Ahmed AHMED
Mogadishu,,Somalia
Summary
Dynamic Programme Policy Officer with WFP Somalia, adept at coordinating high-impact programs and enhancing partner engagement. Proven analytical skills in data management and reporting, leading to improved project outcomes. Recognized for exceptional organizational abilities and effective communication, driving strategic initiatives in food security and livelihoods. Proficient in COMET and Microsoft Office.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Programme Policy Officer
WFP Somalia
Mogadishu
01.2023 - Current
- Contribute to the implementation of the Somalia Country Office strategy for partner engagement, by engaging CPs, NGO-Consortium, Government Institutions and other INGOs in the area
- Implement regular engagement with CPs by documenting challenges, opportunities and lessons learnt to better deliver high quality assistance to beneficiaries
- Scoping and profiling of potential NGOs in the Area Office in liaison with technical units and advise for relevant strategic engagement
- Participate and contribute to NGO Partnerships Unit reviews at Country Office/Area Office level and facilitate the piloting of CP management activities/quality assurance measures
- Contribute to the development and implementation of the Country Office/Area Office's emergency preparedness plans, Minimum/Advanced Preparedness Plan, Contingency Plans, and strategies
- Contribute towards quality capacity assessment of CPs and Partnerships evaluations at the area office level
- Coordinate the implementation of improvement plan for CPs in close collaboration with Area Office based technical units, heads of programmes, and Deputy Head of NGO Partnerships Unit
- Contribute to the review and revision of different tools, guidelines, and SOPs that can resolve audit issues and implementation of NGO guidance recommendations
- Ensure that CPs have understood the WFP corporate tools, guidelines and SOPs and utilize them in their day-to-day operations
- Review the potential risks in CP engagements in discussion with the Risk and Compliance Unit and recommend risk mitigation measures
- Assist NGOs to ensure that the FLA reporting requirements are adhered to and liaise closely with technical units in the Area Office
- Coordinate the training of cooperating partners on the updated WFP's corporate strategy, policies, guidelines and templates for better accountability and transparency
- Contribute and coordinate at Area Office level the implementation of spot checks and CP monitoring activities
- Ensure that payment requests processes are timely and accurate and that all payments are processed based on the agreement and agreed payment schedules
- Contribute to the timely and accurate recording of WFP activities in the WFP Area Office Tool for Managing (Programme operations) Effectively (COMET); includes timely preparation and submission of Distribution Plans, Food Release Notes, distribution reports for In-Kind (IK) in line with WFP procedures
- Contribute towards internal data process improvements: automating manual processes, optimizing data delivery
Programme Associate - Social Protection/Safety nets
WFP Somalia
Mogadishu
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Provided technical support, assist in the development and implementation of various activities and processes within the specific area of work supporting alignment with wider programme policies and guidelines
- Provided specialized project management support to safety net programme to ensure that the various activities are performed within the established targets following WFP's policies and procedures
- Within the specific area of responsibility, prepare a range of reports and data analysis (e.g., food assistance needs, resource utilization, programme status, performance) and highlight trends/issues ensuring deliverables adhere to corporate standards and quality control
- Ensured accurate, timely recording of data within the specific technical area of work (e.g., assistance programmes, food security and vulnerability assessments) and consistency of information presented to stakeholders
- Liaised with internal counterparts to support effective collaboration, implementation, and monitoring of ongoing project activities
- Coordinated and communicated with local partners, agencies, NGOs, and government institutions to perform accurate food security analyses and to ensure efficient delivery of food assistance
- Supported the capacity building of WFP staff, cooperating partners, and national government within the specific technical area
- Acted as a point of contact for the resolution of a range of operational queries and problems within a specific technical area of responsibility
- Oversaw work of other support staff, providing practical advice and guidance, to contribute to delivering objectives to agreed standards and deadlines
- Followed standard emergency preparedness practices to ensure WFP can quickly respond and deploy needed resources to affected areas
- Performed any other duties as may be assigned
Programme Manager
SAREDO
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Company Overview: In partnership with FAO and UNICEF
- Designed, planned, developed, and managed the implementation of various projects including WASH, Food security and livelihoods and protection
- Provided leadership and supervisory support to technical officers and program staff
- Supervised the identification, verification, and selection of beneficiaries and sites for cash-based interventions
- Led tendering processes and managed contracts for various contractors involved in WASH, Education, and Food Security and Livelihoods projects in the Lower Shabelle region
- Planned, reviewed, and supervised the implementation of cash-for-work programs, unconditional cash transfers, agricultural input distribution, and farmer training
- Monitored and tracked program expenditure and managed the liquidation of funds
- Analyzed gathered data and proposed effective strategies for program implementation
- Coordinated assessments and contributed to writing grant proposals and funding requests for new projects
- Supervised, coached, and built the capacity of program staff, collaborating with other technical departments
- Ensured minimum standards of technical quality across all WASH, Education, and Food Security and Livelihoods projects in terms of design, implementation, and M&E through effective project cycle management
- Liaised closely with local authorities, FAO, UNICEF, and other key stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation of the project
- Compiled and wrote program and donor reports, contributing to the development of future programs
- In partnership with FAO and UNICEF
Project Manager - Protection
AWCC Somalia
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Company Overview: In partnership with the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia, AmplifyChange, Mannion Daniels, and Global Green Grants Fund.
