Sisay Yeshaw
Addis Ababa,AA
Summary
Results-oriented Program Manager with a proven track record in strategic planning and risk management. Expertise in stakeholder communication and leadership drives timely project delivery and achievement of objectives. Committed to continuous improvement and fostering team collaboration in complex environments.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Manager, Senior Trainer and Coach
Lead Beyond Inc.
Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa
01.2025 - Current
- Crafting and implementing transformative leadership development initiatives encompassing mental health and psychosocial support programs to foster growth and propel individual, organizational, and societal advancement for diverse clients.
- Leading business development initiatives including identifying new opportunities, forming local and international partnerships, and implementing strategic plans.
- Facilitate workshops and coaching sessions customized for private sector, NGO, and development sector clients.
- Fostering robust stakeholder connections through active representation of organization at networking events, negotiations, and client interactions.
- Continuing to expand organizational and societal impact through tailored consulting, program design, and leadership innovation.
- Directed design, execution, and post-implementation analysis of training, coaching, and facilitation initiatives.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers and vendors, securing favourable terms that benefited project resources and budget.
- Directed the allocation of resources across projects, ensuring optimal utilization and avoiding resource conflicts.
- Reviewed or created SOWs, conducted pre-event surveys, set up.
- Key Informant Interviews, focused group discussions, synthesised findings, led kick-off planning meetings, drafted event agenda, and created customized tools for tracking adaptation of learning.
- Advocated for customer-centric approaches, directly linking project deliverables with enhanced user satisfaction.
- Fostered a culture of innovation within project teams, encouraging creative solutions to complex challenges.
- Oversaw the development and maintenance of comprehensive project documentation, enhancing transparency and accountability.
- Updated project management dashboards to ensure visibility and transparency of activities.
- Led logistics and operations by coordinating relevant team members.•
- Sought out fresh avenues within project scope using networking with the US mission.
- Monitored progress and deliverables of ongoing engagements.•
- Served as brand ambassador and client relationship manager for Lead Beyond in various settings.
- Developed strategic programme roadmaps, aligning project objectives with organisational goals for enhanced efficiency.
- Collaborated with cross-disciplinary teams to resolve complex problems, leveraging expertise to maintain programme progression.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging innovation and adopting best practices to enhance programme outcomes.
- Developed comprehensive programme strategies, incorporating risk management plans to mitigate potential issues proactively.
- Spearheaded the adoption of agile methodologies, enhancing
- flexibility and responsiveness to changing project requirements.
- Created tools and benchmarks to improve performance and keep teams on task.
Program Manager, Senior Trainer and Coach
USAID Ethiopia Mission/Learning Analytics/Lead Beyond
Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa
06.2023 - 01.2025
- Designed and executed interactive strategy development, team building, leadership development, staff well-being and mental health, and organizational culture programs for USAID/Ethiopia Mission and its technical teams and implementing partners.
- Directed design, execution, and post-implementation analysis of training, coaching, and facilitation initiatives.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers and vendors, securing favourable terms that benefited project resources and budget.
- Developed strategic programme roadmaps and strategies, aligning project objectives with broader project goals.
- Directed the allocation of resources across projects, ensuring optimal utilization and avoiding resource conflicts.
- Developed Statements of Work (SOWs), conducted pre-event surveys, and set up Key Informant Interviews and focus group discussions.
- Synthesised findings, led kick-off planning meetings, drafted event agendas, and created customized tools for tracking adaptation of learning.
- Advocated for customer-centric approaches, directly linking project deliverables with enhanced user satisfaction.
- Oversaw the development and maintenance of comprehensive project documentation and Knowledge Management enhancing transparency and accountability.
- Managed logistics and operations by aligning efforts of relevant team members.
- Monitored progress and deliverables of ongoing engagements to ensure timely execution.
- Collaborated with cross-disciplinary teams to resolve complex challenges and maintain programme momentum.
- Served as brand ambassador and client relationship manager for Lead Beyond in various settings.
- Spearheaded the adoption of agile methodologies to enhance project flexibility and responsiveness.
- Custom built tools and performance benchmarks to drive efficiency and keep teams aligned with timeline, donor compliance procedures and objectives.
- Designed surveys for customers seeking feedback on their experience with the program offerings.
- Conducted regular meetings with team members to review progress and address any issues or concerns.
- Developed project plans, identified risks, set objectives and monitored progress towards completion.
- Reviewed customer feedbacks on a regular basis in order to identify potential areas of improvement in service delivery.
- Created presentations outlining proposed solutions for addressing challenges encountered during program execution.
- Drafted reports for senior management highlighting key milestones achieved throughout the program lifecycle.
- Communicated regularly with external partners to ensure alignment of strategies and goals.
- Collaborated with functional managers to develop program resource plans and assign program resources.
- Fostered a collaborative program environment, promoting teamwork and cross-functional cooperation.
- Oversaw program compliance with requirements, schedule and budget.
- Prioritized tasks and managed teams throughout multiple projects.
Business Development Consultant and Facilitator
Lead Beyond.Inc
Addis Ababa , Addis Ababa
08.2021 - 06.2023
- Conducted market research to identify new business opportunities, industry trends, and competitive landscape.
