With over 15 years of experience In international and national non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Farm Africa and UN-sponsored humanitarian organizations, my career has been dedicated to contributing to development and humanitarian projects in Africa. I have held diverse positions including project coordinator, business development adviser, program manager, market development officer, livelihood and marketing adviser, plan and program head, and socio-economic expert. Currently, I am utilizing my skills as a sales associate in the United States for profit-oriented companies. My expertise lies in project proposal development, management, monitoring, and evaluation techniques. I have a proven track record of developing strong collaborative relationships and delivering impressive results while effectively working with individuals of all personalities. With strong communication, problem-solving, organizational leadership, and motivational skills, I consistently excel in my role. Additionally, I continuously update myself through continued education and on-the-job trainings. I hold a BSc and MSc degree from reputable universities and am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in leadership and organizational management from a renowned university in the United States.
Hi, I’m
ASFAW G. JEBESSA
Laurel,MD
Summary
Overview
25
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Duncan Service's Inc
Sales Associate
12.2016 - Current
Job overview
- Boosted customer satisfaction levels through exceptional service, addressing concerns promptly, and providing a welcoming store environment.
- Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
- Achieved monthly sales targets consistently by implementing effective sales strategies and maintaining a high level of product knowledge.
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
FARM Africa & SOS SAHEL ETHIOPIA
Business Development Adviser & Project Coordinator
10.2013 - 02.2015
Job overview
- Provide technical support and advise in basic skill on viable enterprise development process
- Provide training on Market analysis and Development (MA&D) approaches
- Advise and help producers and chain actors in value adding chain development approaches
- Technical support and advise in business plan development and practices
- Organize trade & finance fairs, facilitate exhibitions and bazaars for new Market linkages
- Utilized advanced CRM tools to track client interactions efficiently while maintaining detailed records of their individual goals, preferences, and concerns.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry trends and regulations, ensuring accurate advice was provided to clients at all times.
- Mentored junior advisors, fostering a supportive team environment focused on growth and learning.
- Managed risk effectively by closely monitoring client portfolios and making timely adjustments.
- Developed long-lasting relationships with clients to ensure consistent retention and loyalty.
- Enhanced team productivity with introduction of streamlined processes for client assessments and follow-ups.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to launch series of successful financial education seminars.
- Spearheaded sustainability initiative within investment portfolios, aligning client values with their financial goals.
- Improved client retention rates by developing and implementing comprehensive advisory plans tailored to individual needs.
- Enhanced advisor skills and knowledge through continuous professional development program, elevating service quality.
- Conducted in-depth market research to identify emerging trends, enabling clients to capitalize on new investment opportunities.
- Strengthened client relationships through regular, insightful communication regarding market trends and portfolio adjustments.
- Increased client satisfaction, providing personalized investment advice based on thorough financial analysis.
- Facilitated workshops on financial planning for high-net-worth individuals, improving their understanding of wealth management.
- Developed strong relationships with clients through regular communication and excellent customer service.
- Fostered culture of innovation within advisory team, encouraging adoption of new technologies and methodologies.
- Developed comprehensive risk assessment tool, enabling more precise investment recommendations.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with industry trends and best practices.
- Optimized operational efficiency by implementing CRM system tailored to advisory services.
SOS SAHEL ETHIOPIA
Market Development Adviser
12.2010 - 10.2013
Job overview
- Provide technical support and advise on market strategy development
- Provide training on basic concepts and skill of market segments or marketing Mix (production, promotion, pricing and place for marketing)
- Give technical support to producers and chain actors in establishing of appropriate value chain engagements
- Create and establish linkages with new market opportunities and market outlets
- Advise farmers and producers in product differentiation & specialization
- Establish network and develop market information system
- Provide technical advice on producers Supply and production development strategy
- Conduct market research on market trends, consumer's preferences and tests on particular product and provide technical feedback to producers and project beneficiaries
- Conducted comprehensive market research, uncovering valuable insights that informed product development strategies.
- Implemented targeted digital marketing efforts to raise brand awareness and drive website traffic, ultimately increasing online conversions.
