Zelalem Ashenafi

Experience

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  Dire Dawa Administration Housing Agency

  Sept 2004 - Nov 2005

  Policy Study, Project Formulation and Follow-up Expert

  Major achievements and contributions:I prepared fund-raising project proposals for the construction of low-cost houses for low-income citizens, undertook socio-economic studies on sustainable housing development, and proposed strategies that facilitate sustainable and faster housing development through bank loans.

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  Dire Dawa Adiministration HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office

  Nov 2005 - Dec 2006

  Project Appraisal Officer

  Major achievements and contributions:I facilitated the project review and appraisal process of the In-house Review Board of the office and appraised project proposals/annual work plans that were submitted to the office for fund release/grant. Besides, I undertook an implementation capacity assessment of fund-requesting organizations, identified gaps/project ideas, informed or initiated implementers to intervene in these gaps; and documented major findings of the review and appraisal processes of the In-House Review Board to draw lessons for future decision-making. Show less

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  Dashen Brewery

  Mar 2007 - Apr 2008

  Marketing Officer

  Major achievements and contributions:I followed up on the distribution and sales of products, evaluated agents’ sales performance and the appropriateness of distribution channel arrangements, and also followed up on the strategies of distribution and sales of competitors. Besides, I have proposed new ideas and solutions to problems of product sales, conducted promotion activities on product sales, and conducted market research.

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  OSSHD(Organization for Social Services, Health and Development)

  Jan 2009 - Nov 2011

  Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

  Major achievements and contributions:I provided technical assistance in project planning and management, ensuring efficient and effective implementation of the USAID-funded OVC (Orphans and Vulnerable Children) project activities. I have developed and updated formats/tools for data collection and reporting and developed training guidelines and terms of reference (ToRs). Additionally, I collected, compiled, and analyzed service statistics, physical implementation, and budget utilization of OVC program activities and submitted reports in a timely and accurate manner. Furthermore, I have ensured an effective flow of information starting from data gathering to final reporting and distribution to pertinent stakeholders and mobilized stakeholders to participate in monitoring and evaluation of the OVC program. I have participated in the monitoring and evaluation of the OVC program implementation and gave various capacity-building trainings. Show less

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  Harar Tesfa Birhan HIV Positive People Charitable Association

  Mar 2012 - Mar 2016

  Project Officer

  Major achievements and contributions: I led the planning, implementation, monitoring, and coordination of the smooth implementation of the project. In addition, I followed up and provided technical support to income-generating activities (IGAs) beneficiaries, and established and strengthened referral linkage with relevant government bodies and health facilities. Furthermore, I managed the food distribution system, maintained the warehouse/food distribution site, and supervised distributors and storekeepers. Show less

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  SOS Children's Villages Ethiopia

  Apr 2016 - Dec 2022

  Major achievements and contributions:I led and participated in the planning of three family strengthening (FS) projects, established a strong program team, and successfully managed the overall quality implementation of FS projects in Dire Dawa, Harari, and Oromia East Hararghe Zones. In addition, I managed project grants and ensured that financial resources were used efficiently for FS projects. I also established participatory monitoring and evaluation systems and provided regular updates on program activities and outcomes, including written reports. Furthermore, I have built and strengthened strong partnerships and networks with GOs, NGOs, donors, CBOs, and program participants (beneficiaries), as well as documented and shared program successes, best practices, and lessons learned to support organizational learning. Show less

  • National Project and Donor Contract Management (DCM) Coordinator

    Jan 2022 - Dec 2022

  • Program Manager

    Dec 2019 - Dec 2021

  • Project Coordinator

    May 2017 - Nov 2019

  • Community Development Officer

    Apr 2016 - Apr 2017
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  Norwegian Refugee Council

  Dec 2022 - May 2023

  Grants Coordinator

  Major achievements and contributions:I provided essential grant management support to the grant manager and program head in terms of overseeing and ensuring efficiency, delivering quality programs, and ensuring the smooth operation of the entire grant cycle. Furthermore, I contributed to and coordinated the development of donor project proposals and reports, as well as ensuring donor compliance and quality control.

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  International Rescue Committee

  May 2023 - Sept 2023

  Grants Manager

  Major achievements and contributions:• Led and coordinated proposal, budget, and budget narrative development and amendments (including design meetings) and ensured proper review working with program staff, gathering input from technical coordinators, technical advisors, research, monitoring, and evaluation staff, and the regional unit.• Led and coordinated budget development for newly assigned proposals and amendments; worked with program staff, other members of the Grants and Partnerships Unit, and the Finance department• Ensured proper review of new budgets and realignment/modification budgets at both HQ and Addis levels, incorporating all feedback and ensuring that budgets are error-free.• Coordinated and developed budget narratives, edited proposals, and ensured proper proposal and grant management procedures were followed.• Contributed and supported in overseeing and ensuring efficiency, quality, and smooth running of the entire grant cycle management• Ensured that reports to donors were submitted on time and that reports were coherent and accurate, as well as donor requirement compliance and quality control• Researched donor compliance issues for new opportunities and existing grants within the IRC Ethiopia, as needed. Show less

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  ActionAid

  Sept 2023 - now

  Grants and Compliance Coordinator

  Major duties and responsibilities:• Develops proposals and concept notes with the support of the programme team.• Drives forward the Country Office's programme knowledge and tools to deliver ways to comply with donor rules and regulations.• Provides expert advice, guidance, and quality assurance on donor compliance for pre- and post-awards of strategic grants.• Lead and keep an up-to-date contract management system and ensure grant and project management are in line with donor and government requirements.• Maintain relationships with donors, affiliates, and partners.• Follow up and ensure the program/project and finance teams deliver projects in line with donor and government requirements.• Regular review of projects in line with donor and government requirements and flagging any concerns to the senior management team and other relevant teams• Identify specific requirements, regulations, and policies of each donor AAE works with and orient/capacitate relevant projects and finance team. • Facilitates vital activities in the project start-up phase, such as MOU signing, project internalization and launching workshops, project review meetings, and project closure meetings.• Together with programme team, follow up and monitor the effective implementation of donor fund projects.• Facilitates and supports programme and finance departments to submit periodical donor project reports, • Provide the necessary support and assist in resource mobilization and fundraising events Show less