Board of Directos
ODIR is governed by a Board of Directors with backgrounds from different non-profit, public, and private sector organizations, as well as research and educational institutions. The board is responsible for ensuring the strategic direction and transparent governance of the strategic affairs of the organization.
Advisory Board
The advisory board comprises Afghan and international experts with expertise in the areas of focus of ODIR. Members of the advisory board provide advice to ODIR on an as-needed basis on programs and interventions developed by ODIR in its areas of focus. The advisory board also provides advice on other strategic aspects of the organization, such as governance, partnerships, and communication.
Executive Management Team
ODIR avails the services of a multi-disciplinary team of experts in its areas of focus. Following is a brief introduction to the Executive Management Team:
ODIR is founded and led by Ehsan Mamundzai, a development, peacebuilding and management practitioner with over twenty four years of diverse work experience in Afghanistan and internationally. He has served in leadership roles and has been involved with designing and implementing projects of varying sizes during his professional engagement with various public sector, non-profit sector, private sector and multilateral organizations, including the United Nations in Afghanistan.
His areas of expertise include but are not limited to Institutional Capacity Building, Policy Research, Analysis & Development, Rule of Law, Socio-economic integration of marginalized groups, Community Cohesion & Peacebuilding, Youth Empowerment & Engagement, E-Commerce & Emerging Technologies, Knowledge Management for Development and Social Innovation.
He has a Master’s degree in political science and has undertaken specialized courses in non-profit leadership from reputed institutions. Alongside his core responsibility as the CEO of the organization, he is currently also serving as the President of ODIR’s Board of Directors.
Abdul Rasheed Ludin is associated with ODIR in the capacity of Research & Development Manager. He has a Master’s Degree in Sociology from South Asian University, with over a decade of experience in diverse work environments. He has worked both in the Public and Private sectors. Holding working knowledge of the research industry in Afghanistan, Ludin lastly served as Research and Higher Education Specialist in Human Resource Advisory to the President Office. He cultivates better working environment and relishes challenges.
His Research Interests are: Social Dynamics of Afghanistan, Local Governance, Radicalization, Afghan Youth Bulge, Mental Health, Pashtun Tribal System, Post-Conflict Development, Research, and Development.
Irshad serves as the Partnerships & Communication Manager of ODIR. He has over thirteen years of professional work experience in Afghanistan and has worked with various developmental and public sector organizations in responsible roles. He has extensive background of involvement with the implementation of various large scale projects in Afghanistan in public sector as well as development sector setups in Afghanistan.
He is a seasoned strategic communication and partnerships development expert with extensive expertise in developing strategic communication strategies, campaigns and frameworks. In addition, he also has a strong background in developing financial management systems for a variety of public sector and non-profit entities in the early stages of his career.
Irshad holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and have undertaken numerous specialized courses in his areas of interest and focus.
Zia ul Haq is an experienced professional with expertise in emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and digital marketing. He is currently the Manager of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program at ODIR, where he oversees initiatives to support sustainable businesses in Afghanistan. Zia has extensive experience in the use of technologies like Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, and big data analytics to improve development initiatives, as well as a focus on using AI for digital business growth.
Zia’s experience and understanding of emerging technologies make him a valuable asset to ODIR. He has made significant contributions to the career development and employment of students and professionals from all backgrounds, particularly in the areas of technology and entrepreneurship. As a seasoned blogger and e-commerce specialist, Zia’s expertise has helped numerous businesses succeed in the digital marketplace.
He has a Master’s Degree in Economics from International Islamic University Islamabad, along with numerous specialized diploma courses in his areas of expertise. These courses have provided him with a solid foundation in emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and digital marketing. Zia is a strong advocate for workplace diversity and has helped numerous businesses succeed in the digital marketplace, making him a valuable asset to the organization. He is currently the Manager of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program at ODIR and well-suited to lead the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program to new heights of success.
Khalid serves as the Finance & Operations Manager of ODIR. He has more than five years of professional experience with many corporate sector entities and non-profit Organizations. He has a strong background in managing accounting functions, contracts, grants, procurement, and donations including the taxation and filing responsibilities applied. He has an excellent skill set of working with ERPs, Accounting software as well as an in-depth understanding of the donors’ requirements.
Khalid Khan holds a Master of Commerce degree from the University of Peshawar, Pakistan, and is sufficiently trained in his areas of expertise.