Hirko Wakgari

Senior Consultant | M&E Specialist | Researcher & Trainer
Addis Ababa, ET.

About

Highly accomplished Senior Consultant, Researcher, and Trainer with over 12 years of expertise in project management, M&E, data analysis, and institutional reform. Proven leader in designing and executing complex research projects, policy analysis, and capacity-building programs for international organizations like UNDP and USAID, public institutions, and universities. Drives impactful organizational development and reform initiatives, leveraging advanced analytical skills and a strong track record of delivering measurable results in diverse, multi-stakeholder environments.

Work

Self-Employed
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Freelance Consultant, Researcher & Trainer

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Ethiopia

Summary

Independently provided expert consultancy in M&E, institutional reform, and research methodology, alongside specialized training, to diverse clients across NGO, private, and academic sectors.

Highlights

Spearheaded comprehensive M&E, institutional reform, and research methodology consulting engagements, advising a diverse portfolio of clients including NGOs, private sector firms, and academic institutions.

Developed and delivered specialized training programs focused on data analysis, project planning, and continuous improvement, significantly enhancing the capacity of numerous professionals and organizations.

Managed multiple concurrent projects, consistently delivering high-quality research and strategic recommendations that informed critical decision-making for clients.

Oromia State University
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Consultant Researcher and Trainer

Oromia, Ethiopia, Ethiopia

Summary

Directed impactful research projects and designed comprehensive training programs, fostering capacity in policy analysis and research methodology for university staff and external stakeholders.

Highlights

Directed high-impact research initiatives on critical areas like public sector administration and youth unemployment, resulting in multiple peer-reviewed publications that influenced policy discourse.

Conceptualized and conducted comprehensive training programs for university staff and external stakeholders, significantly boosting institutional capacity in research methodology and policy analysis.

Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to translate complex research findings into actionable policy recommendations, contributing to regional development strategies.

Mulʼata Hayu Educational Institute
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Board Chairperson

Burayu, Ethiopia, Ethiopia

Summary

Provided strategic oversight and governance for a rapidly growing educational start-up, guiding key decisions in growth and operational management.

Highlights

Exercised strategic oversight and governance for a rapidly expanding educational start-up, ensuring sustainable growth and alignment with its mission.

Facilitated critical decision-making processes, steering the institute's growth trajectory and optimizing operational management for enhanced efficiency.

Implemented robust governance frameworks, contributing to the institute's stability and successful navigation of its rapid expansion phase.

UNDP-Ethiopia Assignment (Public Sector Capacity Building)
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United Nations Volunteer (UNV) - Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Team Coordinator

Oromia, Ethiopia, Ethiopia

Summary

Coordinated the PME function for significant public sector capacity building programs across the Oromia region, ensuring compliance with UNDP standards and tracking program impact.

Highlights

Coordinated the entire Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (PME) function for critical public sector capacity building programs across the Oromia region, impacting multiple initiatives.

Ensured stringent project compliance with UNDP reporting standards and meticulously tracked Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), accurately measuring and reporting program impact.

Developed and implemented PME tools and methodologies, enhancing the effectiveness and accountability of public sector development programs.

British International School
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Instructor

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Ethiopia

Summary

Educated students at the British International School, effectively utilizing international curriculum standards to foster academic excellence.

Highlights

Delivered engaging instruction to students, effectively utilizing international curriculum standards to foster academic excellence and critical thinking skills.

Designed and implemented lesson plans that aligned with curriculum objectives, ensuring comprehensive coverage of subject matter.

Provided constructive feedback and support to students, contributing to their academic progress and overall development.

Project funded by USAID
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Conflict Researcher

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Ethiopia

Summary

Conducted extensive field research and qualitative data analysis for a USAID-funded conflict study project, contributing critical insights for policy development.

Highlights

Executed extensive field research and advanced qualitative data analysis for a high-profile USAID-funded conflict study, providing crucial insights for policy recommendations.

Synthesized complex data from diverse sources to identify key conflict drivers and dynamics, informing strategic interventions.

Authored detailed research reports and presentations, effectively communicating findings to project stakeholders and contributing to evidence-based decision-making.

Ambo University
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Graduate Assistant

Ambo, Ethiopia, Ethiopia

Summary

Supported faculty with research, teaching, and administrative duties at Ambo University, contributing to departmental efficiency and academic success.

Highlights

Provided comprehensive support to faculty in research, teaching, and administrative functions, contributing to academic departmental efficiency.

Assisted in the preparation of course materials and managed logistical aspects for lectures and seminars, ensuring smooth academic operations.

Conducted literature reviews and data collection for ongoing research projects, directly supporting faculty publications and grant applications.

Education

Addis Ababa University
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Ethiopia

Master's (M.A.)

Development Studies

Grade: Thesis Grading: Excellent

Dilla College of Education and Health Sciences
Dilla, Ethiopia, Ethiopia

Bachelor's degree

Mathematics (Minor in Physics)

Grade: Graduated with Distinction

Publications

Institutional Change and Reform in Oromia's Public Sector chapter in Public Administration in Ethiopia

Published by

Leuven University Press

Youth Unemployment in Ethiopia: Demographic & Policy Perspectives - OSA Proceedings

Published by

OSA Proceedings

Languages

English
Amharic
Oromo

Certificates

Kaizen Consultancy

Issued By

Ethiopian Kaizen Institute

Project Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation

Issued By

Ethiopian Management Institute

Advanced Research Methodology

Issued By

USAID and Mercy Corps Ethiopia

Skills

Research & Data Analysis

Quantitative Analysis, Qualitative Analysis, Scientific Writing, SPSS, STATA, Data Visualization, AI Models, Field Research, Policy Analysis, Research Methodology.

Project Management & M&E

M&E Frameworks, Project Planning, Impact Assessment, Data Collection, Reporting, Kaizen (Continuous Improvement), Institutional Reform, Public Sector Capacity Building, Program Coordination, KPI Tracking, Compliance Management.

Training & Capacity Building

Curriculum Development, Training Delivery, Adult Learning, Workshop Facilitation, Skill Development, Educational Program Design.

Strategic Leadership & Governance

Strategic Planning, Organizational Development, Institutional Reform, Stakeholder Engagement, Decision-Making, Board Governance, Operational Management.

Technical & Academic Writing

Peer-Reviewed Publications, Technical Documentation, Policy Briefs, Report Writing, Academic Writing, Editing.