GOLAM SAROWER AZAM

Email:azamimc916@gmail.co Electronic profile: www.linkedin.com/in/gsazam Skype: azamirw

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EMPLOYMENT HISTORY 38.5 years [24+ YEARS OVERSEAS MOSTLY IN COUNTRY DIRECTOR/
REPRESENTATIVE POSITION]

Country Director South Sudan International Medical Corps May 2013 Present
Providing stewardship to the emergency medical assistance program worth 15m$ implemented through
12 field sites and in participation of 60-65 expatriate and 1,200+ national staff in spite of ongoing funding
shortage suffered by the country. Significantly improved accountability and program quality and
simultaneously diversified donor base and expanded the program portfolio by 300% over a 3 years
period. Established International Medical Corps as a lead organization and a partner of choice within the
international community. Managing project development, donor relations, security, human and fiscal
resources. Completed development of country strategy, salary scale, HR manual and building a strong
cohesive team. Outstanding achievements include but not limited to managing a 1.2 million US$ budget
deficit in 2013 and 0.5 million US$ in 2016; carrying out the largest evacuation in the history of IMC and
South Sudan (45 expatriates and 120 national) in the aftermath of December 2013 and July 2016 armed
conflicts and a multiple of evacuations from Maban, Malakal, Pochalla and Akobo etc. without any
casualty and almost simultaneously ramping up emergency response to expand the program by 3 folds.
Developing capacity of staff and counterpart to reduce dependency on expatriate staff and further
improve the program quality. Served as the Chair and Vice-chair of the Steering Committee that
oversees the Secretariat of the NGO Forum and continue representing the interests of the NGOs to all
the stakeholders as an active member. An elected member to the Board of Trustees of School of Public
Services at Juba University and to the CCM (Country Coordination Mechanism) of the Global Fund. Size
of portfolio: 15 million US$. Size of staff: 1,200+ national & 60-65 expatriate. Funding Sources: DFID,
OFDA, ECHO, BPRM, HPF, SIDA, World Bank, Dutch Govt., JHPIEGO, UN agencies and Gates
Foundation and other private funds.

Consortium Coordinator, Oxfam GB May 2012 - April 2013

Bangladesh
Implemented the largest shelter intervention of the country named Flood Resistant Shelter (FRESH)
through a consortium of 6 INGOs (ActionAid, Care, Concern Worldwide, Islamic Relief, Oxfam GB and
Solidarites Intl) in South-Western Bangladesh. Increased the efficiency of the project and managed it so
effectively that it was completed within the deadline delivering 12,073 shelters and equal number of
latrines - 10% extra on top of proposed output, despite starting 3 months late. Taken control of
procurement valued approximately at 7m GBP and significantly expedited the delivery of construction
materials and improved their quality. Strengthen coordination and networking among the stakeholders
resulting into highest level of cooperation and support to the project. Ensured gender balance and
significant level of accountability of the project. Enhanced cohesiveness among the consortium members
to become complementary and a learning community. Facilitated cross learning across the consortium
through workshops, seminars and field visits that resulted in strict adherence to the unique design of the
shelter and latrine and yet allowed flexibility to accommodate innovation and improvement measures to
enhance resilience. Successfully managed the exit strategy and actions of this large scale fast moving
project with reasonable guarantee of community ownership. Size of portfolio: 10 million GBP. Size of
staff: 30 national & 1 expatriate Funding Sources: DFID.

Country Director Chad Concern Worldwide July 2010 - April 2012

Provided stewardship and guidance to country programmme consisting of two project areas: Goz-Beida
in the East and Gore in the South involved with emergency relief, livelihood security, shelter and WatSan.
Developed Short Term Strategic Directions and Annual Plans through participatory workshops. Overseen
Contextual Analysis Survey in the Eastern Chad and subsequently led the development processes of a
1m Euro Integrated Relief and Rehabilitation project funded by ECHO. Established performance
appraisal system and carried out PEER (Preparation for Effective Emergency Response) review and
subsequently developed DRR Plan. Established Accountability Framework including preparation for
setting up a CRM (Complaint Response Mechanism) and introduced the equality
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conceptual framework within the programme. Was also responsible for overseeing financial
management, HR management, general administration, procurement and logistics operations.

Maintained network with the host-government authorities, a variety of donors, UN agencies and
international NGOs. Size of portfolio: app 2.75 million Euros. Size of staff: 80 national & 7 expatriate
Funding Sources: UNHCR, Unicef, WFP, Irish Aid, European Commission, Concern US and a wide
range of private foundations/donors.

