Background

My professional background spans economics, academia, public policy, central banking and international development, with experience across the UK, Denmark and Somalia.

My academic training is in economics and development economics. Over the course of my career, I have moved increasingly from academic research and teaching into applied economic policy, institutional reform and senior advisory work.

Education

• PhD in Economics, University of Manchester (2012) - fully funded through a School of Social Sciences PhD Studentship

• MSc in Development Economics (Distinction), University of Manchester (2007)

• Postgraduate Diploma in Economics, University of Manchester (2005) 

• BSc, Aarhus University, Denmark (2003)

• Secondary school education in Denmark (Fredericia Gymnasium)

Professional Path

Economic Policy & Central Banking

My transition from academia into economic policy included senior responsibilities at the Central Bank of Somalia, where I served as Executive Director and Chief Economist and led the Monetary, Financial & Regulatory Policy Group.

My work also involved representing the Central Bank and Somalia's federal government in engagements with the IMF and World Bank on economic reform and debt relief.

National Economic Policy

Over successive roles and appointments, I have contributed to Somalia's economic policy and institutional reform through a range of national bodies and programmes.

Selected appointments and responsibilities have included:

• Member of the technical team supporting Somalia's HIPC debt-relief programme

• National Economic Advisor and Member of the National Economic Council

• Member of the National Economic Development Pillar Working Group, Office of the Prime Minister

• Member of the Project Steering Committee for Somalia's Integrated Statistics & Economic Planning Capacity Building Project

• Member of the National Anti-Money Laundering Committee Task Force

International Development & State Fragility

My international development experience has included policy engagement and advisory work with governments, international financial institutions and development organisations, alongside leadership of the International Growth Centre's State Fragility Initiative.

This work broadened my engagement with questions of institutional development, development finance and economic policymaking in fragile and conflict-affected environments.

Academic Career

University of Salford

Lecturer / Assistant Professor in Economics & Finance

• Research Coordinator, Accounting, Finance & Economics Unit

Aberystwyth University

Assistant Professor of Economics & Director of Postgraduate Studies

University of Manchester

Teaching and research roles in economics

University of Northampton

Teaching in economics

Academic Service

• External Examiner, Kingston University London

• External Examiner, Bournemouth University Business School

• Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy

International & Advisory Experience

Alongside my principal appointments, my wider experience has included public sector work in Denmark and consultancy and advisory assignments involving the United Nations, African Development Bank, World Bank and Somali government.

This experience has complemented my work across academia, economic policy and public institutions.