UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency

Leading the digital transformation of refugee assistance and internal support services, with a focus on AI, automation, and cybersecurity.

Led a team of 12 specialists to embed data-driven decision-making across protection, registration, and field operations.

Oversaw the digitization and optimization of 40+ workflows across HR, Admin, and refugee-facing services.

Designed and scaled AI-powered feedback platforms, incorporating transcription, categorization, and NLP-based insights.

Directed the automation of UNHCR’s legacy IVR helpline into a second-generation system, enabling over 600,000 refugees to schedule appointments, check case status, and access key services using basic phones no internet required.

Delivered $1.4M in cost savings through IVR system expansion and streamlined service workflows.

Led the strategic design and rollout of a Workflow Management System (WMS) that tracks refugee services from appointment to delivery. Worked closely with my DAG team to map business processes, remove bottlenecks, and reduce in-office service time by over 65%.

Created and implemented UNHCR Jordan’s first cybersecurity governance framework; six critical systems passed security audits with full compliance.

Co-led UNHCR’s technical input to Jordan’s National Census, ensuring accurate refugee representation and alignment with UN standards

Head of Data and Tech Group (DAG)

Data Analysis Group Lead

Drove Technology and information management strategies across diverse humanitarian contexts in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.  
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance data collection and reporting processes, improving operational efficiency.  
Developed and implemented training programs for local staff, resulting in a 30% increase in data accuracy.
During my HQ deployments, I served in Sudan, Greece, Syria, Iraq, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania, South Sudan, Lebanon, Jordan, and Chad driving data and information‑management strategy across diverse humanitarian contexts in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

Information Management Officer

Statisticiantoolbox.org

Co-Founder

UNICEF

Established enterprise-wide data governance framework ensuring ethical AI use while maintaining GDPR compliance across all child protection data systems

Regional  Inter-agency Information Management

UNDP

I was responsible for and oversaw several tasks related to local government authorities through various approaches, including processing job requests into live jobs and deliverables. In the IT department, job responsibilities included managing applications, software development and deployment jobs, network, security, and infrastructure upgrades (both virtual and physical), as well as projects to support the first line of support for IT. Project meetings and delegating duties and other work are also part of this job. Projects are not limited to the IT department, but other departments also require extra support. This includes any department that has requested assistance from the IT Project Management team and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP).

Project Manager 

Salam Technology

I delivered cyber security training to the banking sector workforce to increase their knowledge of cyber security tools and techniques.
Cyber security training covered below topics
Detection and prevention of cyber-attacks; how to respond to a cyber-attack; information security; risk assessment; threat assessment; vulnerability scanning; securing your emails; securing your data; securing your computer; securing your phone; social media awareness; cyber-bullying awareness; data privacy; data ownership; data protection; data ownership; email security; securing your computer; securing your phone; securing your data; social media awareness; social media safety; cyber-bullying awareness; securing your emails; data privacy; threat assessment; threat assessment; vulnerability scanning;

Cyber Security Consultant

Caritas Schweiz

Architected and deployed predictive analytics systems that improved resource allocation accuracy by 42%, directly benefiting 50,000+ IDPs .As the Chief Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer at Caritas Schweiz, I was entrusted with the pivotal role of designing and implementing a comprehensive M&E framework aligned with the organization's corporate standards. My responsibilities spanned across various sectors, including Food, Livelihood, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), ensuring a holistic approach to monitoring and evaluation activities.

Chief Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

United Nations OCHA

Canadian International Development Agency 

In a challenging and rapidly evolving IT landscape, I stepped into the role ofChief of Data Management and  Digital Solutions Unit with a mission to modernize and transform our organization’s technological framework. My focus was on enabling advanced data management and analysis capabilities while ensuring scalability, security, and innovation. I led the seamless integration of cloud computing solutions, enhancing accessibility and operational efficiency, and spearheaded the development of cutting-edge software systems to automate and streamline data processes. Recognizing the critical importance of cybersecurity, I implemented robust protocols to safeguard sensitive information and ensure compliance with industry standards. Additionally, I managed server infrastructure to maintain high availability and performance, minimizing downtime and optimizing resources.

