LEADERSHIP
TEAM
Meet the Ethiopian team transforming their nation through Education.
DR. SEID AMAN
COUNTRY DIRECTOR
DR. SEID AMAN - COUNTRY DIRECTOR
Dr. Seid Aman
Dr. Seid Aman is the Country Director of Imagine1day, a Canadian non-profit organization. Seid imagines a day when all children in Ethiopia receive quality primary education. Seid, together with his team of over 1,200 people, is implementing education programs that impact over one million boys and girls in 1,105+ schools and communities in Tigray, Oromia, Central Ethiopia, South Ethiopia, Southwest Ethiopia, Sidama, Benishangul Gumuz, Amhara, Afar, Somali and Gambella regions.
Over the last 20 years, Seid managed the strategic planning, implementation, and successful completion of several diverse projects of both local and international NGOs working in Ethiopia. Seid’s extensive experience is in areas including Global Education, alternative and vocational education,
Education in Emergency, WASH, HIV/AIDS, child protection, women’s empowerment, and leadership development. He has ample years of leading programs supported by global development partners including USAID, Education Above All/Educate A Child, Waterloo, DFID/FCDO, European Union, ECHO,
UNICEF, LEGO, IOM, UN OCHA, Government Affairs of Canada, Costa Foundation, Light for the World, Education Cannot Wait, and many others. Seid is passionate about equitable access to quality education and empowering disadvantaged people through sustainable education development programs. He is talented in establishing close working relationships, motivating and empowering groups to work together in creating sustainable, positive changes. In his role at Imagine1day, Seid ensures each partner community achieves their goals by developing a solid culture of contribution and responsibility. Seid is thrilled to be at the helm of an organization that shares his dedication to education and sustainable livelihoods. During Seid’s over 17 years of tenure as Country Director, he has shown a truly extraordinary leadership. Dr. Seid obtained a Global Executive Doctor of Education from the University of Southern California.
DANIEL ATAKLTI
DEPUTY COUNTRY DIRECTOR
Daniel Ataklti - Deputy Country Director
Daniel Ataklti
Daniel leads Imagine1day’s operation functions. Daniel has an MBA degree and has been deeply involved in finance and program activities at the community level since he began working with imagine1day in 2008. Daniel’s education as a lawyer and an accountant are invaluable in his responsibilities for Imagein1day in the areas of planning, development, and implementation of the organization’s operation strategy. Daniel’s main role is overseeing Imagine1day’s operations in Ethiopia.
UMER LIMU
National program DIRECTOR
Umer Limu - NATIONAL Program Director
Umer limu
Umer Limu Kassim, the National Program Director for Imagine 1day, hails from the Bale Zone in the Oromia region of Ethiopia. With a rich background in education and development, Umer has accumulated 20 years of leadership experience in various roles such as primary and secondary school teacher, school Principal, and education officer.
In January 2014, Umer embarked on his journey with imagine1day, contributing significantly to diverse capacities within the organization. His roles have included serving as a community mobilizing officer, monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and learning officer, Zonal Program Coordinator, Regional Program Manager, and presently, the National Program Director.
Educationally, Umer holds a bachelor’s degree in geography and environmental science from Meda-Welabu University (2010) and a master’s degree in Developmental Studies from Ambo University, both located in Ethiopia. Furthermore, he has undergone multiple short-term training sessions covering a range of topics including Transformational Leadership, Lightyear Leadership, Landmark personal development, Education, protection, PSEA, WaSH, and Livelihood.
Umer Limu Kassim’s dedicated commitment to education and development, coupled with his extensive experience and academic qualifications, exemplifies his invaluable contribution to the noble cause championed by Imagine1day.
HAWI ALEMU
MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION MANAGER
Hawi Alemu - Media and Communication Manager
Hawi Alemu joined Imagine1day in February 2018, as a Media and Communication Officer. She served in this role for three years before taking on the position of Program Coordinator for the Education in Emergency project in Guji Zone, Oromia. After completing the project, she returned to the country office as Media and Communication Manager in November 2021. In this capacity, Hawi oversees all communications activities, including writing human interest stories, testimonials, reports, and electronic communications. She also prepares publications to advocate for children’s right to education and to promote the organization’s work.
