L&D Excellence Spotlight: Somalia's Best

L&D Excellence Spotlight is our flagship digital publication, highlighting the top 10 HR professionals in every African country.

Recognizing Somalia's Best

Mariel Ong
Capacity Building Senior Officer United Nations

Mariel Ong is a dedicated Capacity Building Senior Officer at the United Nations, with nearly 7 years of experience in training, capacity development, and operational support. Since April 2021, she has been instrumental in developing and delivering comprehensive training programs for ATMIS civilian, military, and police personnel, as well as for the Somali Security Forces (SSF) and UN staff. Her work ensures adherence to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL) in compliance with the UN Secretary-General’s Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP). Prior to this role, Mariel served as a Training Officer with United Nations Volunteers (February 2017 – April 2021), where she strengthened organizational capacity through targeted learning initiatives and skill development programs. Mariel brings extensive expertise in administrative management, records management, and capacity building across diverse operational environments, consistently promoting best practices in humanitarian and peacekeeping operations.

L&D Excellence Spotlight Somalia
Mubarik Hassan
Capacity building for the Local Government Terrsolider

Mubarik Hassan is a seasoned IT Specialist and Capacity Building Expert with over 17 years of experience in information technology, local government support, and procurement management. Since 2008, he has served at the Ministry of Interior, Somaliland, where he is responsible for installing, configuring, and maintaining computer systems, networks (LAN/WAN), and software applications. Mubarik has been instrumental in developing asset management databases, troubleshooting hardware and software issues, and providing end-user training to enhance institutional IT capabilities. In addition to his work with the Ministry, Mubarik has been a Capacity Building Consultant with Terrsolider since 2009, where he supports Somaliland’s local governments. His work includes responding to technical inquiries, installing system packages like Billing Information Management Systems (BIMS) and Accounting Information Management Systems (AIMS), and delivering tailored staff training to improve operational efficiency. Mubarik also brings procurement experience from his tenure as a Procurement Assistant at the Ministry of Interior (2015–2016), where he managed tender processes and supplier evaluations. His expertise lies in bridging technology solutions with institutional needs, ensuring effective IT infrastructure, and fostering capacity development at the local government level.

L&D Excellence Spotlight Somalia
Abdirisak Omar
Capacity building Ministry of Internal Security swss

Abdirisak Omar is a dedicated Capacity Building and Strategic Planning Expert with over six years of experience in institutional development, strategic planning, and governance programs. He currently serves as the Capacity Building and Strategic Planning Director at the Ministry of Internal Security, Southwest State of Somalia, where he leads the development, implementation, and monitoring of Institutional Development and Capacity Building (ID&CB) plans. His role includes coordinating workshops, liaising with government authorities, and ensuring alignment with the Joint Security Sector Governance Programme (JSSGP). Previously, Abdirisak worked as a Capacity Building and Strategic Planning Officer with the Government of Somalia, Southwest State from January 2022 to June 2024, where he supported similar initiatives to strengthen institutional frameworks. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his ability to develop actionable strategies, produce comprehensive progress reports, and ensure the timely achievement of key outputs and milestones. Abdirisak’s expertise lies in enhancing institutional capacity, fostering collaboration with stakeholders, and driving effective implementation of security sector reforms.

L&D Excellence Spotlight Somalia
ABUBAKAR Nor Mohamud
Programme Director Galmudug Research and Dialogue

Abubakar Nor Mohamud is an accomplished Programme Director and Capacity Building Advisor with over four years of experience in institutional development, program management, and security sector governance. He currently serves as the Programme Director at Galmudug Research and Dialogue, where he leads strategic initiatives, fosters stakeholder collaboration, and oversees the successful implementation of development programs. Since January 2021, Abubakar has also worked as a Capacity Building Advisor at the Ministry of Internal Security, Galmudug State, where he provides expert guidance on strengthening institutional frameworks, developing capacity-building strategies, and enhancing the effectiveness of security governance structures. Abubakar’s expertise lies in facilitating dialogue, coordinating multi-stakeholder programs, and implementing sustainable capacity development initiatives. His work is instrumental in driving positive change and improving governance systems in Somalia’s Galmudug State.

L&D Excellence Spotlight Somalia
Ahmed Roble
Head, Training And Development Central Bank Of Somalia

Ahmed Roble is an experienced Human Resources and Administration Professional with over eight years of progressive leadership in talent development, HR management, and administrative operations. He currently serves as the Head of Training and Development at the Central Bank of Somalia, where he has led strategic capacity-building initiatives since October 2020. In this role, Ahmed designs and implements training programs that enhance employee performance and organizational growth. Before this, Ahmed worked as a Senior Human Resources Officer at the Central Bank from October 2019 to September 2020, where he managed HR operations, recruitment, and employee relations. His career at the bank began in February 2017 as a Senior Administrative Officer in the Office of the Governor, where he played a key role in supporting executive functions and ensuring efficient administrative processes. Ahmed’s expertise spans workforce planning, leadership development, and organizational efficiency, making him a valuable asset in driving institutional excellence at Somalia’s apex financial institution.

