Ali Akram Email & Phone Number

Dubai, Ae

Suva, Central, Fiji

Uae

Led implementation of UNCDF’s agenda on migrant financial resilience across GCC countries and South Asia. Provided technical and financial support to ecosystem players for accelerating development of innovative migrant-centric and gender-smart financial resilience solutions (insurance, pensions, saving and credit products). Coordinated activities with regional bureaus of IOM, ILO and ESCWA.October'23 onwards played the additional role of Regional Technical Lead for the Pacific, leading implementation of UNCDF’s strategy in the Pacific region, specifically Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Kiribati, Timor-Leste, Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea, Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia.

Banjul, The Gambia

Led the Finance component of UNCDF’s Job, Skills and Finance (JSF) Programme in The Gambia. The EU funded programme facilitated employment, along with social and financial inclusion of youth and women, with a specific emphasis on promoting gender equality and addressing climate change.

Led implementation of UNCDF’s Migration and Remittance programme across Asia. Oversaw portfolio of projects targeting migrants and their families across origin and destination countries spanning Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaysia, UAE, South Korea

Nepal

Led implementation of UNCDF’s Inclusive Digital Economy (IDE) strategy in Nepal. Supported resource mobilization to grow country portfolio, while overseeing team of consultants and delivering direct technical assistance to partners (Regulators, Government Ministries and Financial Service Providers)

Pakistan

Assisted the largest DFS provider in Pakistan realign its strategic focus towards developing market-driven solutions to better serve rural and marginalized segments. The project entailed using human-centred design principles for the design and roll-out of merchant payments at 100,000 micro-merchants (Kiryana stores) across Pakistan.• Led field research across 1st and 2nd tier cities to capture market dynamics, merchant/customer behaviours and their and perceptions around digital merchant payments• Crafted a comprehensive product strategy and roadmap for implementation of USSD-based Merchant Payments. Strategy included recommendations to drive merchant network build-out, service design, marketing & communications, pilot and nationwide roll-out

Zambia

Led assessment of Ministry of Health (MoH) payments and payment mechanisms in Zambia. The ultimate objective of the project was to ensure availability of critical services at primary health care level through the enhanced use of electronic channels and instruments for disbursement of government funds to district and local health facilities.• Conducted field research at health facilities in districts to assess the current payment modalities, process flows and treatment of transactions in the financial management information system• Undertook quantitative analysis of MoH’s existing payments to map transaction flows (volume & value) and prioritize streams for transition to electronic channels• Designed suitable electronic payment mechanisms for MoH that will increase financial and managerial autonomy at primary health care level, while improving efficiency, transparency, accountability and operational reliability of the payments• Developed a pilot plan to test suitability of the proposed payment mechanisms, with recommendations for roll-out and implementation

Zambia / East Africa

Led development of a technology-driven tracking system and building government capacity to effectively manage the Home-Grown School Meals (HGSM) programme in Zambia. Sponsored by the World Food Programme (WFP), the project involves close coordination with key government ministries and institutions, including Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS), Ministry of General Education (MoGE), Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and Smart Zambia Institute (SZI).• Mapped the current business processes around HGSM programme and conducted gap analysis to provide an in-depth assessment of the stakeholders, processes and tools, and identify risks inherent to the current system• Providing actionable recommendations on how to address the identified gaps and challenges• Designing a technology-driven system that can effectively support tracking of food under the HGSM programme, along with a project plan for the development and implementation of the proposed system

Zambia

Digital Finance Expert - Mobile Money for the Poor (MM4P) Programme, ZAMBIA. Supported UNCDF’s in-country activities and provided direct technical assistance to partners (regulators and DFS partners) to accelerate the development of DFS eco-system in Zambia.• Managed the successful digitization of UNHCR’s Cash Based Interventions (CBI) in Meheba, Zambia’s largest refugee settlement. Nearly 2,000 refugees living in 750 households now receive their cash assistance through mobile phones• Led assessment of solutions for automating data handling at the Bank of Zambia, the country’s central bank. Drafted a comprehensive Business Requirements Document (BRD) for selection of a Data Reporting and Analytics Platform• Developed a DFS Strategy and built internal capacity at ZamPost, the national postal service. Reviewed strategic options available to the parastatal for diversifying and expanding its financial services business• Mapped and analysed the Fintech space in Zambia, profiling nearly 25 fintechs that are developing solutions across sectors ranging from financial services, pay-go solar, health, education to agriculture.• Developed a comprehensive Bulk Payments Strategy for Zoona, the largest third-party DFS provider in Zambia

