Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 13 years of experience as a development practitioner, the expert specializes in resource mobilization, partnership-building, and program design. They have successfully raised over USD 25 million for development and humanitarian initiatives, primarily in East and Southern Africa. Key skills include grant management, qualitative research, and gender-based analysis. Previously held leadership roles such as Partnerships & Grants Manager and Programs & Partnerships Coordinator, the expert has secured funding and managed multi-donor projects. Their proficiency in strategic planning has led to the development of comprehensive resource mobilization strategies for international organizations.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors, including Global Affairs Canada, EU, DfID, UNFPA, and NORAD. Their involvement spans project implementation, grant management, and resource mobilization, focusing on public health, sustainable agriculture, and civil society strengthening. Career highlights include securing USD 3.5 million for various initiatives. The expert has worked on regional and national projects in East and Southern Africa, including Mozambique, Kenya, and Somalia, supporting development cooperation in governance, health, education, and youth entrepreneurship.

Sectors and geographic focus

Worked across diverse sectors such as civil society, public health, sustainable agriculture, poverty reduction, and youth development. Responsibilities have included resource mobilization, program design, and grant management. The expert possesses cross-cutting expertise in integrating resource management and gender-based analysis into development initiatives. Their geographic experience is extensive in East and Southern Africa, with significant expertise in Kenya, Somalia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. They have demonstrated deep familiarity with local governance, cultural dynamics, and regional development issues through long-term assignments and recurring projects.

Languages and education

With a background in multilingual environments, the expert is fluent in English and Somali, with proficiency in Portuguese. These language skills have been utilized in various contexts, including work in East and Southern Africa and collaboration with multilingual teams. The expert holds a Master of Arts in Development Studies from York University, Canada, with coursework completed and dissertation pending. Their educational background also includes a Bachelor of Public Affairs & Policy Management, specializing in Development Studies and minoring in African Studies, from Carleton University, Canada. Additionally, they studied at the University of Dar es Salaam's Institute of Development Studies in Tanzania.