I am Zar Gul Gran, a seasoned Afghan development professional with over 25 years of experience in agricultural development, economic analysis, and program management across government, NGO, and international projects. I thrive on turning data and field insights into strategic actions that improve livelihoods, food security, and sustainable development. My work spans policy advisory, project design, M&E, and value-chain development, with a proven track record of coordinating diverse teams and delivering impact under challenging conditions. I am passionate about building lasting institutions and partnerships that advance rural livelihoods. I focus on practical, results-oriented planning, adaptive management, and knowledge transfer to ensure programs are relevant, scalable, and beneficial for communities, donors, and governments alike.…

Zar Gul Gran

I am Zar Gul Gran, a seasoned Afghan development professional with over 25 years of experience in agricultural development, economic analysis, and program management across government, NGO, and international projects. I thrive on turning data and field insights into strategic actions that improve livelihoods, food security, and sustainable development. My work spans policy advisory, project design, M&E, and value-chain development, with a proven track record of coordinating diverse teams and delivering impact under challenging conditions. I am passionate about building lasting institutions and partnerships that advance rural livelihoods. I focus on practical, results-oriented planning, adaptive management, and knowledge transfer to ensure programs are relevant, scalable, and beneficial for communities, donors, and governments alike.…

Available to hire

I am Zar Gul Gran, a seasoned Afghan development professional with over 25 years of experience in agricultural development, economic analysis, and program management across government, NGO, and international projects. I thrive on turning data and field insights into strategic actions that improve livelihoods, food security, and sustainable development. My work spans policy advisory, project design, M&E, and value-chain development, with a proven track record of coordinating diverse teams and delivering impact under challenging conditions.

I am passionate about building lasting institutions and partnerships that advance rural livelihoods. I focus on practical, results-oriented planning, adaptive management, and knowledge transfer to ensure programs are relevant, scalable, and beneficial for communities, donors, and governments alike.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent
Pashto, Pushto
Fluent
Tajik
Fluent

Work Experience

Senior Technical & Strategic Advisor at Compassionate Afghanistan Social Development & Humanitarian Organization (CASDHO)
January 1, 2025 - November 27, 2025
Providing high-level technical expertise and strategic guidance; assessing systems and processes; designing technology roadmaps; leading cross-functional teams; monitoring industry trends; supporting change management and organizational transformation; ensuring compliance with donor and regulatory requirements.
Project Manager (Agriculture) at Wadan Organization for Development (WOD)
December 31, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Coordinated project activities, ensured timely delivery within scope and budget; facilitated stakeholder collaboration; established and implemented M&E frameworks; prepared progress reports; provided technical assistance and budgetary oversight; supervised staff and maintained project documentation.
Agribusiness Development Manager at Afghan Bureau Collaboration Office (ABCO)
December 31, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Led the agriculture practice, developed proposals for agribusiness, created marketing collateral, and implemented digital marketing strategies; conducted market research and supported provincial travel for project activities.
Development Associate (Fundraiser) at Women for Afghan Women (WAW)
February 27, 2021 - February 27, 2021
Supported fundraising efforts, helped diversify funding sources, developed grant proposals, built development infrastructure, and managed donor communications in line with organizational strategy.
Agriculture Economist at Office of the Chief Advisor to the President on Agriculture and Development
October 31, 2020 - October 31, 2020
Developed the country’s long-term action plans for high-value crops (indoor farming, fish farming); advanced value chains; conducted market analyses, cost-benefit analyses, environmental and social impact assessments, and policy recommendations; supported food safety and WTO/SPS considerations.
Social Safeguard Specialist at CASA-1000 project (World Bank funded)
June 30, 2017 - June 30, 2017
Prepared environmental and social screening documents; ensured project conformity with World Bank safeguards; conducted on-the-job training for regional professionals; monitored and reported on safeguards compliance; conducted Environmental, Social and Economic Impact Assessments.
Program / M&E Coordinator at Beta Consultancy Service Company (BCS.Co)
December 31, 2017 - December 31, 2017
Developed program strategy and M&E systems; created risk mitigation policies; prepared proposals; coordinated with donors; supported CEO in donor meetings and reporting; developed project documentation and field visit plans.
Economist for Feasibility Study for the Panj-Amu River Basin Project at Urban Builder Group (UBG)
May 31, 2015 - May 31, 2015
Conducted surveys, data collection, and economic analyses for agriculture, irrigation, watershed, and environmental projects; prepared reports and forecasts; advised on policy and investment decisions.
Food Safety / Trade Policy Specialist at SIM, S.p.A - AMIP Project (Ministry of Agriculture)
March 27, 2013 - March 27, 2013
Contributed to food safety and trade policy work; supported market infrastructure development; analyzed risk and compliance with SPS measures.
Program Officer at Norwegian Church Aid (NCA)
June 30, 2012 - June 30, 2012
Program design and implementation in agriculture development and humanitarian contexts; coordination with partners and stakeholders to maximize impact.
Agricultural and Economics Development Advisor (AEDA) at DAI (LGCD)
December 31, 2008 - December 31, 2008
Advised on agriculture development strategies and policy; supported program design and implementation to strengthen agricultural productivity and livelihoods.
Consultant at FAO (Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations)
December 31, 2005 - December 31, 2005
Advised on FAO-related agricultural projects and assignments; supported technical inputs and knowledge sharing.
M&E Officer at AREA (Agency for Rehabilitation and Energy Conservation)
March 11, 2004 - March 11, 2004
Managed Monitoring & Evaluation activities; supported environmental and social safeguards, data collection, and reporting.
Agronomist at UNCHS (Habitat)
December 31, 2002 - December 31, 2002
Agronomy-focused field work, technical assessments, and project support within housing and urban development contexts.
Office In-Charge at ARC (Austrian Relief Committee)
March 31, 2001 - March 31, 2001
Office management, program coordination, and operational oversight in humanitarian development projects.
Farm Mechanization Manager / Horticulture Manager / Provincial Manager at Afghan Development Association (ADA)
December 31, 1999 - December 31, 1999
Oversaw farm mechanization, horticulture programs, and provincial operations; led program implementation at multiple levels.
Team Leader at ARC (Austrian Relief Committee)
April 30, 1993 - April 30, 1993
Led teams in humanitarian and development projects; coordinated cross-functional activities and stakeholder engagement.
Agriculture Extension Director / General Agriculture Director at Afghan Government
March 31, 1987 - March 31, 1987
Directed agricultural extension and general agriculture policy and programs at the government level.

Education

Bachelor's degree at Kabul University
March 21, 1973 - December 31, 1977
Master's degree at NWFP Agriculture University, Peshawar, Pakistan
September 1, 1989 - March 31, 1993

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Agriculture & Mining, Professional Services, Non-Profit Organization, Education, Government

Skills

Experience Level