Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Websites
Timeline
Generic

Sahara Ahmed Yakub

Protection Specialist
Mogadishu,32

Summary

Experienced and driven Gender Equality, Social Inclusion (GESI) and Protection Specialist with over 9 years of expertise in gender and conflict-sensitive programming, women’s rights advocacy, safeguarding, and GBV prevention. Demonstrated success in leading technical strategy, facilitating inclusive dialogues, conducting conflict and GESI assessments, and strengthening community-based and women-led organizations. Skilled in providing capacity-building support to partners, overseeing micro-grants implementation, and integrating protection into multi-sectoral programs. Proven track record working with donor-funded programs including USAID/BHA, FCDO, and UNHCR in fragile contexts such as Somalia. Strong commitment to the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, participatory approaches, and do-no-harm principles. Fluent in Somali and English.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Program Manager I – Protection and Safeguarding and Gender Focal Person

Catholic Relief Services
01.2023 - Current
  • Managed and implemented SHARPEN III’s protection-related activities throughout relevant project cycles -project design, start-up, implementation, and close-out - to ensure efficient, effective, and safe.
  • Led the implementation in line with CRS program quality principles, donor requirements, global standards, and best practices for protection programming.
  • Held the project team and partner staff accountable for using the appropriate tools and applying the standards consistently and with high quality.
  • Effectively managed talent and supervise. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide coaching, strategically tailor individual development plans, contribute to the recruitment process of project staff, and complete performance management for direct reports.
  • Analyzed and evaluated project performance data following MEAL policies and procedures. Proactively identify issues and concerns and use participatory processes to overcome implementation obstacles.
  • Contribute to and/or lead relevant studies, including protection risk analyses, safety audits, rapid gender analyses, etc.
  • Acted as a key resource person in project design and proposal development related to protection programming and mainstreaming protection into other sectors.
  • Identify protection and safeguarding-related risks within SHARPEN III and collaborate with the sector leads to develop and implement mitigation strategies.
  • Promoted confidentiality and data protection through safe information management at CRS and partner levels.
  • Supported to identify, assess, and strengthen partnerships relevant to protection, applying appropriate application of partnership concepts, tools and approaches through monitoring, mentorship, and coaching.
  • Coordinated the identification of staff capacity and technical assistance needs of CRS and partner organizations. Provide protection and safeguarding-related technical assistance and capacity strengthening support for staff and partner organizations to enhance program quality and impact.
  • Participated actively in protection and GBV coordination fora at the national level and monitor participation at lower levels; consolidate and share information with project management and other key stakeholders to inform decision-making.
  • Championed learning on protection and safe and dignified programming with project staff and partner teams. Facilitate the dissemination of lessons learned and promote the application of learning to improve program quality and to strengthen agency influence among external stakeholders.
  • Coordinated and monitor financial and material resources relevant to project needs; ensure efficient use of project resources through planning and oversight. Assist Senior Partner Safeguarding Officers in conducting initial orientation sessions and assessments for Somalia implementing partners, as well as monitoring visits on the implementation of capacity improvement plans in Somalia as needed.
  • Participated in learning events and relevant trainings organized by the Regional and/or HQ Safeguarding Advisors.
  • Serve as a resource for CRS and partner staff on safeguarding, including supporting or leading orientations and/or trainings to promote understanding, acceptance and implementation of the CRS’ policy and procedures on safeguarding and to strengthen the safeguarding capabilities of the teams.
  • Collaborated with the MEAL team to enhance the accessibility of the Feedback, Complaints and Response Mechanism for diverse community members to safely and confidentially share feedback and make reports.

