Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
References
Timeline
Generic

Adise Kassa Mekuanint

Assosa, Ethiopia,BGRS

Summary

Humanitarian professional specializing in vulnerability protection within refugee settings. Skilled in access and safety management, conducting risk assessments, and facilitating humanitarian negotiations to secure safe environments for displaced populations. Proven ability to implement protocols that protect vulnerable communities in high-risk areas, ensuring compliance and effective collaboration with stakeholders. Compassionate caregiver with experience in resilience-building, providing empathetic, adaptive support to enhance the well-being and dignity of individuals affected by displacement.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Legal and Protection Head

Refugee and Returnee Service
Gonder , Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
01.2024 - Current
  • Promoted a high level of protection and safety by addressing security concerns with knowledgeable and responsive support for refugees from Sudan.
  • Contributed innovative strategies and solutions to enhance the effectiveness of refugee protection initiatives and ensure safety in a volatile environment.
  • Collaborated with diverse teams of humanitarian workers and legal advisors to resolve complex issues related to the safety and rights of displaced individuals.
  • Engaged cross-functional teams to meet objectives related to refugee protection, rights, and legal assistance in high-risk areas.
  • Prioritized and organized protection efforts to maximize safety, security, and legal compliance amidst fluctuating security conditions.
  • Rapidly identified urgent protection needs among refugees, responding promptly to ensure safety and uphold legal standards.
  • Worked closely with security and legal teams to develop actionable plans, meet deadlines, and achieve protection goals under challenging conditions.
  • Assisted refugees with legal requests, offering critical information and resources to enhance protection and compliance with local regulations.
  • Provided responsive service and attention to refugees both in-person and through community engagement initiatives.
  • Proactively engaged refugees to foster trust, using effective communication and interpersonal skills to ensure accessible support.
  • Supported team members and collaborated closely to create a safe, coordinated, and compliant work environment in response to regional security threats.
  • Exceeded expected standards of refugee safety and support by developing creative, effective solutions in the face of security challenges.
  • Applied advanced expertise to troubleshoot complex protection issues, implementing solutions that enhanced overall safety for refugees and staff.
  • Recognized by regional leadership for exceptional contributions to legal and protection services under challenging security conditions.
  • Utilized software and tracking tools to monitor protection activities, streamline processes, and ensure effective risk management.
  • Conducted research and analysis of security trends to support strategic planning and informed decision-making for refugee protection.
  • Achieved resource optimization and cost savings by developing functional, security-focused solutions that improved protection measures.
  • Managed essential protection operations, coordinating necessary services and resources to support displaced individuals.
  • Maintained up-to-date records and data systems, ensuring comprehensive information management for legal and protection services.

Head O Legal and Protection

Refugee and Returnee Service
Assosa, Ethiopia , BGRS
09.2016 - 12.2024
  • Led Legal and Protection Strategies for Refugee Safety
    I led the development and implementation of legal strategies that directly ensured the safety and well-being of refugees. I made sure that all measures aligned with international standards, such as the 1951 Refugee Convention. This involved assessing protection risks, determining appropriate legal responses, and working with cross-functional teams to ensure refugees had access to secure living conditions, legal representation, and critical social services. I regularly evaluated protection needs and adjusted strategies to meet the evolving situations in refugee camps.
  • Advocated for Refugee Rights and Legal Protection
    I actively advocated for the legal rights of refugees, particularly in asylum claims and protection against deportation or forced returns. I was responsible for preparing legal documents, filing appeals, and representing refugees in court or administrative hearings. I offered legal advice to help refugees understand their rights and options, while also advocating for their protection from persecution, violence, or discrimination. Additionally, I managed cases related to family reunification, working to bring families back together through legal channels.
  • Engaged in Multilateral Coordination for Refugee Protection
    I worked closely with international organizations such as the UNHCR, NGOs, and local government authorities to enhance collective efforts toward refugee protection. My role involved coordinating between multiple stakeholders to streamline services and resources for refugees, ensuring they received comprehensive support, from legal aid to medical services. I participated in policy discussions and advocacy efforts, aiming to influence improvements in refugee laws and protection measures that would benefit displaced individuals.
  • Developed and Implemented Refugee Protection Policies
    I was responsible for drafting and implementing specific protection policies that addressed the needs of the most vulnerable refugee populations, including women, children, and individuals with disabilities. I worked on policies to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation. I also implemented systems that improved safety measures in refugee camps, ensuring that vulnerable individuals were identified and given the protection they needed. These policies were designed to be flexible and responsive to the changing situations faced by refugees.
  • Monitored Compliance with Refugee and Humanitarian Law
    I oversaw legal compliance within the organization, ensuring that our operations aligned with both national and international laws, including the Geneva Conventions and regional agreements on refugee protection. I worked to ensure that refugee rights were respected in all aspects of our work, and I provided legal guidance to staff to prevent any breaches of humanitarian law. I regularly reviewed operational procedures and provided training to my team to maintain compliance with evolving legal frameworks governing refugee protection.
  • Provided Crisis Intervention and Emergency Legal Support
    During crises, I took charge of providing immediate legal assistance to refugees, whether in situations of mass displacement or cases of detention. I coordinated rapid legal responses to prevent unlawful deportations or detentions, and I helped refugees secure the necessary legal documentation to access protection services. My crisis intervention efforts also involved managing urgent protection needs for individuals or groups under immediate threat, ensuring their legal safety and access to justice in emergency situations.
  • Conducted Staff Training on Legal and Protection Awareness
    I organized and conducted comprehensive training programs for staff and volunteers on refugee law, protection protocols, and crisis response. I developed these trainings to build the team’s understanding of legal frameworks governing refugees, ensuring they could provide informed and effective support. These training sessions enhanced the team’s ability to identify legal issues, respond to protection needs, and manage legal processes on behalf of refugees. By increasing staff competency, I improved the overall quality of legal and protection services delivered to refugee populations.

