Alemakef Tassew is the Urban Development Project Specialist and will support the implementation of the Cities4Forests, Nature Based Solutions and other Urban Development Programs of WRI Africa through project coordination, research, and facilitating stakeholders’ engagement. 

Prior to joining WRI, Alemakef worked as Urban Slum Upgrading Project Manager for Habitat for Humanity International Ethiopia office and was responsible for designing and implementing urban slum upgrading projects and strategy, including urban planning and development, WASH, construction technology and housing support services in the urban slum context.  In this position he was closely working with multiple stakeholders such as city administrations, regional governments, local authorities, and community representatives.  Previously he worked for the Ministry of Urban Development, Housing and Construction in the position of Urban Research and Development Director. In Addition, he also worked for the Central Statistical Agency as Statistician and GIS expert. 

Alemakef holds First degree in Geography  and MA degree in Urban Development and Management form Addis Ababa university and MSC degree in Environmental Science from Ambo University. Along with the degrees, he possesses a professional License in Environmental impact assessment from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change of the FDRE.

In his spare time, Alemakef enjoys in some Agricultural activities and physical exercise. Alemakef  lives in Addis Ababa, with his wife and two of his children, Bitanya and Amen.