Kumneger Addisu Aragaw
Strategic Advisor / Program Manager
Addis Ababa,Bole Sub City
Summary
Dynamic, strategic and impact-driven young energetic leader with 16+ years of experience designing and managing humanitarian and development programs across Ethiopia, East Africa, and the Middle East. Proven track record delivering multi-million-dollar, donor-funded projects for the U.S. Government, EU, World Bank, and UN, with expertise in migration management, anti-human trafficking, survivor protection, and reintegration. Strong capacity in building private–public partnerships, leading outcome-based interventions, and supporting vulnerable groups including returnees, refugees, IDPs, and host communities. Known for efficiency, innovative solutions, system change and collaborative leadership that drives sustainable, community-owned results. Holds an MA in Leadership, an MBA, and a Bachelor’s in Education.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
5
5
Certification
Work History
Senior Program Officer (Hotspot Country & Thrive Projects)
The Freedom Fund
06.2023 - 05.2025
- Lead reintegration services for returnees under PEMS, representing the organization at national platforms.
- Manage the Thrive Project, supporting sustainable employment for female returnees and vulnerable migrants.
- Partnership engagement and Coordinate with FFE 22 program implementing partners on system-change initiatives; establish national platforms and survivor-led coalitions.
- Develop advocacy tools and reintegration metrics; lead donor engagement events and evaluations.
Senior Program Officer (BETE Project)
The Freedom Fund
12.2020 - 05.2023
- Directed the repatriation and reintegration of Ethiopian domestic workers from Lebanon.
- Oversaw implementation, budgeting, safeguarding, and monitoring systems with partners and technical consultants.
- Delivered impactful reintegration models for vulnerable women through rehabilitation centers and case management.
HR & Administration Manager
Ethio India Foreign Direct Investment Company (FDI)
06.2020 - 11.2020
- Managed over all investment operation and workforce administration, compliance, recruitment, and training within a multinational business setting.
- Work and represents the company in different meeting with foreigners, Government, Investors
Program Coordinator (Consultant)
IPE Global & BD Consultancy (World Bank/MOH Project)
08.2019 - 05.2020
- Coordinated research and implementation of public health expenditure interventions and systems research.
Training Program Manager | Labor Migration Management Consultant | Program Manager
Agar Ethiopia Charitable Society
06.2017 - 07.2019
- Designed and led comprehensive reintegration, health, and education programs for returnees and migrants.
- Conducted research, assessments, and built institutional linkages with CSOs and government ministries.
- Coordinated donor relations, managed grant portfolios, and developed key advocacy materials.
- Various Leadership Roles
Head of Foreign Employment Service Provision
Addis Ababa Bureau of Labor & Social Affairs
10.2012 - 05.2017
- Led national programs on safe migration, anti-human trafficking, and mass returnee reintegration.
- Played a key role in drafting Proclamation 909/2007 and 923/2008; supported bilateral engagement with Gulf states.
- Designed IEC/BCC materials, oversaw public awareness, training campaigns, and built strategic partnerships (ILO, IOM, UN Women, etc.).
- Conducted nationwide OSH training and research; resolved labor disputes and promoted workplace safety.
Program Manager
Mission for Community Development Program (MCDP)
04.2016 - 11.2016
- Oversaw overall national program management, reintegration and development projects for vulnerable groups across Addis Ababa and SNNP regions.
- Delivered strategic reports and maintained donor/governmental relationships, assist the Executive Director and represent the organization.
Teacher, Instructor, Researcher at Various Post
Ministry of Education – Bishoftu Education Bureau & Jimma University, Ethiopia
09.2006 - 09.2012
- Taught Natural Sciences and Social Studies subjects at Bishoftu Model High School; also served as Department Head and Club Coordinator.
- Promoted to School Principal, leading overall school management, staff coordination, and academic program implementation.