Liberia

Led on-ground implementation of UNCDF’s MM4P programme that aimed to build a robust DFS ecosystem in Liberia by extending a mix of financial, technical and policy support to industry stakeholders.• Acted as MM4P’s technical point of contact in Liberia, coordinating with key stakeholders (government, providers and donors) to develop a shared national vision for DFS• Assisted government ministries and agencies in the framing of progressive DFS regulations and financial inclusion policies. Advocacy efforts led to Liberian Government’s commitment to digitization of government flows through membership to the Better Than Cash Alliance (BTCA)• Facilitated collaborations and creation of an appropriate forum for industry dialogue. Efforts led to the creation of DFS Working Group that meets regularly under the Central Bank’s chairmanship• Provided high quality technical inputs to partners for supporting expansion of scalable DFS services, especially in rural and remote areas. Efforts led to the launch of the first Mobile Money based loan collection service in the country with BRAC Microfinance Liberia• Carried out a payment diagnosis to map high-volume payment streams in Liberia, including government-to-person, government to-business, person-to-government, etc.

Provision of technical advice on innovative strategies and models for expansion of financial services through technology enabled channels.Projects:•DFS Expert – Mapping Agricultural Value Chains in Malawi and Assessing Opportunities for Airtel’s Agriculture focused Mobile Money Services – GSMA (Nov’15 – Feb’16)•Financial Diagnostic Lead – Mobile Payments Diagnostic Update, Feasibility Study and Technical Assistance in Liberia – UNCDF (Nov’15 – Jan’16)•Transaction Mapping Specialist – Mapping Person-to-Government (P2G) Payments in Liberia and developing road-map for digitization through DFS – USAID (Jun’15 – Jul’15)

Islamabad

Enclude is an advisory firm with professionals working in five registered offices (Netherlands, United States, United Kingdom, Pakistan, India) and project locations across the world.Projects:•DFS Expert – Supporting the Development of Digital Financial Services in Burma – USAID•Project Manager – Khushhali Bank Branchless Banking Project Pakistan – Gates Foundation (Nov’13–May’15)•Project Manager – Development of DFS Country Strategies for Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and Solomon Islands – Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme, UNCDF (Nov’14 – Mar’15)•Senior Specialist – Payments and Cash Transfer to Ebola Response Workers across Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone – UN Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER) (Dec’14 – Jan’15)•Senior Digital Finance Specialist – Digital Financial Services Expert for Nepal (NCell) – UNCDF (Aug’14–Nov’14)•Lead Consultant – Branchless Banking & Saving Project for Partner Organisations – Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (Mar’14–May’14)• In-Country Research – Business Plan for a Centre for Digital Financial Inclusion in Pakistan (Karandaaz) – DFID (Nov’13–Feb’14)

Lahore, Pakistan

Core member of the ‘HBL Express’ launch team, tasked to conceive, develop and implement channel innovations and branchless banking strategies enabling HBL to expand its footprint while transforming from the traditional ‘brick and mortar’ branch format. The retail transformation not only allowed HBL to increase the density of its customer service points but also enabled it to reach-out to untapped and underserved market segments through use of agents.• Identified market segments that could be served through omni-channel retailing. Conceptualised, piloted and launched product variants and enhancements which served the banks existing and prospective clients. Managed product lifecycle by determining optimal service features and pricing through competitive analysis and devising customer acquisition and channel migration strategies.• Finalised the Business Requirements Document (BRD), conducted User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and liaised with technical team to develop a robust mobile money platform. Designed product policies and processes for operations and risk management while ensuring adherence to prudential regulations.• Leveraged ADCs and ICT technologies and helped create a nationwide network of branchless banking agents to serve the under-banked, G2P beneficiaries and offer cash management services to corporates. Aided distribution channel expansion by leading the development of a multi-platform, smartphone based, agent Mobile App and a desktop based agent portal interface. Negotiated agreements with vendors for nationwide deployment at over 3,000 agent locations.• Oversaw marketing campaigns and built awareness by leveraging the HBL brand cornerstones and developing ATL/BTL promotional strategies for the HBL Express brand. Prepared product training modules and engagement materials for Agents, Sales Staff, Call Centre Agents, Operations and internal stakeholders to ensure strategic alignment across organization silos.

