Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic

MOHAMED ALI ABDILLAHI

Mogadisho

Summary

  • Led the drafting and successful implementation of the Somaliland Education Act and higher education policies, strengthening legal frameworks for the education sector.
  • Served as a Member of the Somaliland Informal Electoral Committee (appointed by the Prime Minister), contributing to the planning, execution, and oversight of credible elections.
  • Provided legal guidance ensuring compliance with national laws and international human rights standards in government policies and education reforms.
  • Conducted legal research and policy analysis that influenced the development of education and electoral legislation.
  • Facilitated stakeholder engagement and consensus-building among government officials, civil society, and community leaders.
  • Delivered capacity-building workshops for Ministry staff on legal frameworks, enhancing governance and regulatory compliance.
  • Managed complaint-handling procedures at the Somaliland Human Rights Commission, investigating grievances, resolving disputes, and protecting human rights.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Member – Somaliland Informal Electoral Committee (

The Federal Government of Somalia
06.2021 - 04.2022
  • Contributed to election planning and execution to maintain transparency.
  • Directed processes for voter registration, candidate verification, and ballot preparation.
  • Collaborated with political parties, civil society organizations, and community leaders to promote inclusive participation.
  • Monitored polling procedures and provided guidance on resolving electoral disputes.
  • Contributed to post-election reporting, analysis, and recommendations for improving future electoral processes.

Legal Advisor

Ministry of Education and Science, Somaliland
12.2018 - 12.2020
  • Provided legal advice and guidance on education sector policies, legislation, and governance issues.
  • Drafted, reviewed, and finalized key legal documents, including the Somaliland Education Act and higher education policies.
  • Conducted legal research on national laws and international conventions to ensure compliance and policy alignment.
  • Supported the Ministry in contract drafting, MoU negotiations, and dispute resolution.
  • Facilitated stakeholder consultations and inter-ministerial meetings to build consensus on education reforms.
  • Monitored implementation of education-related laws and recommended legal and policy improvements.
  • Delivered training and capacity-building sessions to Ministry staff on legal and regulatory frameworks.
  • Represented the Ministry in legal discussions, negotiations, and official forums when required.

Executive Director

Somaliland Lawyers Association
09.2016 - 08.2018
  • Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
  • Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
  • Forge strong relationships with board members, providing regular updates on organizational progress and soliciting their expertise when needed.
  • Monitored compliance with laws and regulations to protect organization from legal liabilities and penalties.
  • Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment for increased productivity.
  • Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover.
  • Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging professional development opportunities for staff members.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing favorable terms while adhering to budgetary constraints.
  • Represented organization to local public by giving presentations and speeches and participating in community events.

Lecturer of Constitutional Law

University of Hargeisa
12.2011 - 07.2016
  • Cultivated critical thinking skills through challenging assignments that required analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of information from various sources.
  • Developed strong relationships with colleagues, collaborating on curriculum development and sharing best practices in teaching strategies.
  • Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, providing detailed feedback for improvement and growth.
  • Selected and designed lesson plans and curriculum to meet academic objectives.
  • Increased student interest by incorporating real-world examples into lessons and connecting material to relevant experiences.
  • Participated in conferences and professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date with latest trends in field.
  • Mentored and advised students to explore career pathways based and amplify knowledge, skills and strengths.
  • Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
  • Arranged syllabus, developed schedule, and determined reading list for varied courses simultaneously, giving students appropriate time to complete assignments and absorb information.

Director of Complaints and Legal Service

Somaliland Human Rights Commission
03.2013 - 06.2016

Responsibility for overall management and supervision of all activities of the Department

• Conceptual preparation of strategy documents, briefings, presentations and workshops on human rights

• Drafted legal opinions and advice

• Advised clients on their legal rights and remedies

• Monitored and responded human rights complaints

• Conducted field monitoring visits to identify human rights violations and developed strategies to address these violations

• Intervened with authorities when there were violations of human rights law

• Undertook advocacy activities on the human rights of vulnerable groups like IDPs, refugees and children

• Conducted outreach activities in IDP camps, refugee communities in Somaliland to provide information on human rights and assess their needs

Child Protection Officer

Save the Children International
04.2013 - 04.2014
  • Coordinated with law enforcement agencies and legal representatives when necessary to address child protection concerns, ensuring the best possible outcomes for children involved.
  • Navigated sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism, fostering trust among vulnerable clients during difficult times.
  • Improved child safety by conducting thorough investigations and assessments of reported cases.
  • Reduced risk factors for child abuse through the delivery of targeted prevention programs.
  • Ensured legal compliance in all aspects of casework, including court hearings and testimony preparation.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive support plans for at-risk children and families.
  • Provided expert consultation to colleagues, community partners, and other stakeholders on child protection matters.
  • Contributed to policy development initiatives aimed at enhancing child protection practices within the organization.
  • Maintained accurate case records, ensuring timely documentation and compliance with agency policies.

