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

UN Women

- Coordinating the overall leadership and program implementation of the women peace security and humanitarian program in the country.
- set up winning coordination platforms such as gender in humanitarian action technical working group at national level 
-Co- chairing the national PSEA network and has built the capacities of the PSEA network at all levels/ regional level. 
- Led the various protection, gender rapid assessments, with the GBV/CPAoR.
-	Provide technical advice and support to partners and identify capacity building gaps, contribute to the provision of technical guidance by the team; build, manage, and expand relationships with national partners, particularly women’s organizations, to support implementation and expansion of the WPSHA programme.
- -	Represent UN Women in national coordination mechanisms and collaborate with humanitarian stakeholders in line with UN Women’s coordination mandate, provide technical support to mobilize resources for the implementation of humanitarian and WPS programmes,
- -	Support co-chairing of the inter-agency Ethiopia PSEA Network and GiHA Working Group on behalf of the Country Office;  support the Ethiopia PSEA Network focal points and senior management in developing, implementing, and monitoring the annual workplan and strategy;  Support inter-agency knowledge management on PSEA and gender by ensuring collective preparedness and response for national and regional networks; draft PSEA Network and GiHA Working Group documents including policies and ToRs; provide substantive technical support to the Representative and Deputy Representative on interagency PSEA and gender coordination related activities by attending meetings and events, as well as participating in inter-agency groups and committees;  Coordinate with other UN agencies, government departments, donors, NGOs, and CSOs to ensure their programmes are harmonized and aligned to PSEA with other in-country efforts;

Programme specialist( Humanitarian and Women peace and security WPS&GIHA)

International Rescue Committee

Women Protection and Empowerment Program Manager

IOM - UN Migration

Program Officer-AVRR/MM ( EU/EUTF/ UK Home/COMPASS/GIZ/SWISS Funded projects)

Major Functions and responsibilities 
•	Has been supporting the implementation of return and reintegration projects at IOM Nigeria including its financial, administrative, and technical aspects, in compliance with IOM policies and standard as well as donor requirements.
•	 Has been supervising and coordinating over 35 IOM reintegration staff, including caseworkers and reintegration assistants
•	 Ensuring the supervision, training as well as ongoing counselling and guidance to staff and implement a sound case management system in compliance with IOM standards of assistance.
•	Providing technical inputs and guidance for the development, enhancement and implementation of national Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to return, readmission and reintegration and its operationalization. 
•	Facilitating protection into reintegration activities, in coordination with the Protection team, by ensuring the provision of adequate assistance for vulnerable categories such as victims of trafficking, unaccompanied minors and migrants with health concerns. 
•	Providing technical assistance, capacity building support & guidance to implementing partners and Government counterpart. 
•	Ensuring adequate monitoring & evaluation of reintegration activities.
•	Overseeing appropriate of the overall case management of over 25, 000 returnees in MiMOSA.
•	IOM databases & proper filing in accordance with IOM Data Protection Principles.
•	Tracking use of resources in accordance with IOM internal rules &regulations.
•	Has been contributing to the development of project concepts/proposals & resource mobilization initiatives related to reintegration, as appropriate.

Program officer ( Expatriate ) AVRR/MM

Major functions and achievements 
•	Supported the designing, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of migrant protection intervention within the framework of the program in Ethiopia
•	Facilitated the mainstreaming of migrant protection into reintegration activities by encouraging and providing guidance for the provision of adequate assistance for vulnerable migrants, such as victims of trafficking, unaccompanied migrants, migrants with psychosocial and/or physical health concerns and other needs. Over 2700 UMCs and other with protection risks were supported through protection mainstreaming and referral and protection integration. 
•	Monitored the protection services provided to 1560 UMCs ( BIA/BID) and other returnees at the transit center is up to standard & comply with the organizations requirement and report any discrepancies and findings acted.
•	 Developed SOPs revitalized with minimum standards for migrant protection and provide technical support for the implementation of such standards.
•	Led 2 CPRA & protection monitoring assessments and identify protection concerns in relation to returnees and present possible solutions to its findings.
•	Participated in the identification and assessment of over 50 protection partners, private sectors, academia and other potential service providers who can closely work migrants and assist the development of effective referral mechanisms to improve protection services for returnees, potential migrants and their communities.
•	Organized 50 capacity building trainings & programs to improve the knowledge & capacity of government and non-government actors on migrant protection and assistance.
•	Represented the Reintegration Facility program and promote its activities and strategy in relation to migrant protection with relevant government bureaus, strategic partners, civil society, and other relevant bodies;
•	Supported and monitored the government and community-based protection networks in the program implementation areas;

