With over thirteen years of experience working at Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia in different positions, I am deeply inspired by our organization's vision of lasting health change in Africa. The opportunity to work with a dynamic and supportive team, driven by integrity and a zero-tolerance policy for corruption, has been incredibly rewarding. Before Amref implemented the integrated ERP system, managing procurement manually was a challenge. It was time-consuming and often encroached on personal time. The transition to an automated system significantly streamlined our processes, improving efficiency and tracking. Through collaboration, innovation, and embracing Amref's values of oneness, togetherness, and knowledge-sharing, we fostered a positive and productive work environment. This approach, guided by the Ubuntu philosophy, strengthened our teamwork, enhanced morale, and improved performance.

I lead the implementation of the Missing Billion Project, focusing on improving health care access for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). My role involves program planning, implementation, community engagement, and monitoring & evaluation, ensuring inclusive and sustainable health interventions aligned with Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At Amref, we foster a culture of innovation, empowerment, and community-driven solutions. If you are passionate about public health and sustainable development, this is the place to be.

One of the standout aspects of working at Amref Health Africa is its positive work environment and culture. The organization fosters collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous learning, creating a space where employees feel valued and supported. The leadership actively promotes work-life balance, ensuring that employees remain motivated and productive. This is through the health work out every Tuesdays and Wednesdays, which makes the employees active and fit.

Amref’s culture is one of the most remarkable aspects of the organization. It fosters an environment of collaboration, trust, and mutual respect, where everyone is encouraged to contribute and grow. What I appreciate most about the culture at Amref is its foundation in Ubuntu – “I am because we are.” This principle shines through in how we work as a team, support one another, and remain committed to the well-being of the communities we serve, with respect at the heart of how we interact with colleagues, partners, and beneficiaries alike. Amref’s culture is this shared vision and sense of purpose that motivates me to strive for excellence every day. I am proud to be part of an organization that lives its values and makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Amref Culture is certainly considered, and the periodic review of the Amref Formula is for me an opportunity to give space to a daily working life full of events and dedicate time to reflect on the different aspects that contribute to and compose it, both enablers and disablers. As far as I am concerned directly, I certainly see a constant attention of the organization in trying to maintain a work-life balance, for example through smart working, even if the workload can sometimes be high. In addition, leveraging on the work ethic, the commitment and motivation of each one to contribute to the Organization’s growth and to achieve its goals, the collaboration among colleagues is an aspect that I can undoubtedly confirm is present in Amref Italy.

Working for the largest international health NGO with its headquarters in Africa can be a meaningful experience, and it can feel like being part of a family. It also gives a positive impact, opportunities for personal growth, development of specialized skills for the people of Africa. I personally would use the word collaborative to describe Amref culture because a collaborative company culture emphasizes teamwork and open communication. It encourages employees to work together, share ideas regardless of the position one is holding, and support each other to achieve common goals.

This is my fourth year within Amref and I must say it has been a very rewarding experience. I feel privileged to be working for an organization that is committed to transforming the health of communities by catalyzing and driving people-centered community led primary health care systems while addressing the social determinants of health in efforts to increase the equitable access to quality primary health care. I appreciate Amref’s strong culture of collaboration which is fueled by the Ubuntu spirit as one of our core values. In addition, the Working from Home Policy and the Maternity Policy have been great enablers towards a healthy work life balance. It is an undeniable fact that this positive environment has been encouraging me to be more innovative both professionally and personally.

Having served in various organizations before arriving at Amref in October 2016, I have enjoyed the enabling working environment, supportive supervisory structures, robust finance, HR and ICT departments. As a member of the senior management team, I observe deliberate mainstreaming of key aspects of team dynamics such as departmental collaborations, progressive culture to enhance performance enablers and eliminate disablers. Additionally, Amref has an extremely supportive team of staff at HQ that ensures that country and field office teams have adequate facilitation and confidence to perform at the top level. This is also supported by various relevant policies that staff are supported to appreciate and reference for guidance. The organization has adopted transformational enablers to enhance staff and program performance. I have greatly appreciated this initiative, as a manager leading programming.