Beyond technical execution, I prioritized building a collaborative and innovative team culture. By fostering skill development, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional collaboration, I empowered a multifaceted team of IT professionals to deliver high-impact projects with precision and creativity. Under my leadership, we successfully migrated to cloud platforms, developed bespoke software solutions, and fortified our cybersecurity posture, positioning the organization as a leader in technological innovation within our sector. These efforts not only strengthened our IT infrastructure but also enhanced data-driven decision-making, operational efficiency, and overall business resilience. My holistic approach as CTO has been instrumental in driving the organization’s success, ensuring we remain agile, secure, and competitive in an ever-changing digital landscape.

Chief of Data Management and  Digital Solutions Unit

The future of digital transformation will not be decided by the biggest platform but by the most trusted. I build trust into every system, whether scaling cloud solutions for people in need or designing AI strategies that protect human data.

I learned this early. A single data error once delayed school enrollment for thousands of children. My team fixed it, correcting 63,000 records and cutting delays by 90 percent. That day confirmed a lesson I carry into every project: technology is not about code, it is about human impact.

That belief has shaped my career:

Led the team that built, with my direct contribution, the first large-scale IVR appointment system in the humanitarian sector, connecting thousands to critical services.

Led and contributed to integrating fragmented education data, reducing school enrollment delays by 90 percent.

Forged and co-managed partnerships with Microsoft and AWS, raising more than $1 million for refugee-centric projects.

Directed and supported the rollout of DHIS2 open source platforms used by thousands.

Recognized as UNHCR’s regional technology champion in Jordan for leading impactful digital solutions.

These were not safe bets. They were calculated risks, projects others avoided. Risk is where innovation grows. Each success proved that trust, openness, and impact are not only ideals but also practical design principles.

My leadership philosophy is simple: execution over ego. The best ideas win, regardless of title. I focus on outcomes, empower teams, and create space for collaboration. That is how strong teams turn bold ideas into systems that last.

I stay ahead by learning. Every wave of AI, cloud, and governance reshapes how I work. I have shared these lessons on global stages, including TEDx and UN 2.0 events, where I spoke about building digital systems as public goods.

Core Focus Areas
Cloud Architecture | AI and Data Strategy | Digital Transformation | Open Source and Digital Public Goods | Governance and Security | Capacity Building

If your work touches AI, cloud, or open source for the public good, let us connect and build what lasts.

Principal Architect | Building Trusted Digital Public Goods | Cloud, AI and Open Source Strategy | Driving Innovation in the Humanitarian Sector

Technical Toolbox : Python, R, SQL, Power BI, Azure, AWS, Streamlit, LLMs, Transformers, LangChain, Prompt Engineering, Flask, HTML/CSS, REST APIs
Certifications (selected): CISM, PMP, ITIL, PRINCE2 Practitioner, TOGAF, Microsoft Azure AI Engineer Associate, IBM Generative AI Engineer ,Head of Data and Digital Solution.

Shahzad Asghar

- The main roles for Senior Registration Assistant is conducting renewal interviews and provide concealing  for refugees and referring several type of cases who has Special needs to other units, advicing refuges about data protection, Updating Registration data.

• Conduct registration interviews when required
in accordance with registration standards and guidance.
Provide counselling to, and responds to queries from, asylum seekers and refugees regarding UNHCR's registration procedures and their rights and entitlements.
• Identify persons with specific needs and ensure timely referral to protection follow-up as required.
• Draft correspondence and reports relating to registration activities in the operation, when required and provide statistics and draft reports related to registration data, as requested. 
• Refer cases to other units within the office and to implementing partners as necessary, Also Draft and submit reports and statistics related to registration.

