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

Invia Travel Germany GmbH

Group CTO

HomeToGo

Director of Engineering

ANIXE

- Led and motivated a team of 170 professionals, encompassing product managers and engineers from multiple teams.
- Successfully developed an accommodation sourcing and aggregation platform that serves 20 countries, with an impressive daily traffic of over 250 million visits.
- Ensured alignment with corporate management on strategic objectives, fostering a cohesive and forward-moving organization.
- Built a comprehensive rental car platform, collaborating with more than 60 online and offline suppliers for a seamless user experience.
- Formulated and executed a robust growth strategy, propelling the company's success in a competitive market.
- Defined quarterly objectives and key results for all departments, focusing on finance, customer satisfaction, streamlined processes, professional development and knowledge enhancement.

CEO/CTO

- Scaled the team from 16 to 70 employees, fostering a thriving and dynamic work environment.
- Drove recruitment efforts and effectively managed engineering managers, optimizing team performance and achieving project excellence.
- Successfully constructed e-commerce websites (IBEs) for esteemed airlines like LOT Polish Airlines and TAP Portugal, enhancing their online presence and customer experience.
- Innovatively developed a robust SaaS hotel aggregation platform, connecting seamlessly with over 60 hotel suppliers and channel managers worldwide, streamlining the booking process for travelers.
- Pioneered the creation of a cutting-edge mid-office platform for the travel and tourism sector, automating accounting processes and integrating seamlessly with SAP for enhanced efficiency.
- Developed high-traffic B2C e-commerce websites for LOT Polish Airlines and TAP Portugal, contributing to their online success and customer engagement.

- Pioneered the development of Europe's first internet booking engines for flights, catering to major platforms such as travelplanet.de, lycos.de, yahoo.de, flug.de, lycos.co.uk, leisureplanet.co.uk, and travelplanet.pl.
- Successfully integrated Global Distribution System (GDS) flights systems of Worldspan and Sabre, enhancing the platform's capabilities and expanding its reach.
- Engaged in hands-on development utilizing C++ and SQL, contributing to the system's functionality and performance.
- Formulated architecture strategies for seamless large-scale system-wide application deployments, ensuring optimal performance and scalability.

Founder CTO

ANIXE HELLAS

- Successfully recruited and supervised multiple engineering teams to ensure efficient and high-quality project delivery.
- Actively managed and mentored a team of senior engineering managers, fostering their professional growth and optimizing team performance.
- Played a pivotal role in establishing project goals that align with top management directives, resulting in effective project execution.
- Took ownership of transfers, excursions, and hotel contracting platforms, collaborating closely with senior group management to ensure seamless operations and alignment with overall business objectives.

Managing Director

Illusions Online FZ LLC

- Responsible for leadership and management of the development teams to achieve the company's ambitious expansion plans
- Build hotel supplier aggregation and pricing platform

Director of Software Engineering

POID sp. z o.o.

IT Manager

I am on a mission to create technology that enables people to travel the world.

I'm a strategic thinker passionate about software development and the travel industry. 
My strengths lie in building systems for long-term success, organizing processes with precision, and communicating with clarity. I believe in creating solutions that endure and optimize efficiency.

Having experienced diverse cultures, I appreciate the value of global perspectives. This has been instrumental in navigating the international business landscape.

My journey has been fueled by a passion for technology's potential to transform the travel industry. Witnessing technology's impact on how people explore the world inspired my dedication to this field.
As an entrepreneur, I'm committed to making a lasting impact in the travel tech realm. If you seek a visionary leader with expertise in strategy, system building, and transparent communication, let's connect to explore mutual goals. Together, we can shape the future of travel technology.

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Shahzad Asghar

Piotr Zolnierek

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