- Provided valuable input on product design improvements based on customer feedback, leading to increased user satisfaction scores.
- Monitored competitor activity closely to identify gaps in the market that could be leveraged for competitive advantage.
- Spearheaded loyalty programs that encouraged repeat business among existing customers while also attracting new clientele.
- Established fruitful relationships with local industry influencers who advocated our brand within their networks.
- Collaborated with the sales team to develop customized proposals that resulted in winning lucrative contracts.
- Optimized pricing structures after thorough analysis of competitor offerings and target audience preferences, leading to increased profit margins.
- Developed strategic partnerships with key industry players, enhancing brand visibility and generating leads.
- Developed compelling case studies featuring satisfied clients which helped demonstrate product value propositions more effectively.
- Maximized revenue opportunities by designing and implementing effective cross-selling initiatives for existing customers.
- Trained new hires on market development strategies, ensuring they were equipped with the necessary skills to contribute effectively from day one.
- Streamlined internal processes through the introduction of CRM tools, boosting team efficiency and productivity levels.
- Enhanced customer experience by providing timely support and addressing client concerns, resulting in improved customer satisfaction ratings.
- Coordinated with internal departments like R&D and production to ensure product availability and timely delivery for new market launches.
- Increased market share by identifying and targeting new customer segments through tailored marketing campaigns.
- Organized successful trade show exhibits that showcased the company''s products and services, attracting a high volume of prospective customers.
- Analyzed market trends to forecast future demands and adjust business strategies accordingly, ensuring continuous growth.
Action For Development (AFD) NGO
Livelihood and Marketing Officer
10.2010 - 11.2010
Job overview
- Managed budgets and financial resources effectively, ensuring timely disbursement of funds for project implementation.
- Developed a monitoring and evaluation framework to track project outcomes, informing data-driven decision-making for future program planning and design.
- Created awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of sustainable livelihoods in poverty reduction efforts, securing buy-in from key stakeholders.
- Built strong relationships with stakeholders, ensuring their involvement in livelihood projects and initiatives.
- Facilitated capacity-building workshops for partner organizations, enhancing their ability to support the implementation of sustainable livelihoods strategies.
- Collaborated with government agencies and non-profit organizations to secure funding for livelihood programs and projects.
- Streamlined processes and procedures within the organization, resulting in more efficient implementation of livelihood initiatives.
- Improved community access to resources by developing and implementing strategic livelihood programs.
- Evaluated program effectiveness through regular monitoring and assessment, making adjustments as needed to ensure optimal outcomes.
- Mentored staff members on effective program management techniques, contributing to a high-performing team environment focused on achieving results.
- Implemented market-driven approaches to increase income-earning opportunities for vulnerable populations within targeted communities.
- Designed training programs for community members, equipping them with skills necessary for self-reliance and improved quality of life.
- Enhanced local economic development by promoting sustainable income-generating activities for community members.
- Established partnerships with private sector entities to create employment opportunities for beneficiaries of the Livelihood Officer''s programs.
- Conducted comprehensive needs assessments to identify gaps in services and resources, tailoring interventions accordingly.
- Enhanced the impact of livelihood interventions by incorporating gender-sensitive approaches and ensuring equal opportunities for all program participants.
- Provided technical assistance to partner organizations in the planning and execution of livelihood projects, ensuring alignment with best practices and guidelines.
- Developed innovative solutions to address unemployment challenges within target communities, resulting in increased job opportunities.
- Prepared detailed reports documenting project progress and impact, sharing successes with stakeholders and identifying areas for improvement.
- Provided leadership, guidance and support to staff members.
Ethiopian Rural Self Help Association (ERSHA)
Program Manager
06.2007 - 11.2009
Job overview
- Plan, organize, control and make decision on the effective & efficient implementation and operation of the overall project activities
- Participate on project proposal development, make program agreement with the community and government stakeholders
- Organize and compile periodic (annual, bi-annual & quarter) performance of both physical and financial reports to comply with donor requirements & stakeholders
- Develop guideline and strategies towards capacity building and empowerment of the local community with special focuses to women and youths in development opportunities
- Manage human and financial resources effectively and maintain efficient utilization procedures
- Facilitate regular and midterm project monitoring and evaluation schedules and compile evaluation reports
- Leveraged project management processes and tools to define and execute projects.
