Ethiopia Advisory Board

Worku is one of the founding members who established SNV in Ethiopia in 1974. He is now retiring after 47 years of service with SNV. He established the Dehana Amdework Foundation (DAF) with his peers in 2013-2014, facilitating community engagement in various programmes such as horticulture, hygiene, water access and e-learning. 

Worku embodies SNV’s commitment ‘to society where in which all people, irrespective of race, class or gender, enjoy the freedom to pursue their own development’.

Aklilu has over 40 years of experience in agricultural and rural development. He led Ripple Effect Ethiopia as Country Director for 17 years up until 2023, and previously held senior roles with World Vision Ethiopia, Ministry of Agriculture, and USAID & AUSAID. 

Aklilu obtained an MA in Rural Social Development from the University of Reading, UK, and a BSc in Agriculture from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.

Alemtsehay is a seasoned leader in nutrition-sensitive agriculture with over 25 years of experience in nutrition-related programs. 

She currently works at the Ministry of Agriculture as their Head of the Food and Nutrition Office, where she strengthens national capacity, develops Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture courses for Agriculture Universities, and integrates nutrition into policies.

Andreea is a Senior Communications and Advocacy Expert specialising in One Health, health security, gender equity, food security, and human rights. With extensive experience leading multi-country programmes and driving policy progress, she has worked with governments, multilaterals, and civil society organisations. 

Andreea is a strategic thinker, advocate, and innovator, known for her work in inclusive dialogue, behaviour change, and future foresight.

Andrew is a Civil Engineering graduate from London University who co-founded the global consultancy SLR and built a successful career in environmental consulting. 

Now focused on charity and social enterprise, he chairs FareShare South-West, supporting microfinance, and leading projects tackling food poverty, job creation, and refugee support in Bristol. He’s an Ecumenical Canon at Bristol Cathedral.

Shewangezaw is a development and humanitarian leader with 35 years of experience across Asia and Africa. He has worked with Save the Children, World Vision, Plan International, USAID, and WFP, earning awards for his impactful programming. 

A PhD candidate at Addis Ababa University, Shewangezaw is passionate about equity, human rights, and improving lives, especially for youth and vulnerable communities.

Nigist has had a successful 30-year career as an international development specialist and senior GESI manager. By creating and scaling the Transformative Household Methodology (THM), she has provided development organisations, government staff, and master trainers with the practical tools needed to remove systemic household barriers. Nigist continues to actively support civil society by lending her leadership to organisations championing environmental rehabilitation, women's empowerment, and vulnerable children across the region.

Dr. Abeba is a seasoned senior public health leader with 30 years of progressive experience in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child health, and nutrition. She is a Medical Doctor with dual master’s degrees in Public Health and Medical Anthropology. Her expertise spans in design and implementation of large-scale complex public health programs, evidence generation, financial oversight, and partnership management with governments, NGOs, and donors. She is recognized for fostering multicultural teamwork, policy advocacy, and advancing health priorities at national and international levels.