Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

ABDI BARUD

COMMUNICATION EXPERT
Mogadishu

Summary

A highly experienced and strategic communications expert with over 13 years of proven success in advising government bodies, international organizations, NGOs, and private sector clients. Specializing in media relations, crisis communication, stakeholder engagement, public outreach campaigns, and institutional capacity building. Demonstrated leadership in directing national initiatives, developing communication strategies, and facilitating high-level negotiations. A visionary and hands-on leader with a comprehensive understanding of public affairs, strategic communications, and community mobilization.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience
12
12
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Language

Work History

Somali International Investment Conference | Strategic Communications Advisor

Ministry of Planning, Investment & Economic Development (MOPIED)
  • Supported high-level communication planning, media visibility, and stakeholder engagement for the Somali International Investment Conference.
  • Strengthened alignment of messaging with national investment priorities.
  • Developed and implemented communication strategies to enhance public understanding of economic development initiatives.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create informational materials, including brochures and presentations, that effectively conveyed key messages to stakeholders.
  • Assisted in organizing public consultations and workshops, ensuring a diverse range of stakeholder input was captured and addressed in policy recommendations.

Communication & Negotiation Expert

Strategic Communications Training for Government and NGO Clients
  • Developed and facilitated strategic communications training programs for government teams, NGOs, and private sector organizations.
  • Focused on enhancing communication strategies, crisis management, and advocacy effectiveness.
  • Facilitated effective communication strategies to enhance team collaboration and improve project outcomes.
  • Developed negotiation tactics that successfully resolved conflicts and fostered positive relationships with stakeholders.

Baxnaano 3rd Anniversary Communications Strategy
  • Company Overview: Transparency Solutions
  • Developed the communication plan and media strategy for the Baxnaano 3rd Anniversary, including media mapping, case study development, and live broadcast coordination on social media platforms (featured on Astaan TV).
  • Transparency Solutions

Media Engagement: National Survey Coordinator

Somalia Integrated Household Budget Survey
  • Provided communication consultancy to ensure public awareness and engagement for the national survey, including core messaging development, media outreach, and managing public feedback via social and mainstream media channels.
  • Coordinated logistics for data collection, ensuring timely and accurate execution of household surveys in diverse communities.
  • Trained and supervised field staff on survey methodologies and data collection protocols to maintain high-quality standards.
  • Developed and maintained detailed project schedules, tracking progress against timelines to ensure efficient workflow management.

Strategic Communications for MOIFAR
  • Company Overview: Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs & Reconciliation (MOIFAR)
  • Delivered strategic communications training on community engagement and media practices for MOIFAR's media teams, particularly focused on newly liberated regions.
  • Facilitated planning sessions on ethics in communication and media strategies.
  • Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs & Reconciliation (MOIFAR)

Development of Communication and Citizen Engagement Strategy

Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MoLSA)
04.2025 - Current
  • Led the design and development of MoLSA's communication and citizen engagement strategy.
  • Provided technical guidance in structuring messaging for social protection programs, strengthening public feedback loops, and aligning internal communications to enhance institutional responsiveness.

DT Global
12.2024 - Current
  • Company Overview: USAID Funded Transition Initiatives for Stabilization Saddex TIS3 Project
  • Coordinated community awareness and cultural events focused on stabilization and peacebuilding.
  • Managed media outreach, youth engagement, and branding of public-facing activities to amplify citizen participation.
  • USAID Funded Transition Initiatives for Stabilization Saddex TIS3 Project

Development of Project Communication and National Media Engagement Strategy

Save the Children
01.2025 - 03.2025
  • Led the formulation of a comprehensive project communication and national media strategy to support anticipatory action.
  • Facilitated strategy co-creation workshops, stakeholder mapping, and media engagement planning to foster timely, people-centered disaster risk communication.

Capacity Building and Training of Trainers

Albany Associates
01.2021 - 12.2024
  • Designed and delivered strategic communications and media training for FMS Ministries of Interior (MoIs), the Somali National Army Civil-Military Cooperation (SNA CIMIC), and MOIFAR.
  • Strengthened institutional media units and facilitated effective government messaging and counter-narrative development.

Strategic Communication Support and Stakeholder Engagement During the Somali Agri-Tech Exhibition & IICAVC

Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation
03.2024 - 10.2024
  • Provided strategic communications support during the two national events.
  • Facilitated stakeholder engagement, media coverage, and coordinated event branding to highlight investment opportunities in Agri-value chains.

National Fisheries Week Event Management

Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy
07.2024 - 07.2024
  • Led planning and execution of the National Fisheries Week. Oversaw venue logistics, registration, stakeholder coordination, and strategic visibility for government engagement with sector players.

Research and Engagement Support

Norwegian Centre for Conflict Resolution (NOREF)
12.2023 - 03.2024
  • Provided technical expertise on conflict sensitivity research, stakeholder engagement and communication advisory on messaging in politically sensitive environments.

Communications Strategy and Branding Consultant

Gargaar Relief and Development Organization (GREDO)
12.2023 - 12.2023
  • Developed and implemented a communications strategy for GREDO.
  • Provided strategic messaging, visibility materials, and media engagement tools.