Country Director Sudan Islamic Relief Nov 2008 March 2010

Significantly increased the visibility of the organization within the international community and developed
a clear understanding of what its mission was and thereby eliminated the prevailing negative
perceptions. Developed a 3 Year Strategic Plan and an Annual Plan with participation of all stake-
holders. Simultaneously completed an exercise of improving programme quality. These contributed to
increased operational efficiency and impact of the programme implemented through 7 offices located in
the Blue Nile, Greater Kordofan, Khartoum and West Darfur States in the North and Central Equatoria,
Upper Nile and Wau/Warrap States in the South. Provided oversight to approximately 20 projects
involving WatSan and Health/Hygiene Education, Livelihood Security, Education, Emergency
Humanitarian Assistance and Child Welfare. Reviewed the Orphans Sponsorship Programme to
improve service deliveries to 2,000+ children. Also developed and implemented components of self-
reliance through community sponsorship interventions for the Orphans Programme. Established
relationship with non-traditional donors such as Qatar Charity and secured funding. Provided support
and guidance to Blue Nile Consortium consisting 6 members (Save the Children, Mine Advisory Group
and Islamic Relief Worldwide plus their local NGO partners) in implementing livelihood security,
education and mine clearance as well as mine risk education interventions funded by UNDP. Managed
safety and security of personnel and properties of the organization in high risk areas including West
Darfur and Southern Sudan. Set up remote management of programme in high risk areas at the time of
greatest insecurity. Developed partnership with 7-8 national NGOs. Was a member of the Steering
Committee of INGO (International NGOs) Forum that represented 70+ organizations and represented
INGO interests and positions to the CHF (Common Humanitarian Fund - a pool-funding mechanism of
the UN) Advisory Group. Played an active role in discussing and negotiating the Cluster Coordination
Mechanism with the UN. In the aftermath of expulsion of 13 INGOs in 2009, carried out various
advocacy initiatives on behalf of the INGO Forum and Islamic Relief namely regaining humanitarian
space, respect to humanitarian principles and nationalization etc. Size of portfolio: app 7 million
Euros. Size of staff: 150 national & 5 expatriate Funding Sources: ECHO, EC, UNDP, WFP, UNHCR,
UNICEF, and a wide range of private foundations.

Country Director Sudan HelpAge International Sep 2005 Oct 2008

Transformed HelpAge International from a little-known Organization in Sudan to one of the lead-
NGOs through active participation in the Humanitarian Forum, networking within the international
community, and engagement with the Government departments. Provided leadership to the Country
Programme in South Sudan and West Darfur aimed at empowering older people realizing their rights and
improving their lives. Completed the Strategic Planning exercise for a 3 year period which was the first of
its kind in the history of this organization in Sudan. Wrapped up 7-8 small projects and started a couple
of big ones to break the cycle of fund-chasing on a semester basis. Re-vitalized the previous programme
and simultaneously laid foundation to expand the portfolio to the Eastern Sudan and Khartoum State.
Designed and implemented emergency relief and community development projects with focus on
HIV/AIDS, health and nutrition, geriatrics, and livelihood security. Developed income-generating activities
requiring low-investment and interventions creating inter-generational harmony. Developed 15 (medium
to small size) project proposals in 36 months and 10 of them already received funding while 3 were
under consideration. Expanded the total program portfolio by 35% in 24 months. Reduced the
administrative costs of Khartoum office by 38% (15,000 Pound Sterling/year) through re-organization and
efficiency measures. Dealt with complex accounting systems and compliance requirements of various
donors/foundations further complicated by different fiscal years and currencies. Overseen
implementation of Blue Nile Consortium consisting of 6 members (3 Intl and 3 Local) in its final (3rd)
year and wrapped up the activities along with final reports to the donors. Managed safety, security and
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well-being of all staff, properties and assets of the organization located at 3 different places sometimes
requiring long-distance programme management. As a member of the working group within the Ministry
of Social Welfare formulated a Policy Paper on Older People. Built capacity of 4-5 indigenous NGO
partners to diversify their funding bases. Was an elected member of the Steering Committee that guided
the forum of international NGOs in Sudan. Size of portfolio: 2.50 million GBP. Size of staff: 120
national & 7 expatriate Funding Sources: ECHO, Cordaid, DEC, WFP, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNDP
and wide range of private foundations.

