Dindigul, Tamil Nadu. India
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A. Abdul Rahman: A Visionary Leader in Sustainable Development
With an illustrious career spanning two decades, A. Abdul Rahman stands as a highly accomplished and results-oriented expert in strategic operations and development. His extensive experience encompasses the full spectrum of project and program management, from intricate design and results-based management to meticulous monitoring, evaluation, and impactful advocacy. A proven leader, Abdul Rahman has consistently demonstrated the ability to conceptualize, implement, and oversee large-scale integrated programs with robust financial oversight, collaborating effectively with a diverse array of stakeholders including multi-donor funds, prestigious UN agencies, national and international organizations, and influential World Bank projects. His strategic acumen and hands-on approach have repeatedly delivered significant impact on organizational policy and strategic direction within the development sector across India and South Asia.
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A Legacy of Impactful Program Leadership
Abdul Rahman's professional journey is marked by a consistent trajectory of senior leadership roles, each reflecting a deepening commitment to sustainable development and tangible community upliftment. As Director at AF Development Care since March 2017, he has been instrumental in leading strategic management and implementation across India and South Asia. His responsibilities include ensuring high-quality reporting, maintaining effective data management systems, spearheading community consultations, and cultivating robust relationships with diverse stakeholders. He has overseen critical feasibility studies and surveys, directly informing evidence-based project design and development, while also directing project management activities and providing comprehensive training and support to project teams. A key contributor to organizational growth, he expertly manages donor mapping and the grant application process, developing compelling project proposals that secure vital funding.
Prior to this, as an India Associate Consultant for DKA Austria (2013-2017), Abdul Rahman coordinated extensively with partner NGOs on crucial programs focusing on child rights, gender equality, and ecological justice. His role involved providing strategic planning support, building partner capacities, and facilitating robust Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) processes, ensuring thorough outcome documentation and the development of insightful analytical reports.
His tenure as Regional Program Coordinator at ChildFund India (2010-2012) further cemented his expertise in multi-disciplinary team leadership. He provided strategic and operational support, enhancing coordination between national and local partners through capacity assessments and communication strategies. He was pivotal in MEL system design, compliance audits, and crucially, in strengthening NGO partner capacities in governance, program execution, and resource mobilization, personally facilitating proposal development for 13 partners.
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Driving Change at the Grassroots: UN and World Bank Engagements
Abdul Rahman's deep practical experience is vividly showcased through his significant contributions with global development giants. As a WATSAN Consultant for UNICEF (2008-2010) in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, he directly led water and sanitation initiatives across 150 villages. This included vital water quality assessments and a fluoride mitigation project in 60 villages. His collaborative efforts with entities like Unilever and local village panchayats were instrumental in enhancing access to safe drinking water and integrating crucial child nutrition programs. He also championed the development and implementation of child-friendly village strategies, promoting active parental involvement in childcare and development.
His role as an Associate Project Manager for a World Bank poverty reduction program in the Government of Tamil Nadu (2006-2008) highlights his ability to navigate complex community dynamics and deliver transformative results. He directed the implementation of poverty reduction programs, meticulously identifying impoverished families through participatory research and community consultations across 37 village panchayats. A testament to his stakeholder engagement skills, he successfully garnered approval from 1875 poor families across over 30 Gram Sabha meetings despite potential conflicts. He was also responsible for organizing and facilitating the establishment of 37 Village Poverty Reduction Committees and various essential sub-committees, alongside implementing inclusive programs for marginalized women's self-help groups and managing social protection initiatives for persons with disabilities.
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Foundational Expertise in Rural Development & Capacity Building
Earlier in his career, as a Project Associate at Gandhigram Rural University (2003-2006), Abdul Rahman laid the groundwork for his comprehensive understanding of rural economies. He developed strategic plans for drought management in key agricultural sectors (coconut and paddy farming) and diversified livelihood opportunities. He successfully established and strengthened numerous farmer associations and facilitated the creation of local industries (coir making, bee-keeping, honey processing, coconut marketing), demonstrating a profound ability to foster economic self-reliance.
His initial roles as Project Officer at Social Service Society (1997-2003) and Field Coordinator at Gandhigram Rural University (1992-1997) provided foundational experience in program development, implementation, community organization, and rigorous data collection, compilation, and analysis for reporting. These experiences involved critical work on women's development, environmental protection, child labor elimination, and reproductive child health programs, often funded by international donors like ActionAid, Royal Danish Embassy, Andheri Hilfe, and CIDA.
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Academic Prowess & Digital Acumen
Academically, Abdul Rahman holds an M.Phil. in Micro Level Planning, an M.A. in Economics, and an M.A. in Rural Development, alongside a B.A. in Rural Industries, Management, and Economics, all from esteemed institutions in Tamil Nadu.
His technical proficiency includes advanced usage of SPSS for statistical analysis, KoboToolbox for digital data collection, and expert command of the Microsoft Office Suite. Notably, he has explored the application of AI tools for social sector analytics, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to leveraging technology for enhanced program outcomes.
A. Abdul Rahman is a seasoned development professional whose two decades of diverse, results-driven experience, coupled with his strategic vision and deep understanding of grassroots realities, make him an invaluable asset for any organization committed to sustainable and inclusive growth. His leadership is defined by a powerful blend of strategic thinking, meticulous execution, and a genuine passion for empowering communities.
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