Communications Specialist

Somalia National Bureau of Statistics (SNBS)
01.2020 - 12.2023
  • Provided long-term strategic planning support and digital media coordination to enhance public engagement during statistical releases.
  • Strengthened SNBS's online presence and ensured clarity in messaging for key national surveys and reports.

Other Media and Communications Consultant
11.2020 - 10.2022
  • Advisory on Outreach Strategies for Somalia's Donor Agencies: International Donors.
  • Designed and developed localized communication strategies tailored to Somalia's sociopolitical context to enhance engagement and outreach efforts.
  • Provided policy recommendations to improve public relations and communication frameworks.

Special Advisor in the Office of the PM

Office of the Prime Minister of The Federal Republic of Somalia
08.2018 - 10.2020
  • Led the government's communication function for two years, ensuring the Prime Minister's agenda and key government initiatives were clearly and consistently communicated to the public through strategic messaging and timely media engagement.
  • Successfully planned, managed, and executed hundreds of high-profile government media engagements. This involved coordinating across multiple teams; security agencies, development partners, journalists, and other stakeholders, while navigating complex and sensitive communication landscapes.
  • Spearheaded public communication for the National Security Sector Reform initiative. Provided strategic leadership in setting the media and public narrative around the reform process, ensuring that the messaging encouraged constructive national dialogue and public buy-in.
  • Oversaw public outreach components of reform-related report launches, ensuring national discourse remained positive, progressive, and aligned with the government's vision for transformation in the security sector.
  • Orchestrated seamless execution of over 100 cross-sector media events with high stakeholder complexity and security considerations.
  • Played a pivotal role in building public trust and narrative control during sensitive national security reform conversations.
  • Elevated the visibility and understanding of the Prime Minister's agenda across diverse audiences through consistent and accessible communication strategies.
  • Ensured alignment between government messaging and development partner priorities, promoting cohesive inter-agency collaboration and messaging clarity.

Director of Policy and Planning

Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia
06.2017 - 08.2018
  • Provided strategic support to various government institutions in the implementation and enforcement of the Federal Government's media and communications policy.
  • Designed and executed targeted communication strategies that ensured clear, consistent, and accessible dissemination of government policies to both the general public and development partners.
  • Played a key role in aligning institutional communication efforts with national policy priorities, strengthening public understanding and stakeholder engagement.
  • Successfully developed messaging frameworks that improved public comprehension and partner alignment on key government policies.
  • Enhanced institutional capacity to communicate effectively by embedding standardized policy communication practices.
  • Strengthened collaboration between government entities and development partners through coordinated communication strategies.

Senior Consultant and member of Senior Management Team

Transparency Solutions
01.2015 - 12.2017
  • Acted as the primary liaison between Transparency Solutions and a broad network of stakeholders, including national governments, international organizations (e.g., AMISOM, the UN, the British Embassy), NGOs, CSOs, and members of the business community, ensuring effective relationship management and responsive communication.
  • Led the development and execution of strategic communication plans tailored to client needs, while also overseeing the organization's broader marketing and visibility strategy.
  • Coordinated the design and implementation of community outreach initiatives across various regions in Somalia, ensuring alignment with local dynamics, project goals, and client expectations.
  • Managed day-to-day operations on the ground, ensuring seamless delivery of communication services and outreach campaigns while maintaining strong cross-functional collaboration with internal and external teams.
  • Strengthened cross-sector collaboration and stakeholder trust through responsive communication and proactive relationship management.
  • Successfully positioned Transparency Solutions as a trusted communications partner to major development actors in Somalia.
  • Spearheaded impactful community engagement activities that elevated public participation and program visibility in complex environments.

Special Advisor to the President - Led the Federal Government Transition Team

Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia
03.2017 - 06.2017
  • Led the design and implementation of the media and communication strategy for the newly formed Federal Government during a nationally critical transition period marked by urgency, complexity, and high public expectations.
  • Played a central role in shaping communication approaches that supported the stabilization and development agenda of the new government, ensuring consistent messaging that inspired public confidence and unity.
  • Applied a deep understanding of strategic communication, community development principles, and sociological and psychological theories to design responsive and culturally grounded communication strategies tailored to Somalia's diverse communities.
  • Navigated high-pressure, high-stakes environments where communication had immediate and far-reaching implications for national peace, development, and governance.
  • Successfully developed and rolled out a national communication strategy that aligned with the new government's vision and was sensitive to community dynamics across regions.
  • Contributed to rebuilding public trust in government institutions through inclusive and well-informed communication efforts.
  • Positioned the Transition Team as a credible and responsive actor through effective media engagement and grassroots messaging approaches.

