Key skills and expertise

With 30 years of experience, the expert excels in rural development, food security, and natural resource management. They have led international projects with organizations like FAO, World Bank, and USDA across East Africa and the Middle East. Key skills include capacity needs assessment, policy formulation, and project design. Notable achievements include formulating multi-million Euro project proposals and establishing national food security policies. The expert has held senior management roles, providing technical and operational support to enhance institutional capacities and improve food security systems.

Project experience and donor exposure

Bringing extensive experience, the expert has collaborated with international donors such as the European Union, United Nations FAO, World Bank, and the United States Department of Agriculture. Involvement includes project implementation, technical assistance, and capacity building in sectors like food security, agriculture, and natural resource management. The projects have been regional and national in scope, taking place in countries including Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Yemen. The expert has been instrumental in formulating policy documents, designing comprehensive project proposals, and enhancing institutional capacities in these regions.

Sectors and geographic focus

The expert has worked extensively in sectors such as rural development, natural resource management, food security, humanitarian aid, and agriculture. Responsibilities have included roles ranging from field-based agronomist to senior management and advisory positions. Their interdisciplinary expertise includes capacity building, policy formulation, and project management. The expert has contributed to international initiatives across East Africa and the Middle East, enhancing agricultural development and food security systems in countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. They possess deep familiarity with regional development issues, local governance, and cultural dynamics, particularly in conflict-affected areas, with recurring involvement in long-term assignments and project leadership roles.

Languages and education

The expert is fluent in English and Amharic, utilizing these languages extensively in professional settings across Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and other countries. The languages have been employed in various contexts, including in-country work, collaboration with multilingual teams, and international project management. The expert holds an M.Sc. in Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development from Imperial College at Wye, University of London, United Kingdom (2001-2003). Additionally, they obtained a Diploma in Plant Science and Technology from Awassa College of Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia (1979-1981). The educational background is further complemented by a certificate in Project Design and Proposal Writing from the International Institute for Rural Reconstruction, Nairobi, Kenya (1997).