Asher I.

Asher I. Email and Phone Number

Financing for Development Specialist @ UNDP Pakistan
Canada
Asher I.'s Location
United States, United States
Asher I.'s Contact Details

Asher I. personal email

n/a

Asher I. phone numbers

About Asher I.

Seasoned sustainable finance expert with more than ten years of diverse experience in banking, finance, and sustainability consulting.My specialization lies in the fields of Environment Social and Governance (ESG), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), investment and project management.My career journey has brought me the privilege of collaborating with esteemed organizations, including the World Bank Group, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), an affiliate of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in Pakistan, and ABN AMRO Bank N.V.In addition, I've gained valuable experience in managing investment portfolio and development projects. Notably, I've also played a pivotal role in monitoring projects for both public & private sector development, with a resolute focus on achieving targeted investment/project outcomes.I am passionate about green finance to bring a positive change through my financial expertise and sustainability initiatives. I am eager to align my passion with an organization that shares a similar mission, providing me the platform to put my passion into practice.

Asher I.'s Current Company Details
UNDP Pakistan

Undp Pakistan

View
Financing for Development Specialist
Canada
Website:
undp.org
Employees:
26249
Asher I. Work Experience Details
  • Undp Pakistan
    Financing For Development Specialist
    Undp Pakistan
    Canada
  • University Of Waterloo
    Research/Teaching Assistant, Faculty Of Environment (School Of Environment, Enterprise & Deve.)
    University Of Waterloo Sep 2019 - Aug 2024
    Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
    • Assist professor by managing large group of students by providing all educational support they needed.• Grade assignments/exams with detailed feedback for the courses by using online learning management system.• Provide educational & technical support to students for their educational projects & outcomes. • Review & analyze students’ performance & prepare progress reports on areas to improve.• Assist in the development of new courses or modules related to environment & business.• Prepare & update teaching materials, presentations, & resources for the graduate level courses.• Lead tutorials to help students understand & apply environment & business operations principles.• Provide one-on-one mentoring or tutoring to students who need extra support.• Gather and organize data related to sustainable finance, include ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics, financial data, & sustainability indicators.• Conduct statistical analysis & modeling to extract useful insights from financial & sustainability data.• Evaluate the impact of sustainable finance initiatives, such as the integration of ESG factors into investment decisions or the influence of sustainable finance on corporate behavior.Achievements:• Prepared Climate Action Plan for White Rock City: Developed a comprehensive climate action plan for the city, which included specific adaptation and mitigation measures to address climate change.• Publication: Olaf Webber & Asher Imam (2024). " Multilateral development banks, corporations and banks: public and private actors between brown and green strategies " Johannes Jäger & Ewa Dziwok (Eds.), Understanding Green Finance. Edward Elgar Publishing. (to be publish in Jan. 2024)Courses taught: • Introduction to Environment• Environmental Impact Assessment• Environmental Applications of Data Management and Statistics• Environment & Business Operations• Business and Climate change• Introduction to Sustainable Finance
  • Undp
    Junior Professional Consultant, Business Development & Partnership Cluster
    Undp Oct 2017 - Apr 2018
    Dhaka, Bangladesh
    • Established and maintained effective communication with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders involved in project implementation.• Attended meetings and consultations to represent UNDP and promoted collaborative efforts.• Assessed project impact by monitoring and reporting project activities, outputs and outcomes for ROAR report. • Participated in data collection, analysis, and reporting to assess project outcomes and impacts.• Assisted in identifying funding opportunities and prepared proposals to secure financial resources for development projects.• Prepared funding proposals for government and private sector contribution.• Contributed to the development and implementation of project monitoring and evaluation frameworks.• Coordinated with project team to collect objective evidence of qualitative information/quantitative data from external source to corroborate results.• Coordinated with project team to devise strategic planning & updated policies to develop annual work plan (AWP) and country program document (CPD) etc.• Performed assurance of project performance on implementation and suggested mitigation measures, budget and control.Achievements:• Published the Country Office Result Oriented Annual Report (ROAR) and conducted training for project staff, optimizing project implementation and contributing to a 14% improvement in project outcome reporting quality.• Developed plans and policies for the implementation of Country Program Document (CPD) aligning with SDGs and country project objectives, leading to a 28% increase in project alignment with global sustainability goals.• Achieved comprehensive project impact assessment through continuous monitoring and evaluation of critical operational targets using the STAR and ATLAS planning systems, while effectively collaborating with the team to implement necessary corrective actions.
  • International Institute For Sustainable Development
    Project Manager, Economic Policy
    International Institute For Sustainable Development Apr 2016 - Sep 2017
    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
