Meet the dedicated individuals driving positive change at Talobeeg Foundation. Each member of our team brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and passions to our mission of making a difference in the community. Get to know the resourceful minds behind our initiatives.
We are united in our commitment to creating meaningful impact and empowering those we serve. Together, we strive to inspire and uplift others, one initiative at a time.
Amina Mohamed Ali – Chairperson, Talobeeg Foundation is an accomplished development and project management professional with extensive experience in community-driven development, women empowerment, program coordination, and administrative and operational management. She holds a Master of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource) from Kenyatta University. Additionally, she has completed professional certifications, including Prince2 Foundation in Project Management. Amina’s leadership skills, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity have enabled her to navigate complex development environments and deliver impactful results.
With a career spanning role at esteemed organizations such as the International Labour Office (ILO), United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), and the British High Commission, Amina has played pivotal roles in gender-responsive budgeting, resettlement programs, and advocacy initiatives. Her consultancy work includes evaluations and strategy development for organizations such as UNDP Somalia, TROCAIRE, and Education Development Trust. Amina's expertise encompasses project design and implementation, social accountability, policy analysis, research, and stakeholder engagement. Fluent in Somali (Maxaa Tiri and Af-Maay), Kiswahili, and English, she is a strong advocate for empowering communities and fostering inclusive development.
As the Chairperson of Talobeeg Foundation, Amina provides strategic leadership, leveraging her extensive experience to guide the foundation's mission of fostering sustainable development and resilience in Somalia. Her ability to manage complex projects, promote gender equality, and strengthen partnerships is instrumental in ensuring the success of the foundation's initiatives.
As the Chairperson of Talobeeg Foundation, Amina leads a team of highly qualified and experienced board members comprising five professionals. Their diverse backgrounds span critical sectors such as gender and women empowerment, resilience, education, research, law, peace, governance and public policy, youth work, software engineering, health, sociology, media, and gender advocacy. This wealth of expertise enables the board to provide strategic guidance and support to the foundation, ensuring its programs are impactful, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.
Abdullahi Nur Ciid is a seasoned development professional with over a decade of progressive experience in grants and financial management, institutional development, and education sector reform in Somalia. Prior to joining Talobeeg Foundation as Executive Director, Abdullahi held several high-impact positions with both international organizations and national institutions, most recently serving as Grants Manager for Creative Associates International under the USAID-funded Bar ama Baro education program, where he managed a $50 million grants portfolio.
His professional journey spans pivotal roles such as Finance and Grants Coordinator at Creative Associates, Finance Specialist with the Federal Ministry of Education on the GPE ESPIG/MCA Program, and Finance Officer at Care International. Across these assignments, Abdullahi consistently contributed to the design and implementation of grants systems, institutional capacity assessments, budget planning and monitoring, audit coordination, and compliance with donor regulations. His leadership was particularly instrumental in overseeing financial operations and policy adherence for education-focused grants across Federal Member States, working closely with Ministries of Education and Finance.
Abdullahi holds a Master of Social Science in Economics from the Asian University of Bangladesh and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from East Africa University, Somalia. His technical strengths lie in grants cycle management, financial reporting, audit readiness, budget forecasting, and partner coordination. Fluent in Somali, English, and Arabic, he brings exceptional communication and cross-sector collaboration skills.
As Executive Director, Abdullahi provides strategic leadership to Talobeeg Foundation’s programs, operations, and partnerships. He is committed to driving forward inclusive education, youth empowerment, and institutional resilience across Somalia, with a focus on transparency, local ownership, and sustainable impact.
Vesa Asikainen is the Director of Programs at the Talobeeg Foundation, where he plays a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission through strategic project planning and execution. His extensive experience coupled with his ability to manage complex international projects, has significantly contributed to the foundation’s growth and impact. Vesa’s leadership ensures that the foundation’s
programs are both innovative and effective in addressing community needs.Vesa is an experienced project management specialist and educator with a strong background in environmental science and development cooperation. He holds a Master of Philosophy degree in Environmental Science and Technology from the University of Jyväskylä, where he completed his thesis on the environmental impact of household biogas plants in India, earning a grade of magna cum laude approbatur. Vesa's academic achievements are complemented by a high school diploma from Tikkakoski High School. Over the years, Vesa has taken on various roles in project management and coordination, including positions at the Aar Social Development Association (ASDA) ry, where he has been instrumental in planning and managing development cooperation projects, and at the University of Jyväskylä as a project planner.
