WELCOME TO MY WORLD
Senior Country Director | Expert in Humanitarian Development Peace Nexus
Hello, I’m Habib Ahmad—a humanitarian, peace, and development leader with 20+ years’ experience. I’ve led 300+ projects, transforming crises into opportunities for communities to reclaim dignity and self-reliance. My work bridges gaps between immediate aid and sustainable solutions, empowering people to thrive beyond adversity.
100+
Programs/projects Designed
300+
Projects Executed
20
Transformative Initiatives
23
Yrs en Experience
5
Advanced Degrees
6
Countries served as humanitarian
ABOUT ME
Who I Am
With over 23 years of global experience in the humanitarian and development sectors, including more than a decade as a Country Director for international NGOs, I bring deep expertise in strategic planning, principled partnerships, and humanitarian diplomacy. I have successfully led over 100 programs across six countries, securing major donor funding from CIDA, FCDO, and the EU. My work is grounded in a commitment to locally-led approaches that build community resilience, ensuring sustainable impact through ethical leadership and collaborative action.
MY RESUME
International Experience & Global Exposure
I’ve had the opportunity to work in countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Thailand, the UK, and the USA. My journey has also taken me to international conferences and trainings in Malaysia, Qatar, Turkey, UAE, Kenya, the Netherlands, France, and Greece.
MY RESUME
Humanitarian, Peacebuilding & Development Leader
With over 23 years of enriched experience. I worked in Eleven well reputed International Organization and ten countries and led 100+ humanitarian projects. From strategic planning to program development, I empower communities through impactful initiatives.
1998 - 2024
Education
Advance ToT in Humanitarian Negotiations
- Date: July 16-18, 2024
- From: Clingendael, the Netherlands Institute of International Relations, The Hague, Netherland.
- Description: Advanced techniques in humanitarian negotiations for conflict and crisis settings.
ToT in Humanitarian Negotiation Aid Workers
- Date: Nov. 27- Dec. 2, 2022
- From: Clingendael, the Netherlands Institute of International Relations, Nairobi, Kenya
- Description:Core skills in humanitarian negotiation to improve access and field operations.
International Rotary Peace Fellowship
- Date: June 2021- June 2022
- From: Chulalongkorn University Bangkok Thailand
- Description: Fellowship on peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and leadership for humanitarian action.
The Path of Moral Leadership Hard-Edged Skills to Start Building a Better World by Acumen
- Date: Online course 2020
- From: online by Acumen, USA
- Description: Leadership skills for building ethical, sustainable humanitarian solutions.
Adaptive Leadership
- Date: April 19 to May 19, 2020
- From: online by Acumen, USA
- Description: Adaptive leadership approaches for humanitarian organizations and complex environments.
Managers to Leaders
- Date: Nov. 17-20, 2019
- From: By ICRC Pakistan at Islamabad.
- Description: Transitioning from management to leadership roles in humanitarian teams.
Staff Integration Program (SIP)
- Date:Aug. 12 to October 18, 2019
- From: Training & Development ICRC, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Description: Staff integration, teamwork, and multicultural adaptation in humanitarian contexts.
Humanitarian Negotiations Training
- Date:18-20 December 2018
- From: Clingendael, the Netherland Institute of International Relations, Dubai, UAE.
- Description: Humanitarian negotiations and strategies for complex operational environments
Build Better Response Workshop
- Date: November 15-18, 2015
- From: Harvard University and Concern Worldwide, Bangkok. Thailand.
- Description:Coordination and response strategies for humanitarian emergencies.
Impact and Assessment Training
- Date: May 23-28, 2014
- From: Harvard University and Concern Worldwide, Bangkok. Thailand.
- Description: Monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment of programs and interventions.
Peace and Conflict Transformation
- Date: Jan. 24- Feb. 14, 2014
- From: International Institute of Peace Studies, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Description: Conflict transformation and peacebuilding strategies in fragile settings.
