Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Languages
Hobbies and Interests
Timeline
Generic

Abdul Ghani Ismail

Nairobi

Summary

Strategic and results-driven Regional Representative with over 20 years of senior leadership experience directing complex humanitarian relief and international development programs across Africa and the Middle East. Expert in steering multi-country operations, integrating strategic vision with operational excellence in high-stakes, dynamic environments. Adept at leading diverse, multicultural teams and cultivating influential partnerships with governments, institutional donors, UN agencies, and local stakeholders. Recognized for decisive, culturally intelligent leadership, fostering collaboration, and delivering sustainable, impact-driven solutions that align with global humanitarian standards and organizational objectives.


Overview

31
31
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Horn of Africa Regional Representative

United Mission for Relief and Development
Nairobi, Kenya
09.2015 - 06.2025
  • Represent UMR across the Horn of Africa region, fostering strategic relationships with national and regional stakeholders.
  • Established and strengthened partnerships with government bodies in Kenya to promote UMR’s mission and programs.
  • Ensured optimal resource utilization and effective budget management across all country projects.
  • Initiated and maintained engagement with institutional donors to expand funding opportunities and partnerships in Kenya.
  • Held full accountability for project implementation, ensuring timely delivery and compliance with contractual obligations.
  • Spearheaded the setup of UMR programs and operational structures in underserved and hard-to-reach areas.
  • Provided strategic guidance and direction to staff regarding target intervention areas and program priorities.
  • Ensured the integration and application of international humanitarian standards, including the Red Cross Code of Conduct and Sphere standards.
  • Maintained strict adherence to UMR’s internal policies, operational procedures, and compliance frameworks.

Humanitarian Programs Manager (Middle East & Africa)

Muslim Aid UK
London, United Kingdom
05.2012 - 09.2015
  • Provided direct supervision and support to Muslim Aid’s humanitarian managers across multiple field offices to ensure effective program delivery.
  • Coordinated teams and ensured operational and qualitative program aspects were implemented correctly, including monitoring objectives, deadlines, and budgets.
  • Participated in developing operational strategies and recommended new initiatives based on needs identified within the area of responsibility.
  • Assisted in resolving complex case inquiries, ensuring timely and appropriate follow-up actions.
  • Supported outreach activities in collaboration with refugee community organizations to enhance engagement and program impact.
  • Served as focal point for Information Campaign activities, managing resources and coordinating messaging development with senior management.
  • Ensured adherence to international standards such as the Red Cross and NGO Code of Conduct and Sphere standards across country programs.
  • Guided and directed staff in the area of intervention, promoting a positive working environment and resolving team conflicts.
  • Regularly updated and enforced security guidelines relevant to the area of intervention.
  • Contributed to the recruitment and onboarding of expatriate staff based in the operational area.

Observer – Arab League Mission to Syria

League of Arab States
, Syria
12.2011 - 03.2012
  • Monitored and observed cessation of all violence by all parties in cities and residential areas to ensure compliance with ceasefire agreements.
  • Verified that Syrian security services and affiliated groups (Shabiha) did not obstruct peaceful demonstrations.
  • Confirmed the release of individuals detained during incidents to support human rights and rule of law.
  • Ensured the withdrawal of military forces from residential neighbourhoods where protests and demonstrations occurred or were ongoing.
  • Verified accreditation of Arab and international media organizations by the Syrian Government and ensured their freedom of movement across all regions of Syria.

Middle East Regional Coordinator

Muslim Aid
London, United Kingdom
03.2011 - 12.2011
  • Engaged with government bodies in Jordan to present and promote Muslim Aid’s mission and programs.
  • Approached institutional donors in Amman to introduce Muslim Aid’s work and explore funding opportunities.
  • Led the preparation and submission of project proposals to institutional donors for Muslim Aid initiatives in Iraq and Palestine.
  • Participated actively in external forums, including cluster and coordination meetings, to foster collaboration and information sharing.
  • Organized and delivered presentations highlighting Muslim Aid’s programs and impact.
  • Visited other INGOs in Jordan to review their projects in Palestine, Iraq, and beyond, exploring potential partnerships and funding collaborations.
  • Completed the formal registration process for Muslim Aid in the West Bank to ensure legal compliance and operational capacity.
  • Submitted quarterly Monitoring and Evaluation reports to Muslim Aid’s Executive Committee in London to track progress and inform strategic decisions.
  • Ensured strict compliance with Muslim Aid’s procedures and donor requirements related to project proposal development, reporting, evaluation, audits, learning, and project closure.

