Zahid Hamdard

Led a team of experts in agriculture and investment related business projects financed the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and USAID. Successfully managed business portfolio covering supply chain analysis and strategic communication with clients. Helped expanded the business portfolio with a larger focus on private investments and facilitated foreign direct investment in Afghanistan.

Led and supervised the National Treasury and the National Budget departments in line with policy course covering fiscal, budget and taxations set by the Afghan government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Administered country’s national budget across all ministries including financing made by the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, ISDB, and UNDP, CSTCA, USAID and other bilateral loans. Spearheaded budget reforms within the Macro Fiscal Policy framework in consultation with the WB and IMF.

Programmed $8 billion National Budget and its management, including oversight of agency performance and spending, procurement and financial planning across all line ministries. Reformed the National Budget while working closely with the World Bank and the IMF technical teams to help align budget program with government priorities, focused on realistic and transparent on public spending. Ensured up to 90% execution of the National Budget including for both on-and off budget financing.

Maintained an up to date knowledge base of humanitarian assistance response in Afghanistan covering international policy developments on issues at the national and sub-national level. Led working group meetings on food security, shelter support, climate-affected populations and conflict-affected population. Collaborated humanitarian programming response among donor countries including UN partners (WFP, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNDP) and bilateral funding agencies such as USAID, DFID, ICRC, Oxfam and CARE (NGO).

Successfully implemented a $350 million rural infrastructure development portfolio (3 yrs.) across 350 districts in Afghanistan funded by the U.S, U.K and Japan with annual spending exceeded $95 million a year. Formulated implementation with clear risks and mitigation strategy to increase implementation of projects in high security risk districts.

I helped prepare the Country Programme to phase out the use of HCFC gases as per the Montreal Protocol commitments made by Afghanistan. While working closely with GIZ Proklima and UEP, I led countrywide consultation and engaged stakeholders to ensure that new country programme addresses all aspects of the HCFC phase out including the industrial transformation needs. Following consultation, I prepared the Country Program Document proposing a $1.7 million for Afghanistan, which was approved by the UNEP.

Significantly strengthened coordination and collaboration of Afghan authorities with international environment organizations. Played instrumental role in Afghanistan’s accession to Multilateral Environment Agreements (MEAs) such as UNFCC, RAMSAR, CMS, and Montreal Protocol. Effectively facilitated Afghan participation in international conferences and strengthened EPA’s relationship with UNIDO, UNDP, USAID, GIZ, and the World Bank.