    • Acted as the central point of contact for all project personnel & effectively managed relationships with internal and external stakeholders involved.• Effectively communicated with team members, funders & external partners to understand their needs, expectations, & concerns. Regularly met with funder to provide project updates & addressed their feedback.• Oversaw project implementation, ensuring alignment with the project plan, & proactively identified outstanding tasks, taking corrective actions as needed in collaboration with the project team.• Generated comprehensive project performance and progress reports, providing insights into the status of implementation & delivering periodic financial reports in adherence to project agreements.• Collaborated with the project team to formulate the project budget & diligently monitored monthly expenditures, identifying any discrepancies and reallocating funds to maximize the efficient utilization resources.• Facilitated project audits conducted by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) to assess diligence and work quality, working closely with operational staff, and addressed any issues raised by funders regarding project performance.• Worked in close cooperation with other departments to develop project agreements and crafted terms of reference, ensuring contractual obligations were aligned with established plans and policies.Achievements:• Increased project contribution margin by 1.5% of IISD’s project of CAD 3.56M by an effective execution and delivery of project’s budget, resources and provided training to project staff.• Controlled IISD’s project implementation as per plan through monitoring & evaluating of activities by analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs), project's metrics and variance analysis.• Achieved IISD’s project annual target through team work and resolved queries of the regulatory entity through in person facilitation of European Union’s project audit in Bhutan.
  • The World Bank
    Short Term Consultant, External Corporate Relations Group (Ecrg)
    The World Bank Jun 2015 - Dec 2015
    Washington, District Of Columbia, United States
    • Facilitated collaboration with civil societies, the United Nations, governmental bodies, & international aid organizations, successfully orchestrating two pivotal conferences: one focused on religion & sustainable development & the other addressing the moral imperative to eradicate extreme poverty at the United Nations headquarters.• Fostered & nurtured relationships with civil societies and various stakeholders, nurturing valuable partnerships with the bank aligned with the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).• Spearheaded the planning, coordination, and dissemination of event-related information, both within the organization & among partners, to bolster participation in meetings & conferences.• Constructed a comprehensive resource guide or toolkit to enhance organizational knowledge regarding the involvement of civil society & FBOs in World Bank initiatives, catering to internal use.• Expertly managed two high-profile conferences, diligently overseeing participant engagement, vendor relationships, media coverage, & logistical requirements.• Collaborated with external stakeholders to compile and produce a comprehensive report detailing the proceedings of the conferences.Achievements:• Conducted two major conferences on sustainable development at The World Bank Group, building a professional network among NGOs, gov. agencies, & UN organizations, which contributed to 7% increased participation & stakeholder engagement.• Published comprehensive conference proceedings & resource guides, enhancing knowledge building & awareness about civil society engagement with the bank's work.• Crafted an internal toolkit, providing a resource for enhancing engagement with civil societies & faith-based organizations in alignment with the bank's pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This also became my master's thesis topic as it reflected my expertise in sustainable development bridging the gap between academic research & practical application.
  • Bankislami Pakistan Limited
    Team Leader, Corporate Finance & Investments
    Bankislami Pakistan Limited May 2011 - Jul 2014
    Karāchi, Sindh, Pakistan
    • Oversaw a diverse portfolio of investment projects in sectors such as agriculture, energy, transportation, trade, technology, telecom, healthcare & public sector.• Formulated comprehensive credit proposals through meticulous analysis of operational and financial performance, industry trends, business viability, financial projections, and sensitivity analysis.• Develop and execute strategies to optimize the performance of the portfolio.• Monitor and assess the financial health and risk profile of each client or project within the portfolio.• Make investment decisions, allocate resources, and adjust strategies to maximize returns and minimize risks.• Develop risk mitigation strategies, which may include structuring financial products, collateral, or guarantees to protect the bank's interests.• Identify and pursue new investment opportunities and project financing deals that align with the bank's strategy and risk tolerance.• Prepare regular reports and presentations to present the portfolio's performance, risk profile, and recommended actions to senior management and clients.• Coordinated with the regional team to deliver training for new personnel and fostered knowledge sharing among teams within the Corporate South region.• Collaborated with external consultants to conduct annual reviews and internal feedback, aiming to identify and document best practices and policies.Achievements:• Presented & approved USD100 M business case for Engro Fertilizer at Bankislami Ltd. by developing and implementing process improvement plan with detailed economic, financial & decision analysis.• Increased the portfolio's size under management by 25% in one year, resulting in a US$20 million growth in client investments, and achieving an average annual return on investment of 12% for clients in a challenging market.• Mentored & developed team members, resulting in two promotions and a 15% improvement in team productivity over the course of a year.
  • Silkbank Limited - An Affiliate Of Ifc Pakistan
    Relationship Manager, Corporate Finance & Investments
    Silkbank Limited - An Affiliate Of Ifc Pakistan Apr 2008 - May 2011
    Karāchi, Sindh, Pakistan
    • Developed & maintained strong relationships with clients in the financial & investment sector. Served as the primary contact for all their financial needs.• Provided expert financial advice, including investment strategies, asset allocation, portfolio management & financial planning.• Prepared meticulous project proposals following in-depth analyses of potential funding partners, financial feasibility, risk assessment & compliance with investment policies.• Conducted a thorough analysis of key financing & investment policies to develop risk mitigation strategies & provide updated guidance for procedural implementation.• Orchestrated & managed investment transactions from inception to execution, encompassing origination, due diligence, structuring, negotiations, financial modeling & disbursement.• Evaluated portfolio performance & effectively reported to senior directors through the preparation & delivery of periodic reports, letters, memoranda, circulars & presentations.• Conducted comprehensive documentation reviews to ensure strict adherence to company policies & procedures, supporting program planning & the monitoring & evaluation of impact reports.• Employed risk rating calculations to categorize accounts & conducted detailed analyses of watchlist accounts, ensuring compliance with investment agreements & monitoring their performance.Achievements:• Increased portfolio business by 15% at an affiliate of IFC, Pakistan through strengthening relationship with clients as well as with the internal & external stakeholders. • Recovered USD55 M from account portfolio at an affiliate of IFC, Pakistan by devising a long & short term business operations plan for Karachi Electric Supply Co. at its acquisition by Abraj Capital. • Implemented a watchlist account monitoring system that reduced delinquencies by 30% & improved recovery rates. This achievement not only protected the company's investments but also increased investor confidence.
