Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 41 years of experience, the expert is proficient in customs regimes, strategic planning, and project management within trade and public administration sectors. Career highlights include leading national and international projects, such as the ASYCUDA project in Jordan, which enhanced customs efficiency and revenue collection. Previously held roles include Assistant Director General of Jordanian Customs and Advisor to the Qatari General Authority of Customs. Responsibilities have included managing risk and compliance, advising on policy implementation, and contributing to service delivery improvements, demonstrating strong leadership and strategic oversight skills.

Project experience and donor exposure

Worked across diverse projects involving collaboration with international donors such as USAID and UNDP. The expert's involvement included project implementation and technical assistance in governance and public sector reform. They served as National Project Director for the ASYCUDA project in Jordan, funded by UNDP, which computerized customs procedures. Additionally, they participated in the USAID-funded Fiscal Reform Project II, contributing to national governance improvements. The work primarily took place in Jordan, with a regional scope involving customs and trade facilitation projects.

Sectors and geographic focus

With a background in sectors including trade, border management, public administration, and risk management, the expert has held roles such as Assistant Director General of Jordanian Customs and Advisor to the Qatari General Authority of Customs. Their interdisciplinary expertise includes project management and digitalization of customs processes, exemplified by the ASYCUDA project in Jordan. The expert's work has spanned multiple regions, including the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, contributing to both national and regional initiatives. Extensive geographic experience includes work in Bahrain, Jordan, Lithuania, Nigeria, the Philippines, Qatar, Switzerland, and the UAE. They have a particularly deep familiarity with Middle Eastern customs and governance, notably in Jordan and Qatar, where they have held significant roles in customs administration and strategic advisory positions.

Languages and education

With a native proficiency in Arabic and excellent English skills, the expert has demonstrated advanced listening, reading, speaking, and writing abilities. They completed a Certificate of Completion for the Most Advanced Level of English as a Second Language at the American Language Academy, USA. These language skills have been utilized in various international and multilingual contexts, including work in countries such as Jordan, Qatar, and the UAE. The expert holds a Master of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Thermal Sciences and Fluid Mechanics from West Virginia University, USA, completed between 1982 and 1984. They also earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering with honors of Cum Laude from the same institution, completed between 1979 and 1982. Additionally, the expert completed a certificate program in English as a Second Language at the American Language Academy, Beaver College, USA, in 1978-1979, and received the Al-Tawjihi Certificate from Hawalli Secondary School, Kuwait, in 1978.