Human-interest story writing is one of Hawi’s greatest passions and her human-interest stories have been widely recognized. Over five of her stories were selected to be shared with Her Highness Sheikha Moza of Qatar, and four have been featured on UNICEF’s website.
Hawi was born and raised in Amabo, a town located 115 km from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital. She holds a degree in Journalism and Communication from Wollega University and is a winner of the 2012 Female Scholarship funded by the government of Sweden. Her academic background includes a Master’s degree in Journalism and Communication, which laid the foundation for her career in the media and communication sector.
Hawi began her professional journey as the Publication and Information Officer at Oromia Seed Enterprise (OSE), where she played a key role in producing documentaries, TV ads, and various publications. She also managed press releases, coordinated an annual radio program, and handled communication-related contacts with partners and stakeholders. One of her notable achievements at OSE was leading the “listeners group” project, which she customized from BBC Media Action. This initiative successfully increased the ratio of peer pressure to buy and utilize improved seed and seed technology from 1:1 to 1:4.
Known for her straightforwardness, commitment, loyalty, and simplicity, Hawi is a person who is easy to get along with.
Semira Berhanu
Gender and Inclusive Specialist
Semira Berhanu - Gender and Inclusive Specialist
Semira Berhanu is a dedicated and results-driven Gender and Inclusion Specialist with over six years of experience in the field. Born and raised in Addis Ababa, she has a profound commitment to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and peace.
Since December 2021, Semira has been contributing her expertise to imagine1day. She holds a Master’s degree in Gender Studies from Addis Ababa University, where she graduated with high distinction. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Addis Ababa University, earned in 2009.
Semira’s professional development includes participation in international negotiation training at the Clingendael Institute in The Hague, Netherlands. She is also a certified Trainer of Trainers (ToT) in Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) pocket guidelines. Throughout her career, she has attended various specialized trainings, enhancing her skills in protection and gender issues.
Her career spans roles in local NGOs and UN agencies, including a significant tenure with UNHCR’s Protection Unit. Semira is passionate about driving meaningful change and has a proven track record of success across different sectors.
HALEFOM GEZAEI
National program DIRECTOR
Halefom Gezaei - NATIONAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Halefom Gezaei (PHD) – National Program Director
Halefom Gezaei Abera began his journey with Imagine1Day in March 2011 as a Community Mobilization Officer in Tigray, following five years of dedicated service as a school teacher and principal, an achievement recognized by the Ethiopian Prime Minister at the time. Drawing on his extensive expertise in education, Halefom was instrumental in expanding Imagine1Day’s reach into the Bale zone of the Oromia region, where he conducted impactful training sessions and provided crucial technical support. His commitment and innovation in educational initiatives saw him appointed as the National Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, and Learning (MERL) Officer, a role he held for a year at the Addis Ababa Country Office after four years of successful project contributions in Tigray.
Over the course of seven years, Halefom held significant leadership roles as Regional Program Coordinator, Regional Program Manager, and Regional Program Director, strengthening Imagine1Day’s presence in Tigray. His leadership was particularly vital during Ethiopia’s Northern Crisis, as he ensured Imagine1Day continued its operations and brought essential life-saving support to Tigray’s communities. Currently, Halefom serves as the National Program Director, based in Addis Ababa, where he leads and oversees diverse, multi-regional projects across Afar, Amhara, and Tigray in northern Ethiopia.
Halefom is known for his lifelong commitment to learning, fostering partnerships, and his skills in project proposal development, project management, interpersonal communication, and capacity building. He holds a PhD in Educational Policy and Strategic Management, an MA in Community Development and Leadership, a BA in Management, and a BSc in Mathematics. Additionally, he is a certified trainer in leadership and education.
Passionate about community service, Halefom has founded several local NGOs, savings and credit cooperatives, microfinance institutions, and other community-driven initiatives. He has also served as a board director and active member in numerous volunteer capacities, embodying his vision of contributing selflessly to society. With a strong commitment to advancing Imagine1Day’s mission across Ethiopia and Africa, Halefom is a visionary leader whose contributions continue to make a profound impact.
A prolific reader and writer, Halefom has authored five books on leadership and education. He is also a devoted father of three children.