National Program Officer- Migrant Protection and Reintegration (EUTF)

Major Functions and achievements 
▪ Provided technical and programmatic support for the design, implementation, monitoring and reporting of child protection in emergency Programme in the refugee camps, IDP and returnee in collective sites and host community.
▪ Delivered child protection response services, with a focus on delivery through multi-sectoral platforms including education, health, nutrition, and WASH.
▪ Managed in the provision of psychosocial support and psychological first aid services with a focus on a package of services extending from safe spaces (CFSs) into community coping mechanism.
▪ Led the development and operationalization of Case Management Standard Operating Procedures 
(SOPs) and Information Sharing Protocols, for managing cases of separated and unaccompanied 
children, in three drought affected regions in Ethiopia including in refugee camps and IDPs collective sites and stand alone protection. 
▪ Planned and advocated on the sustainable integration of the Child protection in emergency interventions at various coordination platforms ( CPWG, Regional CP GBV national and sub-national coordination). 
▪ Set up the community based PSEA and Complaint Feedback and reporting mechanism (CFRM) 
▪ Strengthened situation and response monitoring in emergency affected zones in the region to produce situational evidence on child protection risks and existing capacities to respond.
▪ Supported the development of humanitarian protection monitoring tools for CPiE, rolled out and institutionalized the 5w’s monthly reporting mechanism by working with and coordinating with Regional CP/GBV Sub-cluster and key government agencies.
▪ Participated on interagency /multi sectoral assessments (MIRA/CPRA) and missions to monitor 
child protection situation and response.
▪ Strengthened coordination with the emergency and other sectors within UNICEF (such as 
Education and WASH sectors. Protection integration and protection mainstreaming.

Child Protection in Emergencies Advisor  and Regional CP GBV Sub cluster Coordnation

Major functions and Achievements 
•	Conducted the situational analysis of Afar region in terms of bottleneck analysis, resource mapping and adaptation of Health Sector Transformation Plan (HSTP) at regions and Woreda level, Identify key challenges and forward recommendations.
•	Developed the user friendly RMNCAH Partner resource mapping tool for pastoralist areas.
•	Finalized the collection of RMNCAH Partner resource mapping information and provided the summary report in coordination with RHB and other concerned
•	Assisted  the Regional Health Bureau in conducting of Partners Forum and formation of Partners Forum
•	Supported the regions in resources mobilization efforts through preparation of project Proposal, organizing fund raising forums and facilitation of discussions as per guidance from RHB
•	Developed the fiscal space profile of Afar region in the health sector, including opportunities for private financing for health
•	Supported the RHB to identify and develop  timely, contextualized and aligned clear road map of priority actions to be addressed.

Regional Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Resource Mapping Technical Advisor

Major Functions and achievements 
•Programme Coordination that including recruitment, procurement and financial management in humanitarian and emergency operation in Gambella like in Akobo, Kule, Itang refugee camps
•Organized and coordinated organizational capacity building programmes on various minimum standards but not limited to: Child protection minimum standards, minimum economic recovery-Seep Network, core humanitarian standard (CHS) and code of conduct for various target groups in the refugee camps and host community and conducted capacity gap assessments. 
•Developed, nurtured and sustained relationships with relevant stakeholders and project partners at local and regional levels as well as with networks and other agencies working in the regions like with ARRA, UNICEF and UNHCR.
•Coordinated  the livelihood and food security, community cohesion/or community co-existence, sport programming, education, Wash and nutrition programme both in the host community and refugee camps.
•	Participated in a different UN agency and partner’s coordination meetings like: Camp coordination meeting, protection meeting, child protection working group and information sharing meetings and others.
•Prepared both the narrative and financial report to donors and respective line offices.
• Reviewed and monitored the financial expenditure and supporting the team working on the financial data bases like SAP and AMS in aggresso.

