Country Offices

Berhanu Ambaw works with CDF Ethiopia Office as Country Manager, leading the implementation of a flagship program – 4R Nutrient Stewardship Project. With over 12 years of experience in a director position in INGOs. Mr. Ambaw has successfully led organizations from establishing in Ethiopia to growing new business opportunities, strategic leadership, and building high-performing partnerships and teams that contribute to impactful program results.

Mr. Ambaw has designed and managed development projects on food security, agriculture, microfinance, climate change adaptation, child protection, shelter, WASH, emergency response, and other thematic areas. He holds BSc and MA in Agriculture and Economics.

Lensa Takele is Administrative Assistance at CDF Canada Ethiopia Office since 2021. She Supports all finance and Administration activities and also manages all procurement processes. Before joining CDF Canada, Ms. Takele worked in the Ethiopian Red Cross society.

Endalkachew Mulatu is a driver at CDFCanada, Ethiopia office. He joined the team in 2019. Mr. Mulatu worked as operation assistant and driver for south Sudan refugee return under IOM, Gambella and as logistic assistance and driver at Zoa Pugnido refugee camp, Ethiopia.

Prior to CDF Ethiopia, he worked in different international organizations as a driver and logistics assistance and has more than 15 years of work experience.

Mekaele Assefa Woldasemayat serves as the Country Program Officer for CDF Canada, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. With a diverse background in business and project management, strategic communication, and financial oversight, Mekaele brings a wealth of experience to the team. He is known for his expertise in civil society engagement, partnership cultivation, and high-stakes negotiations.

Mekaele holds an MA in Marketing Communication and New Media from Bologna University and a BA in Cooperative Business Management from Haramaya University.

Mekaele is passionate about leveraging technology for meaningful impact, particularly in digital communication and marketing. His commitment to women’s economic empowerment and gender equality is evident through his work on sustainable capacity-building activities, focusing on the rights of women and girls. He also supports the development and implementation of policies and procedures, including the Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Policy.

In addition to his role at CDF Canada, Mekaele has held leadership positions in various organizations like the General Manager of Medaf Delivery. He has also served as a Senior Program Advisor for STiR Education, driving policy advocacy and project expansion through innovation and collaboration. He also serves as a civil servant as COOP and SME Expert in Government office.

Christiana Yakubu, the Ghana Country Manager for CDF Canada, joined in June 2019 with over 22 years of work experience in community development. Ms. Yakubu coordinates the CDF Ghana team and manages the partnership relationships of the 4R-NSP to deliver on the project outcomes. She also contributes to business development for new projects.

Before joining CDF Canada, she has worked with other international and local development agencies on food security-related initiatives. Some of these organizations were Care International, Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), Winrock International, and Techno.

Isaac Opare Nyamekye is the Monitoring and Evaluation Lead at CDF Ghana Country office. He provides monitoring and evaluation support to the projects team in Ghana and Outside Ghana. He also supports in finetuning project reports and work plans for the donor. He joined CDF Canada in July 2019. and he has been working with project partners to ensure project implementation processes conform to the donor requirements.

Before joining CDF Canada, Isaac Nyamekye worked with International NGOs to implement projects around waste recycling to generate electricity, food security, and rural development.

Esther Mintah is a Gender Officer at CDF Ghana country office.  She supports the design of gender and its related activities and implementation of CDF’s Ghana Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Strategy. Joined in 2020, Ms. Mintah has been working across all the 4R project districts focusing on promoting women empowerment and leadership in decision-making processes at all levels; ensuring equitable access to and control over the resources and benefits of co-operative development; providing gender-responsive capacity building for partners and co-operative networks and ensures the establishment of Gender Model Families (GMF), peer-to-peer initiatives.

Prior to joining CDF, Ms. Mintah has worked with national and international development organizations in mainstreaming gender, coordinating the design and management of projects in the areas of agriculture, women empowerment, and children wellbeing.

