UPG Viewer

27 Years Old

Afghanistan

Male

Yes! That is really who you are!

My name is Asadullah Shirzad, and I have dedicated my career to serving my community in Afghanistan. I currently work as the representative of Rahma Islamic Relief Fund in Afghanistan, where I focus on initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable families, including widows and those without breadwinners. Before taking on this role, I volunteered with the organization for one year in 2022, which deepened my commitment to humanitarian work.

Previously, I served as the Executive Manager of the Directorate of Investigation at the Attorney General’s Office of Afghanistan until the fall of the previous government. During this time, I was responsible for overseeing critical investigations, ensuring operational efficiency, and leading teams on sensitive legal matters. These responsibilities helped me develop strong leadership and organizational skills.

Academically, I hold a bachelor’s degree in Law and Political Science with a specialization in Administration and Diplomacy. My studies provided a foundation in governance and administration, where leadership plays a critical role. I believe that enhancing my leadership abilities will allow me to better serve my community and contribute more effectively to my field.

Throughout my journey, I have faced numerous challenges, from navigating complex legal systems to addressing the urgent needs of those in crisis. These experiences have shaped me into a resilient and empathetic leader, committed to making a positive impact.

I am excited to join this leadership program to further develop my skills, gain a global perspective, and connect with a diverse group of participants. I am particularly eager to bring my unique experiences to the program while learning from others to foster meaningful change in my community.

1. Leadership and Management Skills 2. Humanitarian Commitment 3. Collaboration and Communication 4. Resilience and Adaptability

One of my key strengths is Leadership and Management Skills. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to manage teams and lead projects that require strategic planning and effective coordination. For example, as the Executive Manager at the Attorney General’s Office of Afghanistan, I was responsible for overseeing sensitive investigations, managing staff, and ensuring the efficient operation of the department. This role allowed me to develop strong organizational skills, decision-making abilities, and the capacity to lead under pressure.

Later, as the representative of Rahma Islamic Relief Fund, I continued to build on these skills by coordinating humanitarian projects aimed at supporting vulnerable families in Afghanistan. Leading such projects requires not only managing resources but also motivating teams, building partnerships, and adapting to dynamic challenges.

I believe that my leadership and management abilities will enable me to drive sustainable change and make a meaningful impact in any setting. I am committed to continuously improving these skills to become a more effective leader and to support the success of the teams and initiatives I am part of.

Yes, I have experience as a volunteer. In 2022, I volunteered with Rahma Islamic Relief Fund in Afghanistan for one year before transitioning to my current role as their representative. During my time as a volunteer, I was involved in various humanitarian initiatives, including providing food assistance to widows and families without breadwinners. I worked alongside a dedicated team of volunteers and local leaders to ensure that aid reached those who were most in need.

From this experience, I learned the importance of community involvement and the impact that even small efforts can have on improving people’s lives. I also gained valuable insights into resource management, teamwork, and the challenges of delivering aid in crisis situations.

Undergraduate: I have completed an undergraduate degree

If I were to lead a sustainability-related project, I would focus on creating a community-based program to provide sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable families, particularly widows and those without breadwinners in Afghanistan. This project would focus on skills training, access to micro-financing, and promoting local entrepreneurship to reduce dependence on aid and foster long-term economic independence.

Given my background in leadership and management, I feel capable of driving such a project. My experience managing teams and coordinating efforts at Rahma Islamic Relief Fund has shown me how important it is to build partnerships with local leaders, community members, and organizations to ensure the success of such initiatives. Additionally, my previous role in the Attorney General’s Office allowed me to understand how systems can be created for accountability and transparency, which is crucial for ensuring sustainability in community projects.

The reason I would choose this project is because I believe that empowerment through skill-building and economic opportunity is key to breaking the cycle of poverty. By offering people the tools and resources to become self-sufficient, we can create lasting change and reduce the dependency on external aid, which aligns with sustainability goals.

I am confident in my ability to lead this project due to my organizational skills, ability to collaborate effectively with diverse groups, and my passion for creating long-term positive change in my community.

One of the main challenges I expect to face while leading a sustainability-related project focused on empowering vulnerable families is securing long-term funding and resources. While initial funding may be available through donors or partnerships, ensuring the sustainability of the project over time can be difficult. To overcome this, I would focus on building strong relationships with local businesses, international organizations, and government partners to create a diversified funding model. Additionally, I would work on creating income-generating opportunities for the participants of the program, such as by providing small grants or micro-financing to support local entrepreneurship, which could reduce reliance on external funding.

Another challenge would be overcoming resistance to new ideas or initiatives in the community. Many people may be accustomed to receiving aid and may be hesitant to engage in a new system focused on skills development and self-sufficiency. To address this, I would prioritize community engagement and education, ensuring that the community understands the long-term benefits of the program. I would hold informational sessions, collaborate with trusted community leaders, and demonstrate how these initiatives have worked in similar contexts to build trust and buy-in.

Lastly, logistical challenges such as reaching remote or conflict-affected areas and ensuring that resources are distributed fairly and efficiently could arise. To overcome this, I would work closely with local leaders and volunteers who have intimate knowledge of the area to navigate these obstacles and ensure that the program is accessible to all who need it.

By addressing these challenges through collaboration, transparency, and adaptability, I am confident we can build a project that not only addresses immediate needs but also creates sustainable, lasting change.

About 100 people

Yes

The primary organization that will support me in organizing the mini-training session is Rahma Islamic Relief Fund. As their representative in Afghanistan, I have direct access to their extensive network of local community leaders, volunteers, and international partners who are committed to supporting sustainable development initiatives. Additionally, Rahma Islamic Relief Fund has a proven track record of organizing and executing impactful community-based programs, which will be a great asset in ensuring the success of this training.

RAHMA Islamic Relief Fund will support my mini-training session in several ways. First, the organization has an established network of local community leaders and volunteers who can help with outreach and recruitment of participants. These individuals are trusted within the community and will be instrumental in encouraging attendance and participation. Additionally, Rahma Islamic Relief Fund has a strong logistical infrastructure, including office spaces, equipment, and transportation resources, which can be utilized to ensure the smooth execution of the training session. The organization’s experience in organizing similar programs will also provide invaluable guidance in structuring and delivering the training content effectively. Moreover, Rahma Islamic Relief Fund has partnerships with international donors and local NGOs, which could help secure additional resources or funding if necessary to support the training. This partnership will also ensure that the training aligns with the broader goals of sustainable development and community empowerment. Through this support, I am confident the mini-training will be well-organized, impactful, and reach the intended audience.

I have decided not to submit a video for this application. However, I have provided detailed responses to the questions above, which I believe effectively showcase my experience, skills, and passion for sustainability. Thank you for considering my application.

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