YASABU BERKNEH
strategic partnership director
Yasabu Berkneh - Strategic Partnership Director
Yasabu Berkneh
Yasabu Berkneh is currently the Strategic Partnership Director at imagine1day, Ethiopia country office. He holds a BA in Education from Bahir Dar Teachers’ College of Addis Ababa University, majoring in pedagogical science with a minor in geography. Additionally, he has a Master’s degree in Sociology from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).
With over 31 years of experience in education and development, Yasabu spent 11 years as a secondary school teacher before joining the Federal Ministry of Education in 2002. During his 18 years there, he worked in various departments and agencies.
In 2020, Yasabu joined the Education Cannot Wait Multi-Year Resilience Program in Ethiopia (ECW) as the Program Coordination Unit Lead. ECW is the United Nations’ global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises. Yasabu managed the Ethiopian MYRP’s grantees (UNICEF and Save the Children) and the steering committee, which included donors, UN agencies, and local and international NGOs. He successfully mobilized over $15 million in additional resources for the program.
Yasabu was drawn to imagine1day by its dedicated staff and impressive track record, aligning with his own commitment to driving positive change in education.
MELES BIRHANU
FINANCE MANAGER
Meles Birhanu - Finance Manager
Meles has a proven track record of success in all areas of administration and financial management including planning and budget analysis, cash flows projection and control, financial reporting and analysis, budget and expenditure tracking, and grant management. He manages our grant and sub grant funds working closely with our partners including USAID, CIDA, CFGB, EU, CFH & other private donors. He possesses excellent interpersonal skills and has proven ability to communicate and negotiate concisely and articulately with stakeholders at all levels.
Kemal Shenka
HR and Administration Manager
Kemal Shenka - HR and Administration Manager
As HR and Administration Manager, Kemal is striving to improve the whole functions of HR and Administration assuming that the effectiveness of Imagine 1day is mainly reside on its Human Resources. He is also trying to enhance the creation and sustenance of enabling environment with regard to the smooth HR and administrative functions within the Imagine1day for the fulfilment of the Imagine1day’s mission and objectives.
Feven Gezahegn
Finance Coordinator
Feven Gezahegn - Finance Coordinator
Feven Gezahegn is a skilled finance professional with over six years of experience in accounting, and finance. She joined Imagine1day in April 2021, where she initially served as a Project Accountant for one year, before transitioning into the role of Finance Officer for another year. Since May 2023, Feven has been promoted to Finance Coordinator at Imagine1day, where she plays a key role in overseeing and enhancing the organization’s financial operations and management. In this capacity, she continues to leverage her expertise to ensure financial efficiency, transparency, and strategic alignment with the organization’s goals, contributing significantly to its overall success and sustainability.
Feven was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and holds a degree in Accounting and Finance from Addis Ababa Science & Technology University. She further advanced her expertise by earning an MBA in Accounting and Finance from St. Mary’s University. Additionally, Feven has completed short term training in Project Management and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) at Addis Ababa University, further enhancing her qualifications.
Before joining Imagine1day, Feven began her career in November 2017 at a HST consulting firm, where she worked as an Associate Accountant. She later progressed to the position of Senior Associate Accountant, where she honed her skills in financial analysis and accounting until March 2021.
With a solid foundation in both the private and nonprofit sectors, Feven is passionate about using her financial expertise to drive organizational success and ensure transparent, efficient financial management.
ABDELA HASSEN
GRANT and Partnership MANAGER
Abdella Hassen - Grant Manager
Over the last size years Abdella worked at Imagine1day in different roles including Administration Assistance, Human Resource and Administration Officer, CPiE Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Information Management Officer, and currently as Grant Manager.
Abeba Sisay
Internal Auditor
Abeba Sisay - Internal Auditor
Her career began with Getachew Kassaye & Co., Chartered Certified Accountants, where she joined as the first Ethiopian external auditor in the country. Over her 14-year tenure, she progressed from junior auditor to senior auditor, gaining extensive experience in auditing government, non-governmental, and private organizations’ financial records and forming professional opinions.
After her time in auditing, Abeba transitioned to non-governmental organizations, working with ACCORD Ethiopia, World Learning Ethiopia, and ultimately the American International Health Alliance (AIHA) for 11 years.
