Asmara Rahat
Oulu
Summary
A multi-certified technology professional, PMP and SCRUM certified, Tech Women USA 19 Fellow with vast experience in product life cycles, project management , UI & UX , stakeholder management both in national and multi-national organizations.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
7
7
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST | PRODUCT DESIGN AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT
ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
01.2024 - Current
- My role is a dynamic blend of product development and project management, focusing on ERP and MIS systems for five provincial water and sanitation companies.Working with stakeholders to design product features and requirements based on technical assessments, I contribute to activities related to Smart City solutions and ERP/MIS/Communication systems, ensuring the alignment of technical feasibility with business objectives.
- Using Agile methodologies, I manage product development cycles, create user stories, epics, and detailed technical specifications for ICT components, and monitor project activities, sprints, and milestones using JIRA. Regular product reviews and iterations based on user feedback and technological viability ensure adaptability and continuous improvement.
- Coordination with cross-functional teams is essential to aligning with product goals and timelines. I oversee User Acceptance Testing (UAT), compile user feedback for iterative development, and ensure compliance with standards and regulatory frameworks in product development and project management.
- In addition to product management, I lead efforts to document user manuals, technical guides, and system documentation, collaborating closely with QA teams to guarantee product quality and adherence to Project management standards. My responsibilities include monitoring and analyzing product performance metrics to identify enhancements, optimizing system functionality, and providing technical support and training to end-users and stakeholders.
- I also offer technical expertise in evaluating Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for Smart City and ICT procurements, ensuring technical alignment with project requirements. By overseeing the overall management of the projects, implementation, quality assurance, and monitoring of Smart City and ICT solutions, I conduct technical progress reviews and provide necessary inputs to ensure project success.
SENIOR PRODUCT MANAGER | PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
JIBE, LLC USA - MARINE ERP
12.2022 - 11.2023
- I was in charge of product development and design for a comprehensive marine ERP system. looking from hiring crew to signing off. This meant taking care of finances, business, payroll, the supply chain, Risk management, and technical and environmental modules.
- I was also in charge of international teams of product managers, developers, quality control experts, Scrum masters, and business analysts to make sure that all modules worked together smoothly. I made sure that we stuck to the product roadmap to meet all deadlines and milestones, and we did so within budget and on time. We delivered the risk management module before its deadlines.
- By using Scrum and Agile methods, I improved the speed of product development and design processes while maintaining high-quality standards. I worked closely with stakeholders to describe product needs and turn them into development plans that could be put into action.
- Improved user experience by collaborating closely with design and development teams on UI/UX enhancements.
- Led cross-functional teams for successful product launches, resulting in increased market share.Increased new client acquisition through targeted initiatives.
- Regular feedback loops and iterative development cycles led to continuous improvement. Testing and quality assurance processes were monitored to make sure the ERP system worked well and was reliable.
- Cross-functional teamwork solved technology problems and made sure that everyone was working toward the same goals. I helped create a culture of innovation and excellence by encouraging teamwork and sharing of information. I also kept an eye on the product roadmap and reported on key metrics and milestones to top management and other stakeholders. Notable clients included ASEM, OSG, and Maersk.
PROJECT MANAGER | PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT
INNROAD PVT LIMITED
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Throughout my tenure, I coordinated the entire product development lifecycle with a focus on delivering tailored solutions that precisely meet client requirements and preferences
- Collaborating effectively with stakeholders, scrum masters, and product developers, I defined and executed a visionary product roadmap, strategically prioritizing and managing the product backlog to adapt to evolving market demands and client needs
- I directed all phases of product creation, from initial design concepts to final development stages, ensuring seamless integration of user stories and continuous evaluation of progress
- As a key liaison between the product team and end-users, I facilitated ongoing communication and incorporated feedback to enhance user experience and product functionality
- Enforcing strict adherence to Scrum methodologies, I optimized team performance and productivity while proactively removing obstacles to goal achievement
- Leading comprehensive project planning, execution, and monitoring efforts, I assumed full accountability for project scope, team resources, and overall success
- Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
- Diligently monitoring project timelines, I promptly reported deviations to stakeholders and maintained transparent communication across all organizational levels
- Using Scrum and Agile methodologies, I applied advanced software development tools and analytical frameworks to drive efficient project delivery
- Applying a user-centered design approach, I upheld rigorous quality standards across all phases of project management to ensure excellence in execution
- Throughout my role, I contributed significantly to the development and enhancement of various modules within the Innroad product, including Booking management, Reservation management, revenue management, and others, enriching product capabilities and performance
- Working with important clients such as AirBnB, Booking.com, and Trip Advisor, I fostered a collaborative environment across diverse teams and stakeholders, promoting innovation and continuous improvement to achieve exceptional project outcomes
- Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams and resolved conflicts, maintaining a positive work environment throughout the project lifecycle.
