Shaji Ahmed
schajee@gmail.com+92 (307) 435-3378

Profile

I am a technologist with over 20 years of professional experience designing and developing computing experiences spanning the public and private sectors. My diverse experience enables me to provide practical guidance and advice across programs and for engineering matters.

Much of my passion for civic tech stems from my love of technology, which began early. Growing up at the advent of personal computers and during the age of the internet provided me with every opportunity to explore, learn, and grow as a programmer and designer. I used this experience to build websites and computer animations for customers at a relatively young age.

Having worked on large-scale projects over the course of my career, I have both the technical knowledge and the confidence to tackle ambitious ventures. I have helped build the first computerized identity cards, machine-readable passports, and driving licenses in Pakistan. My work also involved building border-control systems, online payment systems, vehicle tracking systems, and more at the National Database and Registration Authority.

Following a study break in Malaysia, where I helped set up a virtual university, I worked on several projects as a consultant for the UN and other multilateral donor agencies. I conducted a census of the Afghan refugees in Pakistan and evaluated several international aid programs. As the resident technologist, I gained first-hand experience in data management and analysis from some of the leading experts in the field.

I have developed innovative customer experience and engagement products for local telecommunication companies and government departments. Utilizing my knowledge in data analysis and user experience design, I have guided teams on improving multiple customer engagement products and processes.

I moonlight as Director of Engineering at AlphaX Decision Sciences, a US-based startup developing AI-assisted decision support systems for companies in the oil and energy sector. I have a background in Computing and Visual Effects for Film from schools in Pakistan and Malaysia. I live in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Expertise

Systems Analysis and DesignEnterprise Resource Planning(Software) Project ManagementBusiness Process ManagementOrganisation and StrategyFinancial PlanningBusiness Intelligence and AnalyticsSocial ResearchMonitoring and EvaluationData and Knowledge ManagementSoftware / Web DevelopmentData ScienceMachine LearningMultimedia and Graphic DesignFilm MakingEditing and Compositing

Skills

Languages:
PythonJavaScriptPHPC#SQLHTML/CSS
Frameworks:
DjangoFastAPILaravelNode.jsVue.js / NUXTjQueryDrupalWordPressHTMXStrapi
Libraries:
PandasNumpyScikit-learn
Databases:
Microsoft SQL ServerMySQLPostgreSQLSQLiteRedisSupabase
Packages:
Visual StudioMS OfficeAdobeSPSSAnaconda
Platforms:
Digital OceanFirebaseAWSAzureGoogle Cloud
Tools:
DockerGitPipViteComposerWebpack
IDEs:
Visual Studio CodeSublime TextVisual StudioSQL Server Management StudioMySQL WorkbenchPostman

Education

PeriodMajorUniversity
2005 - 2009Multimedia (Film and Animation)Multimedia University, MY
1997 - 1999Computer ScienceFAST-NUCES, PK

Employment

PeriodDesignationOrganizationSector
2022 till dateChief Executive OfficerCode for Pakistan, PKDevelopment
2018 till datePrincipal EngineerAlphaX Decision Sciences, USEnergy
2017 - 2018Manager Technology & DevelopmentApollo Telecom, PKTelecom
2016 - 2017Manager Knowledge & SystemsAAN Associates, PKDevelopment
2010 - 2015Managing ConsultantDech Enterprise, PKDevelopment
2009 - 2010ConsultantePROTEA Sdn Bhd, MYFinance
2009 - 2010ConsultantAl-Madinah University, MYEducation
2001 - 2005System Design EngineerNADRA, PKGovernment

Experience

Tech for Change, United States

October 2023 till date

Tech for Change is a civic innovation non-profit made up of a passionate community of technologists and talented professionals, driven by a strong belief in civic innovation and social impact that can move Pakistan forward in measurable and meaningful ways.