On June 8, 2022, Abeba joined Imagine1day as a finance officer. With her auditing expertise, she was soon promoted to serve as an internal auditor. In her current role, she contributes significantly to strengthening Imagine1day’s internal control systems through a constructive, collaborative approach, striving to make the organization a model for international standards in financial oversight and accountability.
WORKENEH ALEMU
National EDUCATION program manager
Workneh Alemu - Education Program Manager
Workneh started his work at imagine1day in 2021 as an Education Specialist. He is from Ginner town in Oromia Region of Ethiopia. He completed both primary and secondary education in Ginner town. Workneh has a degrees in Educational Administration and Management of Vocational Education from Addis Ababa University. Workneh has received a Certificate of Management Consultant from Ethiopian Management Institute and a Certificate of Accredited Assessor (Competent) from Center of Accreditation for Occupational Standard in the areas of basic clerical work, clerical work support, human resource operation and human resource supervision.
Workneh worked as a teacher and Secondary School Principal for many years in Goro and Gursum towns of East Bale and East Harerge zones respectively. He has held the position of Sponsor Relation Unit Head, ECCD and Education Unit Head and as an acting area Project Coordinator at Child Fund Ethiopia, an international NGO. He was also the Education Department Head in Arada Sub City and Training Core Process Leader in TVET Agency in Addis Ababa City Administration. He has more than 20 years of work experience in the private sector, education, government, and international NGOs.
Mesfin Astatike
NATIONAL Education Program Manager
Mesfin Astatike - National Education Program Manager
Mesfin has over 16 years of working experience in different government and non-government organizations managing rural and urban development and emergency program intervention, particularly in the education & livelihood sectors. Apart from his managerial role, he has profound involvement in capacity development, advising and assisting government sectors, locals, and INGOs at the national and regional levels in Ethiopia.
Currently, he is working for Imagine 1 Day International Organization as a National Education Program Manager, overseeing and managing education programs at a national level in Ethiopia, with a specific focus on both education in development and education in emergency contexts. He works closely with government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), UN agencies, and other stakeholders to develop and implement effective strategies for improving the quality and accessibility of education in both normal and crisis situations. He provides leadership, coordination, and technical expertise to ensure the successful implementation of education programs, in line with national and regional policies and priorities.
Mesfin is driven by a strong belief that education is fundamental to improving individual lives and fostering societal development. He holds an MA in Educational Planning and Leadership from Adama Science & Technology University (ASTU) and an MA in Sociology from Indra Gandhi National Open University (IGNO). His undergraduate degree is in Educational Planning and Management from Addis Ababa University (AAU). Additionally, he is a Certified International Project Manager (CIPM) from the American Project Management Academy.
MUKTAR ABDI
National CP/GBV
PROGRAM MANAGER
MUKTAR ABDI - National CP/GBV PROGRAM MANAGER
He has spent the last 6 years learning everything from his role at different positions which helps him to know about the emergency programs. He is currently applying this knowledge in his role as program manager for his organization, where he is responsible for early education, education in emergency and child protection
He has held a number of organizational roles, from community mobilizing officer to his current role Capacity Building and CPGBV Program Manager and team Leader, but his latest challenge has been helping imagine1day improve early child education and protection through his contributions. He is a program manager with a passion for leveraging, empowering and capacitating the staffs with shared responsibilities to emotional intelligent in the given roles and responsibilities. In his 8 years journey with imagine1day, he has helped advance leadership and capacity building education, protection and leadership programs. With an extensive background in program, he is an expert on EIE and child protection. This work led him to his current role at Imagine1day where he is responsible for leading emergency and early education program.
He is very passionate to grow with his organization and to be national program director and beyond in his future career. Moreover, he wants to give his time and knowledge more than expected from me to see well recognized and extraordinary Imagine1day both at national and international level with his very human minded leaders. For most people, growing with organization doesn’t sound very interesting. For him, growing together is a passion he has been chasing for last 8 years. Most recently, his work landed him a position with imagine1day where he is focused on early education, protection and leadership. To this end he could say he is living the dream.
