch Alliance, and USAID. I currently serve as the Director of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) for Freedom House, an international non-governmental organization. In this role, I provide strategic direction, vision, and management for the successful monitoring, evaluation, and learning of the award in accordance with the collaboration, learning, and adaptation principles specified in the MEL Plan. I monitor all MEL activities, lead the creation, execution, and revision of the MEL Plan, offer technical guidance and assistance, and make sure that activity results are reported. I oversee a group of MEL-focused employees to guarantee the strategic and functional integration of all MEL activities including MEL practices of subgrantees. Regarding my educational background, I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Hawassa University, a Master of Science in Developmental Economics from Adama Science and Technology University, a Master of Science in Project Planning and Management (PPM) from YOM Post Graduate College, and a Diploma in Business (Accounting) from Addis Ababa University College of Commerce. I'm now finishing up my research for Master of Transformational Leadership (MATL) from Global Academy of Transformational Leadership's (GATL). Additionally, I've received short term trainings from various institutions on statistical and economic software programs, humanitarian programs and human rights programs.