Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

SALAMA ALI

Nairobi

Summary

With over 8 years of experience in legal and international relations practices, additionally possesses a strong foundation in drafting both legal and non-legal documents. Excellent research and writing skills that have been honed through the creation of briefs, reports, policies, and various correspondences. Adept at policy monitoring, analysis, and development, as well as extensive regulatory research. Additionally, years of hands-on experience in program management, Monitoring and Evaluation has given room for excelling in assisting with proposal writing, grants management, lobbying,fundraising and capacity building. Possesses extensive professional skills including excellent oral and written communication skills, persuasion and influencing skills. In addition through working in different Countries and various entities, possesses excellent interpersonal skills.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Policy and Advocacy Consultant

ICPAC
05.2020 - 05.2024
  • Policy development support and recommendations on emerging policy and advocacy issues
  • Assisting in capacity building of regional institutions and member states in early warning, forecasting and environmental monitoring and dissemination of information for sustainable development
  • Providing project management support including fund-raising campaigns and writing of Concept Notes and Proposals
  • Extensive legal research and writing of briefs and legal opinions on compliance at a national and regional level
  • Delivered high-quality presentations to stakeholders, effectively communicating project objectives and results.
  • Analyzed financial data to identify cost-saving opportunities, advising clients on budget optimization strategies.
  • Proactively managing key issues such as legislative, public policy or political threats and opportunities including various lobbying activities
  • Supporting the development of strategies to promote uptake of policy positions across climate change advocacy work and external engagements
  • Undertaking literature reviews, internal consultations, research and drafting position papers and contributing to the development of internal policies
  • Negotiated contracts and agreements on behalf of Stakeholders, securing favorable terms and conditions.
  • Developing dissemination strategies for key Advocacy tool kits, induction packs and other materials for staff
  • Providing project management support to development of humanitarian/emergencies advocacy tool kits
  • Legal compliance and policy analysis and review and providing feedback and recommendations to the Manager.

Legal and International Relations Officer

Somaliland Liaison Office
05.2019 - 04.2020
  • Drafting of diplomatic correspondences, note verbales and internal communications
  • In charge of briefing and advising on diplomatic protocol to more than 5 staff and concerned parties.
  • Writing speeches for dignitaries; drafted speech for minister of foreign affairs' Somaliland in Kenya during Somaliland's celebration of independence.
  • Liaising with host Government via Ministry of Foreign Affairs on various trade and consular issues
  • Evaluated effectiveness of existing policies on international relations, recommending adjustments based on data analysis results.
  • Sourced valuable intelligence and accurate advice involving the monitoring and analysis of international and government affairs environment to determine their impact on Somaliland's interests in the region.
  • Engaged with governments, civil societies, multi-laterals, NGOs and trade associations and helped to mitigate reputational risks.
  • Monitored political developments in 2 regions, identifying trends that could impact Somaliland's strategic interests abroad.
  • Enhanced diplomatic relations by organizing and participating in high-level bilateral meetings and international conferences.
  • Implemented and managed communication activities within the international and government affairs function.
  • Contributed to policy development for better internal and external cooperation
  • Doing research on social, political, trade, communications, regulatory policies and economic environment in relevant areas of interest.
  • Review and providing international trade advice on bilateral treaties on areas of cooperation between Somaliland and Kenya
  • Maintaining files for more than 20 Somaliland nationals detained in Kenya
  • Successfully and solely liaised between MFA office in Kenya and the MFA Somaliland on all diplomatic matters
  • Performed all legal compliance and risk mitigation strategies
  • Facilitated communication between domestic agencies and foreign governments, streamlining information sharing processes for improved efficiency.

Legal and International Relations Intern

Kenya High Commission
09.2018 - 02.2019
  • Sourced valuable intelligence and accurate advice involving the monitoring and analysis of international and government affairs environment with a view to determine the impact of these on Kenya's interests in the region.
  • Enhanced diplomatic relations by organizing and participating in high-level bilateral meetings and international conferences.
  • Prepared comprehensive reports summarizing data analysis findings, informing key decision-makers of important trends and patterns.
  • Implemented and managed communication activities within the international and government affairs function.
  • Handling all case files for approximately 13 Kenyans incarcerated in Malaysia and Countries of accreditation and liaising with the justice departments with regards to them and updating respective files
  • Consular services such as making requests and to the MFA Kenya for the renewal of over 10 Passports for the Kenyans in Diaspora
  • Liaising with the immigration department on the status of Kenyans who have violated immigration rules
  • Attending meetings with 3 potential investors and updating them on the requirements for investments
  • Assisting with organizing high calibre events
  • Key liaison person between Kenya High Commission (KHC) and the diaspora community and handling their requests and correspondences.

