Sonja Hyland

Sonja Hyland serves as the Deputy Secretary General and Political Director at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland, since August 2019. Previously, Sonja was the Ambassador of Ireland to Ethiopia, South Sudan, Djibouti, the African Union, and IGAD from July 2017 to August 2019, and had a tenure as Ambassador of Ireland to multiple Latin American countries, based in Mexico City, from August 2013 to July 2017. Prior roles include Director of Trade Promotion and Economic Messaging and Deputy Director of Multilateral Affairs at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as Deputy Head of Mission in Madrid and Sweden. Sonja began the career in 1996, contributing to various political and economic initiatives and serving in roles related to consular affairs and development cooperation. Educational qualifications include a Bachelor's Degree in Politics and Development Studies from the University of Sussex and completion of the International Baccalaureate at UWC Atlantic College.