Ahmed Jama
Burnsville,MN
Summary
I'm a progressive and curious professional with a keen interest in socio-economic and political systems and their impact on the planet, society, and people's daily lives. My mission is to empower women and young people to contribute to a just, inclusive, open, and green society in a world with unequal opportunities. With 12 years of experience working with international and local organizations, I've gained hands-on expertise in economic inclusion, women and youth development, policy influencing, impact investments, social innovation, SME development, job creation, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and campaigns. I excel in coordinating and managing high-volume projects involving multiple stakeholders, with strong skills in program innovation, design, management, leadership, coordination, evaluation, communication, negotiation, critical thinking, and partnership building.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Economic Justice and Economic Development Coordinator
Oxfam Novib
10.2021 - 09.2023
- I drive initiatives for inclusive economic development, emphasizing equity for women, youth, and marginalized communities
- My role involves promoting skills, entrepreneurship, and investments to accelerate innovation and foster economic inclusion, with a focus on youth and women
- I lead programs supported 4,200 individuals for economic justice, offering decent jobs, sustainable business practices, and fair income to smallholder producers
- By supporting impactful 700 SMEs, I aim to address social and environmental challenges and advocate for a human-centric economy
- I manage private sector engagement in key sectors such as the green economy, blue economy, livestock, and creative industries, enhancing inclusion and climate resilience
- My experience includes leading Oxfam's 10-year country office strategy, program framework, learning agenda development, and program implementation.
Senior Youth Program Officer
Oxfam Novib
09.2020 - 09.2021
- I built and managed an ecosystem for large-scale job creation, entrepreneurship, access to capital, and market entry, focusing on innovative policy strategies
- I experimented with methods for youth and women's livelihood and economic empowerment, targeting 3400 individuals
- I advocated for youth participation in economic development, aligning with Oxfam’s Just Economy Pillar goals
- I expanded programs to rural areas, promoting transferable skills for climate-resilient communities
- This included skills in farming, fodder production, rainwater harvesting, and solar energy utilization
- Additionally, I enhanced the capacity of 20 local partners in safe programming, horizon planning, and transformative partnerships.
CEO
Hargeisa Innovation Hub
01.2020 - 08.2020
- Lead strategy, design, fundraising, implementation, and accountability of innovative programs addressing key societal issues, such as youth and women's unjust economy, unemployment, climate change, food insecurity, environment, and illegal migration through Harhub
- Ensure the hub's mission to support impactful businesses and people-driven initiatives and innovations in Somali-speaking regions and beyond is actively pursued
- I've designed and led programs unlocking the potential of innovators and entrepreneurs, fostering human-centered design to create sustainable ventures
- Harhub is now a vibrant space where entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, drive, and passion thrive, and I've successfully increased the hub's funding by 75%.
Senior Innovations Manager
Hargeisa Innovation Hub
01.2019 - 12.2019
- Led the development of a 5-year strategy, program approaches, and the theory of change for the innovation hub
- Implemented innovative programs supporting 5,000+ entrepreneurs, forged collaborations with support organizations, and launched renowned accelerator programs nationwide
- Designed initiatives for women and youth-led businesses in sectors like agriculture, technology, fisheries, food systems, and value chains
- Supported go-to-market strategies through mentorship, coaching, and specialized training.
Design and Innovation Manager
Population Service International
12.2017 - 12.2018
- Managed the implementation of the DFID-funded Demand Creation for Health Services Program (SAHAN), using a human-centered design approach to address reproductive, maternal, and child health issues in Somalia
- Oversaw the social behavior change management process to realign the program with community interests and national needs
- Led a team of PSI staff, consultants, and a design firm to develop program approach documents, including the theory of change, M&E frameworks, and implementation strategies
- Coordinated with donors, strategic partners, and the government to review prototypes, identify effective interventions, and pilot programs across Somalia
- Established a learning culture through thematic Innovation Labs.
Director
Bits Academy
01.2016 - 11.2017
- Established HargaBits and GaroBits in Hargeisa and Garowe, Somalia – the first digital design academy in the country
- This academy utilizes technology to empower underprivileged and climate-affected youth and girls in non-formal settlements
- It offers demand-aligned ICT training to equip them with skills for gainful income-generating activities
- Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Bits Trainers, Managers, businesses, CBOs, NGOs, and dedicated students, the Bits Academy has impacted 720 youth from minority groups and urban areas
- Over 80% of Bits alumni successfully enter the job market as employees or entrepreneurs.
Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Program Manager
Shaqodoon Org
01.2014 - 12.2015
- I led the organization's employment and entrepreneurship programs, overseeing program design, implementation, and impact monitoring to advance the Sustainable Development Goals
- My initiatives combined job creation and entrepreneurship, connecting youth to employment opportunities, enhancing their skills and awareness, and working with employers to improve hiring practices
- Simultaneously, entrepreneurship programs supported the establishment and growth of sustainable youth enterprises in Somalia through financial support, business training, mentorship, and market access
- These efforts positively impacted thousands of vulnerable youth and women, elevating their livelihoods and income.
Programme Officer
Shaqodoon Organization
01.2012 - 12.2013
- Managed the organization's programme development through fundraising, partnership building, and the creation of sustainability models
- Under my leadership, the organization has expanded to four of Somalia's biggest cities to programs that address the most pressing social problems, like climate change, unemployment, illegal migration, and environmental damage.
Education
Bachelor of Development Studies -
Admas University
09.2013
Skills
- Design Development
- Project Management
- Design Management
- Business Development
- Decision-Making
- Staff Development
- Computer Skills
- Idea Development and Brainstorming
- Teamwork and Collaboration
Languages
English
Professional
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Economic Justice and Economic Development Coordinator
Oxfam Novib
10.2021 - 09.2023
Senior Youth Program Officer
Oxfam Novib
09.2020 - 09.2021
CEO
Hargeisa Innovation Hub
01.2020 - 08.2020
Senior Innovations Manager
Hargeisa Innovation Hub
01.2019 - 12.2019
Design and Innovation Manager
Population Service International
12.2017 - 12.2018
Director
Bits Academy
01.2016 - 11.2017
Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Program Manager
Shaqodoon Org
01.2014 - 12.2015
Programme Officer
Shaqodoon Organization
01.2012 - 12.2013
Bachelor of Development Studies -
Admas University
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