Team Spotlight: Mahboobullah Iltaf
We are shining a spotlight on our incredible team and the important work they do to help us make the world a better place for good. For this Team Spotlight, we spoke with Panagora Program Manager, Mahboobullah Iltaf. Get to know Mahboobullah!
What makes you Panagora Proud?
Working in international development and health project management, I am continuously motivated by the ability to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Supporting a large project in South Africa that improves health system expertise and tools to increase efficiency, impact and performance is encouraging. I get inspired by the potential for adaptive management through innovative support assisting experts in the field to deliver quality service to make a greater impact.
How is Panagora making the world a better place for good, what is your role in that?
Panagora Group promotes sustainable development and addresses the root causes of poverty and inequality in different communities around the world. Panagora yields a meaningful contribution to making the world a better place for good through several projects it has been implementing around the world. Some of the many specific avenues in which Panagora makes the world a better place for good include improving access to healthcare, promoting economic growth, enhancing education and training, and strengthening governance and accountability.
As a program manager, my role is important to make sure that the international development programs are well-designed, well-executed, and have a significant impact on the lives of individuals and communities. By managing programs and providing support to our team and partners in the field, I can contribute to making the world a better place.
“As a program manager, my role is important to make sure that the international development programs are well-designed, well-executed, and have a significant impact on the lives of individuals and communities.”
What experiences, accomplishments, or professional relationships have been a highlight of your time with Panagora?
Working with Panagora has been an immensely fulfilling experience for me. As a company that upholds a strong sense of purpose and values its employees, Panagora has provided me with the opportunity to work with experts from diverse backgrounds who share a common goal of making positive changes in international development. Their vision of making the world a better place for good and creating a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable communities is truly inspiring.
Panagora is unique because of their culture of collaboration and commitment to innovation. I have had the opportunity to work on initiatives with their team that focus on critical areas such as women’s empowerment and health. I am honored to contribute my skills and knowledge toward achieving meaningful results and making a positive difference in these areas.
In addition, Panagora has a strong relationship with local communities, NGOs, and government organizations, all of which have aided in the accomplishment of its initiatives. I am thrilled to be assisting in the management of a subcontract with one of Panagora’s partners, John Hopkin University. The company’s remarkable track record of accolades and awards is evidence of the caliber of its workforce and their successes, and I am proud to be part of such a prestigious organization.
Finally, I would want to point out that Panagora is a fantastic place to work because of its creative work style, collaborative and open-door management policy, dedication to employment development and focus on having a positive impact on the world. Working with Panagora has not only helped me to develop my abilities but has also given me a sense of belonging to a larger group, which makes me pleased to be part of this fantastic team.
What advice would you give to others pursuing a career in international development?
Pursuing a career in international development requires a passion for making a positive impact and helping to make the world a better place. For those interested in pursuing a career in international development, I have some advice to share from my 15 years of experience in this field. First off, since working in international development may be unpredictable and challenging, it is important to stay informed about the latest trends and remain flexible. It is crucial to be willing to work in diverse cultures and environments and to adapt to new situations. Success also depends on remaining current with growing concerns and trends in the industry. Second, learning applicable skills for a successful career in international development requires gaining real-world experience, which you should start through internships, volunteer work, and consulting opportunities. Third, building a professional connection requires developing a professional network, attending pertinent events and conferences, and joining online professional communities.
What inspires you to advance women’s empowerment in development and why is it important to bring a gender lens into the work we do?
I have an interest in gender and women’s empowerment topics because they give me the opportunity to advance gender equality and women’s rights by enhancing the lives of women and girls and tackling discrimination and disparities based on gender. The ability to examine and address the various effects of policies and programs on both men and women as well as to build gender-responsive solutions that address the unique needs and goals of women and girls makes it equally important for me to approach my job through the prism of gender. By incorporating a gender lens into my work, I can ensure that gender equality is incorporated into all facets of development efforts and that we are all working toward a more just and equitable society.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
The problems the world is currently facing, such as social injustice, poverty, and inequality, are complicated and call for a diversified strategy. The international development sector is essential in tackling these global concerns and consists of a variety of players, including social networks, educational institutions, and business sector organizations in addition to government and non-government groups. To tackle the underlying causes of these issues and to achieve sustainable development, effective collaboration between different parties is crucial. In order to achieve sustainable development goals locally, a comprehensive global development plan that engages all stakeholders at the grassroots is essential. The field of international development is constantly changing and calls for a variety of skills and knowledge, including project management, policy analysis, technical experience in particular fields, and cross-cultural communication abilities. Pursuing a career in this sector can be very rewarding, but it demands a strong dedication to continuous learning, personal development, and a passion for making a positive change in the world.