Key skills and expertise

Bringing 19 years of experience in finance, grants, and administration, the expert excels in managing complex, multi-donor portfolios and ensuring compliance with USAID regulations. Career highlights include overseeing projects totaling over $297 million in Pakistan and Afghanistan, providing leadership in financial management, compliance, and capacity building. Key achievements involve managing over 1,700 grants and establishing robust internal control systems. Previously held roles such as Director of Finance and Compliance demonstrate proficiency in financial reporting, risk management, and strategic planning in international development settings.

Project experience and donor exposure

Worked extensively with USAID and OTI on international development cooperation projects, focusing on financial management, grants, and administration. The expert has managed substantial grant portfolios under USAID-funded initiatives in Pakistan and Afghanistan, including the Afghan Children Read project and the Pakistan Transition Initiative. Responsibilities have included project implementation, financial oversight, compliance, and capacity building. These projects spanned regional and national scopes, addressing education and economic stabilization in complex environments.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in multiple sectors, including logistics, administration, grants and grant schemes, human resources, and finance and accounting, the expert has held senior roles such as Director of Finance and Compliance. Responsibilities have included overseeing financial and operational management for large-scale international projects. Cross-cutting expertise includes integrating ICT solutions in financial management and compliance. Geographic experience is primarily focused in Pakistan and Afghanistan, managing regional and country-specific initiatives funded by international donors. This experience has led to a deep familiarity with local governance and cultural dynamics, particularly in financial management and compliance within regional development initiatives.

Languages and education

Fluent in English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Pashto, and Dari, with basic knowledge of Arabic, the expert has utilized these language skills in diverse settings, including in-country work in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and in managing multilingual teams for international development projects. The expert holds an MBA with a specialization in Finance and Accounts from Preston University in Islamabad, Pakistan, and a B.Sc. with a specialization in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Peshawar, Pakistan.