Desta Merga
Project Manager
Addis Ababa,AA
Summary
Leader in housing finance with a focus on optimizing funding processes and project assessments. Drove a 15% cost reduction through targeted financial audits while strengthening stakeholder relationships to broaden project reach. Committed to ethical practices that align initiatives with equitable community development goals.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy Director General, House Transfer and Construction Finance
House Development Corporation
Addis Ababa
09.2025 - Current
- Led strategic initiatives in construction finance, optimizing funding processes to support housing projects, resulting in improved project delivery timelines.
- Developed and implemented financial models to assess project viability, enhancing decision-making and risk management in housing transfers.
- Cultivated relationships with stakeholders, including government agencies and private sector partners, facilitating funding opportunities that expanded housing project reach.
- Implemented process improvements that led to a 15% reduction in costs associated with project financing and resource allocation.
- Ensured compliance with legislative changes affecting housing finance, proactively adapting strategies to mitigate risks and uphold industry standards.
- Monitored budget allocations and expenditures across multiple housing projects, ensuring financial discipline and optimizing resource use.
- Monitored and evaluated project performance metrics, utilizing data analytics to drive continuous improvement and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
- Conducted financial audits and risk assessments to identify potential discrepancies, improving oversight and accountability within the construction finance sector.
- Provided leadership and mentorship to finance teams, fostering professional development and enhancing team performance in project execution.
Deputy Head, Land Development and Administration Bureau
Land Development and Administration Bureau
Addis Ababa
01.2024 - 09.2025
- Led strategic planning initiatives to enhance land use policies and streamline administrative processes.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement sustainable development practices in land management.
- Managed site inspections and assessments to ensure compliance with zoning regulations and safety standards.
- Evaluated regulatory changes impacting land development practices, facilitating timely adaptation within the bureau.
- Organized workshops and training sessions to enhance staff knowledge on land development best practices and regulatory compliance.
- Championed initiatives promoting transparency and accountability in land administration processes, strengthening public trust.
Director, Land transfer and lease monitoring
Land Development and Administration Bureau
Addis Ababa
10.2022 - 12.2023
- Oversaw the land transfer process, ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements to facilitate seamless transactions.
- Developed and implemented monitoring protocols for lease agreements, enhancing oversight and minimizing potential disputes.
- Collaborated with legal teams to draft and review contracts, ensuring clarity and enforceability for land leases.
- Conducted regular audits of land leases and transfers, ensuring adherence to organizational policies and identifying opportunities for process improvement.
- Established key performance indicators for lease monitoring, resulting in improved compliance oversight and a clearer framework for performance evaluation.
- Analyzed land market trends to inform strategic decisions regarding land acquisitions and lease negotiations.
- Negotiated lease terms with external partners, balancing organizational interests with stakeholder needs to foster long-term relationships.
- Led cross-functional teams in land development projects, ensuring alignment with company objectives and timelines.
Office Head
Adama Town Land Administration Office
Adama
03.2019 - 08.2022
- Oversaw daily office operations, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to company policies.
- Coordinated and scheduled meetings, events, and appointments, optimizing executive team's time management and enhancing productivity.
- Trained and mentored staff, fostering a positive work environment and encouraging professional development.
- Conducted performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback, improving team effectiveness and boosting employee engagement.
- Assisted in the development of strategic initiatives to improve operational efficiency and enhance customer service.
- Organized team-building activities, strengthening workplace relationships and fostering collaboration among staff.
Office Head
Sululta Town Land Development Administration
Sululta
02.2018 - 02.2019
- Oversaw daily operations to maintain functionality and efficiency of office environment.
- Developed and implemented office policies and procedures to streamline workflows and improve overall productivity.
- Managed a team of administrative staff, providing training and support to foster professional development.
- Utilized project management software to track progress and ensure timely completion of office initiatives.
- Managed crisis situations to minimize disruption to office operations and support employee morale.
Head Office
Tafo Town Land Development Administration
Tafo
02.2015 - 02.2018
- Assisted in strategic planning and execution of departmental initiatives, aligning with overall company objectives.
- Coordinated scheduling and project timelines to optimize resource allocation and improve team productivity.
- Facilitated communication between departments to foster collaboration and resolve issues promptly.
- Conducted performance evaluations, providing actionable feedback that improved team performance.
- Trained and mentored junior staff, enhancing their skills and contributing to professional development.