- Designed and managed implementation of Human Rights, GBV, and Child Protection projects
- Supported the rollout of Women-to-Women Initiatives
- Attended Child Protection Working Group coordination meetings, reporting relevant information to the Protection Technical Advisor
- Improved the functioning of referral systems to ensure effective protection services
- Received, verified, and validated information from child protection case workers on child protection issues, in line with organizational standards
- Entered data into specified database formats and provided weekly updates or as requested
- Prepared monthly situational analytical reports on the child protection situation in project areas
- Provided technical support for staff working on the project, ensuring compliance with best practices
- Served as the first point of contact for the Child Protection Program in the area of operation.
- Analyzed and reported on project progress, identifying constraints, and recommending actions for improvement.
- Contributed to drafting concept notes and project proposals for new funding requests.
- In partnership with the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia, AmplifyChange, Mannion Daniels, and Global Green Grants Fund.
- Produced thorough, accurate and timely reports of project activities.
- Analyzed data from various sources such as surveys, interviews, focus groups. to inform decision-making related to projects.
- Managed contracts with vendors and suppliers by assigning tasks and communicating expected deliverables.
Research Manager / Horn African Region Political and Security analyst
NAVNATI Group LLC
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Led research on specific demographics, food security, economic matters, education, and transportation, focusing on their relation to CVE (Countering Violent Extremism), socio-politics, and security
- Closely monitored socio-political, humanitarian, and security dynamics in Somalia and Kenya, identifying key trends and emerging threats
- Contributed to the development of security advisories and provided recommendations on security operating procedures to enhance safety protocols
- Identified, cultivated, and maintained an active network of contacts and stakeholders for information sharing, analytical exchanges, relationship building, and operational coordination
- Provided weekly regional analysis on CVE developments and incidents to senior management, informing decision-making
- Coordinated monitoring efforts on DDR (Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration), reconciliation, and humanitarian activities based on client demands
- Collected information from open sources, including regional and non-English news outlets, social media, blogs, academic literature, local contacts, and other resources, to write comprehensive analytical products
- Conducted research and analysis on specific threat factors and armed conflicts, providing insights into security risks
- Analysed and reported on security incidents affecting Somalia and Kenya, including their impact on personnel, assets, and operations, offering recommendations for mitigating risks
Project Manager-FSL
Swisso Kalmo
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Company Overview: In partnership with FAO, WFP, and CHF
- Managed the overall implementation of food security and livelihood projects in compliance with FAO procedures, ensuring high-quality service delivery
- Identified, analysed, and reported on existing humanitarian needs, providing actionable recommendations for project design and implementation strategies
- Supervised the identification, selection, and registration processes of communities and beneficiaries for cash-for-work and cash assistance programs
- Maintained communication with local authorities, village committees, and program staff to ensure proper targeting, gender mainstreaming, and timely disbursement of cash and agricultural inputs
- Supervised the identification and selection of potential Cash-for-Work activities, including the rehabilitation of productive agricultural assets
- Monitored field activities, including the rehabilitation of irrigation canals, training of lead farmers, and distribution of agricultural inputs
- Supported post-distribution assessments for cash transfer and agricultural input distribution, ensuring program effectiveness
- Monitored and updated the program team on changing trends in humanitarian needs, access, and the food situation in the project area
- Actively participated in rapid food security assessments, providing insights into urgent needs and conditions in the project areas
- Managed capacity-building training for community-based Disaster Management Committees, establishing linkages to enhance resilience and improve food security in the Lower Shabelle region
- Prepared budget forecasts and managed expenditures in alignment with project needs, ensuring financial compliance
- Prepared monthly food security cluster reports and actively participated in FSL cluster meetings to coordinate and exchange information with stakeholders
- Prepared progress and final narrative reports required by FAO, ensuring timely and accurate reporting
- In partnership with FAO, WFP, and CHF
Programme Officer-FSL
Farm Concern International
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Undertaken production site mapping, agriculture value chains and crop prioritization
- Assisted in Planning and designing the budgets for the project, in collaboration with the Programme Manager
- Mobilized communities on rural commercialization and VSLAs
- Established market partnerships with various levels of markets ranging from traditional markets to medium and large scale agri-processing enterprises
- Facilitated establishment of 5 Farm organizations and supported farmers, small and medium enterprises, and trader's associations in complementarities with FFS and other FAO production-oriented intervention within the district
- Supported and rolled out of FFS, GAP and IPM trainings
- Conducted training on rural commercialization for Farm Organizations and Traders in Lower Shabelle region
- Conducted continuous market assessments, monthly Market rapid Appraisal and written weekly Market information System (MIS) reports
