Program Coordinator Risk Management
Resume:
**** **** ****** *****, ********-Maryland,*****
ASSADULLAH AHMADZAI
*************@*****.***
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Assad Ahmadzai
Elkridge, Maryland, USA Email: *************@*****.*** ***********@***.*** Phone: 1-202-***-**** Professional Summary
Strategic and analytically minded professional with a strong background in political affairs, economic development, and Security- intelligence analysis. Over 18 years of experience supporting U.S. government agencies, international organizations, and nonprofit entities in complex geopolitical environments. Proven ability to synthesize political, economic, and security trends into actionable insights that inform policy, drive development outcomes, and support stabilization efforts in fragile and conflict-affected states. Skilled in interagency coordination, stakeholder engagement, and managing sensitive portfolios across national security, governance, and economic resilience.
EXPERIENCE, MAJOR PROJECTS, ACCOMPLISHMENT
Program Administrator University of Maryland Baltimore-UMB August 02,2021-Current Office of Research & Development-Sponsored Programs 620 W. Lexington Street, 4th floor, Baltimore, MD 21201 Key Duties:
• Grants & Contracts Administration: Extensive experience researching, applying for, administering, supervising, monitoring, and coordinating grants and contracts from NIH, NSF, DHS, and DOD.
• Regulatory Compliance & Advisory: Serve as a subject matter expert, advising staff and faculty on the development, review, and submission of grant and contract proposals. Analyze and interpret federal and agency-specific guidelines, ensuring compliance with institutional, state, and sponsor policies.
• Data Synthesis & Executive Communication: Adept at synthesizing complex data and research into concise, executive- level presentations. Known for developing trusted relationships with key stakeholders, including NIH, DOD, NSF, and university faculty.
• Programmatic & Budgetary Oversight: Provide comprehensive support to program teams and sub-grantees, including guidance on budget management, compliance, monitoring and evaluation, and documentation practices.
• Government Liaison: Interface with federal, state, and local agencies to ensure funded projects adhere to programmatic and financial compliance requirements.
• Post-Award Management: Manage post-award activities including account creation, financial oversight, no-cost extensions, supplements, award modifications, and account setup.
• Strategic Program Identification: Collaborate with department directors to identify programs eligible for grant funding and develop tailored grant strategies.
• Proposal Development & Grant Writing: Experienced in writing, reviewing, and editing grant proposals. Assist faculty in identifying funding opportunities and crafting competitive submissions.
• Project Coordination & Deadline Management: Lead proposal development efforts, ensuring adherence to internal and external deadlines, tracking milestones, and maintaining submission readiness.
• Sponsored Programs Collaboration: Partner with Sponsored Programs Administration, Clinical Trials & Corporate Contracts, and Sponsored Projects Accounting and Compliance to facilitate award processing and ensure timely project close-out.
• Onboarding & Staff Integration: Designed and implemented a structured onboarding process to effectively integrate new employees into the organization and ensure early success. Program Manager DT-Global International 12 31, 2017 – 08 31, 2020.
(Formerly Known as AECOM) 1500 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA 22209 - USA Key Duties:
Program Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement
• Served as principal liaison with USAID Afghanistan, senior government officials, and international/local partners, promoting local governance, economic growth, stability, and women's empowerment.
• Coordinated efforts with private sector actors, research institutions, civil society, and government agencies to leverage resources and align strategic outcomes.
• Guided programmatic teams and sub-grantees to ensure effective communication on budget management, compliance, M&E, and programmatic planning.
• Developed timely donor reports and program updates in accordance with USAID and DT Global requirements.
• Maintained strategic engagement with USAID Mission representatives to ensure alignment of priorities and compliance with evolving regulations.
8049 Blue Stream Drive, Elkridge-Maryland,21075
ASSADULLAH AHMADZAI
*************@*****.***
***********@***.***
Technical Leadership & Project Integration
• Managed a cross-functional Project Management Unit (PMU), leading the development and execution of a Performance Management Plan (PMP) integrating governance, stabilization, economic development, and water resource management.
• Synthesized complex data into executive-level analysis and recommendations to guide decision-making and enhance organizational impact.
• Provided technical guidance on market assessments, partner identification, and diagnostics to shape program design and private sector engagement.
• Designed and led interventions to strengthen capacity across government agencies, civil society, private sector, and academic institutions.
• Applied adaptive management principles to monitor, evaluate, and refine programming based on results, ensuring the scalability of successful models.
• Produced communications and annual deliverables highlighting program progress and impact to USAID and public audiences.
Operations & Implementation Management
• Directed multi-million-dollar USAID-funded initiatives with legal, financial, and strategic significance across sub- national governance and economic growth sectors.
• Defined project scope, timelines, KPIs, deliverables, and implementation strategies in collaboration with cross-sector teams and external partners.
• Supported execution of key deliverables, stakeholder engagement, risk mitigation, and performance tracking across complex workstreams.
• Led infrastructure and operational planning efforts supporting governance reform and local development programs.
• Supported public outreach and contributed to organization-wide strategic initiatives under national leadership.
