KUMILACHEW SIFERAW ANTENEH

 kumilachew.siferaw@gmail.com   (+251) 913296324                                                                                                Peda Street, 79, Bahir Dar | Ethiopia

 linkedin.com/in/kumilachew-s-anteneh-064113149

PROFESSIONAL  SUMMARY

Kumilachew is an Assistant Professor of Social Anthropology at Bahir Dar University with over fourteen years of experience in ethnographic research, teaching, and community engagement. He has led and collaborated on qualitative research projects with institutions such as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), RTI International, the British Council, and the University of Leeds. His work spans the intersections of conflict, peacebuilding, structural inequality, and development. His methodological strengths include sustained ethnographic immersion, qualitative data management and NVivo analysis, and participatory fieldwork. His area of research interests include; conflict, peace, youth, structural inequality, development and livelihood studies. His research is interdisciplinary, connecting anthropology, peace studies, and development practice.

 EDUCATION

Master of Arts in Social Anthropology

Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia

2015

Bachelor of Arts in Social Anthropology

Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia

2011

RESEARCH & PROJECTS

Qualitative Research Consultant      08/2024 – 03/2025

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Holland, Ethiopia

Led qualitative research on social impacts of the R21 malaria vaccine.

Conducted interviews and focus group discussions with South Sudanese refugees. Developed evidence-based recommendations to improve vaccination effectiveness.

Research Associate   04/2024 – 07/2024

University of Leeds (Non-Formal Education (NFE) for Youth-Led Change Project)

Led Ethiopia research for University of Leeds' study on NFE for Youth-led Change Project Managed field data collection; produced reports; and co-authored the final publication

Lead Researcher, Institutional and Community Asset Management Assessment , PRESERVE Project  04/2022 – 11/2022

RTI International

Managed research team; oversaw qualitative data collection, and analysis.

Authored report and presented findings to stakeholders through multiple review rounds.

Lead Researcher, Institutional Capacity Assessment for Adoption of Electronic Systems , PRESERVE Project  04/2023 – 04/2024

RTI International

Led USAID-funded study across three districts in Amhara Region under the PRESERVE Project. Formed and managed research team; developed technical proposal and data collection tools.

Oversaw qualitative data collection, analysis, and report writing.

Researcher, Indigenous Peacebuilding Approaches, Enabling University Peace Education Project  05/2023 – 05/2024

The British Council

Conducted study on Shimglina peacebuilding practices.

Managed qualitative data collection, transcription, analysis, and report writing.

Project Member, Restorationand Conservation of Ge'ezManuscripts    01/2024 – 01/2025

The British Council

Supported baseline study, developed training manuals, and delivered practical training to stakeholders. Assisted in organizing a major academic conference and achieved key project milestones.

Co-Researcher, Dynamics of Blood Feud  09/2016 – 09/2018

Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia

Supported proposal development and qualitative data collection. Managed translation, transcription, analysis, and report writing. Contributed to three peer-reviewed publications

Co-Researcher, Social Tragedyof Urban Life  07/2022 – 07/2024

Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia

Conducted qualitative fieldwork, transcription, and reporting

Co-Researcher, Gender-Based Violence &Girls' Education    09/2017 – 09/2018

Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia

Participated in qualitative data collection, transcription, and report writing.

Co-Researcher, Natural & Cultural Heritage Documentation 10/2019 – 10/2021

Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia

Conducted qualitative data collection, transcription, and report writing as part of the research team.

Co-Researcher, Elections & Electoral Politics   07/2022 – 08/2024

Bahir Dar University | Ethiopia

Conducted qualitative data collection, and co-authored the final report

PUBLICATIONS

Hodgkinson K. Kumilachew, S.A. et al. (2024). Non-formal Education for Youth-Led Change. Project report. British Council & University of Leedshttps://essl.leeds.ac.uk/download/downloads/id/1007/non-formal-education-for-youth-led-change-final-project-report.pdf 

Kumilachew S, Gubaye A, Mohammed S & Abebe D. (2021). The Causes of Blood Feud in Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. African Studies, Routledge

Gubaye A, Kumilachew S. Mohammed S. & Abebe D. Impacts of BloodFeud in Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia. African Identities, Routledge

Gubaye A, Kumilachew S, Mohammed S & Abebe D. Shimglina as ADR and the Formal Criminal Justice System. ACCORD Journal, 21(1):141-159

Gubaye A & Kumilachew S. Developmental Paradox in Ethiopia: Large Scale Agriculture and Its Impact. Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa, 21(3)

Kumilachew S & Gubaye A. (2019). The Political Economy of the Working Democratic Developmental State of Ethiopia. Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa, 21(3).

Academic appointments 

Assistant Professor of Social Anthropology  03/2016 –Present 

Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia

Lecturer of SocialAnthropology  09/2011 – 02/2016

Mekelle University, Ethiopia

  LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCES

Internal Research Projects Coordinator  Oct 2019 – Mar 2024

Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia

Managed university-funded research projects from inception to completion oversaw administration and allocation of research funds

Head of The Department of Social Anthropology  Nov 2017 – Oct 2019

Bahir Dar University | Ethiopia

Managed departmental operations, faculty, and curriculum planning

Course Chair, Department of Social Anthropology Apr 2016 – Nov 2017

Bahir Dar University

Coordinated preparation and implementation of course materials and assessments. Organized guest lectures, field experiences, and related learning activities.

UNIVERSITY & INSTITUTIONAL SERVICE

Member & Secretary, Research Council, Bahir Dar University

09/2021 – Present

Member, Research Council, Faculty of Social Sciences, Bahir Dar University

2020 – 2024

Member & Secretary, Ethnomedicine Research Centre Establishing Committee

04/2022 – 03/2023

Member, Department Graduate Council

12/2019 – 11/2022

Chairperson, committees for preparing:

Bahir Dar University External Projects Management Guideline (2021) Research Budget Allocation Guideline (2021)

Overhead Cost Guideline (2021)

Member, Curriculum Development Committee for MA in Sociology (2019) and PhD in Social Anthropology (2020)

Gold Medalist, Outstanding Student of the Graduate Class of 2011

Bahir Dar University

Excellent Academic Achievement Award, Outstanding student among Faculty of Social Sciences 2nd Year students in the year 2010