Sahan: Pathfinders in Policy & Practice for decades in Eastern AfricaSahan identifies pathways based on direct knowledge of the context, dynamics, actors and interests to support reconciliation, security and positive change in complex environments.https://sahan.global/

Since October 2021, I have been working with MSF in Afghanistan as the head of operations and Country Director. Also following two issues in the Horn of Africa involving strengthening and expanding MSF operations in environments that are complex and in some cases, fraught with security issues.

Teaching courses in Humanitarian Affairs and Global Health plus workshops on negotiations in conflict zones for 2nd year Masters students at the Munk School of Global Affairs. Students will examine the ideals of humanitarian principles and contrast them with the reality on the ground in war zones and disaster areas.  In addition to lectures and seminar discussions, these course will expose students to humanitarian practice through case studies, role-plays and interactive conversations with field workers.  Current and ongoing challenges will also be examined in depth, including the blurring of military and security objectives with humanitarian goals, and the practice of humanitarianism in the context of political and security challenges. Global health initiatives with regards to telemedicine, mental health, East African Diaspora in Ontario was examined in a group research project in 2018. The effects of closing Money Service Businesses (MSB) by the Canadian banking and governmental bodies hindering the Somali community in Canada to send money to their home country was examined in 2019 in the group research project.

This part-time position is based on need and ongoing projects. During this time, there have been efforts made with regards to opening or contributing to operations in Eritrea, Iraq and Pakistan. Special attention has been made to Antibiotic Resistance. Currently coordinating a feasibility study on a potential program involving reconstructive surgery in Iraq.

Responsible for the technical and logistical response of MSF in Liberia for the Ebola emergency including transportation, freight, construction, IT, communication equipment, etc.

A feasibility study has been commissioned by the Irish government to explore the alternatives of expanding medical education institutions in Ireland with one that would be dedicated to the needs of the developing world both with regards to adapted curriculum and with regards to catering to students from the developing world and countries in conflict. The final report is due by the end of 2014.

Coordinated the local crisis management response to the kidnapping of 5 MSF staff on January 2, 2014 inside Syria. 3 colleagues were released April 4. The remaining 2 were released May 15. All are back with their families and friends.

Coordinator of Operations for Cell 4 (Pilot, specialized program to concentrate on operations in difficult contexts Libya, Syria, Ethiopia, Egypt, Somaliland, Somalia, Afghanistan and Pakistan), (based in head office in Brussels, Belgium from February 2008 to Dec 2010, from January 2011 onwards in Dubai, UAE).

Managed several dossiers in East Africa for MSF including training incoming Head of Mission, auditing and implementing supply system in South Sudan, leading exploration assessments to Mogadishu, leading a wide-ranging field visit to Somalia for Al Jazeera television, etc.

The Head of Mission has political, managerial and associative duties. By definition, the HOM is the ultimate responsible for all aspects and components of the mission. During this period, MSF operations on the ground in Somalia (one of the toughest places in the world to work) exponentially expanded.

The CoTL is responsible for all logistical and technical aspects with regards to the operations of the mission including the supply, transport, construction, energy, IT, technical and mechanical needs. The CoTL also plays an active role in the coordination and be an active part in enforcing the security guidelines and relaying security information to the HOM.

Responsibilities: All logistical and technical aspects with regards to the project in Siberia including the supply, transport, construction, energy, IT, technical and mechanical needs. Project had three locations.

Responsibilities: All financial, administrative and logistical activities in a series of locations in (Taliban-controlled) Afghanistan.

Responsibilities: Manager of a commercial and retail construction sites, ordering and accounting for necessary supplies, liaising between architects, engineers, tradesmen and clients, responsible for all monetary and time deadline budgeting.

CPM Construction specialized in high end commercial land lease renovations. These were renovations in between office tenancies.

Responsibilities: Carpentry, renovations, film work (set building, art direction, etc.) From 1990 to 1993, I was also attending post secondary education at McMaster University.

Position: Photography teacher, newspaper reporter

Responsibilities: Taught carpentry and joinery, related math skills

Responsibilities: Carpentry, cabinet-making, renovations. (I was also a student at the time)