Program Director Iran Mercy Corps International Jun 2003 July 2005
Established the main office in Zahedan and 3 field offices for implementation of Afghan Refugee
Repatriation Program in 2003 in an environment extremely hostile towards international NGOs in general
and US NGOs in particular. My negotiation skills tested in different context was helpful in securing
permissions from various levels of the Government of Iran. Overhauled and redesigned Afghan Refugee
Program that provided potable water to a refugee population of 4,000 people and health/hygiene
education to 35,594 women in Sistan-Balouchistan province. Increased the traditional repatriation rate by
three folds through skills training to (1,963) women, delivering (8,624 sets) productive assets and
disseminating repatriation related information to 25,000 families. Remarkable success of this program
yielded confidence of the host Government and BPRM, the donor, to extend the program for an
additional year. Supervised procurement of 0.75 million US$ worth of project materials for this 1.75
million US$ program. Managed 60 staff including an expatriate. Incorporated and monitored gender
equity and diversity aspects both in program focus and human resources. Worked with UNHCR on rights
of refugees and taking measures to protect them from potential discriminations and forced repatriation.
Developed security management and evacuation plan for the country mission and taken care of issues
pertaining to security of staff and properties of the organization. Lead a 300,000 US$ emergency
response in the aftermath of earthquake in Bam. Ensured Mercy Corps presence and delivery of relief
supply to the affected area in less than 24 hours of the disaster. Worked with the professionals of Global
Emergency Operations Team to develop additional proposals and secured 3.2 million US$ for Bam
Relief and Reconstruction. Worked with the Government and international NGOs to begin the process of
disaster preparedness, response and mitigation plan. Size of portfolio: 1.75m$ to 3.2m$ Size of
staff: 60 national and 1 expatriate. Funding Sources: BPRM, OFDA and private donors

Acting/Dy. Country Director Sudan Save the Children - USA Jan 2002 May 2003
Lead the processes of revising and expanding a 0.85 million US$ multi-sector program in Nuba Mountain
areas to become the largest in the area with 1.5 million US$ portfolio. Organized lobbying campaigns
and incorporated advocacy interventions to all projects for complete realization of rights of children and
prevent them from potential abuse specifically in the forms of child-labor and child-soldiers. Provided
capacity building, skills development and relief support to approximately 50,000 most vulnerable people -
majority being internally displaced women and children. Developed and incorporated a Landmine Risk
Education component into the program. Also implemented a school feeding program in Nuba Mountain
areas. Supervised implementation of a school rehabilitation and a teachers training program in Um
Ruwaba province. Guided and facilitated the processes of developing a proposal by a multi-disciplinary
team for supporting IDPs in Abeyi province. Managed the human resources of the country office
consisting of 60+ members and established an affirmative action plan. Provided oversight to the
Finance, HR and Administration Departments. Worked in close cooperation and collaboration with WFP
UNICEF, UNDP and other NGOs to establish Save the Children as a Lead Agency in Nuba Mountain
areas where the organization later received the government award of being the best NGO. Developed
the strategic plan, annual plan and security plan for the country mission. Initiated and led the process of
bringing 3 Save the Children entities (USA, UK and Sweden) on a single platform of Save the Children
Alliance. Size of portfolio: 1.5m$ Size of staff: 62 national Funding Sources: USAID, WFP, UNICEF
AND UNDP
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Asst. Country Director Angola CARE USA Jul 1999 Dec 2001
Provided stewardship to the program support division that rendered administrative, logistical,
procurement and human resources management services of the country mission having a multi-sector
program portfolio of six projects of US$5 million budget per year. Overseen procurement (both local and
international) of project materials and equipment averaging US$100K per month in compliance with the
regulations set by the organization and its donors. Ensured the performance management of
approximately 140 national and 8 international staff in compliance with HR policy and kept the HR
Manual updated. Extended warehousing and logistical support to 3 Sub-Offices and a wide range of
administrative support to main office in Luanda. Ensured security of staff and assets and safe evacuation
(when necessary) of staff and their dependents in this high risk working environment. Established the
Gender Equity and Diversity policy of the country mission and monitored compliance of these policies by
the projects and departments as well as practice of core values set by the organization. Developed an
affirmative action plan to provide opportunity to the groups/tribes generally marginalized.

