Nardos Eshetu, Community Engagement and Livelihood Coordinator

At Brooke Ethiopia, Nardos coordinates community engagement teams across our country programmes. She is responsible for the self-help groups established towards improving livelihoods, and assessing and monitoring owners' behavioural change over time. Nardos is also developing the new 'Community for Animals' global roadmap to bring behavioural change.

Expertise

  • Community development practitioner

  • Community engagement for behavioural change towards desired behaviours

  • Preparing and conducting capacity building trainings

  • Preparing information, education and communication (IEC) materials for communities to bring behavioral change
     

Qualifications

  • Master of Science in Development Studies, specialised in Business Development (Mekele University, Ethiopia)

Participating in community discussions helps me understand the root causes of a specific problem, their capacity, opportunity and motivation, which are crucial in the process of behavioural change.

Most memorable work moment

Being part of a group at the global 'community for animals’ project development, where I prepared guidelines for equine-/animal-owning communities. I was able to ensure that the communities would have a strong say in the process of behavioural change toward improving animal welfare by using the new guidelines.

Nardos having a one-to-one discussion with an equine owner at his home about the welfare of his horse.

Best part of your job

I enjoy having discussions with communities. Knowing their ideas, norms and values towards a specific subject matter gives me a contextual knowledge. As Community Engagement and Livelihood Coordinator, participating in community discussions helps me understand the root causes of a specific problem, their capacity, opportunity and motivation, which are crucial in the process of behavioural change.

How did you get your job?

I am a certified project planner, designer, implementer, evaluator and monitor. I also have ample experience with developmental projects working in private, local and international NGOs. I am a results-driven development expert with a Master's Degree in Development Studies, and have worked for a local NGO called Pro Pride (an HIV-prevention organisation) on behavioural change. I have also worked as a Senior Economic Development Facilitator with World Vision International Ethiopia around Wukro, Tigray, in the country's northern region. My experience and career path ultimately led me to work with Brooke Ethiopia.