His professional experience extends to international assignments, particularly in sustainable development and energy projects in India. Vesa has served as a project coordinator and expert on multiple development cooperation initiatives, such as the "Supporting Sustainable Village Development in the Himalayan Region" and the "Sustainable Energy Based and Community Oriented Eco-village Development" projects. He has also managed EU-funded projects, such as the "Bridge of Synergy" at Cooperative Uudenmaan Monitaito. In addition to his project coordination roles, Vesa has worked as a journalist and director at Janus-Filmi Oy, where he edited articles and directed radio and TV programs, showcasing his versatility and broad skill set.
Mary Omoye Akhagba – Director of Research and Consultancy Services is a seasoned academic and communications expert who is also serving as a Lecturer at Collegium Civitas in Warsaw, Poland. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the Polish Academy of Sciences, where her interdisciplinary research focused on the social and cultural factors influencing health behavior among migrant women,
with a particular emphasis on Nigerian women’s attitudes toward cervical cancer prevention in Poland. Mary also earned an MA in Culture, Media, and Society from Lancaster University and a BSc in Public Relations and Advertising with first-class honors from Lagos State University, Nigeria.
She brings a wealth of experience in academia, communications, and social research. Her extensive background in sociology, particularly her Ph.D. research on health behavior among migrant women, aligns seamlessly with her current role at the foundation. Mary's interdisciplinary expertise enables her to lead research initiatives that address complex social issues, particularly those affecting vulnerable populations in Somalia and the broader region. Her academic experience in curriculum design and media communications further supports the foundation's mission by enhancing its research capabilities and outreach efforts.
In her role at Talobeeg Foundation, Mary contributes significantly by designing and overseeing research projects that inform the foundation’s programs and policies. Her professional background in advertising and public relations, combined with her academic insights, allows her to effectively communicate research findings to various stakeholders, ensuring that the foundation's initiatives are both evidence-based and impactful. Additionally, her volunteer work with migrant communities demonstrates her commitment to using research and communication as tools for social change, making her a valuable asset to the foundation's leadership team.
Abdulkadir Said Ali is the esteemed Director of Operations at Talobeeg Foundation, where he plays a pivotal role in overseeing and enhancing the foundation’s operational efficiency and effectiveness. Academically, he has MBA-in Operations with an impressive track record of Organizational Operation Management Expert with over 15 years of experience in streamlining processes,
enhancing productivity,and leading cross-functional teams in diverse organizations in Humanitarian Operations across (HRM and Administration, Grants Management, Logistics & Procurements) working with different Humanitarian Organizations Including (Care International, Save the Children, UNICEF, EDC) with Proficient in strategic planning, process optimization, project management, and change management. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proven track record in cost reduction and efficiency improvement."
Throughout his career, Abdulkadir has amassed extensive experience working with renowned international organizations. At Care International, he served as a Human Resource Manager, where he was responsible for managing HR operations and implementing effective HR strategies. His passionate about driving operational excellence and continuous improvement, with a commitment to delivering value and achieving organizational success make him a vital asset to Talobeeg Foundation.
Lee Hyun Hee is a highly experienced professional currently serving as the Gender Equity and Social Inclusion Specialist at Talobeeg Foundation. With a rich background in humanitarian and development work, Lee Hyun Hee has been instrumental in leading and implementing a wide range of programs aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable populations in Somalia.
She holds a master’s degree in international relations from Yonsei University, South Korea, and has undergone various specialized training programs in project management, disaster response, and community development. Her academic background, combined with over a decade of hands-on experience, equips her with the expertise needed to navigate the complex challenges of development work in fragile and conflict-affected regions.