- Prepared detailed reports on project status for stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment with objectives.
- Provided detailed project status updates to stakeholders and executive management.
- Enhanced overall project success by conducting thorough post-project evaluations and incorporating lessons learned into future efforts.
SENIOR MANAGER - INFORMATION SYSTEMS & COMMUNICATION | PROJECTS AND PRODUCTS
WATER AND SANITATION SERVICES PESHAWAR
12.2014 - 12.2021
- I oversaw the development and implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems integrating e-procurement and billing functionalities using agile methodologies
- Additionally, I established a Tier-III Data Center and implemented an IP-based communication system (Avaya IP Telephony) to enhance internal communication capabilities
- Further enhancing operational oversight, I implemented a Video Wall for centralized monitoring linked with field cameras
- In customer relations, I developed Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems via short codes and other media channels to improve customer interactions
- For data-driven decision-making, I implemented SCADA systems in community and facility management, alongside leading GIS-based Asset Mapping and fleet management systems internally
- Notably, I organized and executed the first-ever National Mega Hackathon in Water and Sanitation, successfully transitioning prototypes into practical solutions
- Conducting GPS/GIS-based door-to-door surveys covering over 400,000 households and commercial properties, I managed initiatives for water connections, billing, and community feedback
- To strengthen organizational capabilities, I managed capacity-building initiatives for middle management, board members, operational staff, and community representatives
- I also developed and deployed community-based applications to enhance service delivery and engagement
- Throughout these activities, I crafted strategy documents and executed communication outreach plans to boost media and community engagement
- Lastly, I developed and managed a comprehensive product roadmap, ensuring seamless transitions into multiple projects using storyboards, epics, and project management tools such as JIRA
- Provided strong leadership to enhance team productivity and morale.
Project Manager- Fellow
Twitter
08.2019 - 12.2019
- Successfully developed a project in coordination with Twitter for the municipal waste.
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM SPECIALIST- ICT PROJECTS | BUSINESS ANALYSIS AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT
MUNICIPAL SERVICES PROGRAM- USAID
06.2013 - 12.2014
- I led product development initiatives under the USAID and government-funded Municipal Services Program, focusing on ICT systems across Peshawar, DI Khan, and Malakand
- This involved defining the product vision, strategy, and roadmap to align with organizational goals and stakeholder needs
- Conducting thorough business analysis, I identified user needs and translated them into actionable epics, user stories, and acceptance criteria
- Managing the development lifecycle, I supervised both in-house and outsourced teams for software and hardware implementation
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions for complex technical issues.
- Using agile methodologies, I prioritized features, conducted sprint planning, and managed backlog grooming sessions
- I also coordinated ICT procurements and developed vendor relationships to ensure timely delivery and cost-effective solutions
- Additionally, I established and chaired Project Review Meetings (PRMs) with investors, government bodies, municipal corporations, and utilities to review progress and ensure alignment with project objectives
- Providing technical leadership and support throughout the project lifecycle, from initial concept through deployment and post-deployment support, I ensured comprehensive oversight and successful project outcomes
MANAGER- ERP AND SOFTWARE | PRODUCT DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT
REHMAN MEDICAL INSTITUTE - HEALTHCARE
09.2011 - 05.2013
- I oversaw the development of comprehensive Health Management Information Systems (HIMS) at Rehman Medical Institute, guiding all phases from initial concept to deployment
- Working closely with key stakeholders, I collaborated to gather and map requirements for HIMS and its related modules
- I defined detailed product features and specifications, employing ICD-10 coding schemes and HL-7 standards to ensure seamless healthcare data interoperability
- Leading a multidisciplinary team that included Business Analysts, DBAs, network engineers, web developers, ERP developers, SharePoint developers, and IT trainers, I led the development of ERP modules such as HR, Finance, Supply Chain, Payroll, and Procurement
- These modules were integrated with HIMS to optimize data flow and operational efficiency
- To ensure product quality and compliance, I conducted rigorous User Acceptance Tests (UATs) and prepared both Preliminary Acceptance Certificates (PAC) and Final Acceptance Certificates (FAC)
- Additionally, I implemented offline Business Continuity Systems to maintain uninterrupted service delivery during emergencies
- Designing and developing the Health Management Information System (HIMS) encompassing 2500 nodes and essential modules, I utilized Oracle to customize ERPs tailored specifically to healthcare operations and management needs
- Integrating data across HIMS and ERP modules facilitated comprehensive patient care, financial management, and efficient supply chain operations
- I also managed the development of an Online Admission Module to streamline student admissions across medical, nursing, and physician colleges
- Furthermore, I directed the development of an Education Management Information System (EMIS) customized for colleges and schools under the institute's umbrella, ensuring seamless operations and enhanced educational management
- Facilitated team brainstorming sessions that led to innovative solutions for long-standing operational challenges.
