Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Other Information
Languages
Affiliations
Publications
Timeline
Abdirizak Adam Hassan

Abdirizak Adam Hassan

Nairobi,Kenya

Summary

A strategic senior policy leader with a transformational mindset and over 20 years of experience in Somalia's governance, policy and program development, and capacity building. Demonstrated a proven track record in supporting state building and democracy consolidation. Skilled in journalism and negotiation, with a strong foundation in governance and democratization.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Program Director

Brain Pots
01.2020 - Current
  • Optimized resource allocation, ensuring the successful completion of multiple concurrent projects.
  • Established strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders for collaborative problem solving.
  • Led change management initiatives, fostering a positive organizational culture during periods of transition.
  • Established program policies and procedures to comply with regulatory requirements.
  • Identified risks and developed mitigation plans.

Chief Policy Advisor

Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid
05.2015 - 04.2017
  • Provided advice on policy development on good governance, democracy consolidation and state building to the Prime Minister.
  • Lead briefings of senior management and the Prime Minister.
  • Prepared the 2017 election for Somalia.
  • Conducted research and analysis related to government policies, procedures, operational programs, budgets, or other issues related to government business. Prepared oral and written reports of findings for the Prime Minister.
  • Streamlined policy development process for improved efficiency and stakeholder engagement.

Federalism Expert Lead

Max Planck Foundation
May.2011 - Nov.2015
  • Provided basic comparative federalism trainings for senior level civil servants from various ministries of Somalia as well as the Offices of the Presidency and the Prime Minister.
  • Developed analysis and briefing materials, including Legislative submissions.
  • Lead the development of Federal policy, legislative and operational frameworks and multi-stakeholder program delivery, and build consensus on policy and program development with other ministries and sector stakeholders
  • Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects in Somalia from concept to completion.

Senior Advisor to the President

Transitional Federal Government
05.2007 - 10.2008
  • Provided expertise and advice international cooperation and policy making
  • Oversaw a seamless transition of my earlier position and the Chief of Staff of the Presidency
  • Coordinated the President’s efforts in Somalia’s reconciliation and dialogue with the opposition groups
  • Urged the President and advocated for the Djibouti Accord that brought about the resignation of President Abdullahi Yussuf and the installment of the current government of Somalia
  • Prepared the safe transfer and handing over ceremony of the Office of the President. and the rest of the installations; security apparatus, security personnel, residence, equipments and staff.

Senior Political Advisor to the President

Transitional Federal Government Of Somalia
05.2007 - 11.2008
  • Provided expertise and advice on international cooperation and policy making
  • Cultivated close relationships with Special Representative of the Secretary General to Somalia (SRSG), the international community at large and the diplomatic missions to Somalia
  • Coordinated the President’s efforts in Somalia’s reconciliation and dialogue with the opposition groups, for purposes of conducting an acceptable election modality and process
  • Oversaw a 5-member advisory group that provided periodic white papers on various key policymaking areas.

Education

Master of Arts (MA) International Relations -

Carleton University
01.2004

Bachelor of Arts (BA Honors), in Political Science, Concentration in International Relations -

Carleton University
01.2002

Bachelor of Arts (BA), in Journalism -

American University of Beirut
01.1990

Skills

  • Policy Development
  • Governance
  • Strategic leadership
  • Reconciliation
  • Crisis Management
  • Critical Thinking
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Political Communication
  • Public Diplomacy
  • Peace-building

Other Information

Fluent in Somali, English, and Arabic,

Languages

Somali
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Arabic
Full Professional

Affiliations

  • Adam Hassan Consultants

Publications

The Dawning of a new Era for Somalia: Contemplating the Prospects

Al-Shabab: A Revenue Rebirth

Timeline

Program Director - Brain Pots
01.2020 - Current
Chief Policy Advisor - Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid
05.2015 - 04.2017
Federalism Expert Lead - Max Planck Foundation
May.2011 - Nov.2015
Senior Political Advisor to the President - Transitional Federal Government Of Somalia
05.2007 - 11.2008
Senior Advisor to the President - Transitional Federal Government
05.2007 - 10.2008
Carleton University - Master of Arts (MA) International Relations,
Carleton University - Bachelor of Arts (BA Honors), in Political Science, Concentration in International Relations,
American University of Beirut - Bachelor of Arts (BA), in Journalism,
Abdirizak Adam Hassan