Abdikarim Ahmed Omar
Transformational Communications Leader | Strategic Innovator | Impact-Driven Change Maker
Nairobi, Nairobi Province
Summary
Highly accomplished communication strategist and project manager with over a decade of experience shaping narratives, enhancing visibility, and fostering stakeholder engagement across East Africa. Renowned for crafting innovative communication solutions that drive tangible impacts. Expertise in public relations, media strategy, knowledge management, and program leadership. Empowering organizations to amplify their missions, establish trust, and create lasting change through innovative storytelling, digital strategies, and inclusive partnerships. Multilingual, well-traveled, and culturally adept. Excels in leading cross-functional teams in challenging environments to deliver measurable results.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
2015
2015
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Languages
Work History
Communications Specialist
MSI (Tetra Tech)
03.2024 - Current
- Designed and implemented social media campaigns, increasing project visibility and online engagement by 25%
- Collaborated with USAID partners to align messaging with development objectives, enhancing stakeholder communication
- Created content for digital platforms that elevated the profile of USAID’s Somalia projects, contributing to a 30% engagement boost
- Coordinated events and campaigns, ensuring seamless execution and heightened public awareness
Communications Specialist
USAID Cross-Border Community Resilience Project (CBCR)
02.2023 - 02.2024
- Enhanced project visibility through targeted communication strategies, achieving a 35% rise in stakeholder engagement
- Crafted success stories, technical reports, and event materials that effectively conveyed project impacts to key audiences
- Trained staff on advanced communication techniques, empowering partners to share narratives more effectively
Press and Information Lead
European Union Capacity Building Mission (EUCAP)
12.2021 - 05.2022
- Developed the mission’s communication strategy and managed a team to deliver high-impact media content
- Edited a quarterly magazine reaching over 70,000 readers, strengthening the EUCAP brand and mission visibility
- Fostered partnerships with media outlets and government departments to amplify key messages and achievements
Regional Coordinator, South and Central Somalia
Shaqodoon Organization
06.2021 - 12.2021
- Coordinated multi-donor projects, fostering strategic alliances between communities, NGOs, and government stakeholders
- Designed and delivered impactful programs in youth employability, entrepreneurship, and development-oriented technology
- Advocated for inclusive development through public campaigns and partnerships
Communications & Knowledge Management Specialist
Research Triangle Institute (RTI)
11.2017 - 08.2021
- Directed communications for USAID’s GEEL project, increasing social media engagement by 196% on Twitter and 78% on Facebook
- Produced high-quality media content, including a TV and radio series reaching 9 million youth, inspiring careers in agriculture
- Built a knowledge management system to streamline project communication and reporting
Multi-Media Specialist
Creative Associates International
10.2020 - 03.2021
- Strengthened advocacy and electoral strategies for the USAID BUILD Somalia program, promoting civic participation
- Developed Ushahidi-based platforms for public feedback, enabling 10 million citizens to voice opinions and influence decision-making
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - Public Relations & Communications
Presbyterian University of East Africa
Bachelor’s Degree - Development Studies
Management University of Africa
Diploma - NGO & CBO Management
Kenya Institute of Social Work and Community Development
Global Leadership Certification - undefined
World-Wide Connect
Presenting with Impact Certification - undefined
Speak by Design
Skills
Strategic Communication & Media Relations
Accomplishments
- Transformed Organizational Visibility: Led strategic communication initiatives that grew social media engagement by up to 196%, reaching millions of stakeholders and fostering trust in USAID and EU projects.
- Empowered Millions Through Technology: Designed SMS/voice platforms enabling 10 million citizens to participate in governance and feedback systems, strengthening transparency.
- Impactful Content Creation: Produced multimedia campaigns with audiences exceeding 9 million, highlighting stories of resilience, innovation, and youth empowerment in Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and South Sudan.
- Innovative Advocacy: Spearheaded initiatives like political debates and multimedia campaigns to promote civic engagement and foster positive societal change.
- Global Partnerships: Managed multi-donor projects and nurtured relationships with international organizations, government entities, and media outlets to drive sustainable development.
Timeline
Communications Specialist
MSI (Tetra Tech)
03.2024 - Current
Communications Specialist
USAID Cross-Border Community Resilience Project (CBCR)
02.2023 - 02.2024
Press and Information Lead
European Union Capacity Building Mission (EUCAP)
12.2021 - 05.2022
Regional Coordinator, South and Central Somalia
Shaqodoon Organization
06.2021 - 12.2021
Multi-Media Specialist
Creative Associates International
10.2020 - 03.2021
Communications & Knowledge Management Specialist
Research Triangle Institute (RTI)
11.2017 - 08.2021
Bachelor’s Degree - Development Studies
Management University of Africa
Diploma - NGO & CBO Management
Kenya Institute of Social Work and Community Development
Global Leadership Certification - undefined
World-Wide Connect
Presenting with Impact Certification - undefined
Speak by Design
Bachelor’s Degree - Public Relations & Communications
Presbyterian University of East Africa
Languages
Somali
English
Swahili
Arabic
Locations
- Mogadishu, Wadajir, Somalia
- Nairobi South, Kenya
Similar Profiles
Roberto CabreraRoberto Cabrera
Dispatcher at MSIDispatcher at MSI
Synthia PayanSynthia Payan
Transportation/Dispatch Operations Manager at MSITransportation/Dispatch Operations Manager at MSI
John Calvin TJohn Calvin T
Training Coordinator at MSITraining Coordinator at MSI