Uzera Nishat, Senior Advisor – People, Systems, and Institutional Development
Uzera Nishat, holding an M.Phil. in Management Sciences and an MBA in Finance and Management, is a senior consultant with over 20 years of cross-sectoral experience in human resource leadership, financial planning, and institutional development. She has led strategic roles in organizations such as the International Rescue Committee (Jordan and Pakistan), WaterAid, and SPO, where she spearheaded organizational transformations, policy formulation, and workforce development initiatives. Her qualifications are further enhanced by certifications from Oxford University, ILO Turin, and eCornell in strategic change and HR consulting.
At DataBridge Development Solutions (DDS), Uzera brings deep expertise in people systems, financial oversight, and governance reforms. She has designed and managed multimillion-rupee HR and operational budgets, led value-for-money assessments, and introduced automation systems that improved organizational efficiency. Her financial acumen is grounded in donor-funded environments, having developed cost-benefit analyses, unit cost models, and financial reports for agencies like DFID, UNDP, and the European Commission.
She has played an instrumental role in high-impact restructuring processes, organizational reviews, and the development of performance management systems. Her strategic advisory extends to serving on boards and steering committees, contributing to institutional transparency, audit compliance, and safeguarding. Uzera has also advised on public sector capacity enhancement in KP, designing long-term capacity development frameworks for line departments under the WASH strategy.
With a global footprint across Jordan, Malaysia, Turkey, the UK, and South Asia, Uzera combines international exposure with localized solutions. Her work in inclusion, staff wellbeing, and leadership development reflects a commitment to transforming institutions through people-first strategies, making her a key asset to DDS’s mission of delivering context-driven, research-informed development solutions.
Aftab Iqbal, Senior Communication and Media Expert
Tahira Habib, Senior Training and Rights-Based Development Specialist
Tahira Habib holds a distinguished career in governance, human rights, and minority advocacy, backed by over 25 years of field and institutional experience. With a background in cultural diplomacy and extensive engagement in national and international forums, she brings specialized expertise in minority rights, peacebuilding, and capacity development. Her work has consistently focused on building inclusive governance systems, countering gender-based violence, and strengthening civil society’s role in democratic resilience.
At DDS, Tahira contributes a rich and diverse portfolio spanning research, lobbying, program design, and rights-based advocacy. Her achievements include serving as Co-Director at the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, where she led national and regional responses to minority and gender-based rights violations. She has designed and delivered over 50 tailored training workshops across Pakistan on themes such as digital rights, GBV prevention, peacebuilding, and access to information—supported by leading organizations like the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, Public Service International, and CLAAS.
Her strategic roles also include more than two decades of service with the U.S. Consulate Lahore, where she led cultural and public diplomacy initiatives. She advised on interfaith harmony, managed exchange programs, and played a key role in U.S. diplomatic outreach on minority issues. Her leadership was recognized through multiple awards for innovation, teamwork, and public service under high-stakes conditions.
With international exposure from training and seminars in Germany, Nepal, Indonesia, and the U.S., Tahira’s global understanding enhances DDS’s capacity to deliver culturally sensitive, locally rooted, and internationally aligned programming. Her combination of grassroots engagement and strategic foresight positions her as a critical asset in advancing inclusive governance, civic education, and rights-based development in fragile and transitional settings.
Suleman Naqeeb - Corporate Business Planning and Financial Systems Advisor
Suleman Naqeeb is a dedicated and results-driven finance professional with over 15 years of experience in financial management, business planning, and strategic operations. Currently serving as Finance Manager at Legal and Legal in Rawalpindi, he has successfully designed and managed comprehensive financial systems using QuickBooks and developed over 100 business plans across diverse sectors. His expertise spans financial reporting, procurement, payroll, bank reconciliation, and end-of-year account finalisation.
In addition to his core financial competencies, Suleman brings a strong foundation in marketing, IT systems, and web development, including experience with platforms such as WordPress and OpenCart. Known for his adaptability, multilingual skills, and problem-solving acumen, he thrives in dynamic environments and excels in cross-functional coordination.
At DDS, Suleman contributes to institutional financial planning, internal control systems, and operational efficiency, ensuring that development projects are not only impactful but also financially sustainable.