About
Esmatullah Akbari is a dedicated university lecturer, EFL teacher, and development professional based in Herat, Afghanistan. With a Bachelor of Arts in English Language & Literature from Herat University (graduating with a 92% distinction) and currently advancing toward a Master's in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), he has built a distinguished career at the intersection of education, research, and humanitarian work.
As Head of the English Department at Woman Online University (WOU), Esmatullah has led academic strategy, oversaw faculty development, and championed access to quality education. Alongside this, he has served as a Field Monitor for IWA-USAID, a Communication Officer, and a Research Officer — applying rigorous MEAL frameworks and data collection methods to real-world development challenges.
A skilled writer and curriculum designer, Esmatullah brings multilingual fluency (English, Persian, and Pashto) and technical expertise in web development to every endeavor. His life's work is making a lasting positive impact through education, research, and community empowerment.
Education
Master of Arts, TEFL
Faculty of Literature & Humanities, Persian Gulf University
Bachelor of Arts, English Language & Literature
Faculty of Education, Herat University
High School Graduate
Sultan Ghiasuddin Ghori High School
Work Experience
Head of English Department & Lecturer — WOU
- Led departmental strategy, planning, and operations.
- Oversaw academic programs and ensured quality delivery.
- Managed faculty recruitment, development, and performance.
- Addressed student needs and promoted academic support.
- Ensured compliance with standards, budgets, and reporting.
Project Field Monitor — IWA / USAID
- Coordinated with authorities and partners for site access and approvals.
- Conducted field visits to project sites for monitoring and data collection.
- Used digital tools to collect, translate, and enter qualitative and quantitative data.
- Ensured data accuracy, completeness, and confidentiality following protocols.
- Reported issues and followed guidance from project and data quality leads.
Lecturer – Faculty of Education — Herat University
- Delivered structured English language lectures to undergraduate students.
- Designed lesson plans, assessments and academic materials.
- Supported students through feedback, mentoring and academic guidance.
- Participated in curriculum development and departmental activities.
- Evaluated student performance and maintained academic records.
Communication Officer — DSON
- Developed and executed communication strategies aligned with organizational goals.
- Created and managed content across social media, reports, newsletters, and the website.
- Built media relationships and coordinated press coverage.
- Engaged stakeholders through effective messaging and event communications.
- Monitored communication performance and ensured consistent branding.
Community Mobilizer — ASEWO
- Mobilized communities to raise awareness and encourage project participation.
- Supervised Community Facilitators at the village level.
- Collected and reported data using ODK/KOBO digital tools.
- Supported formation of community structures with focus on women's leadership.
- Coordinated with local stakeholders and governance structures.
Research Officer — ASLO
- Participated in training to understand project objectives and data collection tools.
- Coