Adan has worked as the associate country director for Oxfam GB's programme in Somalia since June 2011. Prior to this, he worked as the deputy country director for the Danish Association for International Cooperation, an NGO based in Kenya, and with ActionAid Kenya in a variety of positions and regions.

For the past two decades, Adan has been engaged in capacity building of national and local NGOs and capacity building organisations, partnership development, capacity assessments, strategic planning, and institutional governance support.

Adan holds a bachelors degree in Education and a masters degree in Sociology and Community Development, and has also trained in conflict management and peace building.