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International Relations

International Relations and Partnerships Directorate
Dr. Fentaw Baye Adal
Research, International Relations and Partnerships Directorate Director

Following the reorganization of offices of Woldia University in 2024, the office of public and international relations has taken the new nomenclature- research international relations and partnership directorate (RIRP). The directorate has two separate coordination offices as shown below. The primary responsibilities of the directorate include, among other things, coordinating the internationalization of academic, research and project affairs of the university, forging partnerships with potential institutions which share similar mission and facilitating staff and student exchange programs.

Majors Plans

  • Plan, coordinate and establish relationships with national and international universities, Research institutes, Donor Organizations, Diplomatic Communities, etc…for the realization of common institutional interests.
  • Plan, promote and follow membership of WLDU in prestigious scientific associations and when necessary, represent WLDU in such forums.
  •  Plan, lead and execute international students and scholars exchange programs of Woldia University.

Academic Affairs Internationalization and Partnerships Coordination Office

Duties and Responsibilities of the office

Internationalization of Academic Programs

  • Coordinate efforts to internationalize curricula, teaching, and learning processes in line with global standards.
  • Facilitate the integration of international perspectives, best practices, and global competencies into academic programs.
  • Support the development of joint/double degree programs with foreign universities.
  • Promote internationalization-at-home initiatives such as virtual exchange, online guest lectures, and international classroom experiences.

Partnership Development and Management (Academic Focus)

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Mobility and Exchange Programs

  • Coordinate inbound and outbound academic staff and student exchange programs, including Erasmus+, DAAD, and other mobility initiatives.
  • Facilitate the nomination, selection, and logistical support for exchange participants.
  • Ensure recognition and credit transfer processes for students involved in international exchange activities.
  • Organize orientation programs for incoming international students and scholars.

Capacity Building and Academic Support

  • Support training programs, short courses, and academic workshops organized in collaboration with international partners.
  • Facilitate fellowship, scholarship, and training opportunities for staff and students.
  • Provide advisory support to academic units on international grant calls and global opportunities related to teaching and learning.

Promotion, Visibility, and Reporting

  • Promote the international academic engagements of the university through newsletters, social media, and international platforms.
  • Prepare annual academic internationalization performance reports for the Directorate.
  • Document best practices, success stories, and challenges related to academic partnerships.

Research and Project Affairs Internationalization and Partnerships Coordination Office

Duties and Responsibilities of the office

Internationalization of Research

  • Facilitate international research collaborations, joint research projects, and consortium formations with foreign institutions.
  • Promote participation of academic staff in international conferences, research networks, and global scientific communities.
  • Support the alignment of university research priorities with global development agendas.

Research Partnerships and Grant Acquisition

  • Identify international funding opportunities from donors, development partners, research councils, and foundations.
  • Coordinate the development, review, and submission of research proposals to international funding bodies.
  • Support teams in conceptualizing, drafting, and budgeting proposals for international research calls.
  • Maintain communication with funding agencies and international partners during project implementation.

Management of International Research Projects

  • Oversee and monitor ongoing international research projects to ensure compliance with donor requirements, timelines, and deliverables.
  • Facilitate the financial and narrative reporting processes in collaboration with the Finance and Research Directorates.
  • Support external audit processes, mid-term reviews, and project evaluations.
  • Ensure ethical standards, research integrity, and institutional regulations are adhered to in international research initiatives.

Capacity Building for Research Excellence

  • Organize capacity-building workshops on proposal writing, grant management, project monitoring & evaluation, and research methodology in partnership with international institutions.
  • Facilitate mentorship and collaborative research opportunities between local researchers and international experts.
  • Promote the establishment of international research clusters, centers of excellence, and thematic working groups.

Documentation, Communication, and Visibility

  • Maintain a database of all international research collaborations, grants, and projects.
  • Prepare periodic reports on international research activities, funding flows, and project outcomes.
  • Disseminate research results, policy briefs, and innovations in collaboration with international partners.
  • Showcase university research outputs through international platforms, conferences, and partner networks.

Our Partners

  • Velore Institute of Technology(VIT), India

  • Makarere University

  • Chaytania University

  • Partners in Education Ethiopia

  • Organization for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa

  • International Institute for Rural Reconstruction

  • Arba Minch University

  • Wollo University

  • Unity University

  • Technical University of Kosice

  • University of Florence

  • Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation

  • Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University,India

  • Ethiopian Water Technology Institute

  • Lovely Professional University

  • University of Professional Studies, ACCRA

  • Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria

  • University of South-Eastern Norway

Contact details:     
      Dr. Fentaw Baye Adal
      Research, International Relations and Partnerships Directorate
      Woldia University
      Email ID: IR@wldu.edu.et
      Office line: 
      Mobile:+251931137968