Omar Abdi
Omar Abdi | |
|---|---|
| Alma mater | Somali National University, Cornell University |
| Occupation(s) | Diplomat, UNICEF official |
| Known for | Deputy Executive Director at UNICEF |
Omar Abdi is a diplomat of Somali-Canadian heritage currently holding the position of Deputy Executive Director at the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
Education
Abdi obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Somali National University. He further advanced his studies at Cornell University, where he completed a doctorate in development economics as well as a master's degree focused on regional development planning.
Career
Throughout his career at UNICEF, Abdi has occupied several prominent leadership positions. These include serving as Country Representative in Pakistan, Ghana, and Liberia; acting as Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa; fulfilling the roles of Comptroller and Chief Financial Officer; and holding the post of Deputy Executive Director for Management and Field Results.
Since 2016, following his appointment by then United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, he has been responsible for global humanitarian and development programs in his capacity as Deputy Executive Director for Programmes at UNICEF. In 2020, he contributed to the appointment process that selected José Manuel Barroso to chair the board of GAVI.
Other activities
- Member of the Board of Directors at the Global Partnership for Education (GPE)
- Board member of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH)