Mr. Shahverdiyev has over 12 years experience in the field of international development and civil society promotion, including three and a half years of most recent experience as the Country Director for the Eurasia Foundation’s office in Azerbaijan. Prior to his tenure with Eurasia, Mr. Shahverdiyev worked for Mercy Corps, both in its offices in Portland, Oregon and the field offices in Baku developing long-term collaboration with local governmental institutions. In 1997-2000, Mr. Shahverdiyev worked as the Deputy Director for United Methodist Committee on Relief in Azerbaijan coordinating provision of medicines and medical supplies to hospitals in Baku within the framework of a U.S. State Department funded program. Mr. Shahverdiyev holds an MA degree in Public Administration from the Maxwell School of Syracuse University, NY and he received his Bachelor degree in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science department of the Baku State University.

jshahverdiyev@epfound.az

Ms. Naila Hashimova has 15 years of management experience in the field of international assistance and development programs in Azerbaijan. Since joining EF in 2006 as the Program Manager, she has overseen a number of programs ranging from transparency in education sector and local governance institutions to the presently implemented Youth Economic Development program. Naila Hashimova has experience working with international institutions such as the World Bank, the European Commission and USAID, as well as a wide range of private donors. She earned her MD from the State Medical University in Azerbaijan and also lived and studied in Norway, Russia and Wales. Her particular expertise lies in the field of evaluation of development programs, as well as performance measurement of public services and youth programs.

nhashimova@epfound.az

Lala Huseynova graduated from Baku State University. Having a Bachelor Degree in Sociology, she worked shortly as a data operator for SIAR Center for Sociological Researches and later as an interviewer in monthly public opinion polls conducted by PROGNOZ Independent Center for Sociological Researches in early 2000s. Since 2001 Lala is an employee of Shell Azerbaijan. In 2005 she joined Eurasia Foundation as a Program Assistant for SCCP. For today she is a part-time employee for Shell Azerbaijan and EPF concurrently, where she is carrying duties of Grants Manager for International Programs.

lhuseynova@epfound.az

Ms. Ilaha Rasulova has 11 years of experience in the field of civil society development. Ms.Rasulova has started her career at Eurasia Foundation in 1999 with the position of Administrative Assistant. Since joining EF Ms.Rasulova was promoted 4 times. Currently, Ms.Rasulova is holding a position of Program Manager. Since being appointed to this position she has overseen a number of programs including Norwegian Small Grants program in the framework of which she has managed projects ranging from gender issues to budget transparency. Presently she is managing International Media project. Ms.Rasulova holds an MA degree in Management from Khazar University, Baku.

irasulova@epfound.az

Oleg graduated the Azerbaijan Oil Academy and the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Oleg has over 15 years experience in the field of relief, rescue and community development. Prior to joining EPF he worked for international and local NGOs as a manager in different programs. In 1997-2001 Mr. Amrahov worked United Methodist Committee on Relief as Field Program Coordinator for coordination and supervising UNHCR, CFTC and BPRM funding program activities. In 2001-2005 he worked International Rescue Committee as Program manager in USAID and BTC funded community development programs. In 2006-2008 Mr. Amrahov was employed “UMID” Humanitarian Social Support Center as Field Coordinator for supervising USAID and BP funded community development programs.

oamrahov@epfound.az

Prior to joining EPF Ahad was doing Master Studies in Public Affairs at the Indiana University, USA. He also holds MA in Social Psychology and BA in Psychology from Baku State University, Azerbaijan. Ahad worked as a coordinator and expert in projects of various national and international nonprofit organizations in Azerbaijan. He is one of the founders of Azerbaijan Psychologists Association.
Besides work, through the Academic Fellowship Program Ahad is teaching Social Work courses to graduate students at Baku State University. Ahad is interested in corporate philanthropy, social entrepreneurship and civil society development.

akazimov@epfound.az

Nailya Huseynova earned her Bachelor and Master Degrees in International Law from the Baku State University. In 2004 she started her career at the Eurasia Foundation as Administrative Assistant and after one year of hard work she continued as Grants Manager.

nhuseynova@epfound.az

Prior to joining EPF Ms.Rahimova worked as a project coordinator of Investigative Journalists Network – OSI project aimed at developing investigative journalism and bringing transparency and accountability to public finance issues in the country. Ms. Rahimova hold a BA degree in International Relations from Western University, Baku,Azerbaijan. Ms. Rahimova is an alumna of the IREX Undergraduate Exchange Program of the Department of State within which she studied at the College of Wooster, OH. In terms of professional development Lala has undergone multiple trainings and courses abroad.

lrahimova@epfound.az

Mr.Sabir Laijev has over 14 years experience in the field of finance and accounting. Prior to joining EPF in 2000 Mr.Laijev worked for a number of international organizations operating in Baku. In 2008 Mr.Laijev joined the team of Relief International as an expatriate finance manager. As the Regional Finance Manager responsible for operations in the Middle East, he was based both in the USA and Middle East. Mr.Laijev holds internationally recognized certifications in finance and accounting. Mr. Laijev holds a BA in System Engineering from Azerbaijan State Oil Academy

slaijev@epfound.az