In addition, developed a proposal for providing emergency relief to 1,000 displaced families in Quipongo
municipality of Huila province. Provided oversight to a food relief project covering an average of 100,000
internally displaced people and distributed about 1,200 metric tons of food commodities every month.
Lead an Audit Team to review the project and provided with guidance and strategies on ways to increase
accountability and achieve greater impact. This Audit was highly commended by the Regional Office and
WFP. Provided management oversight to CARE's Mine Related Interventions (CAMRI) project from
March to October 2000. Negotiated a mine clearing contract with CARE - UK and Greenfield, a private
de-mining company. Lead an assessment of this project to determine methods and strategies for the next
phase of implementation. Represented CARE in Angola Monetization Consortium involved with
monetization of approximately 18,000 metric tons of food commodities under a PL 480 Title II program to
generate approximately 8 million US$ per year. Provided informal technical support to the other members
(CRS, SCF/USA and World Vision) of the consortium on project development issues. Lead CARE -
Angola relief responses for the victims of 2001 flood at the outskirt of Luanda city. Developed disaster
preparedness, response and mitigation plan for the country office. Coordinated the Country Programs
efforts in developing its Annual Operating Plan for FY 2000. Was a member of the Senior Management
Team and actively involved in development of Country Program "Long Range Strategic Plan". Played a
key role in adapting rights based approach to programming, policy advocacy and incorporating 'Sphere
Standards' in all program interventions. Represented CARE to the host government and donors. Helped
CARE Mozambique setting up its relief operations in the aftermath of 2000 flood. Size of portfolio: 5 m$
Size of staff: 140 national and 8 expatriate Funding Sources: USAID, EU, DFID, DUTCH
GOVT., WFP and OCHA.

Dy. Country Rep/Food Program Advisor- CARE USA Dec 1997 Jun 1999
Tajikistan
Assumed management responsibilities of a Food Distribution Program worth 4 million US$ per year. In
addition to ensuring that the project met the most vulnerable segment of population, incorporated a
health and nutrition education component to deliver the basic messages at the distribution sites to
increase the impact and sustainability of the project. Developed and implemented Monitoring and
Evaluation strategies for the program. Held budget management responsibilities of the project. Overseen
the warehouse management and inventory control of the country mission in addition to those of the food
project. Also developed a 25,000 tons monetization program to support primary education in Tajikistan
through school-feeding, rehabilitation of classrooms and providing means of income to the school
committees. Was responsible for planning and managing performance of Country Office human
resources (20 direct and 80 indirect personnel). Developed and implemented the affirmative action plan
to bring in diversity and gender balance within the staff. Lead and coordinated the finalization processes
involved with Long Range Strategic Planning. Providing oversight to the Finance and Administration
Departments of the Country Office in processing/managing expenses of an average 50,000 US$ per
month. Developed and enforced the Security Plan. Maintained donor and counterpart relations.
Developed the Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan. Size of portfolio: 4m$ Size of
staff: 100 national Funding Sources: USDA

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Country Rep. Azerbaijan CARE USA May 1994 Nov 1997

Achievements included but were not limited to: Setting up the office and country operations. Recruitment
and training of about 100 staff with a back-up plan to cope with extremely high turnover to oil companies.
Expanding the country program portfolio from 0.5 million US$ to 5 million US$ per year. Refining and
adapting a 900 metric tons food relief project to a 11,000 metric tons project a year. Also increasing the
impact of the project and enhancing the accountability to such a level that a Food Program Expert
considered it to be 'the best ever seen'. Developing a mud-brick Shelter Construction project for the IDPs
and facilitated its implementation on a self-help basis. Negotiating with the host Government and
obtaining in-kind contribution to the projects valued at 10,000 US$ per year in the form of warehouse
space etc. Developing Long Term Strategic Plan and Annual Plans of the Country Office. Developing
budgets and effectively managing expenses of 70 - 100,000 US$/month. Developing disaster
preparedness & response plan. Preparing all donor reports. Ensuring best management practices and
continued growth of the Country Office. Size of portfolio: 5m$ Size of staff: 100+
national and 3 expatriate Funding Sources: USAID, USDA, and Department of Defense of USA

Country Representative Armenia CARE USA Jan 1993 Apr 1994

Major achievements: Establishment of the office and country operations. Orientation and supervision of 6
expatriate staff. Recruitment and training of about 90 national staff. Refining and implementing a 4,800
tons food distribution project targeted towards women and children. Negotiation with the host
Government and obtaining in-kind contribution to the projects valued at 5,000 US$/year. Maintaining a
high morale among the staff despite prevailing dire conditions of no heat, no gas, no running water and
almost no electricity within the country. Development of budgets and management of fiscal resources up
to 50,000 US$/month. Implementation of kerosene and heater distribution project for the elderly isolated
pensioners. Completion "Operation Provide Hope - II (distribution of US Military surplus after the Gulf-
War)" in Armenia and Georgia. Establishing and maintaining a very cordial relationship with USAID
office. Size of portfolio: 3m$ Size of staff: 90 national & 6 expatriate Funding Sources:
Department of Defense of USA and USADA