Emergency Response Project Manager (Refugee/IDPs/Returnees/asylum seekers)

Plan International Ethiopia

Major Functions and achievements 
•	Prepared and participated in the development of  a winning proposal and concept note for the youth development program For example: UNHCR Initiative Fund and International Olympic committee(IOC)
•	Identified 6 youth friendly centers in coordination and consultation with ARRA and UNHCR in Jewi, Kule and Pugnido refugee camps
•	Organized and cascaded various capacity building trainings for over 1500 social workers, child protection committees, youth groups, adolescent boys and Girls and young people.
•	Coached and mentored more than 56 youth officers 
•	Managed and effectively implemented the 5.5 million EUROs funded for youth programming/effective grant utilization.
•	Conducted 4 community mobilization campaigns on GBV, HIV/AIDS and WASH promotion programs in the refugee camps. 
•	organized annual community mobilization wide events and campaigns on SGBV & HIV/AIDS in coordination with UNHCR and actors working in the refugee camps.
•	Participated in different inter-agency coordination meetings like the Youth task force meetings and others with UN agency like UNICEF and UNHCR.

Child Protection in Emergency and Youth Development Program Coordinator

Major function and achievements 
•	Worked on UNHCR & SIDA I and II funded projects focusing on enhancing the protection rights of Sudanese refugee children in Kule, Jewi and Pugnido refugee camps in Gambella, Ethiopia.
•	 Developed and implemented a plan of action to strengthen prevention, coordination and addressing the needs of unaccompanied and separated children (UASC) based on agreed best interest determination standards and organized BID panel meetings. 
•	 Provided different capacity building trainings for key stakeholders on Child protection, SGBV, referral Pathway, parenting skill, Positive disciplining, and psychosocial supports. 
•	 Conducted various child protections rapid assessment (CPRA) and livelihood assessments through: Key informant interview (KII) and focus group discussions (FGD) with project beneficiaries. 
•	 Provided one to one client care / case management for 37 complex cases of on child protection and sexual violence-including family based social work support, assessed clients, and provided psychological first aid individual interventions. 
•	 Coordinated the establishment of 53 different community services in Kule, Jewi and Pugnido refugee camps (Child friendly spaces, CRCs, Safe spaces/women friendly spaces, youth centers, and early childhood care and development centers). 
•	 Developed psychosocial program including 10 child friendly space, and child protection messaging, contributed to setting up community-based gender-based violence response program. 
•	 Coached, trained, and mentored overs 200 staffs with the aim of strengthening their technical capacity, exchanging knowledge within the team, and providing professional development guidance. 
•	 Supervised and mentored 34 direct-report staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting performance objectives, providing regular and timely performance feedback, and leading documented semi-annual performance reviews.

Child Protection  in Emergency Officer

HelpAge International

Protection Coordinator and Sub-Office Head Gambella

World Learning

Major Functions and achievements 
•	Led 3 community mobilization efforts for prevention of child protection issues by collaborating with staff, technical advisors, and protection and non-protection actors in the development arena. 
•	 Conducted protection monitoring of child protection program in collaboration with M&E advisor and worked with partner NGO’s, community -based structures. 
•	 Planned, coordinated, and delivered various TOT trainings and capacity building activities for partner and government officials and community facilitator’s, school core groups, CBO’s and households/IGA Groups, on the Child protection and other programming 
•	 Led the assessment of workforce, community, organizational and institutional capacity gaps and need assessments of teachers in primary schools School Core group (SCG) and addresses them through provision of both on job training and off job capacity building, Coaching, and mentoring. 
•	 Prepared annual projects and program activity, financial plans and progress reports of the unit and submit it to the planning, monitoring and evaluation, learning and accountability unit (MEAL).
•	 Organized and delivered training courses and/or arranges for the delivery of training programs aimed at partner staffs including government and INGOs staffs in Economic Strengthening strategies, approaches systems; livelihood pathways, community saving methods, business development skills and other related thematic areas.

