Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 26 years of professional experience, with 22 years dedicated to financial and grant management, the expert has collaborated with major donors including UNDP, World Bank, EU, and USAID. The expert excels in designing grant management systems and financial management manuals, providing capacity-building training to CSOs, and ensuring compliance with donor regulations. Previously held roles such as Finance and Grants Capacity Building Manager showcase a proven track record in successfully managing national-scale projects, enhancing financial management capacities, and ensuring effective fund utilization. Technical skills include proficiency in Microsoft Office and extensive knowledge of EDF grant procedures.

Project experience and donor exposure

Worked across diverse projects involving international donors such as UNDP, World Bank, EU, USAID, USDA, SIDA, and the Packard Foundation. The expert's involvement includes project implementation, technical assistance, evaluations, and capacity building, primarily in governance and democratic participation. These projects have been national in scope, focusing on civil society participation and governance in Ethiopia. Responsibilities have included providing financial management and grant administration support, developing capacity-building initiatives for CSOs, and ensuring compliance with donor regulations.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in the financial services and audit sectors, the expert has primarily focused on financial and grant management. Background includes positions at key roles such as Finance and Grants Capacity Building Manager and Senior Grants Manager, overseeing projects funded by major international donors. The expert's cross-cutting expertise includes designing financial systems and manuals, capacity building in financial management for CSOs, and ensuring compliance with donor regulations. The geographic scope of work is predominantly country-specific to Ethiopia, with additional regional experience in Africa through international training and collaboration. Extensive experience working in Ethiopia includes deep familiarity with local governance and cultural dynamics, particularly in the context of civil society engagement and financial management. Additional experience includes international assignments and training in countries such as Jordan, Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya, and Zambia, enhancing regional expertise in grant and financial management.

Languages and education

Fluent in English and a native speaker of Amharic, the expert has utilized language proficiency extensively in professional settings, including international development projects and collaboration with multilingual teams. There is no mention of formal language certifications. The expert holds an Executive Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. Additionally, the expert is a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in the UK, indicating a strong foundation in accounting and business administration.