Dr. Araya Teka | Agricultural Award | Best Researcher Award
Dr. Araya Teka, Tigray Institute of Policy Studies, Ethiopia
Araya Teka Mebrahtu is an accomplished Ethiopian economist with extensive experience in research, policy development, and project management. In Wukro, Ethiopia, he holds a PhD in Economics (2019) from a South Korean institution, an MA in Development Studies focused on Regional and Local Development (2010), and a BA in Economics (2005) from Mekelle University. Currently, he serves as the Coordinator of the Economic and Livelihood Policy Research Directorate at the Tigray Institute of Policy Studies (TIPS), where he leads policy research and oversees economic and livelihood projects. In addition, Dr. Mebrahtu coordinates the Household Post-war Reconstruction Planning Project in Tigray, focused on assessing war-damage and formulating recovery strategies for impacted households. His professional background includes consultancy roles and leadership positions in NGO-led projects, including livelihood development initiatives and social protection programs across Ethiopia. He has also held academic management roles at Adigrat and Aksum Universities, contributing to institutional planning, policy formulation, and quality assurance.
Professional Profile:
Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award:
Araya Teka Mebrahtu presents a highly qualified profile with significant contributions in the fields of economics, development studies, and post-war reconstruction. His educational background, including a PhD in Economics from South Korea, alongside his extensive work experience, makes him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Below is an overview of his key qualifications that support his suitability:
Education:
- PhD in Economics (2019) – South Korea
- MA in Development Studies (Regional & Local Development, 2010) – Mekelle University, Ethiopia
- BA in Economics (2005) – Mekelle University, Ethiopia
Work Experience:
- Tigray Institute of Policy Studies (TIPS) – Mekelle, Ethiopia
Position: Coordinator, Economic and Livelihood Policy Research Directorate (Oct 2019 – Present)
Duties:- Coordinate research and consultancy activities, manage resources.
- Conduct policy research in areas like agriculture, social security, climate change, and urban development.
- Prepare and monitor sectoral reports and plans.
- Interim Government of Tigray Planning Commission
Position: Coordinator, Household Post-War Reconstruction Planning Project (Nov 2023 – Present)
Duties:- Coordinate research on post-war household reconstruction needs.
- Develop recovery planning and cost needs for war survivors.
- Chain of Love for Humanitarian and Environmental Development (NGO)
Position: Consultant – Livelihood Change & Development (Dec 2021 – Present)
Duties:- Advise on livelihood development projects and resource utilization.
- Train staff on project administration and financial management.
- SPIDA Project (Social Protection for Inclusive Development in Afar)
Position: Deputy Consortium Leader and Project Manager (May 2015 – Dec 2019)
Duties:- Coordinate and supervise the project focusing on Productive Safety Net Program.
- Prepare financial and activity reports, monitor project progress.
- Dedebit Credit and Saving Institution (DECSI)
Position: Lead Consultant, Household Saving Project (Mar 2014 – Jan 2015)
Duties:- Manage consulting teams and evaluate project performance.
- Analyze survey data and submit reports to DECSI management.
