Mr. Elias possesses B.Sc. Degree in Agricultural Engineering with a Minor in Economics, LL.B. Degree in Law and M.Sc. in Development Studies. He has over 40 years work experience in various institutions and capacities, such as a Legal Adviser in the Awash Valley Authority in river basin development, Senior Loan Officer in a Development Bank, a researcher and lecturer in academic institutions like the Institute of Social Studies in The Hague, Netherlands, University of Berkeley in California, and as a Program Officer with United Nations in Somalia, among others. Major areas of studies and work experience include forced migration and conflict transformation and peace building, capacity enhancement of local partners, sustainable development and natural resources management. Mr. Elias has produced several papers and reports on socio-political and economic issues.