Key skills and expertise

Bringing approximately 30 years of experience in development and humanitarian work, including 15 years in senior management, the expert has honed skills in strategic planning, program and operational management, and ensuring compliance with donor regulations. Career highlights include leading international initiatives in governance, health, and education, managing multi-million dollar budgets, and overseeing large teams across Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Yemen. Accomplishments include expanding program reach, securing significant funding, and spearheading organizational restructuring. The expert has a proven track record of collaboration with institutional donors, providing strategic leadership in complex environments.

Project experience and donor exposure

With extensive experience collaborating with international donors such as Global Affairs Canada, the US Department of State, Europe Aid, and various UN agencies, the expert has been deeply involved in strategic planning, program management, and compliance for projects in governance, health, education, and social development. Responsibilities have included managing and implementing projects on a national and regional scale in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Yemen. The expert has provided leadership in program design, technical assistance, and capacity building, securing substantial funding and expanding program reach in challenging environments.

Sectors and geographic focus

Worked across diverse sectors including civil society and NGOs, health, social development, fundraising, training, and public administration, the expert has held senior management roles with responsibilities in strategic planning, program oversight, and operational management. With interdisciplinary expertise in governance, health, and education, the expert has managed projects on a regional and national scale in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Yemen. Their work often involves cross-cutting themes such as capacity building and compliance with donor regulations. Extensive geographic experience in South Asia and the Middle East has provided deep familiarity with local governance, cultural dynamics, and regional development issues, significantly contributing to strategic planning and program management in these regions.

Languages and education

With a background in languages, the expert is fluent in Urdu and English, utilizing these languages extensively in professional settings such as in-country work and leading multilingual teams in international development projects across South Asia and the Middle East. This linguistic proficiency has facilitated effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, donors, and civil society organizations. The expert holds a Master's degree in Public Administration with a focus on Non-Profit Management from the University of Washington, USA, and a Master's degree in Pakistan Studies from the University of Karachi, Pakistan. Additionally, they completed a post-graduate fellowship in the Population Leadership Program at the University of Washington. These educational qualifications underpin extensive experience in international development and humanitarian work.