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.
Abdihakim Farah Ali is the Executive Director of Talobeeg Foundation. Under his leadership, the foundation has seen a marked improvement in strategic planning and program execution, resulting in more effective and impactful humanitarian and development initiatives. He has also been instrumental in building and strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, both locally and internationally, which has expanded the foundation’s reach and influence.
His contributions to Talobeeg Foundation have been transformative. Under his leadership, the foundation has seen a marked improvement in strategic planning and program execution, resulting in more effective and impactful humanitarian and development initiatives. He has also been instrumental in building and strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, both locally and internationally, which has expanded the foundation’s reach and influence. His focus on innovation and collaboration has led to the successful completion of several high-profile projects, solidifying the foundation’s reputation as a leader in the sector.
In his professional journey, Abdihakim made significant contributions to the World Bank Group, where he served as a National Liaison Officer in Somalia. In this role, he engaged in effective dialogue with government authorities and institutions to improve relationships and communication with counterparts, ensuring timely outreach and dissemination of information to government, donors, the private sector, and civil society. At Talobeeg Foundation, Abdihakim’s leadership has been pivotal in enhancing the organization’s strategic direction, ensuring effective program implementation, and fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders. His extensive experience in strategic planning, policy development, and international cooperation has been instrumental in the successful execution of humanitarian and development projects with several organizations, including Save the Children International (SCI), the World Bank, CTG Global, NIS Foundation, Education Development Trust, Handicap International, and the European Committee for Training and Agriculture (CEFA).
His focus on innovation and collaboration has led to the successful completion of several high-profile projects, solidifying the foundation's reputation as a leader in the sector.
In his professional journey, Abdihakim made significant contributions to the World Bank Group, where he served as a National Liaison Officer in Somalia. In this role, he engaged in effective dialogue with government authorities and institutions to improve relationships and communication with counterparts, ensuring timely outreach and dissemination of information to government, donors, the private sector, and civil society. At Talobeeg Foundation, Abdihakim's leadership has been pivotal in enhancing the organization's strategic direction, ensuring effective program implementation, and fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders. His extensive experience in strategic planning, policy development, and international cooperation has been instrumental in the successful execution of humanitarian and development projects with several organizations, including Save the Children International (SCI), the World Bank, CTG Global, NIS Foundation, Education Development Trust, Handicap International, and the European Committee for Training and Agriculture (CEFA).
He holds a Master of Education in Educational Planning from the University of Nairobi – School of Education and External Studies, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Amity University, India, a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Administration and Management, and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from East Africa University, Somalia. Additionally, he has earned a Diploma on Country Level Economics: Policies, Institutions, and Macroeconomic Performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, USA. His comprehensive academic background provides a strong foundation for his leadership role at Talobeeg Foundation.His contributions to Talobeeg Foundation have been transformative.
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.
Adam 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.
Adam 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.
Nur Mohamed is a seasoned professional with a Master of Arts in Public Administration and Management, specializing in Local Governance, complemented by a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and Development. He has also pursued several post-graduate courses, including a Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Sector Management. With nearly a decade of experience,
Mr. Nur is a highly accomplished development practitioner who has led transformative projects focusing on social safeguarding, environmental management, and capacity building. His career trajectory spans across various sectors, including esteemed international organizations like the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), influential advocacy bodies such as the Association of Local Government Authorities of Puntland (ALGAPL), and governmental ministries like the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation.
Throughout his career, Mr. Nur has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advancing the social and economic well-being of vulnerable communities, especially in fragile and marginalized environments. He excels in designing and implementing sustainable solutions to address complex socio-economic challenges, foster inclusive growth, and promote environmental sustainability. His diverse skill set encompasses strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, policy development, and project management. Currently serving as the Program Manager, Mr. Nur oversees a range of critical responsibilities aimed at ensuring the effective management and execution of various projects and initiatives. In this role, he spearheads the development and approval of budgets and implementation plans, ensuring efficient allocation of financial resources to support program objectives. Additionally, he leads the recruitment and supervision of talented program managers, providing guidance and ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
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.
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.
Shafici Awil Mohamed is 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 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.