In her role at Talobeeg Foundation, Lee Hyun Hee has made significant contributions by designing and overseeing projects that focus on resilience building, livelihood support, and social protection. Her leadership has been pivotal in ensuring that the foundation’s initiatives are both contextually relevant and sustainable, effectively addressing the unique needs of the communities we serve. Additionally, Lee Hyun Hee’s strategic planning and stakeholder engagement skills have strengthened the foundation’s partnerships with local and international organizations, further enhancing its impact. Her dedication to fostering positive change through inclusive and participatory approaches underscores her commitment to the foundation’s mission of empowering communities in Somalia.
Mohamed is a health systems researcher and educator with over 10 years of experience focusing on health service delivery, sexual and reproductive health rights, public health programming, evidence-based health policy-making, and quantitative and qualitative public health interventions. Experienced and skilled in conducting evidence and population-based Cluster RCTs, Quasi-experimental, and comparative case studies with qualitative and quantitative approaches. oha
Mohamed is a PhD candidate in public health (concentrating on maternal health) at Baskent University, Turkey, and previously graduated from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria (MSc in SRHR), and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (BSc in PH). He is the Country research and evaluations manager at Talo-beeg Foundation, Somalia. He has co-authored (1st author) 9 publications and conference proceedings.
Currently serving as the Country Research and Evaluations Specialist at the Talobeeg Foundation in Somalia, Adam brings a robust analytical approach to the foundation’s research initiatives. His role involves steering the foundation's research activities towards impactful and sustainable health solutions, particularly in challenging settings. He has successfully co-authored nine publications and conference proceedings, showcasing his contributions to the field and reinforcing his commitment to advancing public health knowledge. Adam’s blend of practical expertise and academic excellence makes him a pivotal member of the Talobeeg Foundation, driving forward its mission to improve health outcomes through rigorous research and effective interventions.
Mohamed Hussein Mohamed, the Business Development Manager at Talobeeg Foundation, is a results-oriented professional with a master’s degree in Cooperation and Development and a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance. With a rich background in leadership roles, economic research, business development, and project management, Mohamed brings a wealth of experience to his current position.
He has played a pivotal role as a Partnerships Advisor at the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, where he has been instrumental in building and maintaining donor relationships, organizing high-impact events, and identifying lucrative funding opportunities. Mohamed’s expertise in developing best practices for financing integration models has significantly contributed to the ministry’s resource mobilization efforts. He has managed seed funding for various finance proposals, provided capacity-building support, guided proposal development processes, and prepared comprehensive reports on donor strategies and engagement activities.
Before joining Talobeeg Foundation, Mohamed held several key positions that highlight his capability to drive organizational success. As Country Team Leader at Horn Africa Consultants
Firm, he achieved a 30% improvement in project efficiency and a 30% reduction in costs. His tenure at The World Bank saw him enhance the capacity of statisticians by 50% through advanced trade data analysis and strategic planning initiatives. At the Central Bank of Somalia, Mohamed introduced innovative forecasting methods that improved accuracy by 65%. His role as Technical Advisor at the Office of the Prime Minister was marked by the development of economic performance indicators that significantly enhanced policy effectiveness. Additionally, in his capacity as the Focal Person for Food Security and SDG 1 and 2 at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Mohamed implemented IPC training, leading to improved food security reporting. His published works on trade statistics and economic performance further showcase his ability to drive transparency, enhance institutional capacity, and contribute to effective policy formulation and implementation. Mohamed's diverse experience and strategic insight make him a valuable asset to the Talobeeg Foundation’s mission of fostering sustainable development and resilience.
Abdulkadir Ali Yusuf is a seasoned finance and administration professional, currently serving as the Admin/Finance Manager at Talobeeg Foundation. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, an ACCA qualification, and a Bachelor of Computer Science, providing him with a strong multidisciplinary foundation in financial management, administration, and systems management.
With over 12 years of progressive experience, Abdulkadir has worked with both Talobeeg Foundation and Save the Children International, building a robust track record in finance, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and accountability systems.
