By: Latifa Yusuf Masai
Somalilandsun – The practice of doing work for good causes, without being paid for it is novel in Somaliland, which is the concept of volunteerism, remains almost a practice associated with the west
But for Prof Eid Ali Ahmed selflessness in helping to develop his country of birth through sills transfer comes easy and has become a wakeup call or other somalilanders in the Diaspora
For almost a year beginning mid 2106 to late 2107, the Briton o Somaliland origin undertook on a volunteer basis several activities more so as pertains to trainings and strategic planning for government institutions
Prior to his departure back to his home in Cardiff Wales, Somalilandsun caught up with the Professor at the Civil Service institute in Hargeisa where civil servants benefitting from his training and the CSI management were honouring him with a certificate o appreciation
Beneficiaries of this training were mostly directors of personnel management within government ministries and parastatal bodies who were studying for HR Diploma at CSI
Topics covered included
• Change Management for the Commissioners of the CSC and HR Directors of CSC and CSI
• Role of HR Director for all miniseries and autonomous agencies
• Strategic Role of Human Resource Management and Development for HR Directors
• Fundamental of Human Resource Management and Development for HR Directors and Head of Sections
During this working visit to Somaliland stretching from 2016 and 2017 ,researching with other colleagues from Cardiff University, Gollis University and SONSAF on Informal Trade and Urban Economy in Somaliland was undertaken again voluntarily not to mention that this was first empirical of its kid in Somaliland particularly Hargeisa the capital city. For for details click research report.
For the Chartered Fellow of UK Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, highest status of human resource management and development .Prof Eid also performed consultancy services for the Ministry of Interior (MOI) having been commissioned on a voluntary basis by the Minister
The MOI stint had the successfully performed objective of developing a structured and coordinated role between security agencies and MOI the line ministry which have been incorporated into the National Strategic Development 2017 -2021.
This consultancy also included training and workshop sessions for the MOI and Security Agencies for developing their specific Strategic Plan which is aligned to the National Development Plan 2017 – 2021. The Strategic Plan is in process and not yet finalized. The MOI also awarded a Certificate of services Appreciation
At the same working visit Prof Eid seemingly indefatigable in availing his country sills to move forward was pivotal in drafting the first ever strategic plan for the Somaliland Central bank
Lauding him during the launch of the strategic plan the central bank governor said “Though our Strategic Plan 2018 – 2022 is the first ever strategic plan since the establish of the Bank of Somaliland in 1994 it consolidates, and builds on the work of the bank for the last 24 years”
But milestone of this act of selflessness was the handing over of New Mental Wing composed of 18 multi-function rooms worth $90,000 to the Somaliland ministry of Health at the Hargeisa Group Hospital.
In close collaboration with colleagues back in the UK more so in Cardiff where the Somaliland mental health support organization originated from, Prof Eid Ali Ahmed was not only involved in the funds collection but actually took time off to see construction and subsequent hand over o the mental wing
His activities with the SMSHO also saw him play a pivotal role in commemorations of World Mental Health day 2017 in Somaliland
For many people participating in the various functions awarding Prof Eid for his service to the nation, the question was how he manages to this for free as opposed to charging fess since he is not a Caucasian
Queried he replied, “My country of birth is fledging in many areas especially skills of one sort or another thence dependence on expatriates who end up draining a huge chunk of locally needed funds” adding that training of locals would negate such.
Acclaimed for being among the first cahoots of local professionals to negate the need of expatriate in the provision of consultancy services the Professor has wide experience in international banking culminating in his position as a Manager of the Credit Department of Citibank in Saudi Arabia. Eid completed his undergraduate studies in United States and his postgraduate studies in United Kingdom and holds BSc in Accounting, BA in Economics, MBA, PGCE, and Professional Banking Diploma from UK Bankers Institute now called UK Institute of Financial Services of which he is associate member.
Acclaimed for being among the first cahoots of local professionals to negate the need of expatriate in the provision of consultancy services, the professional proile of Prof Eid reads
Profile
Eid is Management, Business and Development Consultant and highly experienced Trainer. Over the years Eid has worked as university lecturer, senior director, researcher, trainer and consultant.
Eid has wide experience in international banking culminating in his position as a Manager of the Credit Department of Citibank in Saudi Arabia. Eid completed his undergraduate studies in United States and his postgraduate studies in United Kingdom and holds BSc in Accounting, BA in Economics, MBA, PGCE, and Professional Banking Diploma from UK Bankers Institute now called UK Institute of Financial Services of which he is associate member.
Eid is CIPD (UK Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) Chartered Fellow which is the highest membership and status level of CIPD.
Eid is consultant for Somaliland Ministry of Interior and Bank of Somaliland and is associate consultant of Africa Entrepreneurship Centre in Cardiff, Wales and a trustee of Sub-Sahara Advisory Panel in Cardiff, Wales (www.ssap.org.uk)
From 2016 as a researcher and consultant he has been involved in Cardiff University Research Project on Post-conflict Economic Recovery and Urban and Informal Trade and Economy of several capital cities of developing countries including Hargeisa, capital city of Somaliland. From 2009 to 2015 Eid has been university lecturer/tutor at Cardiff University. He received from Cardiff University an award in recognition of his achievement of developing 2 accredited courses: Professional and Career Development and Public Engagement. Besides these two courses he developed and taught Project Development and Management Course.
He is one of the founders of the Welsh Refugee Council and was Deputy Chief Executive of the Council when he left the Council in 2011. In 2000 he was seconded to the National Assembly for Wales as an advisor/consultant on Equality and Diversity Policies, Community Development and Integration of refugees. He led the implementation of refugees and asylum seekers dispersal and settlement strategy across Wales in 2000-2002.
He can be contacted at Email: eid_consultancy@yahoo.co.uk
