Representing the Voices of Refugees with Disabilities
Strategic Leadership and Governance
The Board of Directors is the governing body of TESFA Refugees with Disabilities Association. It is democratically elected by the General Assembly, ensuring that the leadership truly represents the voices and aspirations of refugees with disabilities.
As an RLO, TESFA believes that effective leadership is built not only on educational qualifications but also on integrity, lived experience, commitment to service, compassion, and the confidence of the community.
Most members of the Board are refugees with disabilities who have personally experienced displacement, discrimination, and the challenges of living with disabilities. Their lived experiences enable them to understand the needs of members, advocate for their rights, and guide the Association with empathy and commitment.
The Board does not manage the Association’s daily operations. Instead, it provides governance, sets strategic direction, promotes accountability, safeguards TESFA’s mission and values, and supports the Chief Executive Officer in achieving the Association’s objectives.
Main Responsibilities of the Board of Directors
- Safeguard TESFA’s mission, vision, and values.
- Represent the interests and voices of refugees with disabilities.
- Promote unity, inclusion, dignity, and equality among members.
- Provide strategic direction and long-term guidance.
- Approve organizational policies, plans, and budgets.
- Ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership.
- Support and supervise the Chief Executive Officer.
- Promote peace, cooperation, and mutual respect within the Association.
- Build trust between members, partners, and stakeholders.
- Advocate for the rights and wellbeing of refugees with disabilities
- Mobilize community participation and strengthen organizational unity.
- Protect the Association’s reputation and sustainability.
Email: boardofdirectors@tesfa.com.et
Board Members Profile
President
Provides strategic leadership and serves as the principal representative of TESFA.
Main Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership.
- Chair Board meetings.
- Represent TESFA nationally and internationally.
- Promote partnerships and resource mobilization.
- Oversee implementation of strategic plans.
- Ensure good governance and accountability.
- Appoint and supervise the CEO.
Professional Profile
Mr. Yemane Abraha Tesfay serves as the President of TESFA Refugees with Disabilities Association. As a refugee with a disability and a respected community leader, he brings more than four decades of experience in leadership, human resource management, and community service. Guided by his lived experience and commitment to inclusion, he provides strategic leadership, promotes unity among members, and represents the interests of refugees with disabilities in advancing TESFA’s mission.
Email: president@tesfa.com.et
Vice President
Supports the President and ensures continuity of Board leadership.
Main Responsibilities
- Support the President in leadership.
- Act on behalf of the President when required.
- Assist in implementing strategic plans.
- Promote teamwork and organizational growth.
- Perform duties assigned by the President and Board.
Professional Profile
Mr. Tesfu Tekle Solomon serves as the Vice President of TESFA Refugees with Disabilities Association. As a refugee with a disability acquired during the context of regional conflict, he brings valuable lived experience and a deep commitment to serving the refugee community. He supports the President and works to strengthen solidarity, participation, and inclusive leadership within the Association.
Email: vicepresident@tesfa.com.et
Secretary General
Coordinates governance documentation, meetings, organizational records, correspondence, and legal compliance.
Main Responsibilities
- Coordinate meetings and prepare agendas.
- Record and maintain official minutes and records.
- Manage official correspondence and documentation.
- Facilitate communication within the Association.
- Ensure proper filing of organizational documents.
Professional Profile
Mr. Beraki Beyene Naizghi serves as the Secretary General of TESFA Refugees with Disabilities Association. With experience in human resource management and administration, he supports the Board by coordinating meetings, maintaining official records, and facilitating communication among members. He is committed to promoting transparency, unity, and effective organizational coordination.
Email: secretarygeneral@tesfa.com.et
Treasurer Officers
Provides oversight of organizational finances, budgeting, accountability, and financial reporting.
Main Responsibilities
- Oversee financial governance and accountability.
- Monitor budgets and financial reports.
- Ensure proper use of organizational funds.
- Advise the Board on financial matters.
- Promote transparency and financial integrity.
Professional Profile
Ms. Azeb Mezelo Gebrekidan serves as the Treasurer of TESFA Refugees with Disabilities Association. As a trusted representative of the members, she supports the Board by promoting financial integrity, accountability, and responsible stewardship of the Association’s resources. She works closely with the operational management to ensure that financial resources are used in line with TESFA’s mission and the interests of its members.
Email: treasurer@tesfa.com.et
Professional Profile
Mr. Semereab Yemane Zeratsion serves as the Treasurer of TESFA Refugees with Disabilities Association. He completed BA degree in Accounting. With over 21 years of professional experience in accounting and financial management, he brings valuable expertise in financial stewardship and accountability. As Treasurer, he supports the Board in promoting transparency, responsible financial oversight, and the prudent management of the Association’s resources to ensure they are used effectively for the benefit of refugees with disabilities.
Governance & Ethics Officers
Promotes good governance, ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability while ensuring compliance with TESFA’s Constitution, policies, and core values.
Main Responsibilities
- Promote good governance and transparency.
- Monitor compliance with the Constitution and bylaws.
- Uphold ethical standards and conflict-of-interest policies.
- Support Board policy development.
- Advise on governance improvements.
Professional Profile
Mr. Binyam Dawit serves as the Governance & Ethics Officer of TESFA Refugees with Disabilities Association. He has practical experience in staff administration and personnel management, having served in the Navy from 2014 to 2019, where he gained valuable experience in organizational discipline, coordination, and administrative support. As a refugee with a disability and an elected representative of TESFA’s members, he is committed to promoting integrity, accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership within the Association. He works to uphold TESFA’s core values, strengthen good governance practices, and ensure that the interests and dignity of refugees with disabilities remain at the center of the Association’s work.
Email: governanceandethics@tesfa.com.et
Professional Profile
Mr. Daniel Adhanom Gebremeskel serves as the Governance & Ethics Officer of TESFA Refugees with Disabilities Association. He has eight years of experience in business and entrepreneurship. As a refugee with a disability and a trusted representative of the members, he is committed to promoting ethical leadership, transparency, integrity, and good governance. He supports the Board in fostering accountability, strengthening organizational values, and ensuring that TESFA serves its members with fairness, respect, and professionalism.
Strategic Planning & Partnerships Officers
Supports strategic planning, organizational development, and partnership building to strengthen TESFA’s growth, sustainability, and long-term impact.
Main Responsibilities
- Support strategic planning.
- Strengthen partnerships and stakeholder engagement.
- Advise on organizational growth.
- Support resource mobilization efforts.
- Monitor implementation of strategic objectives.
Professional Profile
Mr. Mitku Degefe Hakim serves as the Strategic Planning & Partnerships Officer of TESFA Refugees with Disabilities Association. He has over 15 years of professional experience in sign writing, graphic artwork, and visual communication. As a refugee with a disability and a dedicated community representative, he contributes to TESFA’s strategic planning, partnership development, and community engagement. His creativity, practical experience, and commitment to service support the Association in building strong relationships with partners and promoting sustainable initiatives that benefit refugees with disabilities.
Email: strategicplanning@tesfa.com.et
Professional Profile
Mr. Jeswa Mesak Tala serves as the Strategic Planning & Partnerships Officer of TESFA Refugees with Disabilities Association. He is a trained Health Assistant/Nurse with 14 years of professional experience in the healthcare sector. As a refugee with a disability and an experienced community leader, he contributes to TESFA’s strategic planning, partnership development, and organizational growth. He is committed to strengthening collaboration with partners and promoting sustainable initiatives that improve the lives of refugees with disabilities.
Programmes & Community Affairs Officers
Provides oversight of TESFA’s programmes and community engagement, ensuring that services effectively address the needs and priorities of refugees with disabilities.
Main Responsibilities
- Provide oversight of programmes and projects.
- Represent members’ interests.
- Promote community participation.
- Review programme performance.
- Advise on service quality and beneficiary needs.
Professional Profile
Mr. Tsegay Abraha Zewde serves as the Programmes & Community Affairs Officer of TESFA Refugees with Disabilities Association. He has practical experience in business and electrical installation services. As a refugee with a disability and a trusted representative of the members, he is committed to strengthening community participation, promoting inclusive programmes, and ensuring that TESFA’s activities respond to the needs and aspirations of refugees with disabilities. His practical experience and close connection with the community contribute to the Association’s mission of empowerment, inclusion, and sustainable development.
Email: communityaffairs@tesfa.com.et
Professional Profile
Feruz Bahrn Sade serves as the Strategic Planning & Partnerships Officer and a Member of the Board of Directors of TESFA Refugees with Disabilities Association. She has over five years of experience in business and trade, bringing valuable expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and partnership development. In her role, she contributes to the Association’s long-term strategic direction, fosters collaboration with partners, and supports resource mobilization efforts to advance the mission of empowering refugees with disabilities.
Audit & Risk Management Officers
Oversees internal controls, financial accountability, risk management, and compliance to safeguard TESFA’s resources and promote organizational integrity.
Main Responsibilities
- Strengthen internal oversight.
- Monitor risk management.
- Review audit findings.
- Promote accountability and transparency.
- Recommend improvements to internal controls.
Professional Profile
Mr. Simon Bitsuamlak serves as the Audit & Risk Management Officer of TESFA Refugees with Disabilities Association. As a refugee with a disability and an experienced professional, he contributes to strengthening organizational accountability, ethical governance, and public confidence. He supports the Board by promoting transparency, fairness, and responsible oversight of the Association’s activities.
Email: audit@tesfa.com.et
Professional Profile
Mr. Dawit Negasi serves as the Internal Auditor of TESFA Refugees with Disabilities Association. He has professional training in Medical Laboratory Technology from Mekele University and experience in data entry and analysis. His analytical skills, attention to detail, and strong record-management abilities support his work in financial oversight.
As Internal Auditor, he focuses on internal controls, compliance, risk management, transparency, and accountability, helping ensure that TESFA’s resources are managed responsibly and in accordance with organizational policies and applicable regulations.
Professional Profile
Ms. Ariam Berih Kahsay serves as the Audit & Risk Management Officer on the Board of Directors of TESFA Refugees with Disabilities Association. With 2+ years of rigorous academic training in Accounting, she has four years of experience in business and financial management. Her background has equipped her with practical skills in accountability, financial record-keeping, and responsible resource management.
As a refugee with a physical disability who uses an artificial left leg, Ms. Ariam brings valuable lived experience and a strong commitment to promoting transparency, integrity, and accountability within the Association. She contributes to strengthening good governance by supporting ethical decision-making, identifying organizational risks, and encouraging the responsible use of resources. Through her dedication, she helps ensure that TESFA remains accountable to its members, partners, and stakeholders while advancing its mission of empowering refugees with disabilities.
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