Meet Our Amazing Team Members

Our team consists of talented individuals who have achieved great accomplishments in their respective fields. Get to know us better!

people sitting on chair in front of table while holding pens during daytime
people sitting on chair in front of table while holding pens during daytime

Mohammed Ismail is the Executive Director of ERD (Exploration, Research, Training & Development), a visionary leader dedicated to driving innovation and impactful change. He has led strategic projects across Iraq and Syria, focusing on capacity building, conflict management, climate SMART solutions and sustainable development. With deep expertise in designing and implementing transformative programs, he has successfully collaborated with international donors such as USAID, Departments of US, EU,SIDA,AFD, GIZ, JICA, and others. His leadership is rooted in a commitment to developing groundbreaking, locally driven solutions that foster resilience, good governance, and long-term social impact.

Executive Director

Mohammed Ismail

Ayad Idan

Ayad Idan is an entrepreneurial leader with extensive experience and distinguished skills in project management, and has a wide network of relationships in various sectors. He is an expert in multiple fields, including humanitarian programs, business development, skills development, and international organisation programs. He contributed effectively to the reconstruction of cities liberated from terrorist operations.

“I passionately support youth energies and ideas, and I believe in empowering and supporting women in society. I open my heart and ears to listen to inspiring ideas, no matter how bold or unconventional they are.”

Delegated Director - ERD
Head of Research and Analysis unit - ERD

Yasir M. Saeed has a PhD in Civil and Environmental/Construction Engineering from Portland State University. He has experience working with engineering companies as well as a teaching professor. He then served as Program Director in a local NGO and later became Director of Vertical Community Cohesion Projects at Mercy Corps Org. He has extensive experience in managing and analysing humanitarian programs.

Yasir M. Saeed

Translation Expert

Teeba holds an MSc degree in Linguistics and Translation from the University of Mosul. Teeba has more than 10 years’ experience in the civil society sector through which she supported the implementation of programs in several well-known national and International CSOs. She is a linguist and interpreter at two global translation companies: Global Lingo and Abaque Group. Teeba is dedicated to serving the best interests of her community and doing all that is in her power to improve her country and the lives of its citizens.

Teeba Al-Sawaf

Saad Saadi

Saad Saadi has a PhD in Petroleum Geosciences from the University of Manchester. He worked as an academic researcher and trainer at the same university. He held several administrative positions in international NGOs, as a project manager and director of research and learning. He has professional experience in preparing research and evaluating projects.

Research Consultant - ERD

Sameer Abdulhaq

Sameer Abdulhaq has a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering. He held many positions in international organisations and worked as OfficeMSF-Switzerland, TDH-Switzerland, and later as a Senior Program officer at Mercy Corps. He managed psychological support programs and worked professionally in monitoring and evaluating projects through his last position at Mercy Corps. He completed many projects during his career with professionalism and high intelligence.

M&E Specialist - ERD

Mohmad Motaz

Mohmad Motaz has a bachelor’s degree in building and archaeological artifacts maintenance. Motaz worked in the humanitarian aspect as a professional trainer. He later served as an officer overseeing psychological support and livelihood programs. He became a senior program officer to manage two projects on social cohesion with Mercy Corps.

Senior Data Analyst - ERD

Mohammed Kamal

Mohammed Kamal has a bachelors in English Traslation. He is an experienced professional with a strong foundation in translation and interpreting between English and Arabic. Possessing a CAPM certification and BLS training. Demonstrated expertise in administration and human resources management through roles within both NGO and private sector environments in Iraq.

Head of Translation and Interpretation - ERD