Fantahun Ketema – Ethiopia

Fantahun Ketema

Country of Origin: Ethiopia

Occupation/Title: Peacebuilding Team Leader

Organization/Institution: Ethiopia Disaster Risk Management Commission

Summary/About

Fantahun is a dedicated Peacebuilding and Disaster Management Team Leader with a proven track record in conflict prevention, resolution, early warning systems, disaster management, and humanitarian response. He has successfully supported high-level dialogue, regional cooperation, crisis coordination, and post-conflict rehabilitation in fragile and conflict-affected settings.

Previously, Fantahun worked with the Ministries of Federal Affairs, the Ministry of Peace, and the House of Federation of Ethiopia, where he led strategic initiatives on peacebuilding reform and the establishment of early warning and response mechanisms. Currently, he serves with the Ethiopia Disaster Risk Management Commission, focusing on regional peacebuilding, intergovernmental coordination, and humanitarian action, including recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

Areas of Expertise

• Peace and Development Programs
• Project Development and Implementation
• Volunteer Coordination
• Program Management and Support
• Community Empowerment and Support
• Disaster Management
• Humanitarian Coordination

Professional Experience

• Peacebuilding Team Leader – Initiated and led national and regional peacebuilding programs focusing on conflict prevention, transformation, and reconciliation. Supported strategic initiatives on peacebuilding and recovery reform, established early warning and response mechanisms in disaster-affected areas, and coordinated multi-stakeholder forums involving civil society, traditional leaders, and government officials.
• Development Advisor – Planned, coordinated, and monitored equitable development projects targeting underserved and pastoralist communities. Assisted NGOs and donors in implementing community-driven development projects in pastoralist areas such as Afar and Somali regions.

Skills

• Conflict & Peacebuilding: Conflict Resolution, Early Warning Systems, Peacebuilding Programs, Humanitarian Response, Disaster Management
• Development & Strategy: Policy Development, Strategic Planning, Capacity Building
• Training & Implementation: Training Manual Design, Facilitation, Monitoring & Evaluation, Project Supervision
• Communication & Coordination: Stakeholder Engagement, Reporting, Collaboration

Additional Brief

Fantahun’s career reflects his commitment to building resilient communities and fostering peace in fragile contexts. By combining expertise in disaster management with peacebuilding initiatives, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening Ethiopia’s capacity to prevent conflict, respond to crises, and support recovery. His work underscores the importance of inclusive dialogue, regional cooperation, and community-driven solutions in advancing sustainable peace and development.