  • Organizational restructuring and strategic planning for the 'Code for Pakistan' project.
  • Developing standard operating procedures and policies for the all organizational functions.
  • Client relationship management and business development, including proposal writing and project management.
  • Leading community activities with volunteers and partners, including hackathons, workshops, and training sessions.

AlphaX Decision Sciences, United States

Dec 2018 - till date

AlphaX provides a suite of software and data management solutions for upstream oil and gas customers including independent and national oil companies and oilfield service companies.

  • Lead the development of proprietary oil field analytics and planning software.
  • Contributed towards the development of AI models for predicting oil well production in shale oil reserves in North America.
  • Developed multiple small-scale software solutions for clients in US and KSA.

Apollo Telecom, Pakistan

July 2017 - Nov 2018

Apollo Telecom is Pakistan's premiere telecommunication services provider focusing on customer experience and integration. Apollo has been providing cutting edge IT solutions to over 150 customers for over 23 years.

  • Provided project management, client coordination, and technical expertise for multiple local telecommunication clients (Ufone, Telenor, NTC) and for various government agencies (DGI&P, PITC).
  • Lead a team of developers, quality and network engineers in the development and testing of products and delivery of projects.
  • Participated in the development of operational and financial management systems, polices and standard operating procedures, and IT support.

AAN Associates, Pakistan

July 2016 - June 2017

AAN Associates is a development and communications consulting firm with offices in Pakistan and Norway, and specialises in facilitating and enabling development partners to explore innovative, sustainable and contextually relevant solutions to development challenges.

  • Provided project management, client coordination, and technical expertise for 2 international and 1 regional consulting assignments of varying scope and size.
  • Contributed to development of effective operational and financial management systems, polices and standard operating procedures, IT support and corporate branding and identity.

Dech Enterprise (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan

Nov 2010 - Sep 2015

Dech was a consulting firm specialising in evaluation, research, and strategy extending services to a broad variety of clients in the non-profit, commercial and public sectors.

  • Provided project management, client coordination, and technical expertise for 20 consulting projects of varying scope, size in a broad array of sectors (details given in the Projects & Consulting section below).
  • Led and participated in the development of expressions of interest, project proposals, work plans, and budgets for dozens of consulting projects for international development agencies.
  • Contributed to the development of an effective financial management system, and constantly improved upon the core operations policies and procedures and operational support functions including HR, project management and administration.
  • Developed software, conducted data analysis, and wrote reports for multiple large scale research and evaluation projects.

ePROTEA & FINEXUS Group, Malaysia

Aug 2009 - Mar 2010

eProtea-Finexus is a Malaysian-based enterprise banking software solutions provider, which develops and markets its own intellectual property (IP) banking solutions for the banking industry locally and internationally.

  • Led the office automation team in achieving paper-free work environment in the head office. Majority of the work revolved around requirement analysis and establishment of policies and procedures governing the employee habits in participating and documenting their work.
  • As part of the project, developed and deployed a VoIP Softphone for internal office communications using Linux and Asterix as the backend communication server.

Al-Madinah International University, Malaysia

May 2009 - July 2009

Al-Madinah International University is a hybrid virtual-campus based university providing distance-learning and contemporary education to Muslims through modern yet suitable educational tools.

  • Established the integrated Electronic Education Portals for Students, Faculty and Staff linked to the existing Learning Management System (LMS). The work involved a detailed analysis of the system requirements in the newly established offices for the procurement and development of software and hardware necessary for deployment.
  • Setup the MEDIU website which was integrated with the above portals and the LMS

National Database and Registration Authority, Pakistan

Mar 2001 - Jun 2005

NADRA is an attached department under the Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan and an independent corporate body with requisite autonomy to operate independently and facilitate good governance. NADRA provides solutions for identification, e-governance and secure documents that deliver multi-pronged goals of mitigating identity theft.