L&D Excellence Spotlight Somalia
Abdirizak (Garaad)
Head of training and Development Leadership training center and Development skills

Abdirizak (Garaad) is a seasoned Training and Development Expert with over 12 years of experience in capacity building, leadership development, and program management. He currently serves as the Head of the Program Office at the Leadership Training Center and Development Skills, a role he has held since January 2016, where he leads the design, implementation, and evaluation of training strategies that enhance organizational performance. Abdirizak’s expertise includes facilitating Training of Trainers (TOT) programs, having worked as a trainer at Daljir Academy and Training Center from July 2016 to February 2017, where he successfully delivered comprehensive development programs tailored to organizational needs. Earlier in his career, he served as a Life Skills Facilitator at Al-Hayat Training Center and a Personality Development Trainer at the Africa Private Education Organization (APEDO), where he focused on enhancing individual potential, teamwork, and leadership capabilities. Known for his strategic approach to training, Abdirizak is dedicated to fostering continuous learning and driving impactful change across various sectors.

L&D Excellence Spotlight Somalia
HUSSEIN BARROW
Training and Development Manager International Bank of Somalia

Hussein Barrow is an accomplished Training and Development Manager with over four years of experience in the banking sector, specializing in employee development, operational efficiency, and customer service excellence. He currently serves at the International Bank of Somalia (IBS Bank), where he leads the design, implementation, and evaluation of training programs that enhance staff performance, compliance, and alignment with the bank’s strategic goals. Prior to his current role, Hussein gained valuable frontline experience as a Call Center Representative and Operations Officer at IBS Bank. In these roles, he managed customer inquiries, resolved operational challenges, and supported mobile money onboarding, further solidifying his understanding of customer needs and operational workflows. Hussein’s strengths lie in training management, compliance adherence, and collaborative problem-solving, making him a vital asset in driving continuous learning and operational excellence within the banking industry.

L&D Excellence Spotlight Somalia
Amina Farid
Capacity Building Consultant and trainer Organizational Development, Management and Gender specialist

Amina Farid is an accomplished organizational development consultant and community leader with over 17 years of experience in capacity building, governance, and strategic planning. She currently serves as the Chairperson and Organizational Development Consultant at the Community Development Action Group (CDA), where she leads initiatives to improve service delivery, enhance organizational efficiency, and secure funding for community projects. Under her leadership, CDA has strengthened its programs through effective planning, stakeholder engagement, and robust monitoring and evaluation systems. Amina’s extensive experience includes her role as a Consultant/Trainer at SOSTA Organization, where she conducted capacity-building workshops, developed internal policies, and improved governance structures. She also worked as a Field Researcher/Evaluator for JBS International on the USAID Project GEM II 20, evaluating the Somali Interactive Radio Instruction Program in Somaliland. Her work is centered on promoting sustainable community development, enhancing public relations, and ensuring accountability and transparency in nonprofit management. Amina’s expertise spans fundraising strategy, organizational assessment, and leadership development, making her a vital asset to the communities and organizations she supports.

Hayat D Jama
Human Resources Analyst & Talent Development Manager UNDP

Hayat D. Jama is an experienced human resources professional with over 15 years of expertise in talent management, organizational development, and HR strategy. She currently serves as a Human Resources Analyst & Talent Development Manager at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Mogadishu, where she has been instrumental in implementing effective HR policies, leading talent development initiatives, and supporting organizational growth since 2016. During her tenure at UNDP, Hayat has taken on several leadership roles, including serving as the Head of HR Unit (a.i.) in Somalia, where she managed end-to-end HR operations, and as a Human Resources Analyst (a.i.) in Samoa, focusing on enhancing management and talent management processes. Before joining UNDP, Hayat worked at Adeso, a leading African-based international development organization, where she served as a Senior Human Resources Officer. In this role, she supported community-driven development projects by ensuring efficient HR operations and promoting a work environment that fostered employee growth and organizational efficiency. Hayat is known for her strategic approach to human resources, strong leadership skills, and commitment to creating inclusive work environments that enable individuals and organizations to thrive.

L&D Excellence Spotlight Somalia
Mukhtar Abdirahman
Training Manager YECO Somalia

Mukhtar Abdirahman is an accomplished training and development professional with over six years of experience in capacity building, education, and organizational development. He currently serves as the Training Manager at YECO Somalia, where he has been leading comprehensive training programs and skill development initiatives since 2019, contributing to workforce enhancement in Mogadishu and beyond. From 2019 to 2022, Mukhtar was a University Lecturer at SIMAD University, where he imparted knowledge in higher education and contributed to shaping future professionals through innovative teaching methods and curriculum development. Before that, he worked as a Training and Development Officer at Borama Innovation Hub, where he focused on fostering entrepreneurship and enhancing the skills of young professionals in Awdal, Somalia. Mukhtar is recognized for his expertise in educational institutions, talent development, and his dedication to empowering individuals and communities through quality training and mentorship.

L&D Excellence Spotlight Somalia

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