Joseph Darko is a Country Program Officer at CDF Canada’s office in Ghana. He supports mainly fields operation, guiding and supporting country-level partners to develop and improve their capacity to support international development volunteers. In addition, Mr. Darko provides technical assistance to many international development programs in Ghana. He also supports the design and implementation of programs to support the capacity development of coops, building their resilience to withstand socio-cultural and economic shocks.

Prior to joining CDF Canada, Mr. Darko has worked in international development in managing projects in education, agriculture, and health in collaboration with international development volunteers

Rose Msosa is the Regional Coordinator for the VOICE project at CDF Canada. She supports coordination and implementation of the Volunteer Cooperation Program under the VOICE Project that focuses on the economic empowerment of women and youth in rural communities in Kenya, Malawi, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Senegal. She also supports CDF Canada business development through building and maintaining partnerships and finding opportunities within Malawi. Joined in May 2021, Ms. Msosa has been working with CDF Canada on other project partnerships championed by CDF in Malawi.

Prior to joining CDF Canada, Ms. Msosa worked for the Malawi Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives, MUSCCO, in advocacy, promotion, and building capacity of producer, marketing, and financial cooperatives.

Gerald Maulidi is working as a Country Manager for CDF Canada – IAAM project in Malawi. Gerald has over 20 years of field experience in programming, leadership and management of grass-root transformational development focusing on sustainable livelihoods, primary health and community development. Gerald has managed projects on various portfolios including Nutrition, Health, Education, Food security, Maternal & Child Health; Emergency and Relief. He has skills in networking and capacity building for NGO partners, community-based organizations and government departments.   

Before joining CDF Canada, Gerald worked with several local and international organizations such World Vision International, Save the Children International, Concern Worldwide, National AIDS Commission and International Planned Parenthood Federation through Family Planning Association of Malawi. 

John Hatman Magombo is the Value Chain Development Specialist at CDF Canada, Malawi office under the IAAM project. With over a decade of experience in strengthening agricultural value chains and promoting sustainable agribusiness development, he has played a key role in designing and implementing innovative strategies to improve the resilience and sustainability of agricultural enterprises in Malawi.

John has worked in several local and international organizations including Malawi Enterprise Zone Associations (MALEZA), National Smallholder Farmers Association (NASFAM), Land O’ Lakes Venture37, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), and Norwegian Church Aid. He holds a MA in Economics and a BSc in Agricultural Economics.

Theodore Mulula is a highly motivated Statistician academically, and professionally, a Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at CDF Malawi Country office under the IAAM project. She joined the CDF team on 12 August 2024. She brings in support in implementing effective strategies to monitor and evaluate performance of the IAAM project. Identifying areas of improvement and providing feedback to the team on how best the project can perform. Ms Mulula holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Statistics from the University of Malawi, Chancellor College and a Master of Science degree in Epidemiology and Health Statistics from Zhengzhou University, China under the Chinese Government Scholarship.

Before joining CDF Canada, Theodore Mulula has worked with other local and International NGOs on health and food security-related initiatives. Some of these organizations were World Food Programme (WFP), Baobab Health Trust, Marie Stopes International and COMSIP Co-operative Union Limited.

Ajasi Hussein is a Gender Officer at CDF Canada responsible for implementing IAAM Gender Equality Strategy (GES) especially by supporting implementation of gender transformative approaches. Ajasi holds BSc Degree in Agricultural Economics from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR). Before joining CDF Canada, Ajasi has worked with other local and international organizations. He worked with Islamic Relief Worldwide, an International Faith Based Humanitarian Organization as a Protection, Inclusion and Safeguarding Coordinator to ensure that most vulnerable groups especially women, girls and people living with disability benefit from the programs.

He worked with the Forum for African Women Educationalist in Malawi (FAWEMA) as a Project Manager for the Girls’ Empowerment through Education and Health (ASPIRE). He also worked as a Program Manager for Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Program (GEWE) with Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO).

