Tewodros Getachew Gebrea
Addis Ababa
Summary
Seasoned Operations and Corporate Services Manager with a proven track record in driving operational excellence and leading high-performing teams across diverse environments. Expertise includes operational risk management, safety and security leadership, and comprehensive corporate services such as administration, budget planning, contract management, and strategic oversight. Currently serving as Head of Operations for CST Ethiopia, overseeing multidisciplinary teams and ensuring seamless operational support across multiple locations while aligning strategies with organizational objectives. Recognized for advanced problem-solving skills and decisive leadership, with a commitment to fostering a culture of safety and collaboration while implementing innovative cost-saving initiatives that enhance operational resilience.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head of Operations
CST Ethiopia - ( CAFOD, SCIAF & TROCAIRE Together )
10.2024 - Current
- In my capacity as Head of Operations, I report directly to the Country Director in Addis Ababa, providing strategic oversight and leadership to a multidisciplinary team comprising five professionals, including the Safety and Security focal person, HR Officer, Procurement Officer, and Government Liaison & Logistics Officer. My remit encompasses comprehensive operational management, encompassing risk assessment and mitigation, robust safety and security governance and Security Management Planning ( SMT), and rigorous compliance oversight. I routinely undertake site visits to the CST Mekelle Regional Office and other programme locations to ensure the consistent delivery of efficient, secure, and high-quality operational support across all organisational sites.
- I collaborate closely with senior leadership, including the Deputy Country Director, Heads of Programmes for Tigray and the rest of Ethiopia, as well as the Head of Finance & Compliance. As an integral member of the Country Management Team, I play a pivotal role in aligning operational strategies with organisational objectives, and in the development and implementation of security protocols, contingency plans, and safety frameworks to safeguard personnel, assets, and programmes.
- Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership and Operations Management: Oversee all operational systems and controls, including HR, procurement, IT, and legal compliance, for CST Ethiopia's offices in Addis Ababa and Mekelle. Develop communication strategies and procedures to enhance organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Safety and Security: Ensure that safety rules are in place and respected within CST Ethiopia and perform security checks prior to approval of staff movement to the field. Ensure that CST Ethiopia vehicles, office, and equipment meet required safety standards.
- With support from the Trócaire Head of Global Security, CD and Country Management Team (CMT) revise the CST Ethiopia security management plan (SMP) and update it periodically when the need arises.
- Participate in incident/evacuation/relocation management of teams in the field under the direct supervision of the Country Director and other CMT members.
- Provide technical support on the preparation of security/safety-related SOPs to partners where required.
- Collect and analysis all security information from a variety of national and international sources (partner focal points, field staff, HINGO, UN agencies, other INGOs, media etc).
- Conduct an analysis of threats and risks in the areas / territories of CST Ethiopia intervention areas focusing on high-risk areas together with the Trócaire Head of Global Security.
- Ensure that all visitors and staff have received a safety briefing upon arrival/taking up their position.
- Ensure that the security briefing document is updated and disseminated to help all staff (international and national) understand the security situation in the cities of Addis Ababa and Mekell
- Team Leadership and Development: Lead and mentor the operations team, ensuring adherence to policies while fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
- Safety and Security Oversight: Implement robust safety protocols and manage security plans in coordination with Trócaire’s Global Security team. Provide security briefings, monitor risk factors, and participate in security cluster meetings
- IT Management: Coordinate IT solutions across both offices, ensuring alignment with Trócaire HQ and regional IT support. Oversee IT asset management and data protection processes to safeguard organizational information.
- Operational Compliance: Ensure legal and procurement compliance across all Ethiopian operations. Manage office policies, maintain an up-to-date fixed assets registry, and facilitate visa and work permit processes for international staff.
- Human Resources Leadership: Drive strategic HR management to cultivate a high-performance culture. Oversee recruitment, staff development, and ensure compliance with HR and safeguarding policies.
- Procurement Excellence: Strengthen procurement processes to maximize efficiency, compliance, and cost-effectiveness. Ensure transparency, fairness, and objectivity in all procurement activities.
- Representation and Stakeholder Engagement: Represent CST Ethiopia in engagements with government authorities and key stakeholders in collaboration with the Country Director.
Head of Operations – Ethiopia
British Council
07.2019 - 10.2023
- As the Head of Operations, I provided strategic leadership in the management of facilities, estates, procurement, contract administration, risk, safety, and security management, as well as protocol for country operations. Serving as the focal point for safety and security, I worked closely with the Country Director and global security teams to develop, implement, and monitor security policies, risk assessments, and contingency plans, ensuring the protection of personnel, assets, and operations.
