LEADERSHIP: ETHIOPIA

WEEMA’s success is driven in Ethiopia by over 50 hard-working individuals and a strong team spirit from top to bottom. The head office located in Addis Ababa has essential administrative and programmatic staff working in conjunction with field-based staff in rural project locations.

TEWODROS BELACHEW

COUNTRY DIRECTOR

Teddy has been WEEMA's country director since 2013 when WEEMA received its NGO license in Ethiopia.  He was born in Mudula, Ethiopia, and graduated from Mudula High School in 2000. He attended Debub University where he received a degree in public health in 2004.  Teddy has since also obtained a Master of Public Health degree from Debre Markos University.  He has previously worked in the public and private sector including positions at Meserete Kristos Church Relief and Development Association as their health and HIV/AIDS officer, and then as health programs officer at Kissito Healthcare International.  Teddy has significant experience in writing proposals, strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation and partnership negotiation.  He is currently studying for his MBA.

Ashenafi Tadesse

Program manageR

Ashenafi brings over a decade of experience in international development, monitoring and evaluation to his role as WEEMA’s Program Manager. Prior to joining WEEMA, Ashenafi worked for World Vision Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Forum for African Women Educationalists, and Ethiopian Kalehiwot Church. He holds several professional certifications, including accreditation in program monitoring and evaluation, logical framework analysis, project proposal writing, and community voice and action (CVA). He earned a BA in Business Education, an MA in Psychology from Addis Ababa University and an MA in Development Studies from Mekelle University.

Tamerat Mergia

HR & Admin manager

Tamerat holds a bachelor's degree in Management from Bahir Dar University, a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Addis Ababa University and a Master's degree in Public Management and Policy, specialized in Development Management. Before beginning work in human resources, Tamerat's diverse background includes social work, logistics and hotel management.  Previously he worked with SOS EE for ten years in different positions such as Social Worker, Sponsorship Department Manager and HR & Logistic Deputy Manager. He also worked for various private companies including Sefa and Family Business PLC as HR and Admin Manager.

LEELEWORK GETACHEW

finance officer

Leelework contributes strongly to the finance department.  Her extensive experience includes years of work with the Relief and Development Association in various roles including Head Office Accountant in Addis Ababa, Project Accountant, and Child and Youth Development Program Auditor.  Leelework has a BA in Accounting from Unity University and BA degree in Business Administration Information Systems from Addis Ababa University School of Commerce.  Leelework is currently completing an Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) distance education program.

Seida yassin

economic empowerment program officer

Seida has over 15 years of experience leading women’s empowerment and development projects in Ethiopia. Seida’s background includes organizing and mentoring Self-Help Groups, vocational skills training such as beekeeping and other income generating activities, and providing health and life skills education. Seida holds a MA in Development Psychology and BA in Psychology from Addis Ababa University. Seida has multiple certifications, including Social Enterprise Leadership.

Amanuel Abera

Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (PMEAL) Manager

Amanuel holds a MA in Development Studies from the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology, and a BA in Economics from Addis Ababa University. Amanuel has over 11 years of experience, including collaborating with local communities and partner organizations to design, implement monitor and evaluate programs in Ethiopia. Amanuel’s past work roles included working as Partnership Facilitator for Compassion International where he led work to improve measurement, monitoring, learning and accountability within the organization and with local partner organizations. Prior to that, Amanuel worked as Leadership Development Program Specialist at Compassion International. Amanuel was born and raised in Tembaro Woreda and is happy to again be working closely with the Tembaro and surrounding communities in his role at WEEMA.

TIGIST MOHAMMED

FINANCE manager

Tigist became WEEMA's second full-time employee in March 2014.  She holds a Bachelor of Art Degree in Business Management from Hawassa University, BA graduate of Sociology from Addis Ababa University and Diploma in Accounting from Africa Beza College.  She is currently studying to obtain a Masters degree of Accounting and Finance from Admas University.  Tigist has over 14 years of accounting experience and is passionate about serving the poor.  Tigist brings a wealth of knowledge and experience and is a critical asset to the WEEMA team.

ISRAEL MITIKU

HEALTH PROGRAM Manager

Israel’s career began as a clinical practitioner and Health Center Head in Bure Ethiopia, followed by over ten years of instructing, research and program coordination. Previously he worked as the Urban Health Program Coordinator for the School of Public Health at Addis Ababa University; Lecturer at Wollo University in Dessie, Ethiopia; mHealth Research and Project Coordinator for Maternity Foundation in Ghimbi, Ethiopia; Research Assistant for Addis Ababa University and Harvard School of Public Health; Research Assistant for Halle University, Germany; and Instructor at Mettu Health Science College. He holds a Master of Public Health and BSC in Public Health. Israel first joined WEEMA as mHealth Project Coordinator and has since assumed additional responsibilities for the organization’s many health projects.

Assefa Tadese

Education Program Manager

Assefa's exceptional training and work experience in the Education sector boost many of WEEMA's projects. Before joining WEEMA, Assefa worked as Project Facilitator for World Vision and as Economics and Geography teacher for Addis Ababa City government Educational Bureau. Assefa has a Master of Arts in Development Psychology from Addis Ababa University and Bachelor of Arts in Geography from Bahir Dar University. He is currently studying for his MBA.

YOHANNES BEKELE

LOGISTIcs and distribution officer

Yohannes joined WEEMA with 15 years of INGO work experience in logistics and finance, including previous positions with Save the Children and Samaritan's Purse.  He holds a degree in Purchasing and Supply Management from Alpha University College.  Yohannes' past experience managing logistics for several health and development programs in the same zones where WEEMA projects are located adds to his talent for supporting smooth execution of projects and overall operations. 

SAMRAWIT SOLOMON

gender and disability mainstreaming program Officer

Prior to joining WEEMA, Samrawit’s more than six years of experience included working as Assistant Community Development Head at Addis Hiwot Integrated Sustainable Development (AHISDO), Project Coordinator at Bole Sub City Iddir Council, and Social Worker at Connected in Hope Foundation.  Samrawit holds a Masters of Business Administration from Alpha University College and a BA in Sociology.  She first joined WEEMA as Communication Officer, where she became deeply acquainted with all of WEEMA’s projects and stakeholders.  Samrawit now brings her passion for the work and many talents to her new role.

Debebe yosef

Infrastructural manager

Before joining WEEMA, Debebe worked as environmental health officer for International Rescue Committee where he managed construction projects in the health and education sectors with strong community involvement.  Debebe’s previous experience also includes leadership as a civil and water works engineer, WASH technical specialist, and infrastructure facilitator at World Vision.  Debebe holds a Masters of Engineering in Hydraulic Engineering from Mekele University and a BSc in Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering from Arbaminch University.  He began his career as a water engineer in Kembata Tembaro Zone and is happy to again contribute his expertise in this area as part of the WEEMA team.

More than 30 employees are based in project locations (the vast majority being from the community themselves) and work with communities for success day to day.  Based in Tembaro Woreda, staff work out of the WEEMA Mudula Office and Degale Public Library and Computer Center.

LEADERSHIP: UNITED STATES

US staff are headquartered in Cambridge, MA, carrying the organization’s team spirit across continents and promoting the work being done in Ethiopia.