- Designed and implemented commodity and trade partnerships
- Planned, organized, and facilitated market and trade meetings
- Offered technical support and training for Farmers organizations and Traders Associations
- Participated in regular market research, market trends monitoring and market information feedback for various commodities
- Conducted supply chain management based on smallholder supplies for Farm organizations
- Managed / coordinated trade fair and marketing events and written progress and final reports
- Supported market price monitoring and analysis
- Prepared accurate and timely reporting on programmes activities enabling informed decision-making and consistency of information presented to stakeholders
Regional Monitor
EDC - USAID
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Developed monitoring plans, conducted regular field visits to project sites and gathered data from IRI project implementing partners
- Contribute to the development and maintenance of the Results Monitoring Framework including proactive monitoring of outcome and output indicators, in line with theory of change, in close coordination with implementing partners and the relevant donors
- Conducted timely field monitoring visits to project sites to ensure activity
- Conducted over 15 field assessments and surveys at partner schools, ensuring all evaluations were complete within designated timelines; findings contributed to a 25% improvement in program effectiveness and implementation is on track with any deviations are corrected
- Collected data on project indicators and maintained an updated database on project progress
- Supported the program team to record and analyze monitoring data for reporting and programme decision making
- Conducted surveys, analyzed data on a quarterly basis and made recommendations to improve project implementation
- Participated in the development and review of monitoring frameworks/ plans for the SIRIP project for effective qualitative and quantitative data collection, M&E work plans and targets at proposal development stage
- Provided M&E technical assistance to program teams and inputs into the design stages of program
- Supported the Project Manager to track project outcomes and prepare project reports based on accurate and evidence-based data for quality reporting
- Identified and documented human interest stories and success stories based on the successes of implemented projects
- Supported partner organizations in the recruitment, training and mentoring of teachers
- Compiled project data/information and generated monthly reports tracking progress against key indicators
Project Manager-FSL
SAREDO
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Company Overview: In partnership with FAO and WFP
- Led and managed a project team in designing, planning and implementation of food security and livelihoods program activities
- Monitored and ensured program activities are in line with project objectives and design
- Organized and coordinated community mobilization and sensitization meetings
- Coordinated implementation of project activities and maintained regular communication with local authorities and beneficiaries strengthening accountability, complaints, and response mechanisms
- Facilitated and participated in the identification and selection of cash for work and unconditional cash beneficiaries in line with FAO and WFP Somalia pre-defined targeting criteria
- Ensured all necessary documentation for monitoring, reporting, and accounting of all project aspects are timely in place for use at all project sites prior to commencement of activities
- Identified potential Cash for Work activities sites and prepared lay out plans and BoQs for rehabilitation of irrigation canals and water catchments
- Ensured the rehabilitation of canal and water catchment infrastructures meet the agreed dimensions and tasks allocated daily to beneficiaries are adequately completed
- Monitored and updated the program team on the changing trends humanitarian situation, access, and food security situation and supervised beneficiaries' payment
- Participated in post distribution assessments unconditional cash transfers and agric input distribution
- Managed the implementation of FFS training contributing the establishment 14 FFS demo plots in Marka, Lower Shabelle region, Somalia
- Maintained up to date work plans and prepared qualitative and quantitative biweekly, progress and final reports
- In partnership with FAO and WFP
Assistant Project Manager - WASH
SAREDO
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Company Overview: In partnership with UNICEF and CARE International
- Assisted the Project Manager on the design, planning, and budgeting of WASH interventions, ensuring alignment with project goals and community needs
- Facilitated community mobilization meetings with local authorities and leaders, promoting active community participation and ownership
- Ensured project relevance by aligning activities with beneficiary needs and fostering community engagement
- Oversaw the design, construction, and rehabilitation of water and sanitation facilities, ensuring quality and adherence to specifications
- Monitored project expenditures, identified discrepancies, and reported under/overspending to the Project Manager
- Prepared and submitted progress and final reports, documenting project activities, outcomes, and challenges
- In partnership with UNICEF and CARE International
Education
MSc - Project Management
University of Salford
Manchester01.2024
BSc - Agriculture
Lower Shabelle University
01.2016
Skills
- Coordination and management of programs
- Interpersonal skills
- Organizational skills
- Managerial skills
- Communication skills
- Analytical skills
- Report writing skills
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Ability to handle changing priorities
- Ability to work under pressure
- Problem analysis
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Package
- Proficient in QuickBooks
- Proficient in BITS/FMT
- Proficient in SCOPE
- Proficient in COMET
Competency And Skills
- Proven experience in coordination and management of programs
- Team player with excellent interpersonal, organizational, and managerial skills with proven ability to remain calm and flexible in demanding situations.