Program Officer/ School Community partnership Serving OVC affected And infected by HIV/AIDS (USAID)

Pact

Major functions and achievements
•	Assisted the development and/ or updating of monitoring and evaluation plans, guidelines, tools and systems.
•	Supported the identification of higher-level indicators to assess progress and overall impact against Pact Ethiopia’s strategic plan.
•	Assisted the development of effective results frameworks and subsequent child protection indicators at project and partner level(s).
•	Supported project staff and child protection partners to ensure effective systems are in place for process and impact monitoring (this includes baseline and evaluation requirements)
•	Assisted in designing baseline, mid-term and final evaluation studies of different projects
•	Assisted in organizing periodic ongoing child protection project/program evaluation and progress monitoring events by involving partners.
•	Prepared the unit’s work plan by identifying support requirements of other units.
•	Assisted effective communication and coordination across the organizational structure and country programme, with a specific aim to strengthen links to finance, grants and programming (across the various strategic platforms).
•	Generated quarterly, biannual and annual tabular reports for reporting purposes
•	Assisted the generation of data and compilation of quarterly reports for regular Donor reporting purposes.
•	Facilitated the compilation of regular monitoring reports prepared by different Projects along with evaluation recommendations
•	Participated in the child protection assessment of M&E related training requirements for capacity building purpose.
•	Participated in the documentation and dissemination of lessons learned and best practice.

Protection/Child protection Monitoring And Evaluation Officer

Mr. Dejene Merga is a skilled and multidisciplinary energetic humanitarian peace and development professional. I have been serving at various positions and effectively managed my career expertise. Have been working as Women peace and security and Humanitarian program specialist with UNDP seconded to UN Women, gender in humanitarian action technical working group coordinator), PSEA co-co-chair with UNFPA and chaired by IA coordinator. migration management (MMU/AVRR), assisting vulnerable migrants (AVM), CRSV/GBV, VoTs,  general protection and child Protection cluster coordinator. Currently, working as Humanitarian and Women peace and security programme specialist. Majorly emphasizing on Gender in humanitarian action protection and response, community-based reintegration, individual reintegration and collective reintegration, case management, coordination at Federal and state levels, capacity building, community development, M&E, program and Child protection in emergency and youth program Coordinator. I have more than 12 years+ practical hand on experience in the arena of both humanitarian and development interventions such as Refugee, IDP and returnee response programming. I have worked closely with different target groups such as refugees and IDPs in both urban and camp setting including emergency response and case management and cluster coordination and Information management.

I have developed a well-profound technical, professional and leadership skills; and possess effective communication, project monitoring and evaluation, reporting and learning, community mobilization, partnership, project designs, facilitation, relevant knowledge and experiences on programs/projects targeting the empowerment of marginalized groups of population and special need categories [Such as: Migrant protection, Refugee/Returnee Children(UASC), Women, Children, Youth and People with disabilities ]on Basic Education, Economic strengthening, Health and Nutrition, Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship, Small Livelihoods Development, Savings, and other Micro-enterprises Development and complementary reintegartion.

Further, I am well equipped with multi-stakeholder partnerships capacity building to ensure the development of effective and sustainable target population engagement and participation, as I have also demonstrated positive impact on development projects and service provision improvements through systematic integration of Education and Livelihood projects into the existing Regional and National Governments’ Institutional systems setup and Accountability frameworks.

taplio

The Battle

Shahzad Asghar

DEJENE MERGA

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?