Yeabsera Dereje
Research Assistant
Alexandria,VA
Summary
Detail-oriented and motivated professional with a strong foundation in desk research, research design, and data analysis. Experienced in administering surveys and maintaining research databases. Committed to contributing to meaningful research to drive social and political progress across Africa.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages
Work History
Development Intern
Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF)
10.2025 - Current
- Conducted desk research to identify prospective funding sources and organizational partners.
- Maintained and organized large databases of foundations, companies, and individual funders.
- Analyzed funding trends and synthesized findings to support organizational strategy.
Founder and Editor-in-chief
This Week in Ethiopia
03.2024 - 09.2025
- Monitor political, social, and economic developments in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa through diverse media sources.
- Analyze, synthesize, and summarize complex information for weekly publication.
- Verify sources, ensure accuracy, and manage editorial workflows.
Grant Writer
Ethiopian Community and Social Advocacy Center (ECSAC)
12.2023 - 05.2024
- Conduct research to identify potential funding opportunities and donor priorities.
- Prepare written reports, proposals, and supporting documentation.
- Maintain grant and project tracking databases.
Research Interviewer
JWL Marketing
09.2023 - 05.2024
- Conducted political polling and public opinion surveys on electoral issues and political candidates across the United States.
- Administered standardized telephone surveys and collected quantitative response data.
- Maintained accuracy and adherence to survey protocols during data collection activities.
Intern; Program Development Officer
JaRco Consulting
06.2022 - 12.2023
- Draft technical research proposals and develop analytical frameworks, data collection methodologies, and sampling approaches.
- Recruit consultants and prepare work plans, timelines, project documentation, and supporting materials for research projects.
- Support qualitative data collection activities for a post-election survey in the Gambella Regional State.
- Coordinate with consultants, clients, and external partners and maintain project databases.
Project Intern; Project Associate
International Foundation for Electoral Systems
10.2019 - 11.2021
- Supported implementation of Ethiopia’s 2019 Sidama Referendum and 2021 General Elections, including field operations and stakeholder coordination.
- Supported recruitment, training, and deployment of election personnel, including coordination of field assignments and logistical support.
- Conducted research and drafted electoral communication strategies, training materials, donor reports, and briefing documents for stakeholders.
- Assisted with election-related data tracking, hotline support, transcription, translation, and maintenance of internal databases.
Education
Master of Arts - Development Studies - Politics And Sociology Track
University of Bayreuth
Bayreuth, Germany 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - International Studies – Peace And Conflict Track; Minors: African Studies, Politics
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, United States 04.2001 -
Skills
- Research and analysis
- Proposal and report writing
- Database management
Honours and Awards
Dean's Honor Roll, University of San Francisco, 2019-05-16
Timeline
Development Intern
Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF)
10.2025 - Current
Founder and Editor-in-chief
This Week in Ethiopia
03.2024 - 09.2025
Grant Writer
Ethiopian Community and Social Advocacy Center (ECSAC)
12.2023 - 05.2024
Research Interviewer
JWL Marketing
09.2023 - 05.2024
Intern; Program Development Officer
JaRco Consulting
06.2022 - 12.2023
Project Intern; Project Associate
International Foundation for Electoral Systems
10.2019 - 11.2021
Master of Arts - Development Studies - Politics And Sociology Track
University of Bayreuth
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - International Studies – Peace And Conflict Track; Minors: African Studies, Politics
University of San Francisco
04.2001 -