Founder and Director

Wakiil Initiative
06.2016 - 03.2017
  • Conceptualized, launched, and led the Wakiil Project, Somalia's pioneering election watchdog and research-driven initiative focused on enhancing transparency, citizen awareness, and open governance.
  • Directed a multidisciplinary team of researchers and journalists in producing high-quality, timely content on political processes, electoral dynamics, and inclusive governance, with a strong focus on gender-sensitive reporting.
  • Oversaw the profiling of 329 Members of Parliament, Senators, and all presidential candidates, building a reliable and accessible database of political actors to inform the public.
  • Led a groundbreaking digital media campaign during the 2016 elections, broadcasting live election events on social media to promote real-time civic engagement and accountability.
  • Frequently engaged as a political analyst and commentator on local and international media platforms, providing expert insights on Somalia's democratization journey and political landscape.
  • Pioneered Somalia's first real-time election monitoring platform via social media, significantly increasing transparency and public participation in the 2016 elections.
  • Elevated public discourse and political literacy through in-depth profiling of candidates and institutions.
  • Established the Wakiil Project as a credible source of independent election analysis and civic education, influencing both public opinion and policy dialogue.

Executive Director

Global Somali Diaspora
01.2014 - 12.2016
  • Served as the official spokesperson and public face of the organization, representing its mission, values, and activities to both local and international audiences.
  • Led communication efforts to ensure that the organization's agenda, programs, and initiatives were effectively communicated to members and the general public.
  • Acted as the key liaison between Somali diaspora communities and the Federal Government, particularly the Office of the President, facilitating two-way communication, policy feedback, and strategic engagement.
  • Strengthened trust and collaboration between diaspora communities and the Somali government through consistent, transparent communication.
  • Elevated the visibility and credibility of the organization by effectively representing it in public forums and media engagements.
  • Played a vital role in aligning diaspora priorities with national development goals through sustained government-diaspora dialogue.

Social Worker

Bristol City Council
01.2010 - 12.2014
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments of client needs to develop tailored support plans addressing emotional, social, and practical challenges.
  • Facilitated regular case reviews with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic service delivery and effective resource allocation.
  • Developed and maintained detailed case records using electronic case management systems to document progress and interventions effectively.
  • Provided crisis intervention support to clients, utilizing de-escalation techniques and connecting them with appropriate community resources.
  • Coordinated services across various agencies, fostering collaboration to address complex client situations and enhance service outcomes.
  • Delivered workshops on mental health awareness and resilience-building strategies to empower clients and promote community well-being.
  • Trained new staff on best practices for client engagement, documentation standards, and the use of assessment tools within the organization.

Chairman of the Board

Bristol Somali Resources Center
01.2011 - 12.2013

Education

Strategic Communications in Society - Power, Ethics and Practice

The London School of Economics and Political Science
02.2024 - 04.2024

Professional Development Training - Strategic Communications, Public Relations, Leadership in Communications, Community Engagement, Media Strategy

01.2010 - 12.2017

Bachelor of Science - Social Work, focusing on community development, psychological theories, social policy, and human rights

University of West England
01.2007 - 12.2010

Skills

Managed media outreach

Timeline

Development of Communication and Citizen Engagement Strategy

Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MoLSA)
04.2025 - Current

Development of Project Communication and National Media Engagement Strategy

Save the Children
01.2025 - 03.2025

DT Global
12.2024 - Current

National Fisheries Week Event Management

Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy
07.2024 - 07.2024

Strategic Communication Support and Stakeholder Engagement During the Somali Agri-Tech Exhibition & IICAVC

Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation
03.2024 - 10.2024

Strategic Communications in Society - Power, Ethics and Practice

The London School of Economics and Political Science
02.2024 - 04.2024

Research and Engagement Support

Norwegian Centre for Conflict Resolution (NOREF)
12.2023 - 03.2024

Communications Strategy and Branding Consultant

Gargaar Relief and Development Organization (GREDO)
12.2023 - 12.2023

Capacity Building and Training of Trainers

Albany Associates
01.2021 - 12.2024

Other Media and Communications Consultant
11.2020 - 10.2022

Communications Specialist

Somalia National Bureau of Statistics (SNBS)
01.2020 - 12.2023

Special Advisor in the Office of the PM

Office of the Prime Minister of The Federal Republic of Somalia
08.2018 - 10.2020

Director of Policy and Planning

Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia
06.2017 - 08.2018

Special Advisor to the President - Led the Federal Government Transition Team

Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia
03.2017 - 06.2017

Founder and Director

Wakiil Initiative
06.2016 - 03.2017

Senior Consultant and member of Senior Management Team

Transparency Solutions
01.2015 - 12.2017

Executive Director

Global Somali Diaspora
01.2014 - 12.2016

Chairman of the Board

Bristol Somali Resources Center
01.2011 - 12.2013

Social Worker

Bristol City Council
01.2010 - 12.2014

Professional Development Training - Strategic Communications, Public Relations, Leadership in Communications, Community Engagement, Media Strategy

01.2010 - 12.2017

Bachelor of Science - Social Work, focusing on community development, psychological theories, social policy, and human rights

University of West England
01.2007 - 12.2010

Baxnaano 3rd Anniversary Communications Strategy

Strategic Communications for MOIFAR

Somali International Investment Conference | Strategic Communications Advisor

Ministry of Planning, Investment & Economic Development (MOPIED)

Communication & Negotiation Expert

Strategic Communications Training for Government and NGO Clients

Media Engagement: National Survey Coordinator

Somalia Integrated Household Budget Survey

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