I am Maria Yesayan from Armenia. I am currently working in UNICEF Armenia and have experience with local youth-centered and developmental NGOs in Armenia, as well as international organizations, such as World Vision International and National Geographic. I have Bachelor's with Honor in Governance and study abroad certification in the field of Political Sciences from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. I have participated in various national and international projects covering diverse topics from diversity and inclusion to piece and security issues.
As an individual with a deep-rooted passion for political science and a career spanning over two decades at the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida), I have continually sought opportunities to make a meaningful impact on governance, public administration reform, and humanitarian efforts around the world. My academic journey, culminating in a master’s degree in political science from the University of Stockholm, laid the foundation for my commitment to creating positive change through sustainable development practices. This academic achievement has provided me with a solid theoretical background, which I have diligently applied to practical scenarios during my extensive professional tenure at Sida. Since 2021, I´m seconded to DG ECHO and I´m currently working at the policy unit focusing on the humanitarian, development peace nexus as well as on social safety nets in humanitarian contexts.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working on diverse and complex projects, spanning continents, and encompassing critical issues such as public health administration, fiscal reform, anti-corruption initiatives, social protection, poverty reduction, and human rights-based approaches. My experiences in Bangladesh, Guatemala, Honduras, Afghanistan, Latin America and Brussels have not only broadened my horizons but have also underscored the significance of adaptable, innovative, and evidence-based policymaking to address the multifaceted challenges facing our world today.