- Achieved significant cost savings by renegotiating contracts with key vendors, without compromising service quality.
- Planned, created, tested and deployed system life cycle methodology to produce high quality systems to meet and exceed customer expectations.
MANAGER INFORMATION SYSTEMS-HEALTH
INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE
05.2010 - 09.2011
- I managed the development of an Information Management System (IMS) using internal teams, overseeing every phase of the project lifecycle
- Coordination of nationwide teams ensured the seamless deployment and integration of the IMS for monitoring and reporting purposes
- I facilitated collaboration among stakeholders to gather requirements and define the project scope, ensuring comprehensive understanding and alignment
- Implementation of Monitoring and Evaluation tools within the IMS framework enabled effective data analysis and performance evaluation
- Regular progress reviews and milestone assessments were conducted to track project deliverables and maintain alignment with objectives
- Leading the team in system testing, user acceptance testing (UAT), and deployment activities ensured smooth transition to operational teams
- Ongoing support and maintenance were provided to optimize system performance and enhance user satisfaction, ensuring the IMS continued to meet evolving needs effectively
MANAGER - INFORMATION SYSTEMS MONITORING AND EVALUATION CELL
HEALTH DEPARTMENT KP
04.2009 - 04.2010
- I led IT initiatives for the health sector's technology infrastructure across 24 districts of KP Province, overseeing significant IT enterprise projects
- I established long-term technical direction and capacity plans to ensure alignment with organizational goals
- Developed and deployed Indicator-Based Performance Monitoring and Evaluation System.Led a team of 7 members in the technical development and deployment of a performance monitoring and evaluation system
- Utilized SPSS, EPI Info, and other tools for data analysis and system execution across 24 districts with over 200 users
- Performed Process Re-engineering and automation. Automated manual processes to enhance data tracking accuracy, workgroup efficiency, and overall data quality
- Developed implementation plans for the Citizen Voice Study in collaboration with the Planning Department and Abacus Consulting
- Facilitated monitoring and evaluation efforts to enhance government service delivery and accountability
PROJECT MANAGER
ADVANCED COMPUTING AND ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS - NESCOM/PMO
03.2008 - 03.2009
- I took responsibility for developing, designing, managing, and maintaining the Management Information Systems (MIS) for different projects
- This included creating data migration strategies and conducting data analytics to uphold system integrity and usability
- I applied standard project management practices such as project planning and scheduling, stakeholder management, vendor management, and contract negotiations, as well as risk assessment and mitigation strategies
- Throughout each project, I guided all phases to successful closure, diligently documenting lessons learned for the Project Management Office (PMO)
- Developed a complete MIS for DOW University Of Health Sciences and Hospital Karachi. Developed a complete Campus/Education Management System and integrated ERP modules for streamlined operations
- Designed and deployed an MIS tailored to the specific needs of Heavy Industry Taxila, enhancing operational efficiency and data management
- Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
- Provided detailed project status updates to stakeholders and executive management.
- Effectively managed scope creep by establishing clear boundaries on requested changes while keeping projects aligned with original objectives and budgets.
MANAGER ERP | PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND PRODUCT DESIGN
CECOS UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND SCIENCES
10.2003 - 02.2008
- I began my career at CECOS University as a developer and progressed to the role of Manager within a span of 5 years
- During this time, I led the development of an in-house ERP system for the university utilizing Oracle databases and PL/SQL
- Additionally, I designed and implemented a comprehensive Campus Management System that included modules for attendance tracking, grading, and scheduling
- As part of my responsibilities, I developed various ERP modules to enhance university operations: In HR, I automated employee records, payroll processing, and performance management
- The Finance module streamlined budgeting processes, accounting tasks, and financial reporting
- For Supply Chain management, I implemented systems to manage inventory, procurement activities, and vendor relationships
- The payroll module integrated seamlessly with HR and Finance, ensuring efficient payroll processing
- In Procurement, I enhanced purchasing workflows and vendor management practices
- Furthermore, I developed a Student Information Portal (SIP) using web technologies and integrated it with an Oracle backend
- This portal provided students with easy access to their academic records, schedules, and resources
- Additionally, I created an Online Admission Module that included features for form submissions, document uploads, and application tracking
- This module was designed with responsive web design principles and integrated with the Oracle database to facilitate a seamless admissions process
Education
MBA - FINANCE
Institute of Management Sciences
09.2005 - 09.2007
MASTER IN COMPUTER SCIENCE -
University of Peshawar
10.2001 - 10.2003
Skills
Product Development and Design
Project Management
Analytics and reporting
Community engagement
Product roadmaps
Stakeholder management
Competitive market analysis and Strategy
Business Analysis and Process Re-engineering
Cross-functional collaboration
Data analytics
Certification
PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL (PMP), PMI - USA, 25/11/2019
Management and leadership skills
Successfully led International and diverse teams of up to 20 members, emphasizing open communication and continuous professional development.