Senior Registration Assistant

ActionAid

- Assist the youth program team in all logistical and
coordination aspects at the office and the field,
- Help in organizing and preparing the training events and
other activities,
- Responsible for the documentation of all events within the
department, in terms of photography attendance sheets,
reports and minutes of meetings.
- Assist in community mobilization and outreach with youth
and partner organizations,
- Assist in social media activities and follow up with the
communication officer,
- Provide full support to the team to carry out project activities
inside and outside the office,
- Help in providing input to the overall program direction and
implementation of activities, Any other related tasks to the project.

Youth Program Intern (Acting for Community Empowerment Officer)

CARE International in Jordan

- Responsible for registering, assessing, providing information,referring and following up on refugee protection,psychosocial and other type of needed cases.
- Working with several type of cases under protection umbrella to provide beneficiaries Intervention at all levels of care basic needs in emergency projects.
- Conducting assessment to refer the beneficiaries to specialized agencies in different aspects & contribute to the development ensuring soundness of project development in worksite.
- Providing NFI (Non-food Items) through case management to refer to specialized agencies, also providing cash distribution in emergency project with Olayan project for vulnerability cases.

Case management and community mobilization officer

- Responsible for monitoring day-to-day usage of safe space resources and prepare volunteers attendance records and periderm’s requests plan.
- Coordinate invitations of beneficiaries to ensure participation in scheduled services, and make sure that the vocational activities are implemented in line with the project requirements.
- Organizing and following up on financial and purchase requests and preparing relevant project reports to share it with team.
- Contribute to the writing TOR that competent of vocational activities and supervising the TOT project activities in cooperation with GAP.

Community development assistant

CARE International in cooperation with UNHCR

Project coordinator for Kolibiri platform the Kolibri is an offline platform that is developed by Learning Equality Organization, and it will be accessed in Connected learning Hubs placed in Johud, IRD and CARE centers. 
Kolibri makes high quality education technology available in low-resource communities such as rural schools, refugee camps, and non-formal school systems , Mixing traditional face to face and e-learning, the Learning Hubs l offering advanced education courses for both refugee youth and Jordanian nationals aged 13 to 17 years old.
Based on the Kolibri ecosystem, which brings online learning to offline communities, and encompasses an educational platform, as well as a content library containing with learning materials in dozens of languages.

Coordinator role:
Follow up by phone or in-person visits with parents to collect their feedback on provided services. Visits should encourage parents to retain their children at the service providers and increase coordination between parents and service providers for the benefit of their children
Identify and assess the needs for the connected learning hub inside the camp.
Have an initial pre assessment on the needs of the centre to establish a learning hub. 
Focus Group discussion on what suggested content of connected  learning opportunities/programs  with refugee students

Project coordinator

FNF MENA

Volunteer

I graduated in 2016 major in Development Studies-(Social sciences), I worked in the humanitarian sector for 6 years in several areas these experiences were added to my career and my skills, My goal in my career as a humanitarian worker is to eventually work my way from an learn and share a new experience, especially in the humanitarian sector while I saw myself in this field, I love providing support and helping people this's where I belong. Through these six years in several experiences which's were an added value to me, I have relevant experience with different areas such as follow-up skills, documentation, reporting skills, data analysis, and data collection using KOBO updating information, Problem Solving, Accountability, Strong Work ethics, and Time Management, Facilitation, Assessment skills, working with youth, protection, case management skills. With my strong background in Development Studies and my extensive experience in the humanitarian sector, I have developed a deep understanding of the complex issues and challenges faced by marginalized communities. I have honed my skills in conducting needs assessments, developing and implementing effective programs, and evaluating their impact. Additionally, I have a proven track record of successfully coordinating with various stakeholders including government agencies, NGOs, and local communities. I am also proficient in utilizing technology for data collection and analysis, which allows for more efficient and accurate reporting. Furthermore, my experience working with youth and in protection and case management has given me a unique perspective on the importance of empowering individuals and ensuring their rights are upheld. I am confident that my combination of skills, knowledge, and passion make me a valuable asset to any humanitarian organization.
I believe that I am qualified to fill any position related to my experience and that my previous experience will aid in the growth for this position as well as my career.

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Shahzad Asghar

Buthainah Al-Hayajneh

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