  • Faysal Bank Limited
    Investment Associate, Project Finance & Investments
    Faysal Bank Limited May 2007 - Apr 2008
    Karāchi, Sindh, Pakistan
    • Conducted in-depth financial analysis & due diligence for infrastructure projects, assessing their feasibility, financial viability & potential risks. Prepare financial models, cash flow projections & sensitivity analyses to guide investment decisions.• Identified & evaluated investment project opportunities that align with the company's investment criteria & the development needs of the region in collaborating with government agencies, local & private sector partners.• Structured investment transactions, including the formulation of financing strategies, risk allocation & negotiation of key terms. • Prepared investment proposals & funding applications for external investors & FI. Secured financing for projects through partnerships and collaborations.• Stayed abreast of local market dynamics, industry-specific regulations & policy changes that may impact investments. Use this knowledge to inform investment strategies & mitigate regulatory risks.• Developed comprehensive risk assessments & mitigation strategies for each investment project, addressing potential challenges related to construction, operations & financing.• Continuously monitored the progress & performance of infrastructure projects for senior management and investors, ensuring transparency and accountability.Achievements:• Played a key role in structuring a public-private partnership (PPP) for an energy project, leveraging local expertise and international investment. This power plant project reduced the burden on the government and attracted USD75 million in private investment.• Managed the financing for setting up a greenfield steel manufacturing plant, securing USD100 million in funding from a consortium Mitsubishi Corporation & Metal Once Corporation.• Led the syndication for a high-impact highway construction project, securing USD150 million in funding through a consortium of Asian Development Bank & national banks, with substantial benefits for the region's infrastructure & economy.
  • Saudi Pak Industrial & Agricultural Investment Co. Ltd.
    Assistant Manager, Project Finance & Investments
    Saudi Pak Industrial & Agricultural Investment Co. Ltd. Oct 2005 - May 2007
    Karāchi, Sindh, Pakistan
    • Conducted comprehensive financial analyses, including investment appraisals, risk assessments & financial modeling to support project investment strategies.• Collaborated with project managers to develop detailed project plans, budgets & financial forecasts. • Conducted research & evaluated investment opportunities, including stocks, bonds & other asset classes. Provide recommendations & insights to aid in investment decision-making.• Assisted in identifying and securing external funding sources for projects & investments, such as loans & grants.• Assessed & mitigate financial risks associated with projects and investments. Develop risk management strategies and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.• Prepared regular financial reports and presentations for senior management and stakeholders, summarizing project & investment performance, financial metrics & key findings.• Conducted due diligence activities for potential investments, including financial, legal & market research, to evaluate the feasibility & viability of proposed projects.• Monitored the financial performance of projects & investments. Identify areas for improvement & recommend necessary actions to optimize returns.Achievements:• Successfully secured a USD30 million grant from the public sector for a agriculture projects in a rural area. The grant facilitated the project's execution, providing market access to thousands of farmers.• Conducted due diligence for a renewable energy project in Pakistan, including financial and market research. The project secured USD15 million in funding from development banks, leading to the construction of a 50 MW solar power plant, contributing to Pakistan's energy sustainability goals.• Managed an investment portfolio with a focus on Pakistani equities and bonds. Implemented a balanced portfolio strategy that outperformed the KSE-100 index, delivering a 20% return on investment and attracting new clients seeking to invest in the capital market.
  • Abn Amro Bank N.V.
    Global Trade Advisory Officer, Operational Risk Control
    Abn Amro Bank N.V. Aug 2004 - Jul 2005
    Karāchi, Sindh, Pakistan
    • Conducted comprehensive assessments of global trade operations to identify potential operational risks, compliance issues & vulnerabilities. Develop and maintain a risk framework for trade activities.• Provided guidance on trade finance solutions, letters of credit, bank guarantees & other trade-related financial instruments. Ensure the organization's compliance with trade finance regulations & guidelines.• Stayed up-to-date with international trade regulations such as UCP500, sanctions, embargoes & export/import controls. • Developed & recommended risk mitigation strategies for global trade operations, including risk transfer mechanisms, insurance & contractual provisions. • Conducted training & awareness programs for staff involved in global trade operations to ensure understanding & compliance with policies & procedures.• Developed incident response plans for global trade-related risks & assisted in managing & resolving operational risk incidents when they occurred.• Collaborated with trade finance teams, legal, compliance & other departments to ensure a coordinated approach to global trade risk management.Achievements:• Conducted comprehensive training programs for staff involved in global trade operations, resulting in improved understanding and adherence to policies and procedures. This initiative reduced errors and compliance issues by 20%.• Implemented a robust risk framework for global trade operations, reducing operational risks by 15% over the course of a year. This framework ensured a proactive approach to risk management and compliance.• Led the successful implementation of a state-of-the-art trade finance system “Intellimatch”, improving the accuracy & efficiency of trade finance processes. This resulted in a 20% reduction in processing errors & a 15% reduction in operational costs.

