Open to opportunities

Belayneh Sewnet Mengestia

@belaynehsewnetmenges

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Experienced innovation and technology leader with forensic and research evaluation expertise.

Ethiopia

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What I'm looking for

I seek a senior role driving indigenous innovation and technology development, with opportunities to lead strategy, scale technologies, and mentor teams in a collaborative, impact-focused organization.

I am an experienced innovation and technology leader with a strong background in forensic investigation and research evaluation. Over my career I have led national initiatives to support indigenous technologies and evaluated large-scale research and innovation projects.

Currently I serve as Desk Head for Indigenous Innovation and Technology Development at the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, where I lead strategic planning, impact assessments, and intellectual property support for national initiatives.

Previously I worked as Expert IV in Indigenous Knowledge and Technology Development and as a National Research Support Expert IV, coordinating stakeholders, scaling technologies, and providing technical advisory services. Earlier in my career I served as a Forensic Investigation Expert conducting firearm and tool mark analyses for law enforcement.

I hold an M.Sc. in Environmental Engineering and an earlier M.Sc. in Condensed Matter Physics, and I combine technical, managerial, and laboratory accreditation knowledge with strong communication and project management skills to drive innovation and technology transfer.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Desk Head, Indigenous Innovation

Current

Ministry of Innovation and Technology

Jan 2023 - Present (3 years)

Lead national initiatives to support indigenous innovations and technologies, evaluate innovation projects, develop strategic plans, and conduct impact assessments including intellectual property facilitation.

Innovation Management Project evaluation IP Support Strategic Planning Impact Assessments Policy Development

Expert IV, Indigenous Knowledge

Ministry of Innovation and Technology

Jul 2020 - Dec 2022 (2 years 5 months)

Promoted and assessed indigenous technologies and coordinated with stakeholders to scale technologies across sectors, supporting national adoption efforts.

Indigenous Technology Stakeholder Engagement Scaling Project Coordination Monitoring & Evaluation

National Research Support Expert

Ministry of Innovation and Technology

Jan 2018 - Jun 2020 (2 years 5 months)

Evaluated and monitored national research and innovation projects and provided advisory and technical support to improve project outcomes and compliance.

Research & Evaluation Monitoring Technical Advisory Reporting M&E Research Compliance

Forensic Investigation Expert

Federal Police Commission

Feb 2008 - Dec 2017 (9 years 10 months)

Conducted forensic investigations specializing in firearm and tool mark analysis and produced technical reports for law enforcement and legal proceedings.

Forensic Firearm Examination Tool Mark Analysis Chain Of Custody