Throughout his career, Abdulkadir has successfully managed financial operations for a variety of donor-funded projects supported by organizations such as USAID, UNICEF, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, UKAID, and the European Union (EU), among others. His financial leadership has been instrumental in the successful implementation of key projects including the Child to Child Approach, Consolidation of Child Clubs in Puntland, Schools as Zones of Peace, and the Bar ama Baro Accelerated Basic Education Project. His strong expertise in donor compliance, financial reporting, budget management, and accountability processes makes him a vital asset in ensuring the financial integrity and operational efficiency of Talobeeg Foundation’s programs.
Abdullahi Omar Hassan serves as Talobeeg Foundation’s Resilience Manager based in Mogadishu, bringing over ten years of progressive experience in multi-sector humanitarian development program management. His expertise is particularly focused on fragile, post-conflict, displacement, and refugee settings. Abdullahi has a robust background in community development,economic recovery,
development,SMEs/entrepreneurship, humanitarian/emergency response, durable solutions programming, and the monitoring and reporting of recovery and resilience programs. He has specialized in agriculture, livelihoods and food security, resilience, disaster risk reduction (DRR), and social protection/transfer sectors, contributing significantly to the improvement of these areas.
Abdullahi's qualifications extend to various thematic areas of entrepreneurship development, including private sector development, value chain analysis, market assessments, and agriculture production. His extensive experience in humanitarian coordination has enabled him to effectively bring together different actors, clusters, and consortiums for the successful functioning of programs. By establishing networks and campaigning for change, he has made a tangible difference in the humanitarian sector. Abdullahi's ability to work collaboratively with others and his commitment to creating impactful programs are key to his success in the field.
Abdinur Mohamed Adam is a seasoned development practitioner with a Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy and a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science. He has further strengthened his expertise with post-graduate studies, including a Diploma in Civic Education, Youth Engagement, and Advocacy and Lobbying. With nearly a decade of experience, he has played a pivotal role in leading transformative initiatives in youth work, education, higher education institutions, research, civil society organizations, and capacity building.
His commitment to social development and institutional strengthening has positioned him as a key player in driving impactful programs. Throughout his career, Abdinur has held leadership roles in advocacy and higher learning institutions, serving as a Board Member at Puntland Non-State Actors Association (PUNSAA), Deputy Chairperson of Puntland Youth Associations Network (PYAN), and Deputy President and Dean of Social Sciences at Admas University. He has also contributed to peace and governance as a member of regional and state-level peace councils and committees. Currently serving as the Program Manager at Talobeeg Foundation, he oversees project execution, budget planning, and strategic program implementation. He leads the recruitment and supervision of program managers, ensuring that projects align with the foundation’s mission and deliver measurable impact. His expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, policy development, and project management enables him to foster sustainable solutions for marginalized communities.
Maryan Abdirahman Gulled is the Health and Nutrition Manager at the Talobeeg Foundation. She brings over seven years of progressive experience in research, education, health programming, and project coordination across Somalia and Kenya. Maryan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education (Biology and Chemistry) from East Africa University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUISTI) in Kenya.
Maryan’s career spans humanitarian and development sectors with a strong focus on evidence-based programming. She previously served as a Research and Evaluation Officer at Save the Children International, where she led research design, data analysis, and knowledge translation for key health and education projects. She has also worked with the Puntland Ministry of Education as Area Coordinator for the ESPIG program, overseeing project implementation, school readiness, and capacity building initiatives. Her experience with HADO as a Logistics Assistant further deepened her understanding of supply chain management in crisis contexts.
Her technical expertise includes child and community health, nutrition, M&E, EMIS, qualitative and quantitative research, and data protection. She is deeply committed to delivering inclusive and contextually grounded health and nutrition services to vulnerable communities. Fluent in Somali and English, Maryan is known for her professionalism, adaptability, and collaborative leadership in multicultural environments.