Jimmy Moyo is a Forest Extension Officer for the CDF Canada’s IAAM project in Malawi, responsible for providing expertise in forestry management, community engagement, reforestation, and biodiversity conservation, conducting monitoring and evaluation, capacity building and project implementation and partnership development. Jimmy has also worked with One Acre Fund as District Agroforestry Coordinator where he was overseeing the planning, implementation, and monitoring of Agroforestry initiatives at district level, working closely with local communities, farmers and stakeholders to promote sustainable land use practices and ecosystem conservations for improved livelihoods.

He has also worked with the Malawi Government under the Forestry Department as a Forest Officer and volunteers for the Wildlife Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM). He holds a BSc in Forestry from Mzuzu University and is currently studying an MSc in Forestry and Environmental Management at the same university.

Phoebe Ndalama is the Administrative Assistance at CDF Canada’s IAAM Malawi office since August 2024. She supports all administration activities and facilitates project procurement processes.  Phoebe brings on board more than 15 years of experience in business administration. Before joining CDF Canada, Phoebe worked with Abt Associates (SHOPS Project) as Administrative Assistant. She also worked as a Business Development Executive with Royal Group. She holds a BSc in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship.

Batson Mazungwi is a Forest Extension Specialist for the IAAM project in Malawi. Batson holds a Master of Science degree in Agroforestry. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry and a Certificate in Tropical Forest and Soil Resources. At CDF Canada, Batson leads a team of Forest Extension Officers in the IAAM project by providing technical direction in the promotion of best practices in forest conservation and reforestation activities.

Batson is an experienced natural resources and environmental management specialist who has spent years working in Malawi. Batson has specifically worked as a lecturer in Sustainable Forest Management, Agroforestry and Community Based Natural Resources Management with Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR). Batson also worked as a Project Coordinator in the Trees for Better Nutrition and Health (T4BNH) Project at LUANAR.

Amos Chikoti is a Finance Officer at CDF Canada Malawi Office supporting the IAAM Project since August 2024. He has over 13 years’ experience in working with NGOs and ensures that the organizations he works with have vibrant finance operations. Before joining CDF Canada, he was working with Christian Health Association of Malawi (CHAM), a local NGO which oversees the operations of over 190 faith-based health facilities and training institutions.

Hannah Natasja Chidaya is the Gender Specialist for the CDF-IAAM Project. She has over 10 years of experience implementing gender, governance, and community development activities within local and international NGO projects. Since joining CDF-Canada she has been instrumental in promoting gender mainstreaming throughout the project design. She ensures that all project components and action areas incorporate gender perspectives. In collaboration with project partners, she advocates for women’s participation and empowerment in aquaculture and agriculture value chains, working to guarantee equal access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making processes.

Her previous experience includes roles at ActionAid Malawi and MUSCCO, where she focused on gender-responsive public service delivery, social accountability monitoring, workplace safeguarding and gender mainstreaming. She also served in the Board of Directors for the Forum of African Women Educationalist of Malawi (FAWEMA). She holds a BA in Humanities.

With over a decade of experience in fisheries and aquaculture, Tiwonge is a highly skilled expert specializing in fish nutrition, feed formulation, genetics, fish health, sustainable aquaculture technologies, extension services, and policy management. She currently serves as an Integrated Aquaculture-Agriculture Specialist for CDF Canada, under the IAAM Project where she supports smallholder farmers in adopting sustainable aquaculture practices.

She has held key leadership positions working with the Department of Fisheries helping transform research stations into technology demonstration centers and learning hubs for small-scale fish farmers and university students. She has contributed to policy development, co-authoring Malawi’s Fish Feed Guidelines, Hatchery Biosecurity Manual, Cage Culture Guidelines, and the Aquaculture Best Management Practices Extension Manual.  She has served as a Master Trainer of Trainers for FAO, GIZ, and World Fish, and worked as an adjunct lecturer at Mzuzu University.  She holds a Master of Science in Aquaculture Sciences and Technology from James Cook University, Australia.