- I oversaw the planning and delivery of estates and facilities to meet both current and future business needs, ensuring operational readiness, resilience, and compliance with organizational standards. My role required a strategic, forward-looking approach—aligning operational services with business priorities, upholding high-quality standards, and embedding safety and security considerations into all aspects of operations. I also implemented value-for-money procurement strategies that optimized resources, reduced costs, and supported seamless business continuity across Ethiopia.
- Key Responsibilities
- Strategy Development and Implementation: Responsible for developing, planning, delivering, and evaluating the Ethiopia Estates Strategy in alignment with the Regional SSA and Ethiopia Leadership Teams, as well as the Global Estates and Risk teams. I ensured the strategy incorporated clear, measurable targets reflecting Ethiopia’s operational priorities, acting as an internal consultant to translate business objectives into a fit-for-purpose estates and facilities response. In close collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team, I contributed to shaping the medium-term strategy and annual business plans, ensuring that estates and facilities management delivered maximum operational impact, supported business continuity, and remained financially sustainable.
- Risk Management and Compliance: Served as the Safety and Security Lead and Focal Person for the British Council Ethiopia, ensuring full compliance with corporate safety, security, and risk management standards.
- Collaborated with overseas Security Managers and cross-functional business leads to ensure robust Business Continuity Plans (BCP), Emergency Response Plans (ERP), and Incident Management Plans (IMP) were in place, regularly tested, and continuously updated.
- Led the design, delivery, and monitoring of health, safety, and security training for staff, including Health & Safety (H&S), Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT), Security Management Training (SMT), Security Awareness Training (SAT), Fire Safety, and Emergency Response drills.
- Conducted and regularly updated Country Context and Risk Analyses (including PESTEL assessments) to inform strategic decision-making and serve as critical inputs for the Security Management Plan (SMP).
- Ensured alignment of operational security protocols with both corporate guidelines and in-country legal and regulatory requirements.
- Provided expert guidance on risk mitigation strategies, embedding a proactive risk management culture across teams and ensuring readiness to respond to evolving threats and operational challenges.
- Financial Planning and Operations Control: I led financial management and budget planning for the business support team, preparing financial plans and maintaining budgets in coordination with other operational departments and grant-funded projects.
- Procurement and Vendor Management: I guided end-to-end procurement processes, managing vendor relationships and contracts, ensuring favourable terms and cost-efficient practices. Leading high-volume procurement efforts, I oversaw supplier sourcing, selection, and onboarding, while ensuring compliance with British Council policies and procedures.
- Property Asset Management: I managed property acquisitions, investments, and disposals under the Property Asset Management Program. This included overseeing project management of premises, ensuring projects were completed on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
- Facilities and Estates Function Leadership: As part of my responsibility, I oversaw facilities management, office administration, IT, and protocol. I was accountable for the budget planning and delivery of the Ethiopia and SSA Regional Office Platform and Running Costs, ensuring sound financial management and reporting in line with corporate requirements.
- Information and Knowledge Management (IKM): I enforced IKM standards and governance aligned with national and international best practices, ensuring compliance and efficiency within the business. I established a robust governance structure for managing information risks and contributed to achieving the required Information Assurance Maturity Model (CIAMM) framework maturity levels
- Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management: I managed key relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including the British High Commission, to ensure the smooth clearance of goods and the execution of joint services such as security, travel management etc.
- Team Leadership and Development: I provided leadership to the operations team, motivating staff and fostering a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion
- Country Leadership and Corporate Strategy: As a senior member of the British Council Ethiopia, I contributed to the development and delivery of country and regional strategies, policies, and decision-making. I led or participated in a range of corporate initiatives to support the organization’s mission and objectives.
Operations Manager – Independent Contractor
Resolve to Save Lives ( RTSL ) Ethiopia
04.2023 - 09.2023
- In my capacity as Operations Manager, I was responsible for designing and implementing streamlined systems, policies, and procedures to enhance efficiency, compliance, and organizational effectiveness.
- Key Responsibilities
- Operational Systems and Compliance: Designed and implemented streamlined systems, policies, and procedures to enhance efficiency, compliance, and organizational effectiveness.
- Safety & Security Management: Oversaw the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of safety and security protocols across all operational areas, ensuring the protection of staff, visitors, and assets.
- Coordinated all travel-related security measures, including preparation and dissemination of visitor notes, security briefing manuals, and orientation materials, tailored to country-specific risks and operational contexts.
- Led security briefings and debriefings for staff, consultants, and visitors, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and donor requirements.
- Supported the Global Security Focal Person in conducting and updating comprehensive Country Risk Assessments, identifying threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation measures.
- Assisted in defining risk categories to inform the development and refinement of the Country Security Management Plan (SMP) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Coordinated with internal teams, partners, and external stakeholders to monitor the security landscape, maintain situational awareness, and ensure timely communication of emerging risks.
