Key skills and expertise

With 14 years of experience, the expert excels in project management, capacity building, and governance. They have managed local and international initiatives, notably with USAID and the Embassy of Italy, focusing on education, governance, and development. Responsibilities have included designing skill-building programs, managing grants, and coordinating large-scale events. Leadership roles such as Senior Scholarship Specialist and Senior Program Officer have involved contributing to strategic planning and quality assurance in higher education projects. Accomplishments include developing M&E frameworks and facilitating election observation missions.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has extensive experience collaborating with international donors such as USAID and the Embassy of Italy. Roles have included project implementation, technical assistance, and capacity building in sectors like governance and education. They have worked on national-scale projects, including the Promote Women Leadership Development (WLD) and University Support & Workforce Development Project (USWDP) in Kabul, Afghanistan, and contributed to the Italian Development Cooperation Office's initiatives. The focus has primarily been on enhancing governance, education quality, and development cooperation in Afghanistan.

Sectors and geographic focus

Worked across several key sectors, including education, training and capacity building, gender and human rights, public sector governance, and agriculture and rural development. Previously held roles such as Senior Scholarship Specialist and Program Coordinator, focusing on project implementation, quality assurance, and strategic planning. Interdisciplinary expertise includes governance and capacity building within national projects in Afghanistan. The work often involves integrating digital solutions in program management and leveraging public-private partnerships for development initiatives. Geographic experience is extensive in Afghanistan, with significant involvement in Kabul, focusing on governance, education, and development. The expert's deep familiarity with local governance and cultural dynamics is evident through roles in election observation and capacity-building initiatives. Additionally, international exposure from academic pursuits in Italy enriches their understanding of regional development issues.

Languages and education

The expert is fluent in Dari and English, with excellent proficiency in both reading and writing. They have a very good command of Pashto and a good understanding of Arabic, utilized in diverse professional contexts, including international development projects and multilingual team settings. Language competencies have supported effective communication and collaboration in various governance and capacity-building initiatives. The expert holds a Master of Arts in Cooperation and Development from the University of Pavia, Italy, completed in 2015, with a thesis focused on aid and development in Afghanistan. Additionally, they earned a Bachelor of Arts in National Economics from Kabul University, Afghanistan, in 2009, concentrating on political economy and the World Trade Organization (WTO).