• Oversaw project start-up and close-out processes, including field visits, documentation, and compliance. Leadership & Administration
• Provided oversight for financial management, human resources, procurement, and compliance in line with DT Global and donor policies.
• Supervised and mentored long- and short-term staff and technical consultants, promoting a high-performance culture.
• Facilitated onboarding for new staff to ensure organizational integration and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Maintained communication with field teams and USAID to share updates, troubleshoot challenges, and align expectations.
Contracts & Compliance
• Monitored contract implementation, expenditures, deliverables, and performance against FAR, AIDAR, ADS, and DT Global internal standards.
• Conducted financial tracking, reporting, and forecasting activities; ensured adherence to donors and host country regulations.
• Provided contractual quality assurance and drafted memos, reports, and supporting documentation under guidance from vice president-economic growth.
• Cultivated and maintained external relationships with partners and donors; ensured proper tracking of contractual obligations and correspondence.
Consultant role
• Led and supported proposal development and capture strategies for new and recompete USAID business opportunities in Afghanistan, Iraq and Egypt.
• Played an integral role in developing winning proposals including:
• AEPZ (Afghan Economic Promotion Zone) – Awarded to Chemonics International.
• AUWS (Afghan Urban Water and Sanitation Project) – Awarded to DT Global.
• ACEBA Project – Ultimately awarded to DAI after a competitive bid involving DT Global, Creative Associates, and Chemonics.
8049 Blue Stream Drive, Elkridge-Maryland,21075
ASSADULLAH AHMADZAI
*************@*****.***
***********@***.***
• Conducted after-action reviews to assess proposal quality, identify lessons learned, and improve future capture strategies.
• Interviewed and screened key personnel candidates for inclusion in proposal submissions; coordinated with USAID Missions for talent approval and positioning.
Program Simulation Specialist KATMAI November 2018 – February 2019 12001, Science Dr. Orlando Florida 32826
Key Duties:
• Enabled complex, immersive training for Marines and Navy personnel.
• Simulated Contemporary Operational Environment (COE) for RTU exercises.
• Integrated noncombatants, cultural actors, NGOs, and U.S./Host Nation officials
• Supported Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) mission preparation.
• Focused on realism to reflect Afghanistan deployment conditions. Program Manager CHEMONICS International September 10, 2015 – April 30, 2017 Key Duties: Washington DC,USA
• Education Systems Strengthening: Re-envisioned and enhanced the teaching workforce capacity in primary and secondary schools, integrating conflict-sensitive pedagogy and professional development frameworks to ensure education continuity in crisis settings.
• Inclusive Learning Integration: Applied Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to promote inclusive, learner- centered instruction, enabling equitable access to education for girls and students with diverse needs.
• School Management & Safety Frameworks: Developed and implemented the School Management Effectiveness and Safety
(SMES) mechanism to strengthen school governance, leadership, and safe learning environments.
• Public-Private Partnership Development: Assessed and identified public-private partnership opportunities to enhance early-grade reading outcomes and mobilize additional resources to support education goals.
• Knowledge Management & Policy Influence: Reviewed and disseminated locally generated evidence on what works in education. Informed USAID’s education policies, research agenda, and future programming by synthesizing findings and contributing to thought leadership efforts.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Leadership: Provided technical leadership and strategic recommendations to internal teams, implementing partners, and host country stakeholders. Represented USAID’s education priorities in national and regional coordination forums.
Program Manager AECOM International May 06, 2013 – July 29, 2015 Key Duties: Arlington City, Virginia - USA
• Led the design, execution, and oversight of stabilization and transition programs aimed at strengthening local governance, enhancing security, and restoring public trust in government institutions.
• Provided strategic direction and subject matter expertise on stabilization, governance, and post-conflict recovery to ensure alignment with U.S., NATO, and host-nation priorities.
• Directed the development and implementation of Performance Management Plans (PMPs), incorporating clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track program effectiveness, measure impact, and inform adaptive strategies.
• Assessed root causes of conflict—including insurgent recruitment tactics, radicalization of youth, and community-level grievances—and integrated findings into program design to support tailored, locally responsive interventions.
• Coordinated with multi-agency working groups and international donors to develop a common stabilization framework, ensuring cross-sector synergy in governance, security, and economic recovery efforts.
• Delivered timely political and economic analyses on the interplay between Afghan governmental authorities, local populations, and international military forces, providing policy-relevant recommendations to optimize transition planning.
• Spearheaded public outreach and communications strategies to promote stabilization goals and support the successful handover of responsibilities from U.S./NATO forces to Afghan leadership with continued international backing.
• Contributed to innovative stabilization and reintegration planning, emphasizing community-driven recovery, institutional resilience, and long-term peacebuilding outcomes.
Manager World Bank - Workforce Skills Development August 15, 2011 – December 31,2012 Key Duties: Country office, Afghanistan
8049 Blue Stream Drive, Elkridge-Maryland,21075
ASSADULLAH AHMADZAI
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• Strategic Program Management: Directed institutional planning, development, and implementation of technical and vocational training programs in alignment with the Ministry of Education’s workforce development objectives and World Bank funding requirements.
