Open to opportunities

ruth yitbarek

@ruthyitbarek

Junior program and protection officer specializing in GBV, trauma-informed facilitation, and community-based research for dignity-centered responses.

Italy

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking for Europe-based roles or remote work where I can deliver dignity-centered GBV and protection programming, lead community-based research and training, and collaborate with donors and partners—open to short-term consultancies that strengthen women and girls’ meaningful participation.

I’m a junior program and protection practitioner and GBV specialist with 6+ years of field experience in Ethiopia, focused on gender-based violence (GBV), girls’ education, sexual and reproductive health (SRH), and community-based program coordination. I bring a strong foundation in qualitative methods, stakeholder engagement, and trauma-informed approaches to help communities and partners work safely and effectively together.

In recent research work, I conducted 30 key informant interviews (KIIs) and 10 focus group discussions (FGDs) in sensitive contexts, ensuring confidentiality, ethical standards, and culturally nuanced Amharic–English interpretation. I coordinated with multidisciplinary teams across multiple countries to keep community engagement consistent, appropriate, and trauma-sensitive.

As a Project Coordinator with VOICE Amplified, I co-led ECW/UNICEF-commissioned primary research for a Learning Brief on LWGOs in Education in Emergencies, coordinating FGDs with UN agencies, INGOs, donors, and women-led organizations across Amhara, Somali, and Oromia. I also supported referrals to healthcare, legal aid, and psychosocial support, and helped produce donor briefs and coordination reports used by international partners.

Beyond research and coordination, I’ve led safe space facilitation for 400+ girls and trained 400+ national volunteers through a GESI module, applying adult learning methodologies and survivor-centered principles. I’m currently completing an MA in Local Development (University of Padova, expected June 2026), and I’m committed to dignity-centered programming and the meaningful participation of women and girls.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Country Researcher

Under the Rainbow

Mar 2025 - Oct 2025 (7 months)

Conducted 30 key informant interviews and 10 focus group discussions in sensitive GBV and girls’ education contexts, ensuring culturally nuanced, trauma-sensitive engagement. Provided real-time Amharic–English interpretation and maintained confidentiality and ethical standards through data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Qualitative Research Amharic GBV Programming Confidentiality Donor Reporting

Project Coordinator

Voice Amplified

Jun 2023 - Dec 2024 (1 year 6 months)

Co-led primary research for an ECW/UNICEF Learning Brief on local women- and girl-led organizations in education in emergencies, coordinating FGDs across Amhara, Somali, and Oromia. Coordinated advocacy and referrals for essential services and prepared coordination and donor briefs for international partners, including Education Cannot Wait (ECW).

Project Coordination FGD Coordination Education In Emergencies Service Referral (Healthcare Legal Psychosocial)Donor Brief Writing Stakeholder Engagement Qualitative Methods

Network Coordinator

Malala Fund

May 2021 - Apr 2023 (1 year 11 months)

Organized and facilitated safe space sessions for 400+ conflict-affected and displaced girls using trauma-informed principles. Interpreted and documented participant perspectives (Amharic–English) and coordinated with multi-sector partners to support consistent, inclusive program delivery across regions.

GBV Awareness Facilitation Safe Space Sessions Amharic Girls’ Education Displacement Support Program Delivery

Program Manager

iCog Solutions

Sep 2019 - Feb 2021 (1 year 5 months)

Managed community outreach and research programs reaching 10,000+ youth on SRH topics requiring discretion and cultural sensitivity. Supervised 5+ field staff, coordinated with government health offices and NGOs, and translated field feedback into actionable insights and donor reporting.

Program Management Community Outreach SRH Programming Youth Engagement Cultural Sensitivity

Lead Trainer (GESI Module)

Ethiopian Ministry of Peace

Jan 2020 - Jan 2021 (1 year)

Selected as lead trainer for the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) module, designing and delivering training to 400+ national volunteers. Ensured training content was contextually appropriate, trauma-sensitive, and aligned with national gender and protection policy frameworks using adult learning approaches.

GESI Training Facilitation Gender Equality And Social Inclusion (GESI)Trauma Sensitive Content Community Engagement Capacity Building

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Padova

Master of Arts, Local Development

2023 -

Activities and societies: MA thesis (in progress): Urban Displacement and Solidarity—Addis Ababa Corridor Development Project.

Pursuing an MA in Local Development, with an expected completion in June 2026. Current coursework and research focus on urban displacement, solidarity networks, and durable solutions in the Addis Ababa context.