Key skills and expertise

With 11 years of experience in health and humanitarian sectors, the expert possesses key skills in public health, mental health, and psychosocial support (MHPSS). They have led national MHPSS initiatives in Ethiopia, developing guidelines, training manuals, and operational plans. The expert has collaborated with international organizations such as WHO and UNICEF, enhancing MHPSS services. Leadership roles include chairing national technical working groups and directing hospital clinical activities. Accomplishments include successful capacity building and resource mobilization, contributing to national health emergency responses and quality improvement initiatives.

Project experience and donor exposure

Worked across diverse projects involving collaboration with international donors such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in various capacities including project implementation, technical assistance, and capacity building. The collaborations primarily focused on health and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) at a national scale in Ethiopia. These projects involved developing operational plans, service mapping, and training manuals to enhance MHPSS services across the country.

Sectors and geographic focus

Background includes positions at the intersection of multiple sectors, including health, humanitarian aid, emergency response, migration, training, water and sanitation, and disaster reduction. Responsibilities have included leadership roles such as co-chair of national technical working groups and team lead for public health emergency recovery. The expert's work is primarily focused within Ethiopia, with responsibilities spanning project implementation, capacity building, and policy development. Their interdisciplinary expertise integrates public health with emergency preparedness and response, enhancing service delivery and coordination in complex environments. The professional experience is concentrated in Ethiopia, where they have developed a deep understanding of local governance, cultural dynamics, and regional development issues. Their work has involved national-scale health and humanitarian initiatives, collaborating with government bodies and international organizations to address public health challenges and improve mental health and psychosocial support services across the country.

Languages and education

With a background in languages, the expert is proficient in English, Amharic, and Oromo, utilizing these languages in professional contexts within Ethiopia. Their language skills facilitate effective communication in multilingual teams and collaboration with international organizations. No formal language certifications were mentioned. The expert holds a Master of Public Health from Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, obtained between November 2016 and November 2019. Additionally, they earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Gondar in Gondar, Ethiopia, completed in July 2013. These qualifications underscore a strong foundation in public health and medicine.