Abdullahi M. Jama is our Country Representative in Austrakua and is based M based in Camberra, bringing over ten years of progressive experience in multi-sector humanitarian development program management. His expertise is particularly focused on fragile, post-conflict, displacement, and refugee settings. Abdullahi has a robust background in community development, economic recovery,
development,SMEs/entrepreneurship, humanitarian/emergency response, durable solutions programming, and the monitoring and reporting of recovery and resilience programs. He has specialized in agriculture, livelihoods and food security, resilience, disaster risk reduction (DRR), and social protection/transfer sectors, contributing significantly to the improvement of these areas.
Abdullahi's qualifications extend to various thematic areas of entrepreneurship development, including private sector development, value chain analysis, market assessments, and agriculture production. His extensive experience in humanitarian coordination has enabled him to effectively bring together different actors, clusters, and consortiums for the successful functioning of programs. By establishing networks and campaigning for change, he has made a tangible difference in the humanitarian sector. Abdullahi's ability to work collaboratively with others and his commitment to creating impactful programs are key to his success in the field.
Shafici Awil Mohamed is our Filed Manager in Galkaio and the TVET Coordinator at the Talobeeg Foundation based in Galkaio, Somalia. With a robust academic background, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Cyprus Science University, a Diploma in Civil Engineering from Galkacyo Vocational Training Center, and a Diploma in Solar Systems (PV) from Colorado State University.
Shafici has completed various training programs and seminars, including those on entrepreneurship strategy, project monitoring and evaluation, and quality control for higher education. His diverse skill set includes expertise in computerized accounting, risk assessment, leadership, and communication. He is fluent in Somali and English and has a working knowledge of Arabic.
In his professional journey, Shafici has held several key positions, including Academic Director at Galkacyo International University, where he was responsible for strategic planning, enhancing student outcomes, and coordinating university activities. He also worked with Save the Children International as a technical engineer and solar assessment engineer, assessing locations for solar panels, producing reports and designs, and maintaining solar panel installations. Additionally, Shafici has experience as a technical engineer with NEPCO Company and Somtel Bosaaso. His commitment to education is evident from his role as a lecturer in the TVET department at Galkacyo International University, where he developed and delivered interactive lectures and training sessions. Shafici's extensive experience and qualifications make him a valuable asset to Talobeeg Foundation.
Bukhari Abdiwahab is a results-focused Research Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (REALM) professional with extensive experience in the humanitarian sector. He excels in designing and implementing project MEAL systems, training, and supervising enumerators during data collection, and overseeing field site missions. Proficient in data analysis software such as STATA, SPSS, Excel, and R programming,Bukhari also has
experience with data gathering tools like ODK and Kobo Toolbox. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in development economics from Ethiopia. Additionally, he has completed the MEAL DPro course from the Humanitarian Leadership Academy, and both the Google Data Analytics and Google Project Management Professional online courses, enhancing his data-driven decision-making capabilities.
Currently, Bukhari is a Research, Monitoring & Evaluation and Learning (REALM) Coordinator at the Talobeeg Foundation in Somalia, where he leads project monitoring, field research, and capacity-building training sessions. Previously, he served as a MEAL Officer at Relief International, where he developed and implemented comprehensive MEAL systems and facilitated third-party and remote call monitoring. His expertise includes drafting high-quality analytical reports, delivering capacity-building initiatives, and mastering modern statistical software for data analysis. Bukhari is fluent in Somali, English, Arabic, and Amharic, and is recognized for his strong communication, teamwork, and strategic leadership skills in monitoring and evaluation tasks within the humanitarian and development sectors.
Kevin Menya is our ICT Coordinator who brings extensive expertise and a solid academic background to the role. He holds a BSc in Business Information Systems from Middlesex University, UK, as well as a diploma and a higher diploma in Computer Studies from NCC Education, UK. With over a decade of experience in ICT training, Kevin has taught numerous modules in the School of Business and ICT,
eventually becoming the principal of Diakonia Training Institute in Nairobi.His areas of expertise include web development and design, graphic design and branding, photography, videography, search engine optimization, content development and management, ICT user support, and digital marketing.
