Director – Africa & Oceania Regions
Mr. Zia Hashmi is a seasoned development professional and internationally recognized evaluation
expert, bringing over 29 years of leadership experience in strategic advisory, program evaluation,
and institutional development across South Asia, Africa, Oceania and the MENA regions. He is now
spearheading AiD’s expansion and operations across the African continent and Oceania region. His
career is distinguished by a deep commitment to evidence-based policy, results-driven
programming, and fostering effective partnerships between governments, development partners,
civil society, and the private sector. Mr. Hashmi possesses an extensive background in designing
and overseeing robust M&E systems, theory of change models, and strategic learning frameworks
that enhance program impact and inform high-level decision-making. Mr. Hashmi’s expertise is
grounded in international evaluation standards, applying frameworks such as OECD-DAC criteria
(including ALNAP for humanitarian contexts), as well as UNDP, ADB, and World Bank
methodologies. This technical rigor, combined with a culturally informed and diplomatic approach,
enables him to operate effectively in complex and sensitive environments, ensuring solutions are
both actionable and sustainable. He has a proven track record of cultivating and managing
relationships with major institutional donors and multilateral agencies, including the World Bank,
African Development Bank (AfDB), EU, ECHO, FCDO, BMZ (GIZ), and various UN agencies
(UNDP, UNHCR, UNICEF). His work has directly shaped humanitarian and development initiatives,
with a strong focus on capacity building, policy dialogue, and rights-based development. At AiD, as
Director – Africa & Oceania regions, Mr. Hashmi leverages his vast networks and strategic vision to
drive the firm’s growth and impact across the region. He plays a pivotal role in identifying new
opportunities, leading high-level negotiations, and building strategic consortia for complex, multi-
partner projects. His leadership ensures AiD’s initiatives in infrastructure, water resources, climate
resilience, and social development are grounded in rigorous evidence and aligned with both donor
priorities and local needs.