Key skills and expertise

With 32 years of experience in rural development, humanitarian aid, and conflict resolution, the expert possesses key qualifications in conflict resolution, social change, and cross-cultural communications. They have led projects in Afghanistan, coordinating local and international initiatives to promote peace and socioeconomic development. Notable accomplishments include organizing agricultural enterprises, mediating conflicts, and implementing community empowerment programs. The expert has held leadership roles such as Director at American Strategic Policy Group and Senior Technical Adviser in Afghanistan, demonstrating strong project management and leadership skills.

Project experience and donor exposure

Bringing over three decades of experience, the expert has collaborated with international development cooperation projects primarily focused on conflict resolution, rural and socioeconomic development, and community empowerment. This work involved project implementation and capacity building, particularly in Afghanistan. The expert's efforts included organizing agricultural enterprises, mediating local conflicts, and implementing community programs to foster peace and reduce violence. The projects were national in scope, addressing issues such as governance, social development, and infrastructure within Afghanistan.

Sectors and geographic focus

Worked across sectors including rural development, humanitarian aid, poverty reduction, social development, youth engagement, urban development, and conflict resolution. Responsibilities have included roles such as Director and Senior Technical Adviser, with a focus on project management, conflict mediation, and community empowerment. The expert's interdisciplinary expertise includes integrating infrastructure development in rural settings and applying social change theories to socioeconomic challenges. Their work has primarily focused on Afghanistan, with additional experience in Pakistan, reflecting a regional scope of professional engagement. The expert has extensive geographic experience in Afghanistan, where they have engaged in long-term assignments focused on conflict resolution and community empowerment. They possess deep familiarity with local governance and cultural dynamics, having worked directly with tribal councils and facilitated development projects across various provinces. Additionally, the expert has experience in Pakistan, specifically in Peshawar, where they led emergency relief efforts and developed micro-businesses for Afghan refugees, further enhancing their regional expertise.

Languages and education

The expert is multilingual, with proficiency in English, Pashto, and Dari. These language skills have been utilized in various professional contexts, including in-country work in Afghanistan and collaboration with multilingual teams. The expert's linguistic capabilities have supported roles in conflict resolution, community empowerment, and international development projects, facilitating effective communication across diverse cultural settings. They hold a Ph.D. in Public Policy Analysis from the University of Illinois, USA, with a specialization in urban and regional planning, socioeconomic and rural development. Additionally, they obtained a Master of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Chicago, USA, focusing on conflict resolution, and another Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Illinois, USA, specializing in international relations. The expert also completed a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University of Illinois, USA.