Dr Mojeeb Stanikzai

Mojeeb Stanikzai is an international development, and program management executive with more than 24 years ofleadership experience across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. He currently serves as CountryCoordinator for ICARDA's Arabian Peninsula Regional Program (APRP) and Program Manager of the Consortium for Red PalmWeevil Control (C4RPWC), a flagship international initiative dedicated to protecting date palm production and strengtheningagricultural resilience across the region.

Throughout his career, Mojeeb has led complex, multi-country programs focused on food security, sustainableagriculture, climate resilience, institutional strengthening, governance, livelihoods, and research-for-development.He has managed large-scale portfolios and partnerships involving governments, international organizations,research institutions, donor agencies, the private sector, and civil society partners, delivering impactful programs inboth stable and challenging environments.

Prior to joining ICARDA, Mojeeb held senior leadership positions with leading international organizations, includingDAI, AECOM, Winrock International, and the International Rescue Committee, where he directed multimillion-dollarprograms funded by governments and international donors. His experience spans strategic planning, organizationalleadership, partnership development, resource mobilization, program governance, performance management, andstakeholder engagement.

A recognized leader in international development, Mojeeb regularly engages with ministers, policymakers,researchers, development partners, and business leaders on issues related to food security, agricultural innovation,climate adaptation, sustainable financing, public-private partnerships, capacity development, and institutionaleffectiveness. His current work focuses on strengthening the sustainability and productivity of date palm systems,promoting integrated pest management, advancing agricultural innovation, and fostering regional collaboration toaddress food security challenges.

Mojeeb holds a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Kabul Medical University, a Master's degree in ComparativeLocal Development from the University of Trento, Italy, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).