- Developed and implemented strategies to generate leads through various channels, including networking, cold calling, email outreach, and social media.
- Built and maintained relationships with key stakeholders, clients, and industry partners to expand the company's network.
- Optimized sales plans by leveraging insights from collaboration with sales and marketing teams.
- Identified potential clients and established partnerships that align with the company's goals and objectives.
- Prepared and presented persuasive proposals and presentations to prospective clients, highlighting the company's value proposition and competitive advantages.
- Negotiated terms and contracts with clients to secure new business deals.
- Conducted in-depth evaluations of market demands to enhance strategic alignment with Humanitarian and Development Agencies.
- Conducted training sessions for over 100 young graduates on Entrepreneurship, Employability Skills, and Professionalism.
- Designed and delivered Leadership development tranings and coaching sessions mainly for the major NGOs in Ethiopia.
- Worked with colleagues to attain desired outcomes.
- Identified issues, analysed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Mentored individuals to align talents with career opportunities and entrepreneurial goals.
- Developed professional documents and detailed reports.
Entrepreneurship Consultant and
Green Flower Foundation
Bishoftu, Oromia
10.2022 - 02.2023
- Trained and mentored young entrepreneurs in Bishoftu on fundamental entrepreneurship skills.
- Designed and developed comprehensive business and financial plans for Hub members focusing on marketing.
- Conducted extensive market research, establishing connections with potential customers across Bishoftu and Addis Ababa.
- Coached Hub members on customer relationship management and effective market strategy development.
- Cultivated an entrepreneurial mindset among young members, emphasizing life skills and mental health awareness.
- Managed client relationships through proactive communication and consistent updates to ensure satisfaction.
- Advised senior management on risk management strategies to mitigate business threats effectively.
- Analyzed financial data to identify opportunities for cost reduction and revenue enhancement.
Master Trainer
Ethiopian Ministry of Peace
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Delivered trainings for over 2,500 volunteers at five universities under National Youth Volunteer Programme.
- Conducted three sessions on social accountability and citizen-led monitoring for youth in Benishangul-Gumuz.
- Executed 96 hours of Civic Rights and Social Virtue training across three universities in collaboration with donor organizations.
- Facilitated 56 hours of Community Service and Learning in Action Training at two universities under National Volunteering Programme.
- Provided 24 hours of social inclusion and gender training to foster community resilience.
- Established relationships with state agencies, private sector, and interest groups to enhance program impact.
- Facilitated workshops to improve participants' service delivery and skills development.
Legal Advisor
Addis Ababa, Yeka Sub City Administration
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
11.2009 - 12.2013
- Conducted assessments to identify legal gaps across sub-city sectors and community.
- Researched relevant statutes, cases and other legal authorities to support client positions.
- Investigated complaints filed against the company by external parties or governmental entities.
- Represented clients during trials or other court appearances when required.
- Participated in meetings with internal stakeholders regarding potential risks or liabilities.
- Advised senior management on risk mitigation strategies related to legal issues.
- Drafted new laws aligned with Administration's jurisdiction.
- Prepared training manuals for legal capacity-building sessions for employees and community members.
- Organized city-wide seminars to enhance legal awareness through administration's media platforms.
- Provided legal consultancy for ten weredas, advising sector departments and offering free legal services for women and children.
- Created bi-weekly updates and monthly and quarterly progress reports submitted to branch office.
Education
Master of Arts - Social Work
Addis Ababa University
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia07-2020
Bachelor of Arts - Law
Mekelle University
Ethiopia07-2008
Skills
- Stakeholder management
- Data collection, analysis, and utilization
- Operates high-tech media platforms, such as using project management dashboards, including Notion, Asana, Microsoft Office, and Microsoft OutlookTechnical and scientific writing proficiency
- Translation of technical information into presentations and reports
- Project planning and management expertise
- Computer skills with MS Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Clear and concise written communication
- Ability to work under tight deadlines and pressure
- Multicultural environment adaptability
- Autonomy with team collaboration
- Patience, resilience, and flexibility
- Organisational leadership
- Cross-Functional coordination
- Leadership development
- Analytical problem solver
- Change management
- Negotiation mastery
- Active Listening
- Host and facilitate LIVE sessions across the world using MIRO Board
- Design Thinking
- Writing
- Process Moderation
- Public speaking
- Pro-active and solutions-oriented mindset
- Knowledge of public health principles and practices
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Facilitation and presentation skills
- Coaching and Counseling skills
Languages
Amharic
First Language
French
Beginner (A1)
A1
English
Advanced (C1)
C1
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Program Manager, Senior Trainer and Coach
Lead Beyond Inc.
01.2025 - Current
Program Manager, Senior Trainer and Coach
USAID Ethiopia Mission/Learning Analytics/Lead Beyond
06.2023 - 01.2025
Entrepreneurship Consultant and
Green Flower Foundation
10.2022 - 02.2023
Business Development Consultant and Facilitator
Lead Beyond.Inc
08.2021 - 06.2023
Master Trainer
Ethiopian Ministry of Peace
01.2020 - 01.2021
Legal Advisor
Addis Ababa, Yeka Sub City Administration
11.2009 - 12.2013
Master of Arts - Social Work
Addis Ababa University
Bachelor of Arts - Law
Mekelle University
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