Throughout his professional journey, Kevin has partnered with various enterprises and organizations to improve their online visibility and resource mobilization efforts. His innovative approach and comprehensive skill set have enabled him to provide effective solutions tailored to the needs of his clients. Kevin's dedication to enhancing digital marketing strategies and ICT support has significantly contributed to the success of the organizations he has worked with.
Kevin Menya has made significant contributions to the Talobeeg Foundation, including regular and swift support of all staff in matters regarding ICT issues. He developed the first website for the organization and since then maintains a great deal of ICT needs. His commitment and expertise have been invaluable in ensuring the foundation's technological infrastructure runs smoothly and efficiently.
Shafici Awil Mohamed is our Filed Manager in Galkaio and the TVET Coordinator at the Talobeeg Foundation based in Galkaio, Somalia. With a robust academic background, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Cyprus Science University, a Diploma in Civil Engineering from Galkacyo Vocational Training Center, and a Diploma in Solar Systems (PV) from Colorado State University.
Shafici has completed various training programs and seminars, including those on entrepreneurship strategy, project monitoring and evaluation, and quality control for higher education. His diverse skill set includes expertise in computerized accounting, risk assessment, leadership, and communication. He is fluent in Somali and English and has a working knowledge of Arabic.
In his professional journey, Shafici has held several key positions, including Academic Director at Galkacyo International University, where he was responsible for strategic planning, enhancing student outcomes, and coordinating university activities. He also worked with Save the Children International as a technical engineer and solar assessment engineer, assessing locations for solar panels, producing reports and designs, and maintaining solar panel installations. Additionally, Shafici has experience as a technical engineer with NEPCO Company and Somtel Bosaaso. His commitment to education is evident from his role as a lecturer in the TVET department at Galkacyo International University, where he developed and delivered interactive lectures and training sessions. Shafici's extensive experience and qualifications make him a valuable asset to Talobeeg Foundation.
Kowsar Mohamed Ahmed serves as the Talobeeg Foundation’s Representative in Türkiye, based in Istanbul. Formerly the Youth and Students Engagement Officer, she currently leads the Foundation’s participation in EU Erasmus+ Projects, particularly in capacity building programs in the field of youth. In this role, she works closely with international partners including Puntland Community ry (Finland), Rajodoon Foundation (Netherlands), the African European Development Agency (Sweden), and ASDA ry (Finland).
She is a graduate of Software Engineering from Üsküdar University, Türkiye, where she gained strong expertise in database management, programming, data analysis, agile methods, and software development. She has been commended by her instructors for her problem-solving skills, adaptability, and innovative approach to project work.
Her professional journey reflects a unique blend of technical knowledge, youth engagement, and international collaboration. With a strong commitment to empowering young people through education, innovation, and cross-border partnerships, Kowsar continues to advance Talobeeg Foundation’s mission of building resilient and empowered communities.
Bukhari Abdiwahab is a results-focused Research Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (REALM) professional with extensive experience in the humanitarian sector. He excels in designing and implementing project MEAL systems, training, and supervising enumerators during data collection, and overseeing field site missions. Proficient in data analysis software such as STATA, SPSS, Excel, and R programming,Bukhari also has
experience with data gathering tools like ODK and Kobo Toolbox. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in development economics from Ethiopia. Additionally, he has completed the MEAL DPro course from the Humanitarian Leadership Academy, and both the Google Data Analytics and Google Project Management Professional online courses, enhancing his data-driven decision-making capabilities.
Currently, Bukhari is a Research, Monitoring & Evaluation and Learning (REALM) Coordinator at the Talobeeg Foundation in Somalia, where he leads project monitoring, field research, and capacity-building training sessions. Previously, he served as a MEAL Officer at Relief International, where he developed and implemented comprehensive MEAL systems and facilitated third-party and remote call monitoring. His expertise includes drafting high-quality analytical reports, delivering capacity-building initiatives, and mastering modern statistical software for data analysis. Bukhari is fluent in Somali, English, Arabic, and Amharic, and is recognized for his strong communication, teamwork, and strategic leadership skills in monitoring and evaluation tasks within the humanitarian and development sectors.