Dignity and Respect
We treat every person with dignity and respect, regardless of their circumstances. We prioritise the safety, rights, voice and wellbeing of people affected by conflict, displacement, poverty and other forms of vulnerability.
About KDI
A Somali organisation, rooted in community since 1996
From a community volunteer initiative in Mogadishu to an established humanitarian and development organisation working across Somalia.
Our story
Kaashif Development Initiatives (KDI) is a Somali national, non-profit, non-political and non-governmental organisation established in Mogadishu in 1996.
We began as a community volunteer initiative supporting people affected by conflict, displacement, poverty and limited access to basic services. Over the years, we have grown into an established humanitarian and development organisation working across Somalia.
Our experience spans humanitarian response, WASH, education, food security and livelihoods, protection, nutrition, vocational and skills development, women and youth empowerment, governance, peacebuilding, climate resilience and emergency response.
We work with communities, government institutions, UN agencies, NGOs, donors and other partners to address immediate needs while strengthening livelihoods, essential services, local capacity and resilience. Localization is central to this work. Where additional technical expertise or resources are needed, we bring these through partnerships that strengthen rather than replace local capacity.
“For us, development is not only about delivering projects. It is about working with people, strengthening what already exists, creating practical opportunities and helping communities move from vulnerability towards greater resilience and self-reliance.”
Vision and mission
Our vision outlines the future KDI seeks to achieve, while our mission defines our purpose and the key approaches we use to serve communities and stakeholders.
Vision
A peaceful, just, inclusive and prosperous Somalia where all people, particularly vulnerable and marginalised communities, live with dignity, enjoy equal rights and opportunities, have sustainable livelihoods and can fully realise their potential.
Mission
To respond to humanitarian crises, reduce suffering and address the root causes of poverty and vulnerability by empowering communities through inclusive, participatory and sustainable development.
Our commitment
We believe sustainable change comes from empowering people, strengthening local capacity, promoting peaceful coexistence and ensuring communities have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their lives.
What guides us
Core values
Rooted in our experience of working with Somali communities since 1996, our values guide how we work with communities, partners and staff, how decisions are made and how resources are used.
Community Ownership
We believe communities understand their priorities best. KDI works with communities and local structures to identify needs, shape solutions and participate in decisions that affect their lives.
Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunity
We value the diversity of Somali communities and seek to ensure that women, children, youth, persons with disabilities, displaced people, minority and other marginalised groups can participate and benefit fairly from our programmes.
Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment
We recognise the important role women and girls play in families and communities. KDI promotes their participation, voice, access to opportunities, protection and leadership in decisions that affect their lives.
Integrity and Accountability
We are responsible for the resources entrusted to us and the commitments we make. We promote transparency, responsible resource use, honest reporting and opportunities for communities and partners to provide feedback and raise concerns.
Peace and Social Cohesion
In a country affected by prolonged conflict and displacement, development cannot be separated from peace. KDI promotes dialogue, cooperation, trust and peaceful relationships within and between communities, while applying conflict-sensitive approaches.
Local Capacity and Leadership
Lasting solutions must be locally owned. We invest in people, community structures and local institutions and value Somali knowledge, experience and leadership in addressing local challenges.
Resilience and Sustainability
In the face of conflict, displacement, climate shocks and poverty, KDI works to strengthen the capacities of individuals, communities and institutions to withstand shocks, recover and sustain improvements beyond individual projects.
Learning and Adaptation
Somalia’s operating environment changes rapidly. KDI uses evidence, community feedback and programme experience to learn, improve its approaches and adapt to changing needs and circumstances.
Professionalism and Quality
KDI strives to deliver work that is well planned, technically sound and responsive to community needs, while maintaining appropriate standards in programme implementation, partnerships and organisational management.
Management principles
Practical principles that support responsible decision-making, effective use of resources and strong relationships with communities and partners.
- Accountability
- Taking responsibility for our decisions, actions and results to communities, partners, staff and donors.
- Transparency
- Being open and clear in how decisions are made, resources are managed and results are reported.
- Efficiency
- Using available resources carefully to achieve meaningful results and avoid unnecessary costs.
- Participation
- Involving staff, communities and partners in planning, implementation and review of our work.
- Monitoring and Learning
- Tracking progress, listening to feedback and using evidence to improve programmes and decisions.