- Identified program obstacles and communicated possible impacts to team.
- Coached team members on professional development opportunities, contributing to improved overall performance.
- Developed and maintained logistics workflows, procedures and reports.
- Enhanced project visibility with regular status updates, leading to increased stakeholder engagement.
- Participated in vendor selection and management process for program initiatives.
- Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations.
- Met with project stakeholders on regular basis to assess progress and make adjustments.
- Improved program efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving solutions.
- Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion within deadlines and budgets.
- Delivered high-quality results by setting performance metrics and monitoring progress against targets.
- Interacted with customers and clients to identify business needs and requirements.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by closely monitoring adherence to industry standards and guidelines throughout the program lifecycle.
- Leveraged technology tools for enhanced project tracking, reporting, and information sharing among team members.
- Optimized resource allocation, effectively balancing priorities and managing competing demands.
- Developed strategic plans, setting clear objectives and achievable milestones for the team.
- Utilized data-driven decision-making approaches to inform strategy development and optimize outcomes.
- Built teams to address project goals and objectives for multiple projects.
- Addressed and resolved technical, financial, and operational concerns by working with team members and directors.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.
- Championed best practices in project management, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing favorable terms that supported budgetary constraints.
- Implemented risk management strategies to mitigate potential barriers to project success.
- Researched industry best practices in support of training development and program content.
- Conducted comprehensive program evaluations, identifying areas for improvement and recommending actionable solutions.
Ethiopian Rural Self Help Association (ERSHA)
Food Security Expert
11.2004 - 05.2007
Job overview
- Responsible for planning, monitoring and evaluation of food security and livelihood intervention activities
- Conduct assessment on food availability and food access of the community in the project area and develop early warning information system
- Responsible for improving agricultural production through supporting agricultural extension system of the country
- Create strong linkage and partnership with research centres in order to improve crop varieties and animal breeds through technology innovation and adaptation system
- Assist farmers to diversify their agricultural income and involve them in off farm and on farm activities towards achieving food security at household level
- Provide technical support to target farmers to enhance their skill in crop and livestock production pre and post-harvest technology, storage facilities & marketing functions
- Prepare periodic performance report and organize documentation and knowledge management system
Government Administration Office (Ethiopia, Amhara region north shoa zone)
Program Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Head
05.2003 - 10.2004
Job overview
- Responsible for planning, monitoring and evaluation of the district government strategic development plan preparation
- Support the selection criterion and utilization of appropriate indicators that are directly linked to measure and report progress against required results using logical framework
- Support the development program performance monitoring & evaluation plan and guide the implementation plan with technical backstopping
- Assist in design Data collection and presentation tools
- Acquaint the sector staffs and partners with monitoring and evaluation tools, strategies and plans
- Support the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual financial and physical report to regional and zonal offices
- Document and share best practice and organizational results with line office staffs and others external stakeholders through workshops, conference and symposium
Government Administration Office (Ethiopia, Amhara region north shoa zone)
Socio-Economic Expert
11.1999 - 05.2000
Job overview
- Collect, analyse and organize the district government socioeconomic data for effective utilization of information in the administrative region
- Organize and facilitate workshops, conferences and trainings related to socio-economic activities of the administrative regions
- Responsible for planning, monitoring and evaluation of the district government development plan preparation
