IPN Spotlight: Ahmad Alkasir (Senior Food Security and Livelihoods Consultant at Blumont Global Development/International Relief and Development (IRD))
Ahmad Alkasir is a Syrian National with + 13 years of professional experience in the fields of water resources management, agriculture, rural development, and economic development. Ahmad Alkasir has worked with a number of international employers including Global Affairs Canada, World Bank, and GIZ. In 2010, Ahmad received Syria-Oxford Leadership Development Programme Award to participate in SOLDP; and SAID Alumni Achievement Prize.
What skills have helped you in your career?
• Hard work
• Dedication
• Listening
• Ability to combine technical skills and understanding of socio-economic and political context
What do you wish you had known or done differently throughout your career?
I wish I had learnt more languages and obtained an additional degree in economics.
What do you do for continuing education and improvement?
After I obtained my first degree, I enrolled in the Syria Preparatory Programme (SyPP), which was designed by the IIS and implemented by the British Council in Damascus in 2006. Following that, I did my Master’s at Oxford University in the UK to study water policy and management. Continuous education revolves around building new skills and knowledge which I have done through multiple training programmes on leadership and management. Furthermore, this also requires continuous reading to be able to keep pace with the world’s rapid occurrences and political changes.
What is next for you in your career?
As a new immigrant to the US, I am currently pursuing opportunities in the INGO multilateral organizations.
What advice would you offer to others?
Read more, and expand your knowledge beyond academic studies, listen more, and learn more languages.
Areas where you can help other Ismailis:
• School admission
• General career advice
Please provide the link to your LinkedIn profile:
Ahmad Alkasir
Region:
Northeast
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