Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 19 years of experience, the expert specializes in food security and resilience programs. Key qualifications include strong skills in market systems development, project management, and stakeholder engagement. Responsibilities have included overseeing USAID and Mastercard Foundation projects in Ethiopia, with a focus on agricultural value chain development. Career highlights include facilitating partnerships with over 40 private sector actors and establishing systems benefiting 56,000 smallholder farmers. The expert has led teams in complex, multi-million dollar initiatives, contributing to the development of sustainable business models and digital advisory services in pastoral areas.

Project experience and donor exposure

Worked across diverse projects involving collaboration with international donors such as USAID and the Mastercard Foundation. In Ethiopia, the expert led the implementation of the USAID-financed Resilience in Pastoral Areas program, focusing on crop and livestock market systems. They also coordinated the Mastercard Foundation's STARS Project, emphasizing agricultural value chain development. Their work involved project implementation, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement across regional and national scales, particularly in the thematic areas of food security, rural development, and market systems.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in rural development, food security, poverty reduction, and market systems development, the expert has held leadership roles such as team lead and advisor, responsible for strategic program design and implementation. Their cross-cutting expertise includes integrating digital solutions in agriculture and developing innovative business models. The geographic scope of their work is primarily focused in Ethiopia, addressing regional challenges in pastoral and agro-pastoral communities, enhancing resilience, and fostering inclusive market systems. Extensive experience in Ethiopia, particularly in the regions of Somali, Afar, Oromia, and SNNPR, has provided deep familiarity with local governance, cultural dynamics, and regional development issues. Long-term assignments have focused on improving resilience capacities, market systems, and rural livelihoods within these areas.

Languages and education

The expert is fluent in English, utilizing this language extensively in professional contexts, including international development projects and collaboration with multilingual teams. Proficiency in English supports effective communication and coordination across diverse stakeholders and partners in various initiatives. The expert holds an MA in Cooperative Management (Rural Business Development) from Ambo University, Ethiopia, obtained in 2010. Additionally, they have a BA in Economics from Mekelle University, Ethiopia, completed in 2006. These academic credentials underscore expertise in economics and rural business development.