HAJARAH KALINAKI
Jeddah,Saudi Arabia
Summary
PROFILE:
An adaptable and self-driven legal professional, possessing a track record of thriving in diverse and multicultural settings by leveraging strong teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills. A highly analytical and technology savvy international relations expert, bringing to the table exceptional competencies in legal research, legal advisory, and policy analysis.
Career Goal: Eager to contribute to a dynamic and challenging multilateral organization, aiming to be an integral member of its international legal department.
Overview
12
12
years of post-secondary education
16
16
years of professional experience
Work history
Professional Officer
Organization of Islamic Cooperation, OIC
Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
2020.03 - 2026.07
- Facilitating the conclusion of member states Resolutions. This involves coordinating the negotiation of resolutions at OIC ministerial meetings as well as other OIC related forums. This entailed the task of fostering consensus among member states on various issues.
- Handling legal processes related to drafting and conclusion of legal documents within the framework of the OIC. It entails providing legal interpretations and opinions on these documents to ensure clarity and compliance with the Organization's legal system and international law principles.
- Monitoring and Advising on Compliance. This involves coordinating and participating in projects design, implementation, monitoring and performance by ensuring compliance with the organization's legal requirements. It also extends to monitoring and offering guidance on adherence to rules and procedures during the planning and execution of meetings within the OIC and its institutions. This oversight helps maintain transparency, fairness, and adherence to established guidelines.
- Coordinating HR and Administrative Matters. Participated in harmonizing and streamlining human resource and administrative processes within the OIC and its institutions. This involves aligning personnel and administrative policies with established rules and procedures to enhance organizational efficiency.
- Designed and coordinated a training programme for OIC staff on legal requirements for document security within the digitized systems.
- Designed the guidelines for staff disciplinary processes at the OIC General Secretariat in a bid to implement the personnel regulations and streamline the handling of complaints and grievances.
First Secretary
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Kampala, Uganda
2018.10 - 2020.02
- Prepared position papers and provided legal advice in negotiations of regional and international legal instruments. Notably, developed policy proposals and legal research papers informed by global best practices and developments on equitable utilization and effective management of trans-boundary water courses and natural resources, particularly the River Nile Basin.
- Facilitated and coordinated ratification processes of legal instruments to which Uganda was a signatory.
- Drafted bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding between Uganda and other countries and entities.
- Liaised with Attorney General’s Chambers on interpretation of legal implications of regional and international instruments to which Uganda is a signatory.
- Responsible for the interpretation of privileges and immunities under the Vienna Conventions and other related international instruments. A case in point is the interpretation of the host country agreement with Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) regarding the privileges and immunities that AKDN was entitled to since the Network also has profit-making entities that do not qualify for the immunities.
- Rapporteur for joint border commission meetings and joint permanent commissions with Kenya, Tanzania and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Second Secretary
Uganda High Commission, Nigeria
Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria
2013.08 - 2018.09
- Handled commercial and oil and gas diplomacy matters aiming at promoting trade, tourism and investment between Uganda and West African countries. Arranged meetings for the High Commissioner with key players in the commercial domain of West African nations, prepared reports on these meetings, and ensured their timely circulation. Organized business-to-business interactions and visits to exhibition centres.
- Provided legal counsel in matters involving Ugandans in Nigeria, Uganda High Commission or Ugandans transacting with Nigerians. This involved facilitation of verification of company documents for Nigerian businesses in Uganda and academic documents of Nigerians intending to work in Uganda.
- Handled diplomatic matters such as drafting of Note Verbales and other diplomatic correspondences between High Commission and countries of accreditation.
- Undertook consular duties to support Ugandans in Nigeria and facilitated application processes for Ugandan visas.
- Handled financial record keeping as well as preparation of invoices and management of Mission expenses. This involved ensuring compliance with financial regulations and procurement procedures.
Third Secretary
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Kampala, Uganda
2011.01 - 2013.07
- Participated in the Ministerial taskforce to undertake a review of Uganda’s Foreign Policy which involved preparation of documents for the consultative meetings. Also participated in the benchmarking visits to Singapore and Belgium as part of the process of understanding the best practices of other countries’ foreign policies.
- Participated in the preparations for Uganda's first Universal Periodic Review (UPR) before the UN Human Rights Council and was co-opted on the inter-ministerial committee that was responsible for compiling the UPR report.
- Handled claims against Embassies accredited to Uganda so as to amicably resolve conflicts/ misunderstandings.
- Liaised with Ministry of Justice on cases concerning litigation against Ugandans abroad. Facilitated proper service of documents abroad and transmission of required documents.
- Interpretation of Privileges and Immunities under Vienna Conventions and other related international instruments.
- Prepared reports for submission to the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.
- Focal point for UN African Regional Institute for Prevention of Crime and Treatment of offenders (UNAFRI).
Education
Master of Arts - Public Administration And Public Policy
University of York
York 2021.06 -
Master of Arts - Contemporary Diplomacy (Internet Governance)
University of Malta
Malta 2022.01 - 2024.03
LLM - Oil and Gas Law
Robert Gordon University
Aberdeen 2015.02 - 2018.07
Diploma - Legal Practice
Law Development Centre
Uganda 2009.08 - 2011.11
Bachelor of Laws - Law
Makerere University
Uganda 2005.08 - 2010.01
Skills
- International law professional
- Oil and Gas law expert
- Public Administration and Policy Analyst
- Internet Governance specialist
- International Relations professional
Interests
HOBBIES: Reading, watching movies and travelling.
References
1. Amb. Hassan Ali Hassan
Director, Legal Affairs Department
Organization of Islamic Cooperation
Email: Hhassan@oic-oci.org
Tel: +966565518800
2. Mr. Michael Wamai
Counsellor
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uganda
Email: michael.wamai@mofa.go.ug
Tel: +256782874101
Timeline
Master of Arts - Contemporary Diplomacy (Internet Governance)
University of Malta
2022.01 - 2024.03
Master of Arts - Public Administration And Public Policy
University of York
2021.06 -
Professional Officer
Organization of Islamic Cooperation, OIC
2020.03 - 2026.07
First Secretary
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2018.10 - 2020.02
LLM - Oil and Gas Law
Robert Gordon University
2015.02 - 2018.07
Second Secretary
Uganda High Commission, Nigeria
2013.08 - 2018.09
Third Secretary
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2011.01 - 2013.07
Diploma - Legal Practice
Law Development Centre
2009.08 - 2011.11
Bachelor of Laws - Law
Makerere University
2005.08 - 2010.01