- Excellent communication skills with good analytical and report writing skills
- Ability to meet deadlines, handle constantly changing priorities and work calm long hours under pressure with minimum supervision.
- Ability to analyze and propose solutions to problems.
- Proficient in use of computers (Microsoft Office Package, QuickBooks, BITS/FMT, SCOPE, and COMET)
Languages
- English, Fluent/Near native command
- Somali, Native language
References
- Bernard MREW, WFP Somalia, Head of Area Office, Mogadishu, +252619151980, bernard.mrewa@wfp.org
- Alex Zito, PhD, NAVANTI Group, Middle East, and Africa Programme Director, +1-617-429-8848 / +1-703-522-1020, azito@navantigroup.com
- Doreen Kinoti, Farm Concern International, Senior Technical Specialist, +254-715410380, doreen.kinoti@farmconcern.org
Hobbies and Interests
- Volunteering and Altruism
- Resilience, Biodiversity, and climate change
Workshops And Trainings
- 07/28/2019, Livestock Emergency Guidelines and Standards training by FAO Somalia
- 10/01/2017, Disaster Resilience Leadership fellowship training by SDRI and IDFR/ Elliot School of International Affairs, George Washington University
- 06/16/2013, FAO Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) and IPM training
- 04/23/2013, FAO/FCI FFS Concepts and Methodology, Rural Commercialization and Market Development training
- 02/02/2013, FAO/FCI Rural commercialization and Market Development Training
- 07/24/2011, UNICEF/UNPOS DO NO HARM
- 05/21/2011, Oxfam Novib Security communications and Human rights
- 03/29/2010, Oxfam Novib Human rights protection mechanism, advocacy, and networking
- 08/01/2009, SAVE THE CHILDREN/UNICEF EiE training
- 03/23/2009, UN/WFP CP training workshop held in Jowhar
- 03/06/2009, USAID/EDC SIRIP regional monitors training
- 12/01/2008, Oxfam Novib - Emergency Preparedness and Response Action (EPARA) training
- 11/29/2005, UNICEF in service teacher training
Motivation And Career Profile
- An accomplished humanitarian and development professional with over 15 years of progressive work experience in programme and project management in fragile and complex contexts.
- Proven expertise in working with national and international NGOs, UN agencies, and multilateral institutions in challenging environments, driving projects from conceptualization through implementation, monitoring, reporting, and knowledge transfer.
- Skilled at managing stakeholder expectations and building consensus among diverse groups. Able to thrive under pressure, delivering results with strong analytical, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
Timeline
Programme Policy Officer
WFP Somalia
01.2023 - Current
Programme Associate - Social Protection/Safety nets
WFP Somalia
01.2020 - 01.2023
Programme Manager
SAREDO
01.2017 - 01.2019
Project Manager - Protection
AWCC Somalia
01.2016 - 01.2017
Research Manager / Horn African Region Political and Security analyst
NAVNATI Group LLC
01.2015 - 01.2016
Project Manager-FSL
Swisso Kalmo
01.2013 - 01.2015
Programme Officer-FSL
Farm Concern International
01.2012 - 01.2013
Regional Monitor
EDC - USAID
01.2010 - 01.2011
Project Manager-FSL
SAREDO
01.2008 - 01.2010
Assistant Project Manager - WASH
SAREDO
01.2006 - 01.2008
MSc - Project Management
University of Salford
BSc - Agriculture
Lower Shabelle University
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