Legal Consultant and Drafter

Somaliland Commission for Good Governance
02.2013 - 01.2014
  • Drafted comprehensive legal documents including contracts, agreements, and memoranda of understanding for diverse clientele.
  • Researched related literature regarding issues at hand.
  • Reviewed medical records and summarized care.
  • Consulted with attorneys on malpractice, personal injury and workers compensation claims.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by providing expert legal advice and guidance on a wide range of topics.
  • Evaluated intellectual property portfolios for licensing opportunities or potential infringement issues, offering strategic recommendations accordingly.
  • Leveraged strong analytical skills to identify weaknesses in opposing counsel''s arguments or evidence during contentious litigations.
  • Supported human resources departments with employment law matters such as terminations, workplace policies, and employee relations concerns.
  • Conducted thorough legal research to inform strategy development and decision-making in complex cases.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards.
  • Advised nonprofit organizations on governance requirements and regulatory compliance best practices to foster long-term stability and growth.
  • Drafted motions, petitions and waivers.

Translation Editor-Somalia Federal Constitution

United Nations Development Program - UNDP
03.2012 - 07.2013
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality editorial work.
  • Enhanced publication quality by diligently proofreading and editing articles for grammar, spelling, and consistency.
  • Kept up-to-date on industry trends and emerging topics to ensure the relevancy of published materials.
  • Collaborated with writers to improve content structure and clarity, resulting in increased reader engagement.
  • Prepared, rewrote, and edited pieces to improve readability and impact.
  • Developed style guides and editorial processes to maintain a consistent voice across all published materials.
  • Oversaw editing and publication of several award-winning articles.
  • Enhanced editorial standards by implementing rigorous proofreading processes.

Associate Legal Counsel

United Nations High Commission For Refugees
05.2010 - 05.2011

• Provided legal counseling and guidance for all project beneficiaries in the country including refugees, returnees, asylum-seekers and IDPs

• Assisted the protection officers on the implementation of agreed registration strategies

• Assisted in the provision of legal counseling and guidance to asylum-seekers and refugees on eligibility procedures, rights and obligations

• Maintained and updated the relevant databases, ensuring the maintenance of appropriate records

• Acted as an interpreter and translator when necessary

• Prepared weekly, monthly and yearly reports

• Advised and provided technical support to the Somaliland Ministry of Interior on issues related to refugees and their status determination

Paralegal

Legal Aid Clinic University of Hargeisa
08.2008 - 12.2009
  • Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
  • Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
  • Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
  • Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
  • Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
  • Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
  • Contributed to firm-client relationship building through professional interactions with clients during meetings or phone calls, conveying empathy while maintaining confidentiality.
  • Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
  • Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
  • Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
  • Boosted office productivity by maintaining an accurate calendar of appointments, deadlines, and court appearances.
  • Helped attorneys prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and calling on witnesses to testify at hearings.

Education

Masters Degree - Public International Law

Queen’s University
Kingston, ON, Canada

Bachelor Degree - LAW (LLB)

University of Hargeisa
Hargeisa
09.2011

Skills

  • Legal Expertise – 15 years of experience in law and human rights
  • International Legal Instruments – deep knowledge and application
  • Policy Reform & Legislative Drafting – contributed to Somaliland Education Act and higher education policies
  • Legal Research & Analysis – strong ability to interpret and apply legal frameworks
  • Advocacy & Human Rights Work – proven track record in advancing justice
  • Communication & Interpersonal Skills – building consensus and stakeholder engagement
  • Problem-Solving & Strategic Thinking – delivering practical legal solutions under pressure
  • Multilingual – fluent in Somali, proficient in English

Languages

English
Full Professional
Arabic
Professional Working

Timeline

Member – Somaliland Informal Electoral Committee (

The Federal Government of Somalia
06.2021 - 04.2022

Legal Advisor

Ministry of Education and Science, Somaliland
12.2018 - 12.2020

Executive Director

Somaliland Lawyers Association
09.2016 - 08.2018

Child Protection Officer

Save the Children International
04.2013 - 04.2014

Director of Complaints and Legal Service

Somaliland Human Rights Commission
03.2013 - 06.2016

Legal Consultant and Drafter

Somaliland Commission for Good Governance
02.2013 - 01.2014

Translation Editor-Somalia Federal Constitution

United Nations Development Program - UNDP
03.2012 - 07.2013

Lecturer of Constitutional Law

University of Hargeisa
12.2011 - 07.2016

Associate Legal Counsel

United Nations High Commission For Refugees
05.2010 - 05.2011

Paralegal

Legal Aid Clinic University of Hargeisa
08.2008 - 12.2009

Bachelor Degree - LAW (LLB)

University of Hargeisa

Masters Degree - Public International Law

Queen’s University
MOHAMED ALI ABDILLAHI