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

Taylor Cullity Lethlean

Senior Landscape Architect

Cattleya Design Studio (Biophilic Architecture and Urban Design)

Community Projects:
Melbourne Farmers Markets/ Village Power (community battery) EOI plan, Alphington;
FarmWall EOI plan, Alphington.
Sample Built Projects:
Residential adaptive reuse projects:
253 Errol Street, North Melbourne.
Apartment Developments: Lisson Grove, Hawthorn (Landscape over Structure);
Berkeley Street, Doncaster.
Aged Care: Deloraine Aged Care, Greensborough.
Bespoke Projects:
132A Gertrude Street, Fitzroy: Roof Garden and structures (Documentation for building permit);
30 Peter Street, Eltham: 'Gordon Ford' garden renovation, and extension (WSUD, Flood mitigation).

Principal Landscape Architect

Hansen Partnership

Urban Design:
Wonthaggi Activity Centre Streetscape Masterplan (Adopted by Bass Coast Shire Council July 2023);
Alpine Resorts Lake Mountain/ Marysville Masterplan concept development phase.
Landscape Architecture:
Construction phase services- Hopkins Street embankment, Footscray;
Contract administration phase services- Hartley Estate, Clyde.

Associate

Reeds Consulting

Built Projects:
Manheim Channel rehabilitation (Cherry Creek tributary), Altona. 
Waterside Wetland, Clyde North.
Honour Village Wetlands, Clyde North.
Hillcrest Channel, Clyde North.
Vaughan Industrial Estate Stage 1 and 2, Golden Sun Moth Reserve interface (bababi marning Grasslands at Cooper Street), and Growling Grass Frog Habitat Corridor design, Epping.
Urban Design and Masterplans:
Werribee River and Korkuperrimul Creek confluence Draft Waterway Plan, Bacchus Marsh.
Boardwalk Estate, Point Cook.
Yarrambat Ironbark Road and Yarrambat War Memorial Park public realm.
Bridgefield Waterway, Rockbank.
Mernda Rise Estate, Mernda.
Rosehill Estate, Rockbank.
Timbarra Estate, Beveridge.
Greenwich Estate, Junction Village.
Balmoral Estate, Strathtulloh.
Melbourne Islamic Centre, Harkness Road, Melton.

Discipline Lead Landscape Architecture

CJ Arms

Master plans:
Lexington Gardens Aged Care extension;
Chain of Lagoons Eco Resort and Eco Village, North East Tasmania:
Coastal Golf Course feasibility and site analysis, North East Tasmania.

Phillip Johnson Landscapes 

Key built projects:
Ormond College, Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship - Water feature and associated landscape design;
4 One Chain Rd, Merricks North - Potager garden and associated stone walls (Commended 2016 LVIA Hard Structures in the Landscape);
St Mary's School site redevelopment, Geelong - landscape design (Landscape over Structure, WSUD, and Heritage Victoria Approvals).
1520 Barrabool Rd, Gnawarree. 
Key Master plans:
WestWyck Eco Village Stage 2 detail design;
Collingwood Children's Farm renewal Master plan.
Phillip Island Hot Springs concept work.
Bespoke projects:
Shannon Bennett's beach house roof garden;
City of Stonnington Indoor vertical garden.
Innovation:
5000 Poppies Public Art installation at Federation Square- Implementation methods and materials.

CDA Design Group

Built Landscape Projects:
Frederick Way laneway design, Melbourne CBD;
Chapel Street Affordable Housing;
Podium level-175 Rose Street, Fitzroy;
Lyndarum Estate-  Mayflower Redgum Reserve;
Zimmer Park; Duke Park; Greenfields Park; Wuchatsch Park; Fendi Park; The Mill Park.
Meridian Business Park and entry feature;
North Melbourne Primary School Stage 2 works.
Summerhill Estate Masterplan and street tree strategy (2009)

ERM: Environmental Resources Management

Key Urban Design and Visual Analysis projects:
South Soko Island, Hong Kong; 
Hong Kong University Tunnel;
Rockdale urban developable area analysis, Sydney.
Scotch College/Citylink interface plan.
Mill Park Primary School.
Numerous Wind farm and Energy infrastructure 3D visualisation projects.

Landscape Architect

Hyperlocal artisan and thinker. I design locally with deep community engagement and site knowledge. Expert in Urban Design and Landscape Architecture, with a particular passion for waterways and wetlands. Bibliophile.

taplio

The Battle

Shahzad Asghar

Glen Dunstan

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