Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 18 years of experience in international development and public health, the expert specializes in program and project management, monitoring and evaluation, and capacity building. Career highlights include leading initiatives with USAID and the EU, managing multi-million dollar projects in health, governance, and education. As a Project Development Specialist, the expert contributed to the design of projects with budgets exceeding $400 million. Expertise encompasses grant management, strategic planning, policy advocacy, and gender integration. Responsibilities have included developing national strategies and facilitating partnerships across various sectors.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with significant international donors such as USAID, the European Union, and the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime. Their involvement includes project implementation, technical assistance, evaluations, and capacity building in sectors like health, governance, and education. The expert has managed substantial portfolios, including a $3 billion USAID initiative in Afghanistan and a €90 million EU program. The work primarily focuses on national and sector-specific projects in Afghanistan, contributing to strategic planning and policy reform in these areas.

Sectors and geographic focus

The expert has worked across key sectors including health, governance, education, humanitarian aid, and rural development. Previously held roles such as Project Development Specialist, Policy Advisor, and Program Officer, managing large-scale projects and grants. Their interdisciplinary expertise includes integrating gender considerations and strategic planning in program design. The expert's work is primarily country-specific to Afghanistan, with a focus on enhancing local governance and institutional development, while also contributing to regional initiatives and international cooperation efforts. Extensive experience in Afghanistan demonstrates a deep understanding of local governance and socio-development processes. The expert has collaborated with international donors such as USAID and the EU on numerous projects related to health, governance, and rural development. Their work also involves regional cooperation, including facilitating forums and partnerships with neighboring countries like Pakistan, highlighting expertise in regional development issues and cultural dynamics.

Languages and education

With a background in multilingual communication, the expert is fluent in English and a native speaker of Persian and Pashto. They also speak Arabic and Dari, which facilitates effective communication in multilingual teams and international settings. These language skills have been utilized extensively in project management and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in Afghanistan and other international environments. The expert holds a Master of Public Health from Kabul Medical University, Afghanistan, and a Master in International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid from the Humanitarian Aid Studies Center, Spain. They also completed a Post-Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Rural Development at the University of Hyderabad, India. Additionally, the expert earned a Diploma in Business Administration from the Afghan Institute of Business Administration and an MD in Health/Medical from Kabul Medical University, Afghanistan. Their educational background spans public health, international cooperation, rural development, business administration, and medicine.