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 12/12/79
- Gender: Female
- Nationality: Pakistani
Communication Skills
Proactive engagement, transparency, and strategic alignment with stakeholders.
Accomplishments
- TechWomen 2019 Alumni and Award Holder – USA - State Department
In 2019 I was selected amongst 5 women from Pakistan as Techwomen -USA scholar and won the best project award
for Pakistan among 22 countries. Under this opportunity I worked @Twitter for 3 months and mentored by the CEO Jack
Dorsey and his great team. - Certified Corporate Governance Director – Security Exchange Commission Pakistan
I am a Certified Corporate Governance Director, accredited by the SECP. I received my training from IBA Karachi. My
certification reflects my commitment to excellence in corporate governance practices. - International winner of the scholarship Project Auditor – PMI- USA
- GRE EXAM 323 (169 in Quant)
Affiliations
- PPROJECT MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL- Finland Chapter
- PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL (PMP) PMI - USA
Website Www.pmi.org - RISK MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL PMI- USA
Website Www.pmi.org - SCRUM MASTER Info trek/Scrum.org
Website www.scrum.org - ORACLE CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL (OCP) Oracle.com
Website oracle.com - CERTIFICATED IN COMMUNICATION AND STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT Lahore University of Management
Sciences
Website https://lums.edu.pk/ - CERTIFICATED IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT FOR SR. PROJECT MANAGERS Lahore University of
Management Sciences
Website https://lums.edu.pk/
Timeline
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST | PRODUCT DESIGN AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT
ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
01.2024 - Current
SENIOR PRODUCT MANAGER | PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
JIBE, LLC USA - MARINE ERP
12.2022 - 11.2023
PROJECT MANAGER | PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT
INNROAD PVT LIMITED
01.2022 - 12.2022
Project Manager- Fellow
Twitter
08.2019 - 12.2019
SENIOR MANAGER - INFORMATION SYSTEMS & COMMUNICATION | PROJECTS AND PRODUCTS
WATER AND SANITATION SERVICES PESHAWAR
12.2014 - 12.2021
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM SPECIALIST- ICT PROJECTS | BUSINESS ANALYSIS AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT
MUNICIPAL SERVICES PROGRAM- USAID
06.2013 - 12.2014
MANAGER- ERP AND SOFTWARE | PRODUCT DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT
REHMAN MEDICAL INSTITUTE - HEALTHCARE
09.2011 - 05.2013
MANAGER INFORMATION SYSTEMS-HEALTH
INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE
05.2010 - 09.2011
MANAGER - INFORMATION SYSTEMS MONITORING AND EVALUATION CELL
HEALTH DEPARTMENT KP
04.2009 - 04.2010
PROJECT MANAGER
ADVANCED COMPUTING AND ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS - NESCOM/PMO
03.2008 - 03.2009
MBA - FINANCE
Institute of Management Sciences
09.2005 - 09.2007
MANAGER ERP | PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND PRODUCT DESIGN
CECOS UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND SCIENCES
10.2003 - 02.2008
MASTER IN COMPUTER SCIENCE -
University of Peshawar
10.2001 - 10.2003
PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL (PMP), PMI - USA, 25/11/2019
RISK MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL, PMI- USA, 25/11/2019
SCRUM MASTER, Info tresk/Scrum.org, 25/11/2019
ORACLE CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL (OCP), Oracle.com, 25/11/2019
CERTIFICATED IN COMMUNICATION AND STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT, Lahore University of Management Sciences, 25/11/2019
CERTIFICATED IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT FOR SR. PROJECT MANAGERS, Lahore University of Management Sciences, 25/11/2019
Certified Corporate Governance Director, Security Exchange Commission Pakistan, 08/08/2018
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