Africa Desk Manager

Muslim Aid UK
London, United Kingdom
02.2008 - 03.2011
  • Supported Country Directors in the development of strategic plans for Muslim Aid’s field offices across Africa.
  • Oversaw project design and budget formulation in coordination with field offices in African countries.
  • Conducted regular field visits to assess and evaluate project progress on the ground.
  • Prepared and submitted quarterly progress reports to Muslim Aid’s Board of Trustees.
  • Represented Muslim Aid at Africa-related meetings and workshops to explore future partnerships.
  • Facilitated effective and systematic communication across Muslim Aid’s global offices to maximize programme impact.
  • Ensured implementation of international humanitarian standards (e.g., Red Cross Code of Conduct, Sphere Standards) within all country programmes.
  • Provided leadership, direction, and guidance to field staff in areas of intervention.
  • Fostered a positive working environment and resolved team conflicts to maintain healthy team dynamics.
  • Regularly updated security guidelines tailored to the specific needs of each intervention area.
  • Contributed to the recruitment of expatriate staff and candidates based in the region.
  • Assisted the HR Manager in delivering comprehensive briefings and onboarding for operational Country Directors, ensuring alignment with Muslim Aid’s values and standards.
  • Ensured full compliance with internal procedures for project proposals, reporting, evaluation, audits, learning, completion, and donor requirements.
  • Collaborated with the Finance Manager to ensure all financial operations adhered to Muslim Aid’s financial policies and systems.

Interpreter (Casual)

Language Line
London, United Kingdom
04.2003 - 05.2007
  • Provided interpretation services for Arabic and Somali-speaking clients.
  • Supported communication in various social services settings, including hospitals, schools, and courts.

Administrator

Boulevard Hotel
London , United Kingdom
02.2003 - 04.2005
  • Welcomed and checked in/out hotel guests, ensuring a high standard of customer service.
  • Operated the hotel switchboard, managing incoming and transferred calls efficiently.
  • Handled reservations via face-to-face interaction, email, phone, and fax.
  • Liaised with agencies regarding room availability and bookings.
  • Managed petty cash and processed guest payments.

Administrator

Riyadh House
London, United Kingdom
06.2001 - 12.2003
  • Greeted clients and managed check-in/out processes for hotel guests.
  • Handled room reservations and customer bookings.
  • Operated switchboard systems, managing both internal and external calls.
  • Liaised with booking agencies to update room availability.
  • Responded to customer inquiries in person, over the phone, and via email/fax.
  • Provided local information on leisure and entertainment options.
  • Held keys, managed petty cash, and handled guest payments.
  • Managed internal and external communications, including mail handling.

Interpreter / Translator (Volunteer)

UNHCR (Kenya), US Embassy (Syria)
01.1994 - 01.1999
  • Provided interpretation and translation services for Somali-speaking refugees.
  • Supported advocacy work and facilitated communication between refugees and service providers.
  • Assisted Somali refugees with interpretation and translation tasks.
  • Supported advocacy and communication in coordination with embassy personnel.

Education

LL.M. - International Law, Humanitarian Law, International Human Rights, Refugee Law, Conflict Resolution

London Metropolitan University
London, UK
09.2002 - 06.2005

LL.B. - Civil Law, Public International Law, Comparative Legal Systems

Aleppo University
Aleppo, Syria
09.1994 - 10.1998

Graduate Secondary Certificate -

Badir Secondary School
Dubai, UAE
09.1986 - 06.1990

Skills

  • Strategic Leadership & Organisational Development
  • Humanitarian Programme Design & Implementation
  • International Development Policy & Governance
  • Government, Donor & Diplomatic Relations
  • Conflict-Sensitive Planning & Peacebuilding
  • Risk Management & Emergency Preparedness
  • Budget Oversight & Financial Stewardship
  • Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact Assessment
  • Capacity Building & Talent Development
  • Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Building
  • Crisis Negotiation & Diplomatic Representation
  • Multilingual Stakeholder Communication
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Skilled in digital reporting tools
  • Internet research
  • Cloud-based collaboration tools
  • Remote team communication
  • Virtual coordination platforms

Languages

Somali
Native
Arabic
Native
English
Fluent

Hobbies and Interests

  • Geopolitics
  • Humanitarian diplomacy
  • International law
  • Cross-cultural leadership
  • Swimming
  • Football
  • Current affairs

Timeline

Horn of Africa Regional Representative

United Mission for Relief and Development
09.2015 - 06.2025

Humanitarian Programs Manager (Middle East & Africa)

Muslim Aid UK
05.2012 - 09.2015

Observer – Arab League Mission to Syria

League of Arab States
12.2011 - 03.2012

Middle East Regional Coordinator

Muslim Aid
03.2011 - 12.2011

Africa Desk Manager

Muslim Aid UK
02.2008 - 03.2011

Interpreter (Casual)

Language Line
04.2003 - 05.2007

Administrator

Boulevard Hotel
02.2003 - 04.2005

LL.M. - International Law, Humanitarian Law, International Human Rights, Refugee Law, Conflict Resolution

London Metropolitan University
09.2002 - 06.2005

Administrator

Riyadh House
06.2001 - 12.2003

LL.B. - Civil Law, Public International Law, Comparative Legal Systems

Aleppo University
09.1994 - 10.1998

Interpreter / Translator (Volunteer)

UNHCR (Kenya), US Embassy (Syria)
01.1994 - 01.1999

Graduate Secondary Certificate -

Badir Secondary School
09.1986 - 06.1990

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Abdul Ghani Ismail