Debebe Barud
Dr. Debebe Barud holds a Ph.D. in Federal Studies and Governance from Addis Ababa University, a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Regional and Local Development Studies from the same institution, and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics from Asmara University, completed in July 1990.
With over thirty years of experience, Dr. Barud has held several high-profile roles in both governmental and international spheres. He served as a Member of the Federal Parliament, where he held leadership positions such as Deputy Chairperson of both the Budget and Finance Affairs Standing Committee and the Trade and Industry Affairs Standing Committee. His extensive experience also includes serving as Secretary General of the House of Federation and as a Senior Social Protection Advisor to the Minister of the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs. Additionally, he coordinated the Urban Productive Safety Net Project, a pioneering initiative in Africa's social protection sector.
Dr. Barud’s career also spans academia, where he worked as a University Lecturer, and he has held expert roles in various governmental organizations. He has led and coordinated projects funded by major international organizations, including the World Bank, UNDP, CIDA, DIF, and GIZ. One of his key accomplishments is spearheading the World Bank-funded Urban Productive Safety Net Program, considered a flagship social protection initiative in Ethiopia. During the first phase, the program reached over 604,000 beneficiaries across 11 cities, managing a budget of $450 million USD. In its second phase, the program expanded to 72 cities, benefiting more than 800,000 urban poor with a budget of $550 million USD.Currently, Dr. Barud serves as a Senior Social Protection Advisor to the Minister of the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs of Ethiopia.