- Innovation and Adaptation
- Finding practical ways to respond to changing needs and improving how we work based on experience.
- Collaboration and Coordination
- Working closely with communities, government, local organisations and development partners to strengthen results and avoid duplication.
How KDI works
Our approach
Grounded in local knowledge, practical delivery and solutions that can continue beyond individual projects. Our role is to strengthen what already exists, build local capacity and connect community-level solutions to wider systems.
Start with communities
We involve communities in identifying priorities, shaping decisions, implementing activities and reviewing results.
Work through local structures
We build on community groups, local authorities, service providers and civil society rather than creating parallel systems.
Keep solutions practical
We adapt interventions to local conditions, available resources and what can realistically be maintained after project support ends.
Strengthen local capacity
We invest in the skills, systems and leadership needed for communities and institutions to manage and sustain results.
Adapt to changing needs
Conflict, displacement, drought, floods and economic pressures can quickly change priorities. We adjust implementation while maintaining protection, dignity and inclusion.
Learn and improve
Community feedback, field experience, monitoring and programme results inform decisions and adjustments throughout implementation.
Build complementary partnerships
We work with national and international partners around clear roles and complementary strengths, with shared responsibility for results.
Connect local solutions to wider systems
Where approaches show promise, we work with relevant institutions and partners to strengthen, replicate or integrate them into broader programmes and systems.
The aim is not simply to deliver activities, but to leave behind stronger people, relationships, capacities and systems that can continue addressing community priorities beyond the project period.
Governance and management
Clear oversight, defined responsibilities
The Board of Directors provides strategic and fiduciary oversight, while the Executive Director and management team translate approved priorities into programmes, operations and partnerships. We maintain a clear separation between governance and day-to-day management, supported by conflict-of-interest requirements, financial controls and approval processes.
Board of Directors
Executive Director (ED)
Programmes
- Programme Managers
- Project Coordinators
- Field Staff & Community-Level Structures
Support Functions
- Finance & Administration
- Procurement / Logistics
- Human Resources
- Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)
- Volunteers & Interns
Programmes and Support Functions work through management accountability lines with ongoing coordination and communication.
| Function | Role |
|---|---|
| Board of Directors | Provides strategic direction, oversight of management and organisational performance, policy approval, fiduciary oversight and attention to major risks and institutional integrity. |
| Executive Director | Leads implementation of KDI’s strategy, oversees organisational performance, represents KDI and manages key relationships and partnerships. |
| Programmes | Leads programme design, implementation, technical quality, coordination and field delivery. |
| Finance & Administration | Manages budgeting, financial controls, reporting, procurement, assets and administrative systems. |
| Human Resources | Oversees recruitment, staff development, performance, welfare and application of KDI’s HR policies and procedures. |
| MEAL | Supports monitoring, data quality, accountability, learning, evaluation and evidence-based programme decisions. |
| Operations & Logistics | Supports procurement, logistics, fleet, supplies, assets and timely field operations. |
| Safeguarding & Compliance | Supports safeguarding, PSEA, complaints handling, risk management, code of conduct and compliance requirements. |
Human resources
Our people
KDI’s strength comes from people who understand the communities and operating environment. Recruitment is based on competence, relevant experience and integrity, with equal opportunity and the participation of qualified local professionals at the centre of our staffing approach — guided by a comprehensive HR Policy and Manual.
Programme & Field Teams
Practical experience in community engagement, programme delivery, field coordination and supervision.
Technical Expertise
Technical capacity matched to KDI’s programme areas and project requirements.
MEAL & Accountability
Monitoring, data collection, feedback, reporting, learning and programme quality functions.
Finance & Grants
Budgeting, expenditure control, financial reporting and grant compliance.
Procurement & Operations
Procurement, logistics, asset management and operational support.
Safeguarding & Protection
Designated responsibilities and procedures covering safeguarding, protection, PSEA and staff conduct.
Security & Duty of Care
Security and staff-safety arrangements suited to programme locations and operating conditions.
Gender & Inclusion
Equal opportunity and attention to qualified women and inclusive staffing.
Partner with an accountable local organisation
Our governance, financial and safeguarding systems are built for compliant, responsible delivery with UN agencies, INGOs and donors.