Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Languages
Otherprofessionaltraining
Other skills and achievements
References
Timeline
Generic

SALAMA W. ALI

Nairobi

Summary

With over 8 years of experience in legal and international relations practices, I have developed a strong foundation in drafting both legal and non-legal documents. My research and writing skills have been honed through the creation of briefs, reports, policies, and various correspondences. I am adept at policy monitoring, analysis, and development, as well as extensive advocacy research. Additionally, my hands-on experience in program management has allowed me to excel in assisting with proposal writing, grants management, and capacity building. I have a comprehensive understanding of civil and criminal litigation, legal compliance, and all areas of Islamic law, including Islamic banking procedures. Furthermore, my extensive practice in international relations and diplomacy encompasses international trade and complaints handling, with expertise in alternative dispute resolution through negotiation and mediation. I am skilled in human rights affairs and the protection of minority rights, as well as knowledgeable in human security affairs and international development management (IDM). My experience also includes effective communication and social media engagement, relationship building, and maintenance within diplomatic entities, NGOs, and corporate entities. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated sharpened writing and presentation skills.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Policy and Advocacy Consultant

ICPAC
05.2020 - Current
  • 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
  • Extensive legal research and writing of Briefs and legal opinions on compliance at a national and regional level
  • Negotiating and drafting of legal contracts including temporary staff contracts during projects
  • 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
  • Documentation of policy strategy discussions and disseminating information as needed
  • 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 correspondence and internal communications
  • In charge of briefing and advising on diplomatic protocol to staff and concerned parties.
  • Writing speeches for dignitaries;wrote the Somaliland minister of foreign affairs' speech in Kenya during Somaliland's celebration of independence.
  • Liaising with the host Government via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on various trade and consular issues
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of existing policies on international relations, recommending adjustments as needed based on changing circumstances or new data analysis results.
  • Travelling to Somaliland for key events like the Somaliland independence day celebration.
  • Prepared comprehensive reports on current events and political developments, informing key stakeholders of potential risks and opportunities.
  • Tracked and analyzed global economic trends, providing valuable input for international trade policy formulation.
  • Served as a liaison officer during state visits, ensuring smooth interactions between host country officials and visiting dignitaries.
  • Monitored political developments in designated 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.
  • Developed and implemented social media strategy to increase engagement and reach new audiences.
  • Contributed to policy development for better international cooperation and mutual understanding between countries.
  • Community engagement at the grass root levels
  • Doing research on social, political and economic environment in areas of interest
  • Review and providing international trade advice on bilateral treaties on areas of cooperation between Somaliland and Kenya
  • Maintaining files for Somaliland nationals detained in Kenya
  • Successfully and solely liaised between MFA office in Kenya and the MFA Somaliland on all diplomatic matters
  • All legal compliance and drafting of employee contracts and leases.

Legal and International Relations Intern

Kenya High Commission
09.2018 - 02.2019
  • Monitoring and analyzing the political, social and economic status of host Country and drafting monthly Reports
  • Conducting legal research on international law practice with regards to diplomatic protocol, international trade, Human Rights situation in Malaysia and writing of legal Briefs and Opinions on the same
  • Handling all case files for 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 Passports for the Kenyans in Diaspora
  • Liaising with the immigration department on the status of Kenyans who have violated immigration rules
  • Attending meetings with potential investors and updating them on the requirements for investments
  • Extensive research on areas of cooperation between Kenya and the Countries of accreditation
  • 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
  • Supporting reporting of program outputs and outcomes
  • Research and data collection and analysis throughout a project's cycle including M&E and providing reports on findings
  • Building and maintaining Donor and inter-agency relations
  • Conducting capacity needs assessments and communicating findings to the Manager
  • Internal and external Communications Management and handling of social media accounts
  • Ensuring Legal and regulatory compliance and assisting with staffing of short term Consultants
  • Scheduling and ensuring logistics for events like training, workshops and seminars
  • Developing informational materials for diverse audiences.
  • Organized workshops and trainings for stakeholders, increasing understanding of program goals and objectives.
  • Maintained detailed documentation on all aspects of programs, creating an accessible knowledge base for future reference.
  • Facilitated stakeholder engagement sessions, incorporating valuable feedback into program development processes.
  • Developed comprehensive communication plans to effectively disseminate information about programs to relevant parties.
  • Conducted research to identify and scrutinize potential grantees.
  • 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 colleagues and partners.