Judith Sukani is an Agronomy Specialist at CDF Canada’s Malawi office, where she has contributed to the Integrated Aquaculture and Agriculture Management (IAAM) project since 2024. Her work focuses on designing integrated systems to enhance aquaculture and agricultural production for smallholder farmers, aiming to address food insecurity. With over five years of experience, Judith is a skilled agronomist and trainer in fields such as food security, crop and soil science, crop protection, community development, WASH, disaster risk reduction, nutrition, agroforestry, and project management.

Before joining CDF, she worked with international organizations in roles such as Farmer Business School Trainer and Project Officer in food security and WASH. Judith has also trained farmers across Malawi in both agriculture and aquaculture. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy from the University of Malawi and a professional certificate in Farmer Business School through the Agribusiness Facility for Africa.

Chikondi Eugenio Chapola is a Co-operative Development Specialist at CDF Canada, IAAM project. Since joining CDF Canada in August 2021, he has collaborated with MAFECO and MUSCCO to strengthen the capacities of both financial and non-financial co-operatives. His work focuses on connecting small-scale farmers, MSMEs, co-operatives, and fish farmers to essential financial services.

With a strong background in climate change, agriculture, and co-operative development gained from previous roles with local and international NGOs, Chikondi possesses expertise in co-operative development, project management, and Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL).

Luke Makuluni is working as Forest Extension Officer for CDF Canada under the IAAM Project, contributing to innovative and sustainable solutions in restoring forest cover on degraded customary land. His passion lies in fostering environmental sustainability, community development, and innovative natural resources management. Luke is a dedicated forestry professional with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from Mzuzu University, currently pursuing an MSc in Forestry at the same university.

Professionally, Luke served as the Farm Inputs and Subsidy Program District Monitor with Farmers Union of Malawi, Forestry Coordinator for Kawandama Hills Plantation, and the Project Field Officer for the Market Transitions to Enable New Growth Opportunities under Total Land Care (Malawi) and Winrock International.

Gerald Chingeni is a Driver at CDF Canada Malawi office under the IAAM project. With many years of driving experience, Gerald has worked in local and international organizations including Management Sciences on Health (MSH), Mai Khanda Trust, Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (VOICE Project).

Temwa Chuzu Chaula is a Project Driver for IAAM Project at CDF Canada Malawi. He is a professional Driver Mechanic with competent defensive driving skills, acquired over eight years of working experience in Non-Governmental Organizations. Reputable organizations he has worked with include World Vision International and MOTA-ENGIL.

During his career, Temwa has developed and acquired significant competency as a professional driver and mechanic, earning certificates of achievement such as Best Driver of the Year and a Safe Drive Certificate in ABS-4 Wheel Drive Vehicle Control Technical Skills. He has a proven track record of safe and efficient operation of a wide range of vehicles. He possesses a valid driver’s license (C1-PG) and holds a City & Guilds IVQ Diploma in Mechanical Engineering and Auto Mechanics Grade 1 certificates from the National Trade Test Services.

Faith Tsoka is a Communications Officer under the IAAM Project for CDF Canada, Lilongwe office. With extensive communication experience in the development sector, including roles with Plan International and United Nations, she excels in crafting narratives that amplify voices, promote social change, and enhance organizational visibility.

Her expertise includes content creation, branding, social media management, stakeholder engagement, and digital media strategy. She has successfully led advocacy campaigns, produced compelling multimedia content, and collaborated with diverse teams to drive meaningful impact. Faith uses communications as a tool to bridge gaps, inspire action, and foster inclusive, equitable communities.

Holding a Bachelor of Social Science degree from the University of Malawi, Chancellor College, and a Diploma in Photography, she combines analytical insight with creative storytelling to bring development initiatives to life.

Joana Kapenda is the Finance Assistant for the IAAM Project at CDF Canada, Lilongwe Office. Having joined in March 2025, she brings in her strong analytical skills and attention to detail supporting smooth financial operations while ensuring compliance.

