Research, Innovation, Standards and Operations (RISO)

Abel Tesfai joined the GICHD on 1 June 2026 as an Advisor within the Standards & Operations Programme. In this role, he focuses on enhancing the operational efficiency and effectiveness of mine action operations while contributing to the development of international and national mine action standards (NMAS) and Systems.

Abel previously worked with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Ethiopia as Chief Mine Action Programme (CMAP). Prior to that, he served as a Mine Action Advisor with the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU). His extensive field experience also includes roles with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), The HALO Trust, and Mines Advisory Group (MAG) in various countries across Asia and Africa.

Abel’s academic background includes a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Anglia Ruskin University and an Advanced Diploma in Management from Birkbeck, University of London. He also holds professional certifications in PRINCE2 and IMAS Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD3).

• Organisation Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)
• Division Research, Innovation, Standards and Operations (RISO)
• Unit Standards and Operations
• Working Languages English, Tigrigna, Amharic, and Portuguese