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

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

Assist functional units, the Multi-Functional Team (MFT) and senior management to integrate participatory and community. 
based approaches in the overall protection delivery strategy and operational procedures.
Work with host communities to identify opportunities for national civil society involvement in improving the protection of persons of concern.
Work with implementing and operational partners as well as with displaced and local communities to develop community owned  activities  to  address,  where  applicable,  the  social,  educational,  psycho-social,  cultural,  health,  organizational  and livelihood concerns as well as child protection and prevention and response to SGBV.
Assist in analyzing protection risks and capacities of communities of concern.   
Support participatory assessments by multi functional teams and ongoing consultation with persons of concern. 
Assist in planning and monitoring of programmes and budgets, with an AGD perspective.
Build office capacity for community based protection through training and establishing systems for community mobilization and participation of persons of concern

Protection Associate - Community Based 

- Conducts simplified refugee status determination [RSD] interviews;
- Reviews simplified RSD assessments;
- Ensures referrals of individual cases to other units and all other necessary follow-up on individual cases
is undertaken in a timely and efficient manner;
- Plans the appointment schedule for simplified RSD cases;
- Counsels asylum-seekers and refugees about their status in the asylum and durable solution processes and notifies them of decisions made regarding their
cases.
- Receiving high profile delegations and explain to them the role of registration. 
- Completed all mandatory trainings for UNHCR staff.
- Checks all documents provided by applicants using anti-fraud devices and reports on any anomalies.
- Makes recommendations regarding assistance and any other needed follow-up actions to protection unit by manual referral system.
- Monitor new arrivals reception and registration process
- Provide legal advice and guidance on protection issues to persons of concern
- Implement and oversee Standard Operating Procedures for all registration activities.
- Oversee the identification of unaccompanied and separated minors and referrals to camps.
- Monitor respect of civilian character of asylum.
- Monitor the identification of persons with specific needs including persons requiring immediate medical attention .
- Monitor the respect of family unity.
- Facilitate effective information management through the provision of disaggregated data on population of concern.
- Promote International and National Law and applicable UN/UNHCR and IASC policy, standards and codes of conduct.
- Sweep, verification and addressing twice in Zaatari Camp (all 12 districts inside Zaatari Camp) .
- Set up for Rabaa Al Sarhan (Transit Center).
- Set up for Emirates Jordanian Camp / Mraijeb Al Fuhood (EJC / MAF).
- Distribution with partners at NRC.
- Distribution with partners at WFP.

Registration Associate

- Assists in the Registration Process for asylum seekers and other Persons of Concern to UNHCR;
- Update of Refugee and asylums seekers information;
- Prepares reports of interviews in English and makes recommendations regarding eligibility for refugee status;
- Informs and acts on the reports received from refugees within the refugee community or from local authorities as required;
- Assists in assessing welfare and providing assistance to refugee caseload in prisons; - Acts as interpreter and translator when needed and;
- Distribute colleagues to their tasks.
- Receiving high profile delegations and explain the role of registration.
- Verification & addressing in Zaatari Camp. 
- Set up for Emirates Jordanian Camp.
- Daily brief for colleagues to insure their knowledge of all work updates.

Senior Registration Assistant

Jordanian Armed Forces

Army

Experienced Community Based Protection  Associate with a demonstrated history of working in the international affairs field. Skilled in Government, Humanitarian, International Relations, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and building capacities within civil society. Strong community and social services professional with a political science degree and diploma focused in Web/Multimedia Management and Webmaster.

taplio

The Battle

Shahzad Asghar

Mohammad Khuran

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?