- Facilitated training sessions to educate staff on new policies and technologies, ensuring smooth implementation within the office.
- Provided administrative support to senior management, enabling effective decision-making and strategy implementation.
Office Head
South West Shoa Zone, Youth and Sport Office
Waliso
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Coordinated with local schools and organizations to facilitate sports events, enhancing youth involvement by 30%.
- Managed logistics for regional sports competitions, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and efficient operations.
- Fostered partnerships with local businesses, securing sponsorships and resources for youth sports initiatives.
- Developed and executed community engagement programs to promote youth participation in sports.
- Organized workshops focusing on health, fitness, and wellness for young athletes, promoting overall development.
- Collaborated with government agencies to align youth sports programs with national initiatives and policies.
- Led outreach efforts in marginalized communities, ensuring inclusive access to sports programs for youth.
- Advocated for policy changes to improve access to sports facilities for youth in underserved areas.
Deputy Head
South West Shoa Zone, Kersa Malima Woreda ODP Office
Kersa-Malima
10.2011 - 12.2013
- Conducted outreach initiatives engaging community members and promoting party values, strengthening local support.
- Coordinated events and rallies raising awareness and support for political campaigns, mobilizing community involvement.
- Developed communication strategies to enhance public relations and increase voter engagement.
- Organized volunteer efforts to ensure effective grassroots mobilization.
- Engaged in policy research to support advocacy efforts and party initiatives.
- Drafted press releases and promotional materials enhancing party visibility, effectively communicating key messages.
- Supported candidate training programs to enhance public speaking and debate skills.
Expert
Horo Guduru Wollega, Ababo Guduru Woreda Land & Environmental protection office
Guduru
11.2010 - 09.2011
- Utilized geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze land use patterns and support decision-making processes.
- Conducted site assessments and environmental impact studies to determine project viability.
- Implemented sustainability practices in land development initiatives to promote environmental stewardship.
- Cultivated relationships with local government officials to streamline zoning approvals and permits.
- Coordinated with surveyors and engineers to ensure accurate land measurements and adherence to design specifications.
- Developed presentations and reports to inform senior management of project statuses and strategic recommendations.
Education
Master of Arts (MA) - Project Management
Akmonlink College
Addis Ababa, EthiopiaAddis Ababa, Ethiopia
MBA - Business Administration
Lead Star University College
Addis AbabaAddis Ababa
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Land Administration and Environmental Protection
Mekele University
Mekelle, EthiopiaMekelle, Ethiopia
Skills
- Financial Modeling
- Data Analytics
- Risk Management
- Project Management
- Resource Allocation
- Strategic Planning
- Communication Skills
Hobbies and Interests
- Reading
- Community engagement
- Social responsibility
- Team Sports (Football, Basketball)
Languages
- English, Fluent
- Amharic, Native
- Oromo, Native
Reference
- Her Excellency Adanech Abiebie
Addis Ababa City Government Mayor, Addis Ababa
+251911600820, Info@aacmo.gov.et
- Honorable Mrs. Kidist Woldegiorgis ,
Head, Addis Ababa House Development and Administration Bureau, Addis Ababa
+251911537573,
- Prof.Birhanu Niggussie
Addis Ababa University Professor , Addis Ababa
berhanu.nugussie18@gmail.com
Timeline
Deputy Director General, House Transfer and Construction Finance
House Development Corporation
09.2025 - Current
Deputy Head, Land Development and Administration Bureau
Land Development and Administration Bureau
01.2024 - 09.2025
Director, Land transfer and lease monitoring
Land Development and Administration Bureau
10.2022 - 12.2023
Office Head
Adama Town Land Administration Office
03.2019 - 08.2022
Office Head
Sululta Town Land Development Administration
02.2018 - 02.2019
Head Office
Tafo Town Land Development Administration
02.2015 - 02.2018
Office Head
South West Shoa Zone, Youth and Sport Office
01.2014 - 01.2015
Deputy Head
South West Shoa Zone, Kersa Malima Woreda ODP Office
10.2011 - 12.2013
Expert
Horo Guduru Wollega, Ababo Guduru Woreda Land & Environmental protection office
11.2010 - 09.2011
Master of Arts (MA) - Project Management
Akmonlink College
MBA - Business Administration
Lead Star University College
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Land Administration and Environmental Protection
Mekele University