Inclusive Civic Expression Program Lead

Oxfam Somalia
08.2020 - 12.2022
  • Developed and mobilized resources for the new programme on Inclusive Civic Expression of Oxfam Somalia /Somaliland with specific focus on the participation of women, youth and minorities.
  • Led on the programme and project development in the field of Inclusive Civic Expression, defining a focus and approach that is cutting edge and is building on Oxfam’s added value in Somalia / Somaliland.
  • Acted as thought leader on inclusive citizenship in relevant debates in Oxfam Somalia / Somaliland and position Oxfam as a relevant player in this field.
  • Created a deeper understanding on the aspiration and priorities of marginalized groups, as well as on effective approaches to raise their voice by leading research, participate in exchanges and collect evidence.
  • Closely worked with Pan African and HECA region on Women, Security and peacebuilding influencing advocacy.
  • Work closely regional gender justice adviser and contribute informing gender programing strategic plans which seek to realise gender equality and women’s empowerment in Somalia through mobilising women’s rights organisations to carry out joint advocacy and lobbying to influence gender related policies at national and at the regional level through coordination with Oxfam Pan African at AU level.
  • Engaged with relevant donors and mobilize resources for the programme.
  • Built a network with relevant national and international organizations.
  • Led the project management, delivery and budget management.
  • Acted as gender justice/ women rights and governance focal point in Oxfam Somalia country program.
  • Supported lobby and advocacy of Oxfam and partners to promote an enabling environment for citizens to raise their voice.
  • Ensured that participation of women and female leadership becomes a spearhead in the new programme.
  • Identified and supported innovations, new ideas and approaches to raise the voice of marginalized groups.
  • Managed the establishment of advocacy networks at national level and linkages to regional & international networks on gender and women’s human rights.
  • Proactively and substantively supported the relevant, high-impact advocacy activities and gender justice campaigns with key partners.

SENIOR WPE PROGRAM MANAGER

INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE (IRC)
03.2018 - 07.2020
  • Led the project management and implementation and ensure compliance with the project proposal and donor agreement, to ensure effective use of resources against planned activities and expected outputs.
  • Managed and oversaw grants; develop and maintain work, spending and procurement plans. Participate in all grant opening, mid-term and closing meetings.
  • Managed the project budget; oversee all budget expenditures and ensure they are allowable and allocable according to IRC and donor regulations; reviewed monthly Budget vs. Actual (BvA) and expenditure sheets, feed corrections back to Finance. Bring any over/under expenditure issues to the attention of the GBV Coordinator and the Grants department in a timely manner and jointly develop corrective plans.
  • In coordination with the GBV Coordinator, assisted in the program development and design process of IRC’s GBV portfolio in Somalia by conducting assessments, and developing proposals, concept notes and budgets.
  • Ensured adequate project monitoring and evaluation systems are in place to collect information and consolidate data to demonstrate impact and inform ongoing program design.
  • Established M&E systems to monitor program implementation in coordination with the GBV Coordinator.
  • Compiled and prepared quality internal and external monthly and periodic project progress reports, using IRC and donor formats, and feed in other information as requested within agreed deadlines.
  • Provided ongoing mentorship and guidance to staff and local partners to ensure programming meets best practice standards and guidance around GBV in humanitarian settings.
  • Developed and implemented a capacity building plan for program staff and local partners.
  • Worked with the GBV Coordinator to identify resources and materials, planed and led trainings and capacity building for staff, local partners, community members, and service providers on key GBV tools, case management, basic counseling, CCSAS, GBV prevention concepts, and key GBV resources.
  • Built staff capacity in writing activity and monthly reports to ensure accurate monitoring and documentation of activities.
  • Supervised GBV staff directly, as well as consultants as necessary.
  • Ensured Performance Management System documentation is in place and followed up regularly. Ensure GBV staff understands and follows IRC and donor policies and procedures.
  • Represented IRC in relevant coordination fora (e.g. GBV Working Group, Protection Cluster) at Somalia level.
  • Developed and maintained effective working relationships with all stakeholders - including government, community leaders, NGOs, UN agencies, community based organizations and other IRC sectors to enhance cooperation and coordination.
  • Worked with partners, government, and other NGOs and UN agencies to establish appropriate systems to ensure survivors can access services in a timely and confidential manner.
  • Liaised with other GBV actors at the regional level to plan and provide joint trainings, support implementation of GBV Prevention and Response, Standard Operating Procedures, and undertake relevant advocacy.
  • Ensured that information from coordination meetings is shared internally and with other sectors, as appropriate. Develop key partnerships with local actors and establish partnership agreements and plans based on thorough conversations and assessments.
  • Participated in IRC Somalia regular meetings, reviews, strategic planning; and assist in the preparation of new initiatives for the GBV program in Somalia.
  • Worked closely with IRC’s Health, Livelihoods, and Governance teams to coordinate the implementation of holistic programming.
  • Ensured regular communication with GBV Coordinator, Field Coordinator and other departments regarding the project’s progress and processes. Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor or GBV Coordinator to enable and develop IRC programs.
  • Worked with the field teams in the development of WPE program budgets and spending plans and any other grants as may be required.
  • Took overall responsibility for WPE/GBV program budgets at field level. Monitor budget spending in line with the spending plans and develop remedial plans where necessary to ensure budgets are optimally utilized.
  • Work with the field team and grants coordinator to ensure all WPE grants are in compliance with donor guidelines and agreements including budget flexibility and reporting requirements.
  • Assisted with the recruitment of GBV staff, in coordination with HR and the field and program management. In collaboration with Program Coordinator in Nairobi and the respective Field Coordinators (FCs), provide technical performance management (setting of objectives, appraisals and development plans) Work with the respective FCs in ensuring transition planning and capacity building of WPE staff.