• Workforce Integration: Oversaw the graduation of 1,235 associate degree students in Information Technology and Finance Management. Notably, over 70% were successfully employed by private banks and international NGOs, demonstrating strong linkage between training programs and market demand.
• Policy and Curriculum Development: Led the review and integration of labor market data into curriculum design, and contributed to national policy analysis to improve vocational training and skills certification standards.
• Pedagogical Innovation: Introduced blended learning models and work-based learning frameworks, promoting practical skill acquisition and improving student retention and performance.
• Governance and Institutional Development: Established and operationalized the School Council in accordance with Afghanistan’s decentralization policy, enabling participatory decision-making and institutional accountability.
• Human Resources and Operations Oversight: Managed institutional HR functions and administrative operations, ensuring compliance with national standards and donor requirements, while fostering a professional and inclusive work environment.
Program Manager DAI International October 15, 2008 – Aug 10.2011 Key Duties: Bethesda City, Maryland, USA
• Capacity Building & Institutional Strengthening: Directed cross-sectoral efforts to build capacity among municipal officials, enabling data-driven decision-making, improved service delivery, and effective public resource management.
• Infrastructure & Service Improvement: Oversaw municipal service enhancement initiatives, including the rehabilitation of city roads, modernization of parks, and upgrades to solid waste management systems—contributing to a cleaner, more functional urban environment.
• Revenue Mobilization & Financial Innovation: Spearheaded the development of a comprehensive municipal revenue strategy, resulting in increased local tax collection and reduced fiscal dependency. This included the design and launch of an online financial revenue management system, improving tax compliance and ease of payment for businesses.
• Policy Reform & Legal Frameworks: Led the drafting and amendment of municipal laws and bylaws governing local finance, property taxation, building regulations, and land use—laying the groundwork for long-term financial sustainability and governance reform.
• Business Environment Enhancement: Introduced a streamlined business registration and licensing system that reduced barriers to entry for entrepreneurs and institutionalized fair taxation mechanisms tied to service delivery.
• Urban Services & Public Health: Directed the development of water and sanitation infrastructure to ensure urban populations have access to clean water and efficient waste disposal—enhancing health outcomes and urban resilience.
• Public Engagement & Governance Transparency:
• Established an Urban Population Commission to oversee financial management and facilitate inclusive governance through structured town hall meetings and mayoral accountability sessions.
• Strategic Planning & Community Outreach: Developed and executed a community engagement strategy aimed at fostering civic participation, ensuring that municipal policies reflect community needs and priorities.
• Economic Development & Revenue Diversification: Conducted market and industry research to identify new municipal revenue sources and growth sectors, directly linking fiscal strategies with local economic development objectives. Program Manager January 21, 2010 – June 21, 2010
Key Duties:
• Led stabilization efforts in conflict-affected and fragile environments by designing and managing community-focused programs that addressed root grievances, restored trust in local institutions, and promoted recovery and resilience.
• Conducted field-based assessments to identify drivers of instability and community needs, informing the development of cost-effective solutions and quick impact projects (QIPs) aligned with broader stabilization and recovery strategies.
• Collaborated with military units and civilian actors to shape operations that advanced security objectives while addressing socioeconomic and political grievances of at-risk populations.
• Oversaw implementation of comprehensive Community-Based Development (CBD) initiatives, including infrastructure reconstruction, reintegration of displaced populations, grassroots governance, democratization, and conflict mitigation.
• Promoted inclusive decision-making by strengthening community participation, building social capital, and fostering ownership throughout all phases of project design, execution, and evaluation.
• Developed and executed counter-insurgency strategies grounded in field research and root cause analysis, addressing the appeal of violent extremist groups and mitigating recruitment by warlords through targeted economic and civic engagement programs.
8049 Blue Stream Drive, Elkridge-Maryland,21075
ASSADULLAH AHMADZAI
*************@*****.***
***********@***.***
Technical Advisor October 15, 2008 – Jan 21, 2010
Key Duties:
• Led institutional capacity-building efforts for Provincial Disaster Management Commissions, establishing clear operational frameworks, defining roles and responsibilities, and enhancing organizational readiness across all phases of disaster management—mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
• Conducted strategic analysis of existing disaster response systems to identify efficiency gaps, improve coordination mechanisms, and elevate community engagement and public awareness strategies.
• Designed and facilitated capacity-building workshops, technical training sessions, and stakeholder coordination forums to ensure knowledge transfer and local ownership of disaster risk reduction (DRR) and resilience initiatives.
• Developed and implemented a community-based disaster risk management (CBDRM) plan tailored to local vulnerabilities, with iterative revisions based on community feedback and risk assessment findings.
• Produced and presented technical reports, evaluation tools, and data-driven visualizations to senior leadership, translating complex analytical insights into actionable recommendations that enhanced decision-making and program effectiveness.
EDUCATION
Master’s degree – National Security & Intelligence Studies Texas A&M University The Bush School of Government & Public Services Washington DC, USA Master’s degree – Political Management, Global Politics & Security George Washington University College of Professional Studies Washington DC, USA Language Skill:
English: Native- Bilingual working professional
Persian: Fluent- Bilingual working professional
Pashto: Native- Bilingual working professional
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