Asher I. Skills

Banking Commercial Banking Credit Analysis Credit Risk Trade Finance Credit Relationship Management Portfolio Management Cross Selling Loans Financial Risk Core Banking Islamic Finance Financial Analysis Retail Banking Internet Banking Corporate Finance Mis Management Finance Analysis Financial Modeling Investment Banking Operational Risk Investments

Asher I. Education Details

Frequently Asked Questions about Asher I.

What company does Asher I. work for?

Asher I. works for Undp Pakistan

What is Asher I.'s role at the current company?

Asher I.'s current role is Financing for Development Specialist.

What is Asher I.'s email address?

Asher I.'s email address is as****@****.edu.pk

What is Asher I.'s direct phone number?

Asher I.'s direct phone number is +120495*****

What schools did Asher I. attend?

Asher I. attended University Of Waterloo, School For International Training, Institute Of Business Administration.

What skills is Asher I. known for?

Asher I. has skills like Banking, Commercial Banking, Credit Analysis, Credit Risk, Trade Finance, Credit, Relationship Management, Portfolio Management, Cross Selling, Loans, Financial Risk, Core Banking.

Who are Asher I.'s colleagues?

Asher I.'s colleagues are Grace Chong, Reyhan Sevencan, Bunyod Sabzaliev, Dume Dunno, Sevara Sharapova, Farah Ktaish, Sydney Mortimer.

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