Child Protection Program Officer- GBV

UNICEF SOMALIA
08.2015 - 01.2018
  • Provided technical support in design, formulation, planning and implementation of prevention of and response to GBV (development /revision of proposal/PCAs submitted by partners).
  • Ensured the availability of accurate, complete and up-to-date information required for effective gender-based violence program and project design, implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation.
  • Drafted sound gender-based violence program budgets for review by the supervisor; and provide support for the sharing of information with relevant partners. Assist in providing advisory services for all GBV interventions in South Central Zone.
  • Provided technical assistance on programming on Support on-going advocacy efforts related to prevention and response to GBV, particularly sexual violence. Initiate areas for advocacy purposes including target audiences to prevent and respond to GBV.
  • Organized and conduct regular capacity building on GBV, Social norms and case management to partners.
  • Co-chaired Gender Based Violence Case management group meetings and provide all necessary technical support.
  • Enhanced project efficiency and effectiveness through implementation follow-on activities with various partners, including monitoring UNICEF inputs, local conditions and resources, flow of supply and non-supply assistance and gender-based violence project status.
  • Assisted in developing/revising monitoring and evaluation tools for UNICEF’s GBV interventions. Carry out extensive field-based monitoring of GBV program interventions using UNICEF developed tools and standards to all geographical areas where UNICEF’s GBV program interventions take place.
  • Technical leadership and support on policy dialogues, legislation and advocacy strategies to facilitate national level advocacy and social mobilization of communities for prevention of GBV and responses.
  • Ensured the appropriateness of financial, administrative and supply documentation; verify that gender-based violence project expenditures are within allotments and that data is consistent with the project information and database (Vision).
  • Collaborated with communication staff and partners to develop effective strategies and materials aimed at bringing about change in social norms and individual behavior to prevent all forms of GBV.
  • Ensured the effective communication and networking developed and maintained through partnership and collaboration.
  • Monitored and evaluate activities on the basis of applied communication research and frequent visits to project sites including dissemination of communication research findings, ensure exchange of experience and new methods to government officials and programme staff.
  • Planed and organized trainings and orientation activities for Government and NGO personnel, community members and young people in order to mobilize a critical mass nodding for GBV Prevention and responses.
  • Prepared section program documentation, contribute to the GBV prevention & response annual reports and analyses; supervise and monitor management of cash and other supply assistance, budget reviews and maintenance of data ensuring efficient use of funds and reporting thereafter.

Free-lance consultant

01.2007 - 06.2015
  • Assessed capacity of local intuitions, Civil Society Organizations, Women groups and developed capacity building programmes that address their capacity gap.
  • Participated in researches in the field of women's economic empowerment, gender gaps, women's political participation.
  • Facilitated training workshop in the area of gender mainstreaming, gender justice, GBV, MHPSS, human right, HIV & AIDs, child protection, women political participation & leadership, health workers and teachers psychosocial support training good governance, M& E, democracy concept, develop strategic plans, organisational internal system & policies for some CSOs in Somalia/ Somaliland, project management, participatory planning, peace building, social norms, social inclusion and management of diversity, fund raising, and advocacy and campaigning.

