Meet Ahmed, SUM2030’s new Research Coordinator
Ahmed is the new Research Coordinator of SUM2030! He is a policy practitioner and interdisciplinary researcher with a wealth of experience in research, project management, and evidence-based policymaking. Get to know him and his role!
Who am I but an inquisitive jack-of-all-trades? I wear multiple hats as a policy practitioner and interdisciplinary researcher. My work experience includes an advanced understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods; and the ability to work with multicultural teams; requiring a steep learning curve in using innovative ways of applying practical thinking to complex research and policy issues. Strong professional skills in project management, capacity development, monitoring and evaluation, multilateral negotiations, data analysis and evidence-based policymaking.
I have re-joined SUM2030 as a Research Coordinator, where my role involves establishing three inter-faculty research communities focused on climate, community, and circularity. I facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in research and coordinate research seed fund calls to promote collaboration across UM’s six faculties, and support various tasks related to the sustainability strategy, policy and assessment framework. For the past five years, my research work at various international research institutions and foundations including United Nations University – MERIT, Mixed Migration Center (MMC), Conflict and Education Learning Laboratory (CELL), and Maastricht Sustainability Institute (MSI) has focused on both qualitative and quantitative research methods. In this capacity, I have contributed to several projects, providing insights on research and survey design, data collection and analysis, and finalising research outputs, including featured publications. Formerly, I worked on a project with the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) and conducted field research in Pakistan with the Fletcher School of Tufts University. I have also carried out needs assessments and M&E in the humanitarian and development sectors, including work with the US Embassy and Comprehensive Disaster Response Services (CDRS) in Pakistan. I hold a master’s degree in Public Policy and Human Development from the United Nations University-MERIT and a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Sociology from the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS).
Featured as a ‘Youth 2030 Leader Agent of Change’ by the United Nations!