Lidya Girma Mekonnen
Colchester,Ethiopia
Summary
Dynamic legal and human rights professional, recognized as a Chevening Scholar, with a proven track record in research, monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and project coordination within government, civil society, and international organizations. Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, complemented by experience in field investigations, legal analysis, and public advocacy. Known for fostering collaboration, delivering high-impact reports, and driving initiatives that advance justice, human rights, and organizational goals.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Associate Human Rights Office
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
08.2022 - 04.2025
- Support the key functions of the Office of the Chief Commission (OCC) such as special projects, early warning, international and regional engagement, transitional justice, preparation of the annual human rights situation report.
- Support OCC by carrying out research, monitoring, data collection and analysis
- Support logistical arrangements for events, workshops, trainings, or other activities organized by OCC.
- Support OCC by drafting presentations or talking points for events, taking minutes or another outcome document.
- Support in drafting memos, letters, and other correspondences.
- Carry out other activities as may be assigned by the Director of OCC or the Chief Commissioner.
Project Officer
The Governance and Justice Group
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
04.2021 - 12.2021
- Involved in collecting Data from different courts
- Coordinating and preparing meetings
- Supporting communications with key stakeholders including government, consultants (national and international), UNDP and donors.
- Making payments and receiving receipts and recording transactions payments
- Reporting statement of account.
- Managing the collected data from different regions.
Program Intern
Center for Advancement of Rights and Democracy
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
05.2020 - 07.2021
- Administration Support
- Drafting a budget request
- Contacting participants and meetings
- Preparing agendas for meetings
- Preparing press release and reports
International Election Assessment Mission Coordinator
National Democratic Institute (NDI)
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
04.2021 - 06.2021
- Coordinating meetings with stakeholders
- Confirming key stakeholders meetings
- Provided tech support
Externship
Federal Attorney General, Organized, cross border and nationally harmful crimes directorate
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
09.2020 - 12.2020
- Attending high profile cases in court room such as, terrorism, crimes against human rights law, human and drug trafficking, ethnic conflict crimes with prosecutors.
- Assisted on witness examination. Practiced evidence gathering and evaluating the relevancy of evidence.
- Assisted public prosecutors on framing charges.
Legal Aid
Kirkos High Court
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
10.2019 - 08.2020
- Rendered legal advice to the indigents.
- Prepared pleadings.
- Prepared case summaries.
Education
Law (LLB) - Law
Addis Ababa University College of law and Governance
Ethiopia 09.2015 - 12.2020
High school - undefined
Lazarist Catholic School
01.2009 - 01.2015
Meri Women's Leadership training Certificate - undefined
Earuyan Solutions
Master of Laws - International Human Rights Law
University of Essex
Colchester 09.2024 -
Skills
- Team building
- Public Relations
- Problem-solving
- Public speaking
- Leadership
- Communication skills
- Research skill
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Personal Information
- Date of birth: 07/18/96
- Nationality: Ethiopian
Custom
- Albab Tesfaye, Director at the office of the chief commissioner, Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, +251 911 42 19 50
- Adam Stapleton, Co - Director of the Governance and Justice Group, Governance and Justice Group, astapleton@governancejustice.org, +351917267044
- Dr. Mizanie Abate, Consultant, UNDP, mizanie.abate@aau.edu.et, +251913250026
Accomplishments
Involved in writing the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission and OHCHR Transitional Justice consultation report and the post tigray war monitoring report
Certification
Chevening Scholar
Languages
English
Proficient (C2)
Amharic
Native
Tigrigna
Intermediate
Oromiffa
Elementary
Timeline
Master of Laws - International Human Rights Law
University of Essex
09.2024 -
Associate Human Rights Office
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
08.2022 - 04.2025
Project Officer
The Governance and Justice Group
04.2021 - 12.2021
International Election Assessment Mission Coordinator
National Democratic Institute (NDI)
04.2021 - 06.2021
Externship
Federal Attorney General, Organized, cross border and nationally harmful crimes directorate
09.2020 - 12.2020
Program Intern
Center for Advancement of Rights and Democracy
05.2020 - 07.2021
Legal Aid
Kirkos High Court
10.2019 - 08.2020
Law (LLB) - Law
Addis Ababa University College of law and Governance
09.2015 - 12.2020
High school - undefined
Lazarist Catholic School
01.2009 - 01.2015
Meri Women's Leadership training Certificate - undefined
Earuyan Solutions
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