Available to hire
I’m Gouhar Pirzada, a Learning and Development leader with 22+ years of global experience designing, facilitating, and managing future-ready learning programmes across higher education, vocational training, international development, and workforce capability uplift. I have a proven track record in adult learning theory, programme design and evaluation, facilitation, stakeholder partnership, and capability building from early career through senior management levels.
I am currently pursuing a PhD in Education at Auckland University of Technology and I bring a values-driven, inclusive, and learner-centred approach to my work. I have collaborated with multicultural, cross-sector, and international stakeholders, including regulators and development partners, to deliver learning solutions with real-world impact.
Experience Level
Language
English
Fluent
Urdu
Advanced
Work Experience
Trainer, Education Leader & Chief Executive Officer at STEP – Institute of Art, Design and Management (Pakistan)
January 1, 2009 - September 1, 2025Led the design, delivery, and evaluation of large-scale learning programmes aligned with workforce capability needs, mapped to international qualification frameworks (UK Levels 5–6). Managed end-to-end programme lifecycles including needs analysis, learning design, delivery logistics, facilitation, and post-programme evaluation. Championed learner-centred and inclusive practices, coached and developed trainers and assessors, and built trusted partnerships with education bodies, regulators, and international organisations.
Consultant, Trainer & Programme Facilitator at GIZ (Germany), GFA & National Partners (Pakistan)
March 1, 2015 - August 1, 2025Designed and facilitated future-ready TVET and capability-building programmes nationally, supporting educators, leaders, and administrators. Delivered Train-the-Trainer, leadership development, and competency-based training programmes with consistent positive learner outcomes. Advised stakeholders on learning strategy, capability uplift, and sustained performance support. Collaborated with national and international partners, strengthening cross-functional and cross-cultural learning networks.
Researcher, Curriculum Developer & Trainer at United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
May 1, 2024 - April 1, 2025Codesigned and delivered entrepreneurship and capability programmes for women, ensuring relevance, inclusivity, and real-world skill application. Applied adult learning theory and contextualised facilitation to support marginalised learner groups. Evaluated programme effectiveness and contributed evidence-based insights for future learning initiatives.
Consultant & Trainer at The Knowledge School (University of Management & Technology Project)
June 1, 2021 - June 1, 2022Developed curriculum and delivered teacher capability programmes aligned with national education frameworks. Facilitated professional learning across multiple campuses using blended and multimodal approaches.
Team Leader – BTEC Assessments at Pearson (Edexcel), United Kingdom
December 1, 2007 - January 1, 2009Conducted needs analysis and capability development for assessors and examiners. Facilitated online learning sessions and webinars, supporting consistent assessment standards. Contributed to quality assurance, standardisation, and performance improvement initiatives.
Trainer, Education Leader & Chief Executive Officer at STEP – Institute of Art, Design and Management, Pakistan
January 1, 2009 - September 1, 2025Led the design, delivery, and evaluation of large-scale learning programmes aligned with workforce capability needs, ensuring measurable skill transfer and learner impact. Facilitated leadership, management, entrepreneurship, and strategy programmes mapped to international qualification frameworks (UK Levels 5–6). Managed end-to-end programme lifecycles: needs analysis, stakeholder consultation, learning design, delivery logistics, facilitation, and post-programme evaluation. Championed learner-centred and inclusive learning practices, recognising learner experience and enabling meaningful choice and voice. Coached and developed trainers and assessors using strength-based approaches, improving facilitation quality and learning outcomes. Built trusted partnerships with education bodies, regulators, and international organisations.
Consultant, Trainer & Programme Facilitator at GIZ (Germany), GFA & National Partners
March 1, 2015 - August 1, 2025Designed and facilitated future-ready TVET and capability-building programmes nationally, supporting educators, leaders, and administrators. Delivered Train-the-Trainer, leadership development, and competency-based training programmes with consistent positive learner outcomes. Advised stakeholders on learning strategy, capability uplift, and sustained performance support. Collaborated with national and international partners, strengthening cross-functional and cross-cultural learning networks.
Education
PhD in Education (In Progress) at Auckland University of Technology
January 11, 2030 - January 4, 2026MPhil – Education Leadership & Management (Instructional Leadership) at University of Management & Technology, Pakistan
January 11, 2030 - January 4, 2026Rector’s Award at University of Management & Technology
January 11, 2030 - January 4, 2026Certificate IV in Training & Assessment at Australian Adult Learning Institute (AALI)
January 11, 2030 - January 4, 2026Master in International Business at London Metropolitan University, UK
January 11, 2030 - January 4, 2026Master in Public Administration (Marketing & HRM) at University of the Punjab, Pakistan
January 11, 2030 - January 4, 2026PhD in Education (In Progress) at Auckland University of Technology
January 11, 2030 - January 4, 2026MPhil – Education Leadership & Management (Instructional Leadership); Rector’s Award | 4.0 GPA at University of Management & Technology, Pakistan
January 11, 2030 - January 4, 2026Certificate IV in Training & Assessment at Australian Adult Learning Institute (AALI)
January 11, 2030 - January 4, 2026Master in International Business at London Metropolitan University, UK
January 11, 2030 - January 4, 2026Master in Public Administration (Marketing & HRM) at University of the Punjab, Pakistan
January 11, 2030 - January 4, 2026Qualifications
Certificate IV in Training & Assessment
January 11, 2030 - January 4, 2026Rector’s Award
January 11, 2030 - January 4, 2026Rector’s Award
January 11, 2030 - January 4, 2026Certificate IV in Training & Assessment
January 11, 2030 - January 4, 2026Master in International Business
January 11, 2030 - January 4, 2026Master in Public Administration (Marketing & HRM)
January 11, 2030 - January 4, 2026Industry Experience
Education, Professional Services, Government, Non-Profit Organization, Other
Experience Level
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