Program Manager

ORGANIZATION FOR SOMALI’S PROTECTION & DEVELOPMENT(OSPAD)
08.2011 - 07.2012
  • Provide direct technical and managerial supervision to project staff and the maintenance of high quality program implementation to achieve maximum coverage and impact in coordination with other programs.
  • Managing the program implementation and Promote project participation from grass root to upper level.
  • Providing strong leadership in initiation for project ideas and participation of the developing of high quality proposals.
  • Leading and initiating program planning and decision-making processes with the collaboration of the executive director.
  • Provide training, mentoring and support to local multi-sectoral response partners in order to strengthen local capacity and sustainability to provide response services.
  • Supervise outreach activities, visit IDP’s and other project target communities to monitor how the needs of GBV survivors met, services provided including health care, psychosocial support, case management and lively hood support and referrals made.
  • Provide oversight and monitor GBV program activities to ensure all activities are safe, gender-sensitive, and client-centered, in accordance with international standards.
  • Assist data officer in compiling monthly data using GBV Information Management System.
  • Submit timely technical monthly/quarterly reports in provided format to donor.
  • Provide managerial oversight to emergency GBV staff in all designated locations.
  • Improve program convergences through integration of other emergency programs.
  • Assist and contribute in designing the emergency Somalia GBV strategy and support its implementation.
  • In collaboration with line ministries and other key stakeholders assist in conducting needs assessments, identifying new program opportunities and supporting emergency projects.
  • Assist with the coordination and the development of new proposals and initiatives.
  • Maintain relations with coordination bodies, health sectors, research organizations, legal associations, and relevant government institutions.
  • Represent on behalf of the organization and liaise with the GBV sub-cluster, local authorities, UN, and international and national NGOs to facilitate successful coordination of activities and ensure transparency in the community.
  • Collaborate regularly with other sectors to monitor the situation in the targeted communities and to prepare for and respond to GBV issues.
  • Develop and maintain strong working relationship and coordinate with authorities, relevant international and local agencies engaged in similar program.
  • Advocate quality GBV prevention and response services and the integration of protection and gender considerations in other sectors to promote risk reduction among beneficiaries.
  • Compile monthly and quarterly reports, on time and with accurate data and submit donor agency.
  • Organize program quarterly review, assist the project staff in performance review of the project and managing changes necessary to fully achieve the objectives/targets of the project.
  • Ensure proper utilization of M&E resources (financial, material and human).

Child Protection/ Psychosocial support Program Coordinator

Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO)
11.2007 - 05.2011
  • Company Overview: Program Funded by UNICEF
  • Ensure effective planning and oversee the implementation of activities as per plan & budget.
  • Provide mentorship and coaching to partner staff in specific areas that need support.
  • Prepare child protection/psychosocial training materials-based training need assessment of partners.
  • Conduct regular partners monitoring support supervision by visiting project target areas/filed sites.
  • Support with Protection adviser information for analysis into overall humanitarian response.
  • Conduct regular support & monitoring visit to TPO partner organizations at least one time a month for each partner.
  • Conduct capacity building of line ministries and partner on PSS /Child Protection and GBV.
  • Work with the technical support officers to contextualize current TPO psychosocial materials to suit the local situation.
  • Organize and hold coordination meetings between line ministries and TPO partners.
  • Contributed line Ministry Psychosocial support strategy plan with help of international consultant.
  • Protection monitoring: Ensure protection monitoring systems are in place and used by relevant staff and volunteers.
  • Ensure documentation of activities on all levels of the project implementation. Provide detailed and statistical report.
  • Ensure partners proper utilization of M&E resources (financial, material and human).
  • Give orientation to all expatriate staff on the culture and other important aspects of the local community.
  • Prepare a sound program reports and submit to Kampala office.
  • Program Funded by UNICEF

Child protection /GBV Program Manager

Horn Africa Psychosocial Professional Association (HAPPA)
05.2007 - 10.2007
  • Directly managed child protection/GBV program, including human resources, finances and provide technical support.
  • Maintaining and developing good relations with donor organizations and ensuring adherence to grant management requirements, including timely and accurate reporting and project revision.
  • Supervision of the Child Protection/GBV programs and the coordination of the staff involved in the programs.
  • Managing the implementation of all Horn of Africa psychosocial professional association program, monitoring and evaluation of program activities.
  • Support the child protection team to implement an effective community-based approach that protects children, including those living in alternative care settings and promotes children’s decision-making.
  • Reviewing the current M&E system and ensuring strong and regular process and performance internal and external monitoring and evaluation, as well as associated project adjustments.
  • Design and facilitate child protection research and integrated assessments to inform project activities and emergency response.
  • Design and implement training and regular mentoring to build the capacity staff and partners on child protection, GBV, case management and psychosocial support.
  • Ensure child protection principles and activities according to Child Protection Minimum Standards are practically mainstreamed throughout programs and with other sectors/agencies in target areas.
  • Actively participate in child protection coordination forums and build strategic relationships with child protection working group (CPWGs & GBVWG) members, line ministries/local authorities and agencies/organizations working relevant sector.
  • Lead the documentation of project methodologies, lessons learned and gather case studies.
  • Compile monthly and quarterly reports, on time and with accurate data and submit donor agency.