  • Part of the team of developers and engineers that created and deployed the Machine Readable Passports and the Automated Border Control Systems
  • Part of the team of engineers that developed and deployed the Vehicle Identification and Tracking System as well as the Electronic Road Pricing system for use on the motorways
  • Part of the team of developers and designers that developed prototypes and deployed the National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis, and Pakistan Origin Cards
  • Part of team of developers that implemented Enterprise Resource Planning and Business Process Management using customized software in the overall workflow of the organization

Projects

Directional Drilling Tendencies

Aramco Services Company (ASC), United StatesMay 2019 - Oct 2019

As Lead Engineer, developed a custom software implementation of predicting drill head locations up to 100ft ahead of the bit, using sensor data and machine learning models.

Bespoke Software Development

Pak Telecom Mobile Limited (Ufone), PakistanAug 2017 - Nov 2018

As Team Lead, lead the presales and software design and development for multiple projects for Ufone, including development and integration of their web chat module, integration of FWBL and Unilever in their IPCC infrastructure, Smart Kissan project for LMKT, and transition from a customized CMS solution to MS Dynamics.

IPCC related development and deployments

Bank Alfalah, Power IT Company (WAPDA), DGI&PDec 2017 - Nov 2018

As Team Lead, lead the presales and software development for multiple on-site IPCC deployments for various government agencies and private banks. These projects included customization of in-house software to cater to customers' demands, developing customized reports, tools, and related interfaces, and designing and developing interactive voice response systems.

Evaluation of The Ma'An Campaign “Together towards a Safe School Environment”

UNICEF, JordanDec 2016 - Jun 2017

As Data Analyst designed tabulation plan and conducted analysis of annual survey data available for the last four years. The Ma'An campaign is designed to make schools safer for children by changing social norms around violence against children, educating teachers about their rights and responsibilities, and fostering accountability amongst care-givers. Available data spans from 2012-2016 and covers over 3,500 schools.

Rapid Assessment of the “Makani Integrated Programme” Jordan

UNICEF, JordanNov 2016 - Mar 2017

As Research Analyst main responsibilities included collecting, collating, and organising secondary and primary research and data, analysis of focus group discussion and key informant interview notes and transcripts, analysis of interim progress reports, and other programme activities. UNICEF Jordan's Makani Integrated Programme, is an initiative that aims to provide a comprehensive package of services to vulnerable children and youth including psychosocial support, life skills and learning support in a safe and nourishing environment.

Baseline surveys of targeted groups concerning delivery of government services in Rule of Law (RoL) related departments

Ecorys, United KingdomDec 2016 - Apr 2017

As Project Coordinator and Research Manager main responsibilities included client and team coordination, developing and designing tabulation plans and survey instruments, supervision of survey field teams, development of survey and training manuals, as well as quality assurance. The purpose of these surveys was to establish baseline against a number of indicators included in the Punjab Rule of Law Roadmap and understand existing situation/practices.

Development of Business Intelligence dashboards for Project Management Unit

Riphah International University, PakistanFeb 2016 - Jun 2016

As Consultant designed and developed an electronic Business Intelligence (BI) dashboard for the development projects being carried out by the university. The dashboard intends to provide concise and meaningful analysis on data collected from the Project Management and Finance units.

Technology infrastructure development for Fori Mazdoori

Fori Mazdoori (Pvt) Ltd, PakistanOct 2015 - Mar 2016

As Consultant lead the technical research and development of the product for both national and international markets (skillbazaar.co), upgraded the existing online platform for Fori Mazdoori and provided API level interfaces for connectivity with mobile and other planned applications.

Impact assessment of rural livelihood interventions supported by DFID in areas of Sindh and Balochistan affected by 2012 floods

Department for International Development (DFID), United KingdomFeb 2015 - May 2015

As Research and Data Management Specialist main responsibilities included developing an understanding of the assignment through detailed discussions with DFID, FAO and Concern, development of the analytical framework and work plans, identification of key questions and indicators, overseeing the data collection and cleaning process, data analysis, and report preparation. The project was a follow-up to the baseline study and covered a little over 2,000 respondents. The study included both qualitative and quantitative aspects and provided statistical benchmarks on the performances of each of the 25 interventions given to the flood-affected in three districts of Sindh and Balochistan.

