A new representative to the Maldives assumes office

Malé, 12 September 2017 – The newly appointed UNICEF Representative to the Maldives, Mr. Mohamed El Munir A. Safieldin, assumed office on August 16, 2017.  
 
Mr. Safieldin is a national of Sudan and has twenty-eight years of experience in development and emergency response programs in Sudan, Yemen, Egypt, Oman, Pakistan, Tanzania, Iran, Turkey (for Syria cross-border operation), and Nigeria. He also served in the UNICEF Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa and provided technical support and guidance to UNICEF country offices and partners on analysing the situation of children and women, strategic planning, social policy analysis, evidence-based advocacy, human rights-based approach to programming, results-based management, and country program design.   

Mr. Safieldin recently served as the UN Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria overseeing and facilitating the international humanitarian response to over 5 million civilians affected by the violence triggered by Boko Haram. He also served as UNICEF Representative to Iran (2011-2014) and Deputy Representative in Tanzania (20092011) and the Sultanate of Oman (2000-2003). From December 2006 to June 2009, Mr. Safieldin was the Regional Chief of Programme and Planning in the UNICEF Regional Office to Middle East and North Africa. He was also the Chief of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation in UNICEF Pakistan (2003-2006). Prior to joining UNICEF, Mr. Safieldin served as the Deputy Representative for Oxfam (UK & Ireland) and the Executive Director of Sabah (NGO) for the Assistance and Rehabilitation of Street Children and Youth.   

Mr. Safieldin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Social Studies from the University of Khartoum and obtained his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Hull (UK). He completed one year of post graduate studies in Public Administration at Woodrow Wilson School of Public International affairs, Princeton University (USA). He is soon due to receive his Ph.D. in Public Policy Analysis and Administration.

Mr. Safieldin presented his letter of credentials to the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Asim, on 7 September 2017.  During the meeting, Mr. Safieldin appreciated the significant progress made by the Republic in realizing rights of children and women. Mr. Safieldin assured the Minister of UNICEF’s and his personal commitment to work with the national authorities to further advance strategic gains and achievements for the children and youth in Maldives.