Organization Capacity Development Consultant/ Trainer

Oxfam Novib
09.2006 - 05.2007
  • Company Overview: SOCIS 3 EU Program
  • Completed both theoretical and practical modules of capacity building program entitled from Oxfam Novib for nine months.
  • Built one NGO’s capacity for organizational development program.
  • Facilitating the process of developing internal systems, policy and procedures rain org. staffs on Governance, management system, financial management, M&E, PCM, sustainability, stakeholders’ relation, Communication & teamwork skills, fundraising & advocacy/lobbying skills, HIV&AIDS, Gender, HR and service management.
  • Facilitating the process of developing organizational strategy plan with collaboration of Org. board of directors.
  • Conduct / participate Organizational Development assessment and any other needed assessment during the project.
  • Conduct Community awareness raising on HR violations or existing social problems in IDP’s communities including HIV&AIDS, GBV, HR violations, chat/ drug addiction problems.
  • Prepare Bi-weekly, Monthly and end of project reports.
  • SOCIS 3 EU Program

Other Work Experience

01.2003 - 08.2006
  • Worked voluntarily as instructor at Heath science institute (March- Aug. 2006).
  • Worked as Child Protection & Psychosocial Support Project officer -Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation in Somaliland (CCBRS) (2004- 2005).
  • Worked as qualified Nurse - Public Hospital (part time) (Jan- December 2004).
  • Worked as Youth and Health Project officer at Somali Voice of Youth (SOLVOY) (July 2003 –June 2004).
  • Worked as Project Assistant Violence against Women and income Generation programme at Aw-Barkadle Women’s Development Org. (AWDO) (Jan- June 2003).
  • Worked as voluntary youth activist at Somaliland Youth Society (SYS) (2001-2002).

Education

MA - international Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid

KALU Institute
01.2023 - Current

Bachelor of - Social Science

Salama University
01.2014 - 01.2015

Diploma - Professional Project Management, Arts in Community Development

African institute of Research and Development studies
01.2012 - 01.2013

Diploma - Community Development & Social Work

African institute of Research and Development studies
01.2010 - 01.2012

Skills

  • Safeguarding & Protection Risk Mitigation

  • GBV Case Management & Survivor-Centered Approach

  • Protection Mainstreaming & Accountability Mechanisms

  • Complaint & Feedback Response Mechanisms (CFRM)

  • Inter-Agency Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement

References

  • Mtaku Zulia, zulai.mtaku@crs.org, Country Representative, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Somalia
  • Del Castillo, Kev Esteban, Kevesteban.dc@gmail.com, Deputy Head of Programming
  • Ahmed Abdi, ahmed.abdi@crs.org, Technical Advisor, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), +252 616 556 360
  • Abdirahman Osman, mistaosman@gmail.com, Human Resource Manager - SSWC, Somalia, +252 616 012 425

Timeline

Program Manager I – Protection and Safeguarding and Gender Focal Person

Catholic Relief Services
01.2023 - Current

MA - international Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid

KALU Institute
01.2023 - Current

Inclusive Civic Expression Program Lead

Oxfam Somalia
08.2020 - 12.2022

SENIOR WPE PROGRAM MANAGER

INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE (IRC)
03.2018 - 07.2020

Child Protection Program Officer- GBV

UNICEF SOMALIA
08.2015 - 01.2018

Bachelor of - Social Science

Salama University
01.2014 - 01.2015

Diploma - Professional Project Management, Arts in Community Development

African institute of Research and Development studies
01.2012 - 01.2013

Program Manager

ORGANIZATION FOR SOMALI’S PROTECTION & DEVELOPMENT(OSPAD)
08.2011 - 07.2012

Diploma - Community Development & Social Work

African institute of Research and Development studies
01.2010 - 01.2012

Child Protection/ Psychosocial support Program Coordinator

Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO)
11.2007 - 05.2011

Child protection /GBV Program Manager

Horn Africa Psychosocial Professional Association (HAPPA)
05.2007 - 10.2007

Free-lance consultant

01.2007 - 06.2015

Organization Capacity Development Consultant/ Trainer

Oxfam Novib
09.2006 - 05.2007

Other Work Experience

01.2003 - 08.2006

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Sahara Ahmed YakubProtection Specialist