- Supervised and participated in national-level research projects led by Jimma University, including data collection, supervision, and analysis on the Quality of Education Survey assessing graduate job performance.
- Lectured part-time at Rift Valley University, Grace College, and Admas University in courses such as Leadership, Research Methods, Organizational Management, Conflict Resolution, and Developmental Psychology.
- Conducted special tutorial classes aimed at improving academic outcomes for low-performing students, particularly female learners.
- Actively led and advised various student clubs, including the Environmental Protection Club, Girls’ Empowerment Club, Anti-Drug Awareness Group, and HIV/AIDS Prevention Club.
Education
MBA - undefined
Rift Valley University
01.2020
MA - International Leadership
Vision International University
01.2013
B.Ed. - Natural Sciences
Dilla University
01.2009
Skills
- Innovation & Strategic Program Leadership: Designing and delivering large-scale, multi-stakeholder development and humanitarian initiatives
- Reintegration & Safe Migration: Leading comprehensive prevention, protection, prosecution, and reintegration programs for migrants and returnees
- Business Development & Resource Mobilization: Securing and managing multi-million-dollar grants with full donor compliance
- Government, Private Sector & CSO Engagement: Building strong partnerships with government agencies, private actors, UN bodies, and civil society
- Policy Influence & Systems Strengthening: Contributing to national policies, legal frameworks, and institutional capacity building
- Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL): Driving results-based management, accountability, and evidence-based program improvements
- Team Leadership & Capacity Development: Coaching diverse teams and enhancing local partner capabilities for sustainability
- Crisis & Risk Management: Managing operations effectively in fragile, high-risk, and conflict-affected contexts
Certification
- International Migration Law (IOM & Attorney General, 2019)
- Overseas Employment Service Provision (ILO, UN Women, 2014)
- International Labor Migration M&E (MOLSA & IOM, 2015)
- Strategic Planning & Leadership (Various, 2010–2019)
- Migration Management Learning Visit – Philippines (2016)
- M&E Training Jarco Consulting ,2024
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Languages: English, Amharic, Afan Oromo – Full Professional Proficiency
References
Dr.Abera Jotte, Executive Director,aberaadeba@yahoo.com, +251-930-098695
Dr.Berhanu Denu,General Mnager,bflays12@yahoo.com,+251911409027
Ato Asfaw Kelile, General Manage and Senior Advisor,asfawkelile2002@gmail.com,+251911239423
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Accomplishments
Success full design ,Planning,Implementations successful accomplishment and evaluations of multi million dollar programs in Ethiopia,East Africa and Middle East.
Strategic and Innovative programas introduced
Delivering the various capacity building training for anti Human trafficking actors in the secor.
Advocate and policy change contribution in the system strengthen work
Creating innovative platforms that able bring changes in the sector.
Contributing professional support in the various research work in the sector.
Timeline
Senior Program Officer (Hotspot Country & Thrive Projects)
The Freedom Fund
06.2023 - 05.2025
Senior Program Officer (BETE Project)
The Freedom Fund
12.2020 - 05.2023
HR & Administration Manager
Ethio India Foreign Direct Investment Company (FDI)
06.2020 - 11.2020
Program Coordinator (Consultant)
IPE Global & BD Consultancy (World Bank/MOH Project)
08.2019 - 05.2020
Training Program Manager | Labor Migration Management Consultant | Program Manager
Agar Ethiopia Charitable Society
06.2017 - 07.2019
Program Manager
Mission for Community Development Program (MCDP)
04.2016 - 11.2016
Head of Foreign Employment Service Provision
Addis Ababa Bureau of Labor & Social Affairs
10.2012 - 05.2017
Teacher, Instructor, Researcher at Various Post
Ministry of Education – Bishoftu Education Bureau & Jimma University, Ethiopia
09.2006 - 09.2012
MBA - undefined
Rift Valley University
MA - International Leadership
Vision International University
B.Ed. - Natural Sciences
Dilla University
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