Ali Ibrahim Yusuf
Nouakchott,Mauritania
Summary
- Strategic financial management professional with over 20 years of expertise in budgeting, compliance, and donor reporting for international NGOs in complex humanitarian settings. Proven leader in community mobilization and advocacy within the Somali diaspora in Mauritania, fostering institutional trust and engagement. Experienced in public diplomacy, effectively representing community and institutional interests while building bilateral relations. Skilled in government liaison, collaborating with ministries and civil society to enhance social cohesion and public service delivery.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Translator and Interpreter
Refugee Support Center-Africa
Nouakchott, Mauritania
06.2011 - Current
- Delivered critical language support for U.S. Department of State during refugee resettlement interviews.
- Translated Arabic-English interviews and legal documents, ensuring accuracy and cultural relevance.
- Facilitated communication between refugee applicants and U.S. officials to uphold ethical resettlement procedures.
- Maintained confidentiality and professionalism in high-stress environments.
- Interpreted conversations between Arabic-speaking clients and English-speaking staff members.
President
Somali Community in Mauritania
Nouakchott, Mauritania
06.2011 - Current
- Appointed community leader as diplomatic liaison for Somali diaspora and Mauritanian government.
- Led community outreach initiatives to enhance engagement and support for Somali residents.
- Coordinated cultural events to promote Somali heritage and build community ties.
- Developed partnerships with local organizations to address community needs and services.
- Facilitated meetings to gather input from members on important community issues.
- Organized educational programs focused on integration and resource access for newcomers.
- Advocated for the rights and needs of the Somali community in local government discussions.
- Developed communication strategies to inform members about services and events.
- Oversaw financial planning for community programs to ensure sustainability and effectiveness.
- Developed policies, procedures, and short-term and long-term goals for the organization.
- Represented the organization at community events and public forums to promote its mission.
- Coordinated legal aid, translation support, and access to essential services for migrants.
Director of Finance
Direct Aid
Nouakchott, Mauritania
10.2009 - Current
- Ensured compliance with donor policies and international accounting standards as senior financial administrator.
- Provided strategic leadership in budgeting, procurement, and reporting to optimize fund allocation.
- Analyzed financial data to identify trends and support strategic decision-making.
- Coordinated project implementation with government ministries, UN agencies, and regional NGOs.
- Represented organization at intergovernmental meetings, serving as primary contact for local authorities.
- Mentored junior staff members on accounting practices and procedures.
- Managed relationships with tax authorities, bankers, and auditors for streamlined operations.
Board Member-Remote
Horn African Scholars (HAS)
Chicago, IL
01.2022 - 12.2024
- Advocated for inclusion of rural and marginalized Somali populations in development agendas.
- Provided guidance on policy development and organizational governance practices.
- Provided strategic direction to the organization by setting goals and objectives.
- Participated in fundraising events to enhance resources for scholars' programs.
- Mentored emerging leaders within the organization to foster future growth.
- Participated in various committees to meet specialized goals.
- Attended board meetings and reviewed meeting agendas.
- Facilitated communication between board members during decision-making processes.
- Engaged with community stakeholders to promote Horn African Scholars' mission.
- Contributed to strategies that enhanced social and academic inclusion for Somali communities.
- Approved organizational strategies, budgets and business decisions.
- Reviewed financial statements and monitored organizational performance against budgets.
- Ensured that all legal requirements were met according to local laws and regulations.
Assistant Finance Officer
Direct Aid
Mogadishu, Somalia
08.2006 - 10.2009
- Facilitated financial operations for post-conflict humanitarian programs in health, education, and WASH.
- Assisted in preparing financial reports and budgets for management review.
- Conducted expense analysis to identify discrepancies and recommend corrections.
- Managed invoice processing and ensured timely payments to vendors.
- Maintained audit-ready procurement records while managing petty cash for emergency projects.
- Coordinated audit processes by providing necessary documentation when requested.
- Participated in special projects or initiatives as needed by the Finance Officer.
- Worked with senior management to define standards, policies, procedures and organizational enhancements to meet company goals for finance.
Secondary School Teacher
Omar bin Abdulaziz Primary and Secondary School
Mogadishu, Somalia
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Developed lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards and educational objectives.
- Facilitated engaging classroom discussions to boost student participation and critical thinking.
- Implemented effective classroom management techniques for a productive learning environment.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects and activities for students.
- Assessed student performance via tests, quizzes, and assignments to monitor progress.
- Provided individualized support to students needing additional assistance in various subjects.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding student behavior and academic performance updates.
- Organized extracurricular activities to enhance teamwork and social skills among students.
Education
MBA - Business Administration and Management
Abdullah Bin Yassin University
Nouakchott, Mauritania01.2018
BBA - Accounting and Finance
SIMAD University
Mogadishu, Somalia01.2006
Skills
- Financial oversight and budgeting
- Community leadership and engagement
- Public representation and diplomacy
- Government liaison and coordination
- Educational leadership and mentorship
- Event planning and dialogue
- Budgeting, procurement, and accountability
- Conflict sensitivity and mediation
- Strategic planning and governance
- Multilingual communication (Somali, Arabic, English)
Training
- Project Management Training, 01/01/18
- SAGE LINE 100 Accounting System Training, 01/01/19
- Accountancy Practical Training – Direct Aid Uganda Office, 01/01/08
- Charitable Work Development Seminar – Direct Aid Society Kuwait, 01/01/12
- Microsoft Dynamics IX0- On-going
References
1. Farah Sheikh A/Kadir, Minister of Education, Culture and Higher Education – Federal Republic of Somalia| +252-5-960598| +252-1-5548842| faaraxsheekh@hotmail.com
2. Faysal Adan, Finance Director, Secretary General – Ministry of Justice and Constitution |+252-1-5592233| faysaladan@hotmail.com
3. Abdikadir Omar Katib, Public Relations Director |SIMAD University | +252-5-988040
Languages
- Somali
- Arabic
- English
Languages
Arabic
Full Professional
somali
Native/ Bilingual
English
Professional
Timeline
Board Member-Remote
Horn African Scholars (HAS)
01.2022 - 12.2024
Translator and Interpreter
Refugee Support Center-Africa
06.2011 - Current
President
Somali Community in Mauritania
06.2011 - Current
Director of Finance
Direct Aid
10.2009 - Current
Assistant Finance Officer
Direct Aid
08.2006 - 10.2009
Secondary School Teacher
Omar bin Abdulaziz Primary and Secondary School
01.2003 - 01.2005
MBA - Business Administration and Management
Abdullah Bin Yassin University
BBA - Accounting and Finance
SIMAD University
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