Team Leader Eketarinburg CARE USA Nov Dec 1992

Was responsible for overall management of the Sub-Office. Provided oversight to the implementation of
'Operation Provide Hope - II' funded by the US State Department. Assignment in Yekaterinburg was cut
short in order to address the emergency needs of strengthening CARE's Country Office in Armenia.
Size of portfolio: 2m$ Size of staff: 60 national & 6 expatriate Funding
Sources: Department of Defense of USA and USDA

Team Leader Uzbekistan CARE - USA Jun Oct 1992

Achievements were not limited to but included: Recruitment and training of a dozen of national staff.
Setting up 3 Warehouses and 6 Field Offices. Managing 'Operation Provide Hope - II (distribution of US
Military surplus after the Gulf-War) within 6 regions of Uzbekistan including Andijohn. Providing training
to the project staff of CARE - Kyrgyzstan and CARE - Kazakhstan on Warehouse Management,
Distribution Planning and Monitoring.Size of portfolio: 1m$ Size of staff: 62 national & 3
expatriate Funding Sources: Department of Defense of USA

Ast. Program Coordinator Bangladesh CARE USA Jul 1989 May 1992
Major achievements: Designing and commissioning a feasibility study of Income Diversification Pilot
Project (IDPP). Developing IDPP proposal. Designing a functional training component for illiterate rural
women to learn critical business issues such as loss, profit and working capital etc. Recruitment of 30
staff and their orientation. Successful implementation of pilot phase of IDPP that involved 1,350 women
of 3 districts. This project was later replicated countrywide. Managed all operational aspects of a CIDA
(Canadian International Development Agency) funded 18 million US$/year monetization program titled
Rural Maintenance Programme (RMP) that employed 60,000 women for maintaining farm-to-market
roads across the country. Recruited and inducted on average 50 staff every year due to high turnover.
Provided oversight to the unit extending training and development efforts to approximately 350 staff.
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Ensured effective fiscal management and accountability including large scale procurement of
maintenance tools. Supervised the units responsible for Research and Development (R&D) and
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E). Lead and coordinated a working group responsible for developing
modus operandi to instill the CARE International theme across the projects. Managed a part of
receipt, dispatch and inventory control of a multi-million dollar relief intervention pursued in the aftermath
of 1991 cyclone in Chittagong. Coordinated NGO responses within the cyclone-affected areas.
Established a 50 bed Field Hospital within the affected areas in cooperation with Medicines du Monde
(MDM) Greece. Size of portfolio: 18m$ (Canadian) Size of staff: 350+ national Funding
Sources: CIDA, USAID, EU and others

Area Manager Bangladesh CARE USA Jul 1985 Jun 1989

Provided programmatic and management support for implementation of Rural Maintenance Program.
Employed 30,000 destitute female heads of households in Bogra and 20,000 in Sylhet in this program for
maintaining firm-to-market dirt roads in exchange of a stable income paid through the rural banks.
Subsequently implemented the Womens Health Education program to enhance knowledge and change
attitudes of these women on basic health and reproductive issues. Supervised 40-60 staff. Maintained
liaison with district and divisional counterparts. Coordinated program interventions with other NGOs
working in the area and key-stakeholders. Closely worked with dozens of banks to ensure wages made
available were reaching the women in a timely manner in exact amount. Also provided oversight to Local
Initiatives for Farmers Training project that worked with small farmers to help increasing their income
through various type of agricultural techniques. Funding Sources: CIDA, SIDA

Asst. Area Manager, CARE USA, Bangladesh in Mirzapur and Gopalpur, Jan 1981 Jun 1985
Program Officer, CARE USA, Bangladesh in Khulna and Faridpur, Sep 1979 Dec 1980
Asst. Field Engineer, CARE USA, Bangladesh in Chuadanga and Meherpur, Sep 1978 Aug 1979

Overseer, Military Engineering Services, Bangladesh (Dhaka), July August 78

Site Engineer, Concord Construction Co. Ltd., Bangladesh, March June 78
Overseer, City Corporation Sreemangal, Sylhet, January February 78

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION: Bachelor of Arts (Social Science major). Diploma in Civil Engineering.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Fluent in English, Russian, Portuguese, Hindi, Urdu and Bengali (native). Functional
comprehension in French, Arabic, Armenian, Pharsi/Daari/Tajik and Azeri/Turkish.

IT SKILLS: Proficient in word processing, spreadsheet analysis, data-base management, power point
presentations. Can work within LAN/WAN environments and thoroughly familiar with UHF/VUF radio
communication systems.

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Date of Birth: 7 January 1959 Nationality: Bangladeshi

References:
Available on request