Omar Abdi is the Deputy Executive Director for programmes at UNICEF.

In this capacity, Mr. Abdi oversees UNICEF’s global humanitarian and development programmes. With over 30 years of experience in international development, Mr Abdi has held several leadership positions in UNICEF - including as Country Representative in Pakistan, Ghana and Liberia; Regional Director in the Middle-East and North Africa; Comptroller and CFO; and Deputy Executive Director for Management, and Field Results.  Mr. Abdi brings a deep understanding of UNICEF’s programmes and operations in both development and humanitarian settings.  Additionally, he has helped pioneer streamlining systems to strengthen programmatic results and sound financial management.

The holder of a doctoral degree in development economics and a master’s in regional development planning, both from Cornell University in the United States, Mr. Abdi also has a bachelor of science in civil engineering from the Somali National University in Mogadishu, Somalia.