Fasika Tesfaye Semaw
Addis Ababa
Summary
Dedicated and experienced humanitarian lawyer with a robust background in international law and human rights advocacy. Leveraging over four years of judicial experience, I bring a unique perspective to legal practice, combining in-depth legal knowledge with a profound commitment to justice and human dignity. Adept at navigating international and domestic human right and humaniterian laws, I have successfully represented vulnerable populations in various legal settings. My expertise in legal research, case management, and advocacy is complemented by strong interpersonal and communication skills, ensuring effective collaboration with clients, colleagues, and international organizations. Fluent in Amharic and English, I am committed to advancing human rights and delivering impactful legal solutions in diverse cultural contexts.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Resettlement Associate
UNHCR
08.2022 - Current
- Advocate for the right of displaced people to have stable and peaceful living environment and ensuring that refugees receive the support they need throughout the resettlement process
- Conduct interviews with refugees to assess their resettlement needs and Process resettlement cases following established procedures.
- Served as Complementary Pathways, Deferral Responses and GBV and Child Protection focal person of the team
- Liaise with resettlement countries, IOM, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
Provide refugees and partners with information on resettlement policies and procedures. - Supervise, coach, and train junior staff.
Assist in implementing organizational objectives and priorities. - Assist in mitigating resettlement fraud through oversight and guidance.
- Conduct in-country travel as needed to monitor and support resettlement activities.
First instant court Judge
Amhara Regional Supreme Court
07.2017 - 01.2022
- Adjudication of civil criminal and family cases
- Protecting human and civil rights of litigating parties by continuously applying relevant national and international human rights laws
- Ensuring fair hearing of parties to the suit by actively engaging in trial and explaining the necessary procedures
- Managing cases efficiently and completing trials within a standard frame time
- Analyzing testimonies and evidence
- Rendering clear and comprehensive decisions
- Encouraging parties to reach amicable settlements by advocating for negotiation and alternate dispute resolutions especially to advocate the best interest of children
Assistant prosecutor
Amhara Justice professional training and research institute
10.2016 - 07.2017
- Advocate for women’s and children’s right in court
- Assisting in undertaking legal research
- Assist in handling cases in courts of law representing the government and women and children who do not have the means to afford a lawyer to claim their rights in courts of law
Intern
03.2016 - 05.2016
- Attending court to observe the court proceedings
- Review and write comments on dead files
- Assist in writing judgments on active files
Education
LL.B degree - Law
Adama Science and Technology University School of Humanity and Law
01.2016
Skills
- Deep understanding of international and national humanitarian and human right laws
- Analytical Thinking
- High ethical standards and Professional integrity
- Advocacy
- Organizational skills (case management and ability to multi task)
- Preparing reports and drafting legal documents
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Excellent interviewing skills
- Strong negotiation and mediation skills
- Understanding of different cultural contexts and the ability to work in diverse environments
- Team work
- Ability to learn quickly
Personal Information
Gender: Female
References
- Mr Lew Both Associate Protection Officer United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), bothl@unhcr.org
- Miss Hanna Getnet, Assistant Protection Officer United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), +251912127299, getnet@unhcr.org
- Maureen Muthoni Gachiri, Resettlement Expert, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), gachiri@unhcr.org
Extracurricular Activities
Founder and Manager of the Reaching Arms Voluntary team which provides financial support for single female headed households and the elderly.
Training
Pre-service training for judges and prosecutors, Federal justice organs professionals training center, 10/11/16 - 07/07/17
Testimonials
- Certificate of the award in appreciation for profound academic achievement for five consecutive years (2011-2016) from Adama Science and Technology University, Gender Affair Directorate Director.
- Certificate for completing Pre-service training for judges and prosecutors by federal justice organs professionals training center.
Languages
Amharic
Native language
English
Proficient
C2
Timeline
Resettlement Associate
UNHCR
08.2022 - Current
First instant court Judge
Amhara Regional Supreme Court
07.2017 - 01.2022
Assistant prosecutor
Amhara Justice professional training and research institute
10.2016 - 07.2017
Intern
03.2016 - 05.2016
LL.B degree - Law
Adama Science and Technology University School of Humanity and Law
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