International Humanitarian Law
- Date: April 15-17, 2013
- From: Finnish Red Cross & Malaysian Red Crescent Society, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
- Description: Principles and application of International Humanitarian Law for humanitarian work.
Advance ToT on Mediation and Conflict Resolution with USIP in Pakistan
- Date: 23.05.2010- 25.05.2010
- From/ BY:
- Description: Advanced mediation and conflict resolution methods in a diverse socio-cultural enviornment.
Cross Border Peace Building and Dialogue Planning with USIP
- Date: 12.04.2010- 14.04-2010
- In: Jalalabad, Afghanistan as a Facilitator.
- Description: Techniques for cross-border peacebuilding and dialogue facilitation.
Team Building with International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Society
- Date: 14.08.2009- 16.08.2009
- At: Parhena Cottage Naran, Pakistan.
- Description: Effective team building and refresher for humanitarian and development field teams
Negotiation and Conflict Management Skills with United States Institute
- Date: 10.08.2009- 12.08.2009
- In: Peace Hill View Hotel Islamabad.
- Description: Negotiation and conflict management skills for humanitarian leaders.
Date: 15.07.2009 – 17.07.2009
Location: PC Bhurban, Murree, Pakistan (LEAD Pakistan)
Output: Enhanced leadership and personal development skills for professionals in the development sector.
Date: 28.04.2009 – 30.04.2009
Location: Margala Hotel, Islamabad, Pakistan (RedR UK)
Output: Gained practical knowledge of security management techniques for humanitarian staff and assets during crises.
Date: 28.01.2008 – 01.02.2008
Location: Lahore, Pakistan (Pakistan Institute of Management – PIM)
Output: Learned project feasibility study and evaluation methods applicable to development initiatives.
Date: 09.10.2007 – 09.11.2007
Location: Islamabad, Pakistan (LEAD Pakistan – Distance Learning)
Output: Acquired strategies for resolving environmental conflicts to support sustainable development.
Date: 26.07.2007 – 31.07.2007
Location: British Council, Islamabad, Pakistan
Output: Engaged in strategic visioning and consultative planning for development work through a competitive scholarship.
Date: 13.02.2006 – 14.02.2006
Location: Islamabad, Pakistan (Human Resource Development Network – HRDN)
Output: Developed trauma management skills for responders in humanitarian crises.
Date: 05.08.2005 – 08.08.2005
Location: Islamabad, Pakistan (NCHD)
Output: Trained in designing and managing health initiatives for schools and communities.
Date: 02.05.2005 – 06.05.2005
Location: Islamabad, Pakistan (NCHD)
Output: Gained experience in planning, organizing, and mobilizing volunteer-driven community programs.
Date:04.2005
Location: Islamabad, Pakistan (LEAD Pakistan)
Output: Learned application of sustainability indicators in community and development projects.
Date: 05.12.2004 – 07.12.2004
Location: Islamabad, Pakistan (Organized by NCHD and UNDP)
Output: Explored global best practices in volunteerism to support MDGs through expert-led sessions.
Date: 12.03.2004 – 13.03.2004
Location: Islamabad, Pakistan (Focus International)
Output: Acquired disaster mitigation, preparedness, and emergency response strategies.
Date: 27.01.2003 – 27.02.2003
Location: Mardan, Pakistan (NCHD)
Output: Developed skills to lead volunteer-based education and health initiatives in local communities.
Date:08.2002 – 23.08.2002
Location: Peshawar, Pakistan (ICMC)
Output: Strengthened legal advocacy and awareness on international and human rights law in the refugee context.
Date: 06.06.2001 – 15.06.2001
Location: Islamabad, Pakistan (NRSP)
Output: Learned participatory methods for community-driven development programs at the grassroots level.
Date: 21.05.2001 – 26.05.2001
Location: Islamabad, Pakistan (Institute of Rural Development Foundation – IRDF)
Output: Trained in institutional development and capacity building techniques for non-profit organizations.
