Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Accomplishments
Awards
Work Availability
Affiliations
Languages
Software
Interests
Timeline
Generic
Waheed Omer

Waheed Omer

Nanuet,USA

Summary

Strategic communications leader with over 20 years of experience in public affairs, corporate communications, and stakeholder engagement within the pharmaceutical industry, government, and international organizations. Proven track record in developing and executing high-impact communication strategies that enhance corporate reputation, drive business goals, and navigate complex regulatory environments. Skilled in crisis management, executive communications, and media relations, with extensive experience in government communication and public policy advocacy. Known for building global partnerships, leading large-scale initiatives, and providing strategic insights to senior government, non-profit and corporate leadership.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Senior Advisor, Strategic Communication and Public Affairs

Albright Stonebridge Group-DGA
01.2024 - Current
  • Provide strategic guidance on public affairs, stakeholder engagement, and government relations for a global health organization, enhancing their media presence and increasing stakeholder engagement
  • Collaborate with senior leadership to co-create and implement communication strategies that align with business objectives and protect corporate reputation
  • Support a global health client account, enhancing media management and stakeholder engagement strategies.

Senior Manager, Vaccine R&D Communications

Pfizer R&D
09.2022 - 02.2024
  • Executed integrated global communication strategies for Pfizer Vaccine R&D, increasing stakeholder engagement
  • Utilized internal channels like Viva Engage and SharePoint to enhance communication and boost engagement among 1,300+ global Vaccine R&D professionals
  • Analyzed communication metrics to measure the effectiveness of campaigns and identify areas for improvement.

Transformation Communications Lead

Pfizer R&D
01.2023 - 12.2023
  • Led the development and execution of a comprehensive communication strategy for a $470M transformation project, driving global stakeholder engagement and aligning internal messaging with corporate goals
  • Engaged 1,300+ Vaccine R&D employees by leveraging Viva Engage, SharePoint, and newsletters, driving alignment with transformation goals
  • Managed cross-functional communication projects, ensuring timely delivery and consistent messaging across internal and external platforms
  • Cultivated strong media relationships, resulting in increased positive media coverage for Pfizer’s initiatives and enhancing corporate reputation.

Executive Director, Office of Public Affairs and Strategic Communications

Office Of the President of Afghanistan
03.2019 - 08.2021
  • Led the development and execution of a strategic media relations plan, increasing government visibility by 50%
  • Built and led a 200-member team to enhance global communications and align with government objectives
  • Identified and analyzed legislative opportunities, advising on global regulatory strategies.

Permanent Representative to United Nations

UN Headquarters in Italy
04.2016 - 02.2019
  • Built and strengthened global strategic alliances with UN organizations to advance Afghanistan’s interests
  • Secured a 450M USD contribution from WFP, advocating for Afghanistan and Near East region initiatives
  • Developed and led strategies to mitigate risks for WFP’s global operations.

Managing Partner

Pahna Communications Consulting
10.2011 - 03.2016
  • Led the establishment of 5 regional media centers, enhancing national communication infrastructure
  • Developed and supported senior officials for communication challenges through media relations coaching.

Director of Communications/Spokesperson

Office Of the President of Afghanistan
01.2009 - 01.2011
  • Led the development and execution of global communication strategies, increasing global media coverage by 40%
  • Led and managed a team of 150 professionals in the president's communication and media relations offices, enhancing coordination and effectiveness in conveying key messages
  • Managed high-stakes crisis communication, ensuring consistent and accurate messaging.

Executive Director

International Media and Information Center
Kabul
09.2008 - 12.2009


● Managed a staff of 150 national and international professionals to lead external communications, media relations and information management of Afghan government and its international partners.
● Coordinated external communications between different entities of the Afghan government and with international partners, including US, EU, UK, and NATO.
● Served as the Chief Spokesperson for the Afghan government for national and international media frequently talking to national and international media on issues ranging from politics to international relations, governance, financial management and reforms.
● Through a robust international communications system, delegated local and national media relations and communications to different entities and coached local communicators to deal with media enquiries.

Deputy Chef de Cabinet

Office of the President of Afghanistan
Kabul
09.2007 - 09.2008

Education

Master of Arts in Political Science -

University of York
York, UK

Skills

  • Thought Leadership
  • Strategic Media Relations
  • Crisis Communication
  • Government Communication
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Corporate Communications
  • Policy Development
  • Strategic Partnership Management
  • Content Creation
  • Cross-functional Collaboration
  • Communication Metrics and Analysis
  • Change Management
  • Organizational Leadership

Certification

  • [Generative AI for Project Managers] PMI
  • Certified [Leadership Communications], [LinkedIn]
  • Certified Change Management], [LinkedIn] -
  • Certified Inclusive Team Leadership, [LinkedIn]
  • Certified [Generative AI for Project Managers] PMI

Accomplishments

  • Directed the global communication strategy for Pfizer’s $470M transformation project, significantly enhancing stakeholder engagement and aligning messaging with corporate goals, resulting in improved organizational performance and visibility.
  • As Chief Spokesperson for the Afghan government, crafted and led a comprehensive global communication campaign, becoming one of the most quoted voices in international media and effectively positioning the government’s narrative among global stakeholders.
  • Spearheaded the establishment of key strategic alliances with UN agencies and Italian governmental bodies, securing over $450M in funding for the Near East region national initiatives and advancing humanitarian efforts.
  • Orchestrated a strategic media relations plan that elevated the Afghan government’s visibility, driving international coverage and fostering positive media relationships during a critical period of national development.
  • Advised a global health organization on strategic communication initiatives, leading to increased global awareness of a key health issue. Directed communication efforts for Pfizer’s Vaccine R&D, enhancing stakeholder engagement and advancing public understanding of health innovations.
  • Led internal communication initiatives at Pfizer, ensuring consistent messaging aligned with corporate culture and values and fostering a collaborative work environment.

Awards

  • Chevening Scholarship (2004)
  • State Department IVLP (2008)
  • Presidential Medal of Honor (2007)

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse

Affiliations

Project Management Institute

Denton Global Advisors (DGA)

Languages

Persian and Pashto
Native language
English
Advanced (C1)
C1
Urdu
Advanced (C1)
C1
Hindi
Upper Intermediate (B2)
B2
Arabic
Elementary (A2)
A2
German
Beginner
A1

Software

MS Sharepoint

Viva Engage

MS Teams

MS 365

MS Project

Google Sheets

Interests

Cooking

Music

Yoga

Poetry

Timeline

Senior Advisor, Strategic Communication and Public Affairs

Albright Stonebridge Group-DGA
01.2024 - Current

Transformation Communications Lead

Pfizer R&D
01.2023 - 12.2023

Senior Manager, Vaccine R&D Communications

Pfizer R&D
09.2022 - 02.2024

Executive Director, Office of Public Affairs and Strategic Communications

Office Of the President of Afghanistan
03.2019 - 08.2021

Permanent Representative to United Nations

UN Headquarters in Italy
04.2016 - 02.2019

Managing Partner

Pahna Communications Consulting
10.2011 - 03.2016

Director of Communications/Spokesperson

Office Of the President of Afghanistan
01.2009 - 01.2011

Executive Director

International Media and Information Center
09.2008 - 12.2009

Deputy Chef de Cabinet

Office of the President of Afghanistan
09.2007 - 09.2008

Master of Arts in Political Science -

University of York
Waheed Omer