Somalia & Somaliland

Matt joined HALO in January 2018 and completed operations training in Cambodia, Kosovo, Ukraine and Abkhazia. After a short posting in Ukraine as a Field Officer, he joined the Somaliland programme as Operations Manager in January 2019. Matt has an MSc in Maths and Statistics from the University of Bristol, and prior to joining HALO he worked as a wedding planner in London.

Ismael has worked for HALO since the organization entered Somaliland in 1999, holding the Programme Liaison Officer position from 2006. A key part of Ismael’s role is holding complex negotiations with clan elders to ensure the safety and free movement of HALO staff and it is the part he enjoys the most. Before HALO Ismael worked for the Somali Relief and Rehabilitation Organisation and to relax he enjoys swimming in the Gulf of Aden at Berbera. Ismael is HALO-EOD2 trained.

Madar joined HALO as a deminer in 2001 and has worked his way up to Operations Officer, supervising 200 deminers across the West of Somaliland. This is a wide-ranging role requiring a lot of time in the field, which Madar much prefers to spending too much time in the office. Madar is HALO-EOD2 trained and holds a documentary filmmaking certificate, one of his favourite pastimes alongside photography. He is happiest when spending time with his family. Madar is HALO-EOD2 trained.

Zahra joined HALO as a Finance Assistant in 2012 after studying a BA in Accountancy at Admas University. Previously, she worked for the Somaliland Electoral Commission and ran her own bakery business in Hargeisa. Zahra is responsible for all payroll and personnel issues affecting around 600 staff members in Somaliland. Aside from work Zahra enjoys spending time with friends and watching Bollywood films. Following her experience as HALO’s HR Officer, she is interested in studying Human Resources in the future

Faisal joined HALO as a medic in 2000 after a career as a nurse in Hargeisa. Over ten years he progressed to the position of Operations Officer supporting all mechanical and manual demining teams and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams in the east of Somaliland. Faisal’s favourite part of the job is knowing that one day Somalia will be clear of landmines and he will have played his part. Faisal is HALO-EOD2 and holds a BA in Management

Kiona joined HALO as an Operations Trainee in January 2018. After completing training in Cambodia, Kosovo, Ukraine and Abkhazia, she is now posted as Location Manager in Burao, Somaliland. Before joining HALO, she worked for different humanitarian and mine action agencies in the Middle East and Africa, building expertise in community engagement, project development and project management. She has a dual Masters degree in Humanitarian Action from the University of Groningen and the University of Aix-Marseille. Her interests include staff development, gender empowerment and various human rights issues. She also enjoys a little dance from time to time.

Beatrice joined HALO in 2018 as Programme Officer for Somaliland. She is responsible for coordinating the Community Outreach and Risk Education teams, and monitoring and communicating the impact of HALO’s work. Before joining, Beatrice worked with several human rights and humanitarian NGOs. She holds a B.A. in Modern Languages from Oxford University and an M.A. in International Affairs from the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin.

Gemma joined the HALO Trust in July 2018 as Programme Finance Manager in Somaliland. Gemma worked as a Management Accountant in the UK and brings with her ten years’ experience working in finance roles within various sectors. Born in South Africa she has spent most of her youth travelling and exploring Southern African countries; she feels at home in Somaliland.