Developing a baseline study of rural livelihoods in areas affected by 2012 floods

Department for International Development (DFID), United KingdomDec 2013 - Aug 2014

As Data Management Specialist main responsibilities included detailed discussions with DFID, FAO and Concern, analysis of proposed logical frameworks and work plans, identification of key questions and indicators, analysis of the proposed beneficiary data and structures, development of sampling frame, and preparing the methodology for the baseline.

TeleTaleem project - Design, management, and research (DMR) consulting package

Asian Development Bank (ADB)Apr 2013 - Oct 2014

As Research Manager main responsibilities included designing, developing and conducting research for the DMR consulting package, providing statistical foundation to the medium and long-term strategic plans for TeleTaleem.

Ilm (meaning ‘education') on Wheels, under the Ilm Ideas Programme managed by DAI Europe and funded by UKaid / DFID

TeleTaleem (Pvt) Ltd, PakistanJun 2012 - Mar 2013

As Data Management Specialist main responsibilities included development of tools required for M&E, designing and conducting the baseline assessment and impact assessments, conducting data analysis of the impact, and contribute to the end of project evaluation report.

Technical support for response to the Afghan Population Profiling, Verification and Response project

UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), PakistanMay 2012 - Sep 2012

As Project Manager main responsibilities include planning and executing all project activities, ensuring development and maintenance of the software needed for extraction and reporting of project data and conducting workshops and trainings for the stakeholders. Key activities included training & data needs assessments of UNHCR, Govt. of Pakistan and Govt. of Afghanistan, development of software / analytical reports and training of representatives of the same organisations in application of the data and reports in policy and programme implementation.

Mid-Term Evaluation of the Pakistan Domestic Biogas Programme (PDBP)

Rural Support Programmes Network (RSPN), PakistanApr 2012 - Jul 2012

As Data Management Expert and Analyst main responsibilities included a comprehensive and exhaustive review of all background material, progress reports, training manuals, biogas user surveys and RSPN and EKN summary reports on the PDBP. Carried out a detailed analysis of the sector development strategy, work plans, marketing materials / campaigns and prepared the final report. The objective of the assignment was to assess the progress of the PDBP and to provide recommendations for the improvement of the implementation of the Programme for the remaining project period as well as for the design of a possible follow-up phase.

Afghan Population Profiling, Verification & Response (Roll-out phase)

UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), PakistanJan 2011 - Jan 2012

As Technology Solutions Expert main responsibilities included the development of survey instruments, data analysis and project management tools, and oversight of technical aspects of the project, planning, human resource management, coordination, financial management and reporting of the technical component. Along with all software development, responsibilities included designing of databases, networking setups and troubleshooting, support for the developed software, documentation, analysis and reporting on the findings of the survey. The project included community mapping, household listing, data collection from 120,000 households - almost a million people - through an integrated software also developed by the technical team of EBDM, qualitative community assessments of over 500 communities, data validation, process monitoring, data analysis, reporting and master training of almost 1,000 field staff. Performed a key technical role in the preparation and acquisition of the US$ 10 Million project.

Profile of the internally displaced persons from the floods of 2010 in Pakistan

UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), PakistanDec 2010 - Jan 2011

As Analyst main responsibilities included cleaning, collating and analysing WATAN/ATM card data collected and digitized by NADRA and preparing the final analytical report for UNHCR and GoP. WATAN cards were issued to more than 1 million individuals across Pakistan in the aftermath of the 2010 floods. The process was facilitated by NADRA through rapid registration of all flood-affected persons.