Director Strategy & Partnership Development – Helping Hand for Relief & Development (Jan. 2025–Present)
Lead strategic planning and partnership expansion, secure over USD 2 million in humanitarian and livelihood funding, improve operational alignment with global standards, enhance donor relations, and strengthen Helping Hand’s visibility and impact across Pakistan.
Regional Coordinator – Rotary Peace Fellowship Alumni Association (Asia & Pacific, May 2024–Present)
Developed and implemented the regional strategy to advance peacebuilding and alumni engagement, fostering partnerships with Rotary Clubs and civil society, and promoting capacity-building initiatives that expanded the network’s visibility, influence, and collaborative peace actions across Asia-Pacific.
Country Director – Human Relief Foundation UK (Feb. 2020–Dec. 2024)
Directed HRF’s Pakistan operations, achieving INGO registration, expanding multi-million-dollar humanitarian programs, securing key donor funding, strengthening compliance and accountability frameworks, and building high-performing teams that improved organizational reputation, governance, and strategic partnerships nationwide.
Movement Cooperation Specialist – ICRC (July 2019– Jan. 2020)
Enhanced coordination between ICRC and Movement partners by institutionalizing accountability systems, strengthening MEAL and complaint response mechanisms, promoting adherence to CHS and Sphere Standards, and increasing operational efficiency and beneficiary satisfaction across large-scale humanitarian operations.
Senior Community Development Manager – IMC Worldwide (Jan. 2017– June 2019)
Oversaw delivery of major community infrastructure and education programs, ensuring quality and timeliness, optimizing resource utilization, strengthening staff capacity, and integrating community participation to enhance ownership and sustainability across multi-district development initiatives.
Consultant – Director International Programs, Being Humanitarian UK (June – Dec. 2016)
Designed and led the organization’s first international program framework, developed fundraising strategies, cultivated donor partnerships, and laid the foundation for global outreach and capacity development to expand Being Humanitarian’s international portfolio and operational reach.
Country Director – Islamic Help UK (Feb. 2012–May 2016)
Directed country programs and institutional fundraising, securing over USD 5 million in grants, implementing strong accountability systems, fostering strategic partnerships, and representing Islamic Help globally, including as Chair of the Pakistan Humanitarian Forum.
Deputy Director Program Quality – Concern Worldwide (Feb. 2011– Oct. 2011)
Ensured program quality and compliance across USD 11 million portfolios, strengthened partner capacities, introduced robust monitoring systems, and enhanced performance management frameworks to deliver impactful humanitarian and development results within tight deadlines.
Program Coordinator – Qatar Charity (Oct. 2009–Jan. 2011)
Managed transition from emergency relief to long-term development initiatives, integrating livelihoods, education, and community infrastructure, fostering local ownership, and establishing strategic partnerships to ensure sustainability and impact of Qatar Charity’s Pakistan programs.
Community Mobilization Coordinator – American Red Cross (March 2008–Sept. 2009)
Led community engagement and mobilization for post-earthquake recovery, strengthening resilience through participatory planning, volunteer activation, and grassroots leadership, ensuring sustainable reconstruction and improved community preparedness for future emergencies.
Expert Conflict Mediation – Welthungerhilfe (Aug. 2007–Feb. 2008)
Facilitated conflict resolution among communities and project stakeholders, promoting dialogue, social cohesion, and collaborative problem-solving, which enhanced project acceptance, reduced local tensions, and strengthened long-term peace and cooperation outcomes.
Social Mobilization Manager – World Vision International (Feb. – July 2007)
Implemented community-driven initiatives promoting social inclusion, participation, and empowerment, improving local governance structures and fostering trust between communities and development actors to ensure the sustainability of World Vision’s social programs.
District Program Manager – NCHD (Jan. 2003–Sept. 2006)
Directed education and literacy programs across 12 districts, expanding volunteer networks, strengthening community participation, and improving literacy outcomes through innovative mobilization, partnership building, and effective local governance coordination.
