Bruk Asfaw Kassa
Basel
Summary
Independent, flexible, and reliable professional with a master's degree in social Anthropology and extensive experience in migration, refugee support, and humanitarian aid. Known for strong commitment, initiative, and resilience under pressure, with expertise in managing complex social relationships and coordinating people. Skilled in case management, crisis intervention, intercultural communication, and policy advocacy, with a proven ability to supervise, coordinate, and support immigrants and refugees from diverse backgrounds. Experience extends to working with the elderly, children, youth, and even tourists, ensuring their well-being and integration into new environments. Demonstrated leadership in collaborating with NGOs, government institutions, and social-based organizations, advocating for social justice, migrant rights, and community engagement. Passionate about developing new skills and seeking opportunities that align with expertise in social work, migration services, and international development.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Steward & Youth Engagement Coordinator
World Council of Churches
Geneva
07.2014 - 12.2024
- Coordinated logistics, documentation, and event planning for international conferences
- Led discussions on youth engagement in migration and social justice issues
Migration Churches Network Member
Basel Land & Basel Stadt
11.2011 - 12.2024
- Organized community integration programs and networking events
Religious Community Coordinator & Counselor
Ethiopian and Tigrayan Christian Communities
01.2010 - 12.2024
- Offered counseling to migrants dealing with social, emotional, and spiritual challenges
- Led evangelization, liturgical services and theological education
Supervision of Unaccompanied Minor Asylum Seekers
Erlenhof Zentrum
Liestal
03.2023 - 06.2024
- Provided psychosocial support to minors, ensuring their well-being and integration
- Assisted with educational access, daily activities, and legal case follow-ups
- Mediated conflicts and supported emotional resilience in a trauma-informed environment
Refugee Support Supervisor
Swiss Federal Asylum Center, ORS Service AG
Basel/Brugg
09.2020 - 12.2022
- Managed casework for refugees, assisting with asylum procedures and legal support
- Provided conflict resolution and mediation services to ensure a stable living environment
- Assisted in resettlement planning and cultural adaptation programs
Intercultural Library Volunteer
JUKIBU Basel
Basel
01.2014 - 12.2022
- Cataloged books in Tigrinya and Amharic, supporting multicultural education
Museum Supervisor
ISS Service AG - Foundation Beyeler Museum
Basel
01.2019 - 06.2019
- Supervised national and international visitors during the Pablo Picasso exhibition
- Ensured compliance with safety measures and museum policies
Nursing Assistant
Casa Vita Kannenfeld
Basel
06.2011 - 09.2011
- Provided basic medical care and emotional support to elderly patients
Librarian & Tourist Guide
Historical Museum
Addis Ababa
07.2008 - 09.2009
- Led guided tours, explaining historical and cultural contexts to international visitors
Youth & Finance Coordinator
Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Shire Diocese
07.2002 - 08.2005
Guest Lecturer - Migration & Ethiopian Community
University of Basel
Basel
05.2017
- Delivered an expert talk on Ethiopian migrants' experiences in Switzerland
- Engaged in policy discussions with students and faculty members
Education
Certificate in Peace & Human Rights -
Swiss Peace and University of Basel
Switzerland01.2024
Master of Arts - Social Anthropology & Gender Studies
University of Bern
Switzerland01.2021
Economics and Politics of European Integration -
University of Bern
Switzerland01.2018
Human Resource Management - Financial Accounting and Software Engineering level 1
University of Applied Science FHNW
Basel, Switzerland01.2017
Certificate in Business Administration -
Basel School of Business
Basel, Switzerland01.2016
Certificate in Leadership formation sessions -
World Council of Churches
Geneva, Switzerland01.2014
Bachelor & Diploma - Theology
Holy Trinity Theological College
Addis Ababa, EthiopiaMatriculation -
Shire Senior Secondary School
Tigray, EthiopiaSkills
- Social Work & Refugee Support
- Case Management & Crisis Intervention
- Cultural Sensitivity & Trauma Awareness
- Advocacy & Community Engagement
- Humanitarian Aid & Migration Services
- Policy Understanding
- Emergency & Crisis Response
- Coordination & Project Management
- Event & Program Coordination
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Research & Academic Expertise
- Anthropological & Social Research
- Public Speaking & Training
- Language & Communication
- Multilingual Communication
- Counseling & Mentoring
Personal Information
Nationality: Swiss
Expanded Skills And Competencies
Case Management & Crisis Intervention: Assisted asylum seekers with legal cases, trauma support, and conflict resolution., Cultural Sensitivity & Trauma Awareness: Experienced in working with vulnerable populations, ensuring psychosocial well-being., Advocacy & Community Engagement: Promoted migrant rights through public speaking, research, and social programs., Policy Understanding: Knowledge of Swiss and international migration laws and asylum procedures., Emergency & Crisis Response: Managed refugee services in fast-paced, high-pressure environments., Event & Program Coordination: Organized educational and integration programs for refugee communities., Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Worked with NGOs, churches, and government institutions on social service initiatives., Anthropological & Social Research: Conducted ethnographic studies on migration, religion, and cultural transformation., Public Speaking & Training: Led seminars at universities and international conferences., Multilingual Communication: Fluent in Tigrigna, Amharic, English (C1), and German (C1)., Counseling & Mentoring: Provided one-on-one support to asylum seekers and refugees.
Timeline
Supervision of Unaccompanied Minor Asylum Seekers
Erlenhof Zentrum
03.2023 - 06.2024
Refugee Support Supervisor
Swiss Federal Asylum Center, ORS Service AG
09.2020 - 12.2022
Museum Supervisor
ISS Service AG - Foundation Beyeler Museum
01.2019 - 06.2019
Guest Lecturer - Migration & Ethiopian Community
University of Basel
05.2017
Steward & Youth Engagement Coordinator
World Council of Churches
07.2014 - 12.2024
Intercultural Library Volunteer
JUKIBU Basel
01.2014 - 12.2022
Migration Churches Network Member
Basel Land & Basel Stadt
11.2011 - 12.2024
Nursing Assistant
Casa Vita Kannenfeld
06.2011 - 09.2011
Religious Community Coordinator & Counselor
Ethiopian and Tigrayan Christian Communities
01.2010 - 12.2024
Librarian & Tourist Guide
Historical Museum
07.2008 - 09.2009
Youth & Finance Coordinator
Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Shire Diocese
07.2002 - 08.2005
Certificate in Peace & Human Rights -
Swiss Peace and University of Basel
Master of Arts - Social Anthropology & Gender Studies
University of Bern
Economics and Politics of European Integration -
University of Bern
Human Resource Management - Financial Accounting and Software Engineering level 1
University of Applied Science FHNW
Certificate in Business Administration -
Basel School of Business
Certificate in Leadership formation sessions -
World Council of Churches
Bachelor & Diploma - Theology
Holy Trinity Theological College
Matriculation -
Shire Senior Secondary School