Negalegne M. Mandefiro
Washington,DC
Summary
Dynamic foreign policy expert with ten years of experience in diplomacy, U.S.-Africa relations, great power competition, and conflict analysis. Proven track record in synthesizing complex political, economic, and security information and leading high-level initiatives. Skilled in conducting in-depth research and analysis on African regional dynamics, with a strong focus on trade, natural resources, and security. Adept at utilizing cutting-edge technology to support research, writing, and data analysis within a fast-paced environment.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Powered by the People Fellow
PartnersGlobal
Washington D.C
06.2024 - 12.2024
- Synthesized large amounts of information to support research efforts. Analyzed PartnersGlobal regional organizing committees across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, MENA, and Eastern Europe, focused on peacebuilding and human rights.
- Produced a situation analysis on the Sudan conflict, emphasizing key actors and local peacebuilding challenges.
- Managed confidential information to protect participants' personal data.
Research Assistant
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Indiana
03.2024 - 06.2024
- Interviewed and produced an analysis of Notre Dame’s Keough School students, faculty, staff, and alumni to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the School’s Integration Lab operations in both classroom and field.
- Contributed to creating a competency model document for the University of Notre Dame’s new flagship Poverty Initiative program.
- Collaborated with other researchers in developing study designs, methods, and tools for data collection.
Public Diplomacy and Communications Director
Embassy of Ethiopia
Washington D.C.
07.2019 - 10.2023
- Organized 20+ high-level forums on the current affairs of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa, attended by experts from influential U.S. media, think tanks, government, and NGOs.
- Briefed 15+ U.S. Senators and Representatives, and Washington, D.C.-based foreign diplomats on Ethiopia’s peace and security matters.
- Attended four annual meetings of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the 2023 US-Africa Leaders’ Summit.
- Managed the production of promotional materials, including press releases, newsletters, magazine articles, flyers, and brochures.
Multilateral Partnerships and Communications Officer
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of EthiopiaW
Addis Ababa
08.2017 - 07.2019
- Represented Ethiopia in high-level African Union meetings in areas of regional integration, peacekeeping, and continental youth empowerment forums.
- Played a key role in drafting and negotiating AU resolutions on regional stability, conflict resolution, and sustainable development.
- Contributed to peacebuilding and conflict resolution, especially in Ethiopia’s role in the Horn of Africa crises, working with the African Union and regional peacekeepers.
- Developed and implemented communication strategies to ensure effective internal and external communications of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Politics and Security Affairs Reporter
Ethiopian News Agency
Addis Ababa
09.2013 - 05.2016
- Produced news analysis and articles on the role of the African Union Mission in Somalia to combat the surge of Al Shabab in Somalia and the Horn of Africa.
- Covered Ethiopia’s 2016 youth protest for government change, particularly in Oromia and Amhara regions.
- Produced news analysis on the role of private media in advocating public disconnect in repressive states.
- Conducted 20+ interviews with foreign affairs ministers, diplomats, peacekeeping personnel, opposition party leaders and youth representatives.
- Served as lead reporter during the IGAD-sponsored peace talks of South Sudan's warring parties in 2015.
Education
Master of Arts - Global Affairs|International Peace Studies
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN, USA05.2025
Advanced Diploma - Diplomacy and International Relations
Ethiopian Civil Service University
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia08.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science and International Relations
Addis Ababa University
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia07.2013
Skills
- Computer Skills: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Photoshop, and video editing skills
- Research Interests: Peace and conflict, great power competition, global policy, US-Africa relations, diplomacy, and media
- International experience: Ethiopia, United States of America, Türkiye, Germany, and South Africa
Languages
Amharic
Native/ Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Tigrinya
Professional
Timeline
Powered by the People Fellow
PartnersGlobal
06.2024 - 12.2024
Research Assistant
University of Notre Dame
03.2024 - 06.2024
Public Diplomacy and Communications Director
Embassy of Ethiopia
07.2019 - 10.2023
Multilateral Partnerships and Communications Officer
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of EthiopiaW
08.2017 - 07.2019
Politics and Security Affairs Reporter
Ethiopian News Agency
09.2013 - 05.2016
Master of Arts - Global Affairs|International Peace Studies
University of Notre Dame
Advanced Diploma - Diplomacy and International Relations
Ethiopian Civil Service University
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science and International Relations
Addis Ababa University
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