Program Officer – ICMC, Afghanistan (July 2001–2002)
Supported reintegration and livelihoods recovery for returnees and displaced populations, coordinating with local authorities, strengthening community structures, and ensuring timely, accountable delivery of assistance aligned with ICMC’s humanitarian objectives.
Sustainability in Humanitarian Action
Sustainability in Humanitarian Action: A Case of Pakistani Humanitarian Organizations at UCAM and DIHAD for Master Degree Thesis, Jan. 2025
Behavior Change Communication Strategy
Designed “Behavior Change Communication Strategy” for Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) KP sponsored by International Rescue Committee, August 2021- March 2025.
Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
Contributed to the development of “Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting” Manual for Pakistan Red Crescent Society- 2020
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Around Land & Water
Designed training manual in English and Urdu on “Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Around Land & Water” for HELVETAS Swiss Inter-cooperation -2020
the Capacity Need Assessment and Training Need Assessment
Research on “the Capacity Need Assessment and Training Need Assessment of Commissionerate Afghan Refugees of GIZ and BMZ – Feb- April 2019
Mid Term Evaluation and Sustainability
Project Lead in a “Mid Term Evaluation and Sustainability Survey of 82.0 million Euro- European Union Funded SUCCESS Program in Sindh” – Dec. 2018- April 2019
Role of Water Users and their Associations
Research Report on the “Role of Water Users and their Associations” Integrated Water Resource Management Strategy- KP – A consultancy of HELVETAS Swiss Inter-cooperation Pakistan -2018
Change framework for Humqadam Program
Developed theory of change framework for Humqadam Program (School Construction & Rehabilitation Program) IMC Worldwide Ltd. -2018
Developed Community Development Strategy
Developed Community Development Strategy for IMC Worldwide (Qualitative Technique- Workshop and field observations and KIIs)- 2018
Conflict Analysis of Taliban Insurgency in Swat, Pakistan
Thesis in MPhil – Peace & Conflict Studies, “Conflict Analysis of Taliban Insurgency in Swat, Pakistan” (Ethnographic Study- Qualitative Research)- 2017
Developed conflict-sensitive program management
Developed conflict-sensitive program management strategy for HELVETAS -Swiss Inter-cooperation - Water for Livelihood Program (W4L) - 2016 12.
Designed training module
Designed training module and conducted workshops on Conflict Resolution Skills for HELVETAS -Swiss Inter-cooperation - Water for Livelihood Program (W4L) - 2016 13.
Developed Social Mobilization
Developed Social Mobilization Strategy for World Vision International, 2006
CLIENTS TESTIMONIALS
I Have 100+Client Feedback
Each project I take on is guided by creativity, precision, and a commitment to quality. From concept to execution, I focus on delivering solutions that not only meet client expectations but also leave a lasting impact. Whether it's web design, branding, or content strategy — I bring ideas to life with purpose and passion
Sami Ullah
Global Compliance Lead- Save the Children International
I had the pleasure of working with Habib Ahmad at IMC Worldwide Ltd. UK, where he led the Community Development Sector across 16 districts of Pakistan. Habib worked with excellence, professionalism, and creativity, demonstrating strong leadership, collaboration, and innovation that made him an invaluable asset to every project.
Humaira Javed
Business Development Manager at Jazz Pakistan
It is my pleasure to recommend Habib for his outstanding leadership as Country Director at Human Relief Foundation. During his tenure, Habib demonstrated exceptional strategic vision, dedication, and a deep commitment to humanitarian causes. His ability to manage complex operations, build strong partnerships, and drive impactful programs has made a significant difference in the communities he served.
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Date: 01.04.2001 – 03.04.2001
Location: Peshawar, Pakistan (Frontier Resource Center – FRC)
Output: Learned community engagement methods and village development planning with grassroots organizations.