Her proficiency in financial reporting and analysis enables her to provide insightful recommendations that enhance operational efficiency. Joana has worked with reputable organizations such as UN Women Malawi, JC Decaux Outdoor Advertising Limited and EX-Miners Association in Malawi (EMAM).

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Accounting, Auditing and Information Systems (BAA-AIS) from the Malawi College of Accountancy; her diverse experience, adaptability and commitment to accuracy equips her to effectively support the financial operations of the CDF Canada IAAM Project contributing to the project’s mission.

Mwai Amos Mangochi is a safety- conscious driver and mechanic with over eight years of experience in transportation. He has worked with various INGOs including Fresh Water Project, World Relief Malawi and Project Hope Namibia Malawi.

He possesses a valid driver’s license C1-PG and holds Motor Vehicle Mechanics Grade 3 and 2 as well as Citta D Guild’s Certificates both in Chassis and Engine’s Systems. He is a Project Driver for the IAAM Project at CDF Canada Malawi.

Felicia Monjeza is an award-winning gender and human rights advocate working as a Gender Officer for CDF Canada under the IAAM project.

With over five years’ experience in gender, governance, and development, Felicia has previously held key roles with the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops through the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) and the Catholic Women Association (CWA). She has led initiatives in gender mainstreaming, policy development, and capacity building for gender-transformative programming.

Felicia also serves as the Feminist Governance Advisor for Bwalo Lathu Collective, where she champions inclusive leadership and intersectional feminism. She holds a Bachelor of Theology and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Gender and Development Studies.

Stanley Thyoka-Phiri is a Project Driver for the IAAM Project at CDF Canada Malawi. He has over 12 years experience working in international organizations mostly in Humanitarian work under different projects. He has worked for Plan International, World Vision International, Concern Worldwide, and USAID STEP Activity.

Maksym Filiak is the Ukraine Country Manager for the SEW Ukraine project (“Supporting Economic Prosperity for Women and Internally Displaced Persons in Ukraine”). He supports the implementation of the project that aims to enhance the employment and entrepreneurship of women who have been internally displaced by conflict and other traumatic events in Ukraine. In addition, the project facilitates the development of trade and business skills and market opportunities in the apparel manufacturing and garment industry. Dr. Filiak is also involved in designing related CDF Canada projects in Ukraine in climate change, agricultural and credit union cooperative development, and social infrastructure for vulnerable groups.

Before CDF Canada, Dr. Filiak held a management position based in Kramatorsk, where UN Women managed a project focused on governance, security, and women’s rights in the conflict-affected areas of Ukraine. Dr. Filiak has vast experience with development projects, including three years of prevention of irregular migration, five years of post-conflict program management, and over seven years of community and cooperative development project management.  Dr. Filiak speaks English, Russian, Ukrainian, German, and Polish.  He is a postdoctoral Fellow (Economics) with academic interests in program approach to the evolution of settlements and has a Ph.D. in National Economics (Ivan Franko National University, Ukraine).

Olha Luchka is a cooperative and economic development specialist at CDF Canada. She facilitates the process of cooperatives formation, capacity building, and training to support each project cooperative in its institutional, operational, and economic development.

She also supports the implementation of the organization’s communication strategy in Ukraine and advocacy activities within the project’s coop development through CDF Canada’s ongoing project in Ukraine.

Before joining CDF Canada, Ms. Luchka worked in international development and business consulting to manage projects and communication activities in cooperatives development, media relations, good governance, and agriculture.

Yuliia Hrytsaienko is a Finance and Administrative Officer at CDF Canada in the Ukraine field office. She maintains efficient financial and administrative systems and oversees control mechanisms to support smooth project operations in Ukraine. She also ensures compliance with financial and administrative rules and procedures and provides strategic support to local project partners on financial and administrative matters.

Prior to joining CDF Canada, Ms. Hrytsaienko worked in the EU-funded project of international technical assistance to the countries of the Eastern Partnership in the water sector and was involved in IDP support activities.