Abdishakur Ashfil

Multilingual Media and Communication Specialist with over 7 years of experience in media monitoring, political economy research, peacebuilding, and electoral coordination across the Horn of Africa. Skilled in Arabic and Somali media monitoring, translation, transcription, and socio-political analysis to support decision-making and policy planning.

Proven expertise in coordinating United Nations electoral support missions, managing logistics and finances, and implementing gender-sensitive electoral strategies. Experienced in peacebuilding initiatives, cross-border security programs, and humanitarian interventions in arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya.

Having worked under a non-disclosure agreement with the NIS Strategic Communication Department for 1 year and a half, where I provided high-quality translations and monitored Arabic media outlets to extract actionable intelligence.

WORK HISTORY

Electoral Coordination Officer

Integrated Electoral Support Group (IESG), UNSOM – Jubaland State of Somalia

Nov 2022 – Present

Key Achievements

• Developed and implemented regional electoral strategies, work plans, and budgets aligned with national objectives.
• Coordinated voter registration, voter education, and election operations at the regional level.
• Increased women’s participation in elections by promoting gender-sensitive policies and building partnerships with civil society organizations.
• Collaborated with international organizations and donors to secure sustainable funding for electoral programs.

Responsibilities

• Oversaw logistics, administration, procurement, and distribution of election materials.
• Liaised with government, security officials, and political stakeholders to ensure smooth electoral processes.
• Monitored political party activities and regional electoral climates.
• Led and mentored regional election coordinators and staff.

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Researcher – Political Economy of Urban Networks and Centres in Somalia

Rift Valley Institute (RVI)

Oct 2019 – Jan 2021

Responsibilities

• Contributed to methodology design and research planning under the Lead Researcher.
• Conducted fieldwork, stakeholder mapping, and media monitoring (Somali, Arabic, and English).
• Facilitated interviews, focus groups, and data analysis.
• Produced research summaries, translations, and transcriptions to support final reporting.
• Ensured ethical research standards and contributed to security assessments for the project team.

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Media Monitoring & Evaluation Officer

Sustainable Development & Peacebuilding Initiative (SYPD) – Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia Border

Nov 2017 – Sep 2019

Key Achievements

• Delivered actionable media monitoring insights for the Peace II cross-border program.
• Analyzed Somali and Arabic media trends to assess security risks and community sentiments.
• Supported peace committees and community policing initiatives across Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia.
• Strengthened cross-border collaboration through six peace dividend projects in education, health, WASH, and livelihoods.

Responsibilities

• Promoted equality, human rights, and the rule of law in border communities.
• Coordinated peace committees and facilitated cross-border working groups.
• Designed project proposals, concept notes, and donor reports.
• Monitored and evaluated program performance to ensure impact and sustainability.

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• Bachelor of Social Science [Political Science]- International University of Africa; 2015
• Diploma in Diplomacy and international relations- Khartoum University; 2013
• Diploma in Arabic language; International University of Africa- 2011
• Diploma in Computer studies- Vision college; 2010
• Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education- Wajir High School; 2009