- Document and share best practice and organizational results with line office staffs and others external stakeholders
- Prepare periodic monthly, quarterly and annual financial and physical report submit timely to zonal and regional offices
Education
St .Marry UniversityEthiopia ,Addis Ababa
M.D. from Agricultural Economics
03-2018
University Overview
- Completed AP course in Economics
- Advanced Macro economics
- Applied econometric techniques
- Advanced Agricultural Marketing
- Agricultural Project Planning and and analysis
- Financial Management in Agribusiness
- Mathematical programming Techniques
- Advanced micro economics
- Economic management of Natural resources
- Agricultural Business Management
- Research Methods and scientific paper writing
Alemaya University
BSC from Agricultural Extension
University Overview
- Completed AP course in Management and communication
- Management,Organization and Change
- Agricultural knowledge and information system (AKIS)
- Communication and interpersonal relation
- Audio visual techniques
- Agricultural Journalism
- Agricultural cooperatives
- Natural resource conservation and development
- Gender issues and youth work in extension
- Selection and Management of Farm Machine
- Farm Book keeping and accounting
- program planning and evaluation
- project planning and analysis
World English Institute (WEI)
Diploma from English
University Overview
world English Institute (WEI)
Diploma from Bible study
University Overview
Skills
- Customer service
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving skills
- Time management skills
- Computer skills
- Cash handling accuracy
- Strategic planning skill
- Multi-tasking taking
- Communication & interpersonal skill
- Organizing and facilitation skill
- Report writing
Accomplishments
Accomplishments
I accomplished different Rural development projects and program successfully in efficient and effective manner handled and transferred to the target community members by insuring the sustainability of program goals,objective by building the capacity of the community in managing the program activities in their abilities and responsibility.
I conducted action research in food security program with farmers and agricultural research center researchers on -farm trail adaptation programs successfully.
I conducted successfully my Msc sinor research paper on the Determinants of women labor productivity in Flora-Culture industry in Ethiopia.
Certification
- Village Saving & Loan Association (VSLA) Methodology by GRAD project (USAID)
- Conflict Management by Ethiopian Management Institute
- Project Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation using LFA by ERSHA
- Agricultural Marketing & Value Chain Development Facilitation by IDE
- Advocacy and Lobby by Oxfam Novib
- Assessment and Analysis of Livelihoods by ERSHA
- Financial Management and Resource Mobilization by SLUF
- Action Research by CRDA
- Integrated Watershed Management by SLUF
- Paper Powder Processing and Packaging Skill by SOS Sahel Ethiopia
- Strategic Planning and Management by Government Institution
- Rural Development Planning & Management by ERSHA
- Basic Business Skill (BBS) by WISE
- Budget Reform by Government Finance & Economic Development Office
Affiliations
Affiliations
- Republican party being conservatives to natural laws , democratic practice and advocacy for respecting and protection of basic human rights.
Languages
English
Full Professional
Amharic
Native or Bilingual
Oromifa
Limited Working
Interests
- Advocacy and lobby Campaigns and human right activism
- Getting involved in local advocacy groups to promote positive change in the community
- Youth mentor, providing guidance and support to empower the next generation of leaders
- Regularly practice mindfulness and meditation for overall wellness
- Reading self development , Astatic philosophy Scientific discovering books
- Playing chase , Golf , exercise and watching movies
Timeline
Sales Associate
Duncan Service's Inc
12.2016 - Current
Business Development Adviser & Project Coordinator
FARM Africa & SOS SAHEL ETHIOPIA
10.2013 - 02.2015
Market Development Adviser
SOS SAHEL ETHIOPIA
12.2010 - 10.2013
Livelihood and Marketing Officer
Action For Development (AFD) NGO
10.2010 - 11.2010
Program Manager
Ethiopian Rural Self Help Association (ERSHA)
06.2007 - 11.2009
Food Security Expert
Ethiopian Rural Self Help Association (ERSHA)
11.2004 - 05.2007
Program Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Head
Government Administration Office (Ethiopia, Amhara region north shoa zone)
05.2003 - 10.2004
Socio-Economic Expert
Government Administration Office (Ethiopia, Amhara region north shoa zone)
11.1999 - 05.2000
world English Institute (WEI)
Diploma from Bible study
St .Marry University
M.D. from Agricultural Economics
Alemaya University
BSC from Agricultural Extension
World English Institute (WEI)
Diploma from English
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