Program Officer

Mandek Consulting
01.2016 - 01.2018
  • Research and data collection and analysis throughout a project's cycle including Monitoring and Evaluation and providing reports on findings
  • Building and maintaining Donor and inter-agency relations between Mandek and 5 Stakeholders
  • Internal and external Communications Management
  • Ensuring Legal and regulatory compliance and assisting with staffing of short-term Consultants (about 11 staff).
  • Sourced valuable intelligence and accurate advice involving the monitoring and analysis of international and government affairs environment with a view to determine the impact of these on Stakeholder's interests in the region.
  • Engaged with governments, civil society, multi-laterals, other NGOs and trade associations and helped to mitigate reputational risks.
  • Organized workshops and trainings and engaged in lobbying various policy recommendations to various stakeholders
  • Managed complex projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to design and implement innovative programs that addressed community needs.
  • Analyzed internal reports to evaluate program effectiveness by using outcomes-based approach.
  • Assisted in developing long-term strategies for sustainable programming by analyzing trends within target populations.
  • Spearheaded efforts to secure additional funding sources through donor outreach campaigns,and fundraising events
  • Contributed to organizational capacity building by sharing best practices and lessons learned with 11 colleagues and partners.

Legal Assistant

Sagana, Biriq & Co. Advocates
01.2015 - 12.2015
  • Legal research and data analysis and preparation of Briefs
  • Drafted of legal documents such as Contracts, security documents and various Pleadings
  • Liaised with Clients and provided regular updates on their matters.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality, protecting sensitive client information as required by legal ethics and regulations.
  • Improved communication between attorneys and clients by scheduling meetings, providing status updates, and relaying critical information promptly.
  • Assisted with trial preparation, including creation of exhibits, compilation of witness lists, and organization of evidence materials.
  • Streamlined administrative processes for better efficiency in handling caseloads, reducing paperwork backlog, and ensuring timely completion of tasks.

Legal Intern

Ekuru, Kabage, Nyamathwe & CO. Advocates
06.2012 - 09.2012
  • Managed case files efficiently, ensuring easy accessibility for attorneys when needed.
  • Organized discovery materials for efficient review by attorneys, saving time and resources during case preparation.
  • Attended depositions and court proceedings and prepared summaries on cases.
  • Conducting client interviews and attendance of meetings
  • Conducted extensive legal research for complex cases, resulting in favorable settlements.
  • Attended court hearings, developing a deeper understanding of trial procedures and advocacy strategies.
  • Proofread legal documents before submission to courts or opposing counsel; reducing errors that could potentially harm our clients'' interests.

Education

Master of Arts - International Relations

University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus
Malaysia
07.2019

Postgraduate Diploma in Law -

Kenya School of Law
12.2015

Bachelors of Law & Shariah -

Zanzibar University (ZU)
07.2013

Certificate in Business Management -

Association of Business Management(ABE)
12.2008

Skills

Problem-Solving

Attention to Detail

Team Leadership & Development

Client Relationships

Project Implementation

Excellent Communication

Relationship Building

Monitoring and Evaluation

Accomplishments

Wrote a speech for the Minister of foreign affairs Somaliland which he delivered during the 2019 celebration of Somaliland's independence and cultural event in Nairobi.

Successfully assisted in lobbying and organizing environmental sustainability workshops for project SAWIDREA acquiring 3 new donors.

Successfully wrote a protest note to the Ministry of Foreign affairs Malaysia on the unlawful arresting of a Kenyan student and managed to ensure his release from police custody.

Certification

  • Advocates Practicing Certificate (Law Society of Kenya)
  • Certificate in Project Management for Development Professionals
  • Certificate in conflict resolution
  • Certificate in Introduction to Human rights(Amnesty International)
  • Certificate in Humanitarian System in Emergencies Preparedness and Response(UNICEF)

Languages

Swahili
Proficient
C2
English
Proficient
C2
Arabic
Intermediate
B1

Affiliations

  • Member of the Law Society of Kenya

Timeline

Policy and Advocacy Consultant

ICPAC
05.2020 - 05.2024

Legal and International Relations Officer

Somaliland Liaison Office
05.2019 - 04.2020

Legal and International Relations Intern

Kenya High Commission
09.2018 - 02.2019

Program Officer

Mandek Consulting
01.2016 - 01.2018

Legal Assistant

Sagana, Biriq & Co. Advocates
01.2015 - 12.2015

Legal Intern

Ekuru, Kabage, Nyamathwe & CO. Advocates
06.2012 - 09.2012

Postgraduate Diploma in Law -

Kenya School of Law

Bachelors of Law & Shariah -

Zanzibar University (ZU)

Certificate in Business Management -

Association of Business Management(ABE)

Master of Arts - International Relations

University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus
SALAMA ALI