Girma Habte
National CP/GBV Program Manager
Girma Habte - National CP/GBV Program Manager
Girma is a seasoned Child protection and GBV Program Manager with over 14 years of dedicated experience in social work and humanitarian assistance, specializing in gender and youth empowerment, disability inclusion, women’s empowerment, child protection, and gender-based violence (GBV) programs. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Social Work, along with postgraduate studies in Social Psychology from Jimma University and Addis Ababa University School of Psychology, he embodies a solid academic foundation that complements his field experience.
Throughout his career, Girma has adeptly worked with vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and survivors of violence and abuse, in both development and emergency settings. His practical experience spans the design and implementation of comprehensive programs aimed at enhancing the well-being of marginalized communities, with a strong focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by Children, women, youth, and individuals with disabilities.
Girma’s expertise includes emergency response in displacement contexts, where he has actively contributed to the implementation of child protection measures, GBV prevention and response strategies, and psychosocial support initiatives. His thorough understanding of the complexities surrounding these issues is further enriched by his familiarity with international and national legal frameworks, as well as the minimum standards for Child Protection, GBV and MHPSS.
As a graduate of the blended Child Protection in Emergencies Professional Development Program (CPiE PDP) East and South African regions, Girma has gained essential skills and insights that enhance his effectiveness in emergency programming. His approach is grounded in collaboration, empowering community members and stakeholders through capacity-building initiatives, training programs, and mentorship.
In his role as Child Protection and GBV Program Manager at Imagine1Day, Girma is committed to developing and managing impactful projects that foster gender equality, youth agency, and disability inclusion. He excels at creating project proposals, coordinating CP/GBV networks, and implementing monitoring and evaluation systems to ensure accountability and effectiveness.
Girma is a proactive leader who believes in the power of community engagement and collaboration among diverse stakeholders to create sustainable solutions for those in need. Passionate about empowering individuals and communities, Girma dedicates himself to driving meaningful changes that contribute to the well-being of vulnerable populations. He envisions a world where every individual, regardless of gender, age, or ability, can thrive and participate fully in society.
DEGU TERESA
NATIONAL MEAL MANAGER
Degu Teressa - National MEAL Manager
Degu has a MSc degree in Development Economics from ECSU, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He also done undergraduate work in Development Management at Ambo University, Ethiopia. Degu has a Forestry Diploma in Natural Resource Management (NRM) from Wondo Genet College of Forestry. He also completed an international course on Managing for Impact (M4I) from Wageningen University, Netherlands.
Merga Gemeda
National MEAL Manager
Merga Gemeda - National Meal manager
Merga Gemeda hold an MSc in Agricultural Economics and Rural Development from Haramaya University. With 18 years of experience in various organizations, including both governmental and non-governmental sectors, He is currently serving as National MEAL Manager at Imagine1day International Ethiopia Country Office. During his career, he has worked as Senior MEAL Specialist at Save the Children Country Office for one year and one month, as Country Consortium MERL Coordinator at Plan International Ethiopia for seven months, as MEAL Officer at IRC Ethiopia for two years and one month, and as MEAL Officer and other different program/project positions at World Vision Ethiopia for nine years. Additionally, he has served as Project Coordinator at Compassion International Ethiopia for one year, as well as two years as Project Coordinator at Kids Care Children Welfare Association, and three years as teacher.
Throughout his professional journey, he has gained extensive experience in various areas such as coordination, assessments, planning, implementation, data quality assurance, project logic design (including theory of change, result chain, and logical frameworks), and the development of MEAL plans, frameworks, and indicator performance tracking tables. He also well-versed in setting up feedback response mechanisms and have expertise in concept note/proposal development. Utilized statistical software such as Kobo, CommCare, Pivot table/chart, SPSS, and STATA to analyze data. Furthermore, he is proficient in working within multi-donor and sector environments, having collaborated with organizations such as the EU, European Commission, BMZ, UN funds, SIDA, and USAID. He has also excelled in consortium management, leading and organizing programs/projects, conducting research, monitoring and evaluation, and ensuring accountability in partnership with various international non-governmental organizations, FBOs, CBOs and local community representatives. His practical experiences extend to different sector-specific developments, including economic development, WASH, education, health, child protection, and emergency responses. He possesses the ability to collect and analyze qualitative as well as quantitative data effectively, enabling informed decision-making and the achievement of project objectives.
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