Lahore, Pakistan

Business development strategist at ‘Mobicash’, the MFS offering of the largest Telecom Operator in Pakistan. Instrumental in developing Project Business Plan and aligning organisational resources for successful entry into the Mobile-Commerce arena. Developed strategies to leverage cellular technology to serve needs of both banked and un-banked segments.• Implemented global best practices through leveraging market research, market forecasts and conducting competitive analysis to draft Project Business Plan. Coordinated the Project Steering Committee to ensure coherence with project goals in the build-up towards launch.• Analysed and improved the service experience through Customer Journey Mapping of multiple customer segments, incorporating customer’s value proposition, perspective and behavioural patterns in service design.• Obtained buy-in from support functions and finalized policies and SLAs with Customer Care, Call Centre and Fraud & Risk Management Departments. Prepared processes and operations manuals which ensured customer satisfaction and experience excellence across all interactions points.• Spearheaded design of innovative services for by partnering with customers and developing and modular financial products that meet the diverse range of client needs. Prepared Sales Strategies and Engagement Plans for products including Remittances, Retail Payments, Pensions & Payroll, NGOs and Bill Payments.

Managed and mentored a team of Corporate Account Managers at Mobilink. Earned multiple awards for contributions to key business priorities including business development, revenue growth and customer retention.• Developed and managed and region’s largest portfolio of 225 corporate accounts with annual revenue in excess of USD 7 million. Portfolio included country’s leading companies including ICI Pakistan, Tetra Pak, Pepsi Cola, Coca Cola and Nestle• Led the best performing nationwide team by implementing quantitative performance metrics and process monitors. Metrics were created after identification of critical workflows and customer needs and were aligned with organisational priorities.• Expanded and strengthened relationships with key accounts by engaging key decision makers and C-level executives. Helped identifying new products and tailored solutions by recognising customers’ needs and business opportunities

Managed premium corporate accounts at Mobilink - Pakistan’s largest cellular communication company. Ensured the company maintained its position of market leader by liaising with high vale customers.• Managed relationships and served as the primary point of contact for key customers. Managed credit facility and ensured customer satisfaction through prioritized resolution of issues.• Increased portfolio revenue through cross-selling, up-selling and tailored sales strategies. Coordinated internal resources across Technical, Engineering, Billing, Finance & Marketing Departments to support new initiatives.

Part of the marketing team of the largest Textile Group in Pakistan. Handled clients of piece dyed fabrics in the European and local market. Responsible for monthly sale of more than 33 million Rupees.Responsible for securing of orders which entails pricing, negotiation and finalization of contract terms.Successfully developed the Turkish market from scratch to an annual sale of to 1 million meters.Network with agents and clients in Europe for market development and expansion.Assist senior management in creating and implementing overall marketing strategy.

Responsible for the marketing of Moody International Quality Assurance Courses, and assisted the marketing manager in the development of new clients.Marketing, planning and coordinating training courses in different cities.Correspondence with customers and networking consultants.

in marketing of FMCGs (personal hygiene products) and surgical disposables (syringes, IV solutions).Assisted in the marketing and sales activities of the assigned region.Conducted research to estimate market size, define target segments and identify distribution channels.Identified potential markets and prepared a distribution expansion plan.

Internee in the Special Credits Department of the official Turkish export credit agency with total assets of USD 3.4 Billion. Assisted the department manager with project evaluations and credit risk analysis.Responsible for data collection and primary industry analysis of the retail and tourism sectors.Reviewed and evaluated discrepancies in client's accounts and performance statements. Provided administrative support to department analysts.

Emba

Bachelors

Education record