Education

Master of Arts - Developmental Psychology

Aksum University
Ethiopia
10-2024

Bachelor of Arts - Law

Haramaya University
Ethiopia
07-2011

Skills

  • Rehabilitation Services
  • Child Protection
  • Needs Assessment
  • Professional Demeanor
  • Community Engagement
  • Community outreach expert
  • Trauma Informed Care Framework
  • Emergency response training
  • Time management abilities
  • Case assessment
  • Goal Setting
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Violence prevention
  • Administrative Management
  • Disability Services
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Client Advocacy
  • Referral Coordination
  • Organizational Skills
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Case Management
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Task Prioritization
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Affiliations

I possess a diverse skill set, balancing expertise in both security management and humanitarian systems. My background reflects a unique blend of technical proficiency, leadership, and compassion. From ensuring public safety and managing security operations to advocating for refugee rights and promoting community resilience, I thrive in high-pressure environments while maintaining a focus on collaboration and effective communication.

I believe my ability to adapt across various roles and responsibilities demonstrates my well-rounded nature. Whether it's leading crisis management efforts, developing protection policies, or conducting staff training, I approach every task with dedication, empathy, and a commitment to making a positive impact on both individuals and communities.

Accomplishments

  • Leadership Excellence Award – Recognized for outstanding leadership and effective coordination in managing security operations for refugee protection.
  • Outstanding Performance Recognition – Exceeded performance targets in refugee protection and security management, ensuring the safety and legal rights of vulnerable groups.
  • Employee of the Year – Awarded for exceptional commitment to crisis management and threat analysis in high-risk environments.
  • Humanitarian Service Award – Acknowledged for significant contributions to promoting community resilience and protection in humanitarian settings.
  • Team Leadership Award – Earned for leading cross-functional teams in successful security operations and crisis response strategies.
  • Excellence in Legal Advocacy – Received recognition for advocating refugee rights and successfully handling complex asylum cases, resulting in positive legal outcomes.
  • Crisis Management Achievement – Honored for exceptional crisis intervention during emergencies, ensuring the protection of individuals under immediate threat.

Certification

Certifications and Licenses:

  • Security Risk Management Professional – Country & Regional (SRMP-C, SRMP-R) – Certified by the International NGOs Safety and Security Association (INSSA), including 180 credit hours for certification renewal.
  • Alberta Basic Security Training – Certified after completing the 90-hour Dual Security Guard & Private Investigator Program (June 2024)
    (Alberta Training Certif…).
  • Alberta Private Investigators Training – Successfully completed 60 hours of training with a passing grade of at least 80% (June 2024)
    (certificate-alberta-pri…).
  • Kidnapping and Hostage Survival – Certified by INSSA and Disaster Ready.org.
  • Crisis Management of Critical Incidents – Certified in managing critical incidents by INSSA and Disaster Ready.org.
  • Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse – Certified by KAYA Humanitarian Leadership Academy.
  • Core Humanitarian Certification – Successfully completed 48 credit hours on the humanitarian system, awarded by Disaster Ready.org.
  • International Migration and Refugee Law – One-month certification program from the British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL).
  • UNICEF Child Protection in Conflict Settings – Certified by UNICEF Training Centre.
  • Grant Seeking Essentials Certificate – Certified by Disaster Ready.org.

Languages

English
Professional

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Legal and Protection Head

Refugee and Returnee Service
01.2024 - Current

Head O Legal and Protection

Refugee and Returnee Service
09.2016 - 12.2024

Certifications and Licenses:

  • Security Risk Management Professional – Country & Regional (SRMP-C, SRMP-R) – Certified by the International NGOs Safety and Security Association (INSSA), including 180 credit hours for certification renewal.
  • Alberta Basic Security Training – Certified after completing the 90-hour Dual Security Guard & Private Investigator Program (June 2024)
    (Alberta Training Certif…).
  • Alberta Private Investigators Training – Successfully completed 60 hours of training with a passing grade of at least 80% (June 2024)
    (certificate-alberta-pri…).
  • Kidnapping and Hostage Survival – Certified by INSSA and Disaster Ready.org.
  • Crisis Management of Critical Incidents – Certified in managing critical incidents by INSSA and Disaster Ready.org.
  • Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse – Certified by KAYA Humanitarian Leadership Academy.
  • Core Humanitarian Certification – Successfully completed 48 credit hours on the humanitarian system, awarded by Disaster Ready.org.
  • International Migration and Refugee Law – One-month certification program from the British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL).
  • UNICEF Child Protection in Conflict Settings – Certified by UNICEF Training Centre.
  • Grant Seeking Essentials Certificate – Certified by Disaster Ready.org.

Master of Arts - Developmental Psychology

Aksum University

Bachelor of Arts - Law

Haramaya University
Adise Kassa Mekuanint