Mid-term external review of the Chitral Integrated Area Development Programme

Royal Norwegian Embassy (RNE), PakistanOct 2010 - Dec 2010

As Analyst main responsibilities included compilation and subsequent analysis of (a) the physical project data, (b) the internal M&E records and (c) the budget versus disaggregated expenditures classified by result area, and analysis and preparation of the final report. The Chitral Integrated Area Development Programme was a five-year (2009-2013) development programme funded jointly by the Norwegian and Dutch governments for a total contribution of NOK 100 million. The objective of the MTR was to assess the progress of the CIADP and to provide recommendations for the improvement of the implementation of the programme.

Afghan Population Profiling, Verification & Response project (Pilot phase) + Research Study on Economic Activities of Afghan Refugees in Pakistan

UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), PakistanAug 2010 - Dec 2010

As Technology Solutions Expert main responsibilities included development of survey instruments, data analysis and project management tools, and oversight of technical aspects of the project, planning, human resource management, coordination, financial management and reporting of the technical component. The projects were based on a software-assisted sample survey of 15,000 households. Key activities included household listing, data collection, qualitative research, M&E, trainings of over 120 field staff, community assessments, quantitative analysis, key informant interviews, data validation and analytical reporting.

Office automation of corporate headquarters

ePROTEA-FINEXUS Group, MalaysiaAug 2009 - Mar 2010

As an independent consultant brought in to streamline the communication framework used within the multiple offices of the organization, responsibilities included analysis of the existing practices, proposal of the new architecture and implementation of the solution using tried and tested technologies and methodologies without disrupting the existing business workflows.

Establishment of Student and Faculty Portals and website integrated with the Online Learning Management System

Al-Madinah International University, MalaysiaMay 2009 - Jul 2009

As an independent consultant brought in to help establish the newly setup virtual university, responsibilities included setting up of Student, Faculty and Staff portals integrated with a proprietary Learning Management System. Along with the portals, the main website for the university was also setup using open-source CMS which was also integrated with the LMS.

Automated Border Control System

National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), PakistanJan 2005 - Jun 2005

As the System Design Engineer on the project, responsibilities included overall system design, research and analysis of existing technologies, project management, identification and procurement of technologies required for the implementation, identification of possible local manufacturers for the fabrication of the system and ensuring that the prototype is ready for production. The project was envisaged as a tool for law-enforcement agencies in eradicating illegal immigration and human trafficking. The Automated Border Control System is fully automated immigration control system linked with the central passport server. It authenticates e-Passport, identity and other travel documents by performing on spot facial recognition and fingerprint identification. It also keeps records of automated data verification, passenger travel history, flight information, destination, port-of-origin, and nationality.

Machine Readable Passports

National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), PakistanJan 2004 - Dec 2004

As the System Design Engineer on the Machine Readable Passport project, responsibilities included research and analysis of available solutions, identification of all printing equipment, passport booklet design, design of the MRP data page, system architecture and design, overseeing the development of the software used for data entry and printing of passport booklets. The Multi-Biometric e-Passport solution uses overt and covert security features supported by sophisticated technology and business logic. The centralized and decentralized e-Passport solutions incorporate RFID chips, ghost images, and LaTeX screen printing.

Vehicle Identification and Tracking System, and Electronic Road Pricing

National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), PakistanAug 2003 - Dec 2003

As the Design Engineer of the VITS and ERP projects, responsibilities included research and analysis of available technologies, procurement of hardware necessary for implementing the desired solution, research and development on the technologies used in the project, providing development support to the engineers and developers implementing the project. The system uses Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) technology to identify vehicles approaching ‘manned' & ‘unmanned' check-posts at entry/exit points with real-time monitoring at the central control room. RFID passive contact-less chips are placed on vehicle's windshield that contain vehicle's details, linked with the owner's details.

Enterprise Resource Planning and Business Process Management

National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), PakistanMar 2003 - Jul 2003

As the Process Design Engineer of the ERP/BPM project, responsibilities included leading the team of developers and managers in identifying and streamlining the daily business practices, designing better and more efficient business processes, developing software to eliminate the dependencies on documents and setting up reporting and analysis services for the management to view the overall functioning of the organization.