Lili Nikolova

Provide technical expertise, project and training design, and research for international and national NGOs and UN agencies, with a focus on human rights, including rights-based interventions, protection, anti-trafficking (TIP) in persons programs, advocacy, and support for vulnerable groups.

Delivered Training of Trainers (ToT) for national NGO service providers, social workers, and volunteers on financial and social education for parents from vulnerable groups, including Roma communities, adoptive and foster parents, parents in conflict, and other at-risk families. Adapted training materials into Bulgarian, coordinated participation among selected NGOs, and utilized active learning methods to create a safe space while promoting creativity and problem-solving among the training participants.

Supported HALG’s technical team in Nigeria to develop funding proposals by structuring the proposal writing process, coordinating partner contributions, and drafting the full technical narrative, activities, and indicators in line with donor requirements.

Developed and implemented a comprehensive assessment on Trafficking in Persons (TIP) in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, identifying survivor needs, service gaps, and institutional response challenges. Designed and led key informant interviews (KIIs) with survivors, service providers, law enforcement, and judiciary actors; developed and implemented household and online surveys; and conducted interviews with survivors in governmental and non-governmental shelters. Carried out field data collection and analysis, facilitated stakeholder consultations, and authored the final report with actionable recommendations to strengthen national protection systems.

Conducted a preliminary study on labor exploitation risks and recruitment practices affecting migrant workers in Iraq. Designed the research framework, including semi-structured KIIs and online surveys; conducted interviews with IOM offices, embassies, and government stakeholders; drafted the study report; and led a consultative workshop with government counterparts to present findings. Developed actionable policy recommendations to inform national strategies and advocate for stronger protections for migrant workers.

Provided technical guidance on anti-trafficking programming, including policy review, training material development, awareness campaign support, final program reporting, and proposal writing. Collaborated across departments to integrate survivor-centered and trauma-informed approaches into service delivery and capacity-building initiatives.

• Oversaw the implementation of SEED’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) portfolio in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, managing a $3.7M budget across four interrelated projects funded by the U.S. DOS/JTIP, the Governments of the Netherlands and France, and the KRG.
• Led the design and delivery of comprehensive protection and reintegration programs for survivors of labor trafficking, forced begging, and sexual exploitation, including the operation of a trauma-informed shelter.
• Directed a multidisciplinary team of 30 staff across program, service delivery, and operations, ensuring quality implementation, staff supervision, and alignment with trauma-informed principles.
• Expanded frontline service delivery to reach a broader caseload of survivors and oversaw emergency response operations, including rescues, crisis intervention, and safe repatriation or resettlement to 23 countries, in coordination with IOM and UNHCR.
• Developed training curricula for police, prosecutors, social workers, and NGO service providers. Managed donor relations, reporting, and compliance, and represented the organization with government and non-governmental stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and promote coordinated anti-trafficking responses.

• Established a field office and led the implementation of a 24-month anti-trafficking program in Borno State, Nigeria, supporting government and social service providers to improve comprehensive services for survivors, including former child soldiers and women and girls abducted by ISWAP (Donor: U.S. DOS/JTIP).
• Designed and delivered awareness campaigns in IDP camps and host communities, and facilitated technical trainings for government officials, social workers, and medical personnel.
• Co-founded and institutionalized the Borno State Anti-Trafficking Task Force under the Protection Sector, in partnership with IOM and UNHCR, to strengthen coordination, referral pathways, and inter-agency responses.
• Managed a $1.25M program budget, overseeing reporting, donor communication, and representation at international conferences. Successfully secured a two-year cost extension to expand program activities.

• Led the implementation of a 24-month project supporting the Government of Iraq (GOI) and the KRG to strengthen protection for prisoners, detainees, and survivors of torture and TIP, including adults and children.
• Supervised a four-person program team and coordinated with three local NGO partners to deliver legal aid and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services.
• Designed and facilitated capacity-building workshops for judges, public prosecutors, judicial investigators, and security forces. Oversaw legal teams representing survivors of torture and ill-treatment in Iraqi courts, contributing to increased access to justice and accountability.
• Managed a $2M program budget, ensuring compliance with donor regulations and objectives. Funded by the U.S. DOS/DRL.

• Led a 9-month quantitative research project in partnership with UNICEF, UNFPA, and the KRG to conduct a baseline assessment on the prevalence of FGM in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
• Oversaw the design of a comprehensive survey questionnaire and applied ODK mobile data collection software for reliable data gathering.
• Recruited, trained, and managed a four-person office team, two consultants, and 36 field researchers to complete 6,260 interviews with mothers of girls aged 4–14.
• Administered a $278K project budget, led work planning, authored reports, and presented findings to the KRG and UN agencies.
• Completed and published the final study, Baseline and Intervention Strategy Survey for the Eradication of Female Genital Mutilation in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, circulated by the KRG with UNICEF and UNFPA support.

• Co-founded an organization dedicated to creating safe, artistic spaces for dialogue and expression to support vulnerable communities.
• Led the development of four fundraising campaigns and cultivated partnerships with community groups and donors.
• Designed, managed, and facilitated participatory arts-based workshops promoting inclusion, healing, and community engagement.

• Provided administrative, logistical, and communications support for the planning and execution of a High-Level Forum attended by 1,400 participants, under the UN Executive Office of the Secretary-General.
• Facilitated breakout sessions for VIP guests and ensured smooth coordination throughout the event.
• Liaised with UN personnel and external vendors, and managed a $20K event budget including venue, equipment, and service arrangements.

• Translated 15 hours of documentary footage for Burning Men of Bulgaria, ensuring accurate and sensitive rendering of narratives on self-immolation during Bulgaria’s 2013 civil unrest.
• Collaborated with film producers and editors to preserve cultural and political context, maintaining the integrity of meaning throughout the translation process.

• Selected as one of nine Global Affairs graduate students for a pilot joint research project between NYU and the University of Duhok, funded by the U.S. DOS/DRL.
• Designed and conducted research on the role of the private sector in peacebuilding, with a focus on the impact of Turkish businesses in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
• Conducted fieldwork in Dohuk, including interviews with government officials, academics, and business leaders, as well as market activity observation.

• Conducted a three-month research project to develop a gender-sensitive conflict assessment of post-war Sri Lanka, analyzing political, economic, social, and gender dynamics.
• Strengthened the study by integrating diverse conflict analysis approaches, innovative frameworks, and interviews with Sri Lankan practitioners and academics.
• Produced a conflict assessment framework that exceeded expectations and was adopted by the Executive Director as a model for future assessments.

• Managed the department website and online discussion board while assisting students with course registration and technical support.
• Coordinated email communications on behalf of the Department Head and contributed articles to the university’s campus journal.
• Organized monthly public events and served as liaison between NYU and external partner organizations.

• Joined the final stage of an 18-month project, Promoting Civic Participation in the Hill Country, to support the Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation Manager with field implementation.
• Conducted interviews with youth beneficiaries and authored case studies to document project outcomes and impact.
• Assisted the Country Director in drafting concept notes, designing new projects, and developing funding proposals.