Legal Consultant

Sustainable Development Solutions
01.2017 - 09.2017
  • Drafted comprehensive legal documents including contracts, agreements, and memoranda of understanding for diverse Stakeholders.
  • Researched related literature regarding operational projects at hand. and wrote reports and legal briefs on the same.
  • Resolved disputes effectively through mediation, negotiation, or litigation, as appropriate for each situation.
  • Supported human resources departments with employment law matters such as terminations, workplace policies, and employee relations concerns.
  • Counseled Board members on potential outcomes of legal matters.
  • Minimized risk exposure through careful advice on projects operations and strategic plans.
  • Assisted and advised on developing of proposals and concept notes.
  • Navigated complex regulatory landscapes by staying abreast of evolving legislation that may impact operations.
  • Advised on governance requirements and regulatory compliance best practices to foster long-term stability and growth.
  • Developed tailored risk mitigation plans to safeguard Stakeholders' interests and minimize potential liabilities.

Legal Assistant

Sagana, Biriq & Co. Advocates
01.2015 - 12.2015
  • Legal research and data analysis and preparation of Briefs
  • Drafting of legal documents such as Contracts, security documents and various Pleadings
  • Liaising with Clients and providing regular updates on their matters
  • Conducting client interviews and attending meetings
  • Reviewing and proofreading documents and correspondence
  • Setting up and maintaining filing systems
  • Keeping Clients informed by maintaining contact and communicating the progress of their matters
  • Court Appearance with Partners and drafting of Court attendance briefs on matters.

Legal Intern

Ekuru, Kabage, Nyamathwe & CO. Advocates
06.2012 - 09.2012
  • Preparing correspondence and legal documents
  • Scheduling appointments, meetings and conferences
  • Assisting in Court attendance and taking of Brief notes during proceedings
  • Carrying out legal research and analysis
  • Conducting client interviews and attendance of meetings
  • Reviewing and proofreading documents and correspondence.

Education

Masters in International Relations -

University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus
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
  • MS Office
  • Strategic Planning
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Project Leadership
  • Client Engagement
  • Project Management
  • Research and Development
  • Written Communication
  • Excellent Communication
  • Project Analysis
  • Data Analytics
  • Processes and procedures
  • Project Implementation
  • Customer Relationship Management
  • Social media software and Data visualization tools like tableau and data2 wrapper

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
English
Arabic

Otherprofessionaltraining

  • 2014: Advocate Training Program,Kenya School of Law
  • 2017:Action for Sustainable change (AFOSC) workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction ,Nairobi
  • 2019:Conflict Management and Project management, online
  • Annually: Professional Development training offered by the Law Society of Kenya(LSK) every year post admission to the Bar of Advocates.

Other skills and achievements

  • Member of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) since 2016.
  • Leadership skills: As a Constitutional and Legal affairs Minister and member of the quasi-judicial Court in Zanzibar University which culminated in the amendment of the Zan-varsity Constitution.
  • Research & drafting skills:I was tasked with writing a speech for the Minister of Foreign affairs Somaliland during the celebration of independence day held in Kenya in 2019.
  • Organization of events & presentation skills: Assisted in organizing and hosting Kenya's 55th Independence anniversary in Kuala Lumpur and made a PowerPoint presentation for the same.
  • Interpersonal & communication skills; Successfully led a team of Members of Parliament and Media crew to attend and cover Somaliland's celebration of Independence in 2019 and interviewing several key Governmental figures.
  • I consult for Sheikh Shariff Advoacates on Islamic Shariah matters.

References

  • Mr. Innocent Muganda, Managing Partner, Sagana, Biriq & Co. Advocates, Kenya, +254 722 552611, muganda@saganabiriq.co
  • Mrs. Dorcas N. Rukunga, Deputy Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kenya, +254 710 180726, dorcasn@kenyahighcom.org.my
  • Mr. Ibrahim Iman, Project Manager(ICPAC), IGAD, Kenya, iiman@icpac.net

Timeline

Policy and Advocacy Consultant

ICPAC
05.2020 - Current

Legal and International Relations Officer

Somaliland Liaison Office
05.2019 - 04.2020

Legal and International Relations Intern

Kenya High Commission
09.2018 - 02.2019

Legal Consultant

Sustainable Development Solutions
01.2017 - 09.2017

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

Masters in International Relations -

University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus

Postgraduate Diploma in Law -

Kenya school of Law

Bachelors of Law & Shariah -

Zanzibar University (ZU)

Certificate in Business Management -

Association of Business Management(ABE)

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SALAMA W. ALI