- Contributed to contingency planning, incident management, and emergency response protocols, enhancing organizational preparedness and resilience.
- Procurement and Logistics Management: Developed and executed strategic procurement plans, managed contracts, and optimized logistics operations to align with global and organizational standards.
- Human Resource Development: Led HR planning and capacity-building initiatives, fostering a skilled, adaptable, and high-performing operations team.
- Operational Excellence & Resource Management: Oversaw the planning, execution, and monitoring of all operational functions, ensuring efficient resource utilization and adherence to compliance standards.
- Training and capacity building: Developed and delivered training programs on operational systems and best practices, strengthening team proficiency and regulatory adherence.
- Strategic collaboration and stakeholder engagement: Worked closely with the country director and global teams to align operational strategies with local and international requirements, ensuring seamless integration and execution.
- Leadership and organizational culture: Contributed to the Country Management Team, driving an inclusive work culture and fostering internal and external partnerships to support organizational growth.
- Facilities and Asset Management: Managed facility operations, including leasing, maintenance, and infrastructure planning, to ensure an optimal work environment.
- Financial Oversight and Budgeting: I worked closely with finance teams to maintain budget integrity, enforce fiscal discipline, and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
- Legal Compliance and Risk Management: Ensured strict adherence to legal and regulatory frameworks, prepared essential documentation, and implemented control systems for risk mitigation and compliance.
- Performance Evaluation and Continuous Improvement: Led internal audits, monitored key performance indicators, and developed action plans to enhance operational efficiency and report progress to stakeholders.
Teaching Centre Resources / Operations / Manager & CS Manager
British Council Ethiopia
12.2014 - 06.2019
- As the Finance, Administration, and Customer Service Manager for the Teaching Centre at the British Council, I was responsible for delivering high-quality financial administration and customer service across all teaching operations. This role involved establishing efficient financial processes and reporting mechanisms, ensuring the successful delivery of the Teaching Centre’s services within the Ethiopia office.
- In addition to overseeing financial management, I served as the Teaching Centre Resource Manager, fostering clear communication between the public, Teaching Centre staff, and the wider British Council. My goal was to ensure a seamless and positive customer journey, from the initial inquiry to service delivery, strengthening relationships and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Education
MBA - Public Management
ECSU
01.2024
BA - Marketing Management
Addis Ababa University
01.2008
Diploma - Marketing Management
Addis Ababa University
01.2004
Skills
- Operational excellence
- Business analysis
- Organizational development
- Safety management
- Logistics management
- Cross-functional coordination
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Team leadership
- Operations oversight
- Operations management
- Customer relations
- Administrative management
- Customer service management
Certification
- PRINCE2 Project Management Certificate, APM International (Oct 2013)
- Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) (2022–2024)
- Crisis Management for Humanitarian Organizations, INSO (2024)
- Crisis & Critical Incident Management Training, FABO/Trocaire (2025)
- Security Awareness Training for INGOs (SLT) (2023)
- Financial Management for Programmes Certificate, Mango International (Aug 2013)
- Presentation & Report Writing Certificate, British Council (2012)
- Proposal Writing Certificate, British Council (2013)
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Head of Operations
CST Ethiopia - ( CAFOD, SCIAF & TROCAIRE Together )
10.2024 - Current
Operations Manager – Independent Contractor
Resolve to Save Lives ( RTSL ) Ethiopia
04.2023 - 09.2023
Head of Operations – Ethiopia
British Council
07.2019 - 10.2023
Teaching Centre Resources / Operations / Manager & CS Manager
British Council Ethiopia
12.2014 - 06.2019
BA - Marketing Management
Addis Ababa University
Diploma - Marketing Management
Addis Ababa University
MBA - Public Management
ECSU
References
- Netsanet, Demewoz, Deputy Director Education, bekysam810@gmail.com, International Rescue Committee, ( IRC)
- Teamrat, Belia, Country Director, Teamrat.Belai@trocaire.org, CST Ethiopia
- Minase, Abate, HR Officer, Minase.Abate@trocaire.org, CST Ethiopia
- Wubet, Girma, Country Director, wubetg@gmail.com, GAIN
- Biruk, Tafesse, Grants, and Compliance Advisor, biruk.tafesse@amref.org, AMREF
- Aaron, Acharya, Director Global Operations, aacharya@resolvetosavelives.org, RTSL-USA
- Michael, Shiferaw, HR professional and Corporate Service Manager, mickyshiferaw@yahoo.com
- Alan, Mordaunt, Head of Global Security, Alan.Mordaunt@trocaire.org, Trocaire
- Rob, Beasley, Country Director, Rob.Beasley@trocaire.org - VITA