• Experienced professional with over 20 years of international development and education expertise. Led strategic planning, talent recruitment and development, and program development efforts for diverse organizations. 

• Proficient in policy development and analysis, particularly in gender analysis, gender mainstreaming, and women's empowerment across sectors and policy areas. Demonstrated ability to foster constructive dialogue, build consensus among stakeholders with varying perspectives, and facilitate effective communication.

• Founding member of several initiatives, including the Orange Dialogue for Peace Program, ADA University EMBA Program, Women and the Future in Azerbaijan Project, and Code for Future Project, consistently delivering innovative and impactful projects. 

• Extensive experience delivering a wide range of trainings and academic courses to diverse audiences, covering Leadership, Organizational Effectiveness, Change Management, Negotiations, Personal Development, Teamwork, Communication, and Sustainable Development. Built a robust portfolio in teaching and education administration.

• Graduated from Maxwell School of Syracuse University, ranked as the number one public administration school in the US, earning an executive master’s in public administration and an MA in international relations. Completed professional development programs at the School for International Training (SIT), American University and Harvard University. Certified as a coach from Adler International and as an ISO 9001 Lead Audit from Swiss International

Shamsiyya (Shams) Mustafayeva | LinkedIn

• 15+ years experience in serving governmental and international organizations and private entities in Azerbaijan as an advocate, policy analyst, and researcher at World Bank Group, EU, Council of Europe, UNDP, UNFPA, OHCHR, Atkins Global, NIRAS Sweden, State Committee for Family, Women and Children's Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Justice Academy - Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Bar Association of Azerbaijan, etc.).

• Over 12 years of working experience in gender equality and economic empowerment, social-economic inclusion in smart city and smart village programs, climate change adaptation, and designing gender-responsive policies and action plans for diverse sectors (digital, energy, water, agriculture, wastewater, and solid waste, construction, transportation)

• Strong Legal and Regulatory Background, led legal and regulatory projects, conducted needs assessments, and developed guidance and recommendations to enhance protection mechanisms and access to services for vulnerable people (women, children, elderly, disabled, IDPs, and refugees). Co-author of the country-level National Action Plan for Combating Domestic Violence for 2020–2023 (http://www.e-qanun.az/framework/46358)

• Extensive experience in legislative drafting, institutional framework development, and conducting capacity building trainings/workshops for all stakeholders (UN inter-agency, the State Committee for Family, Women and Children's Affairs, Justice Academy - Ministry of Justice, Bar Association of Azerbaijan, Council of Europe, NGO, academic networks and public and private entities).

 Khalisa Shahverdiyeva | LinkedIn