Ethiopian Team Update

I am writing to inform you of changes within our Tearfund Ireland staff team based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

First, I am delighted to announce the arrival of Firehiwot Tesfaye to the Tearfund Ireland team. Firehiwot has joined our staff in the role of Project Impact Specialist and will be instrumental in the effective delivery of Tearfund Ireland funded projects in Ethiopia.

Firehiwot comes to Tearfund Ireland with a great deal of experience in programme design, implementation, and management, as well as monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) in both development and humanitarian contexts. Her work alongside partners, has also developed her skills in local capacity strengthening and team leadership. This combined experience, along with her evident passion to support vulnerable communities, will help Tearfund Ireland strive toward our aim to see flourishing communities that are free from poverty and injustice. 

Working alongside our implementing partner organisations, Firehiwot will oversee effective delivery and impact of our project activities. 

In the few days she has been with us, Firehiwot has displayed an infectious joy along with a determined focus on providing impact for vulnerable communities in Ethiopia. 

“I consider it an opportunity from God to join Tearfund Ireland and I look forward to collaborating together so vulnerable people in Ethiopia can experience hope, dignity, and lasting positive change in their communities”, said Firehiwot. 

The addition of Firehiwot comes within a period of change within Tearfund Ireland’s Ethiopia team.

A second change is that Genet Beyene, in addition to her responsibilities as Project Finance & Audit Specialist, will be taking on the role of Team Lead within our Ethiopia Project Office. We are delighted that Genet has taken on this additional level of responsibility within the Tearfund Ireland structure, and are confident of her success in this role.

Finally, and significantly, Mulugeta Dejenu has announced his planned retirement and, over the coming months, will be transitioning his responsibilities to Firehiwot and Genet. We will be in contact soon with more information on this next phase for Mulugeta, but for now, he, Firehiwot, and Genet are working with all our colleagues in a planned handover process.

Over the coming days Firehiwot will be meeting our partners and sector peers. In the meantime, I trust you will join me in extending Firehiwot a warm welcome to the Tearfund Ireland team.

The staff and I are making plans to host Firehiwot, Genet, and Mulugeta when they come to our offices in Dublin in early December. We are hoping they will be able to meet supporters and visit a few churches during their few days in Ireland. Please watch our communications for details of this visit.

Many of you have been praying for us – and Firehiwot – through the recruitment and selection process. Thank you! Please continue to pray for her as she adjusts to her new role, for Mulugeta as he transitions from his role, and for all of us in Tearfund Ireland as we walk alongside partners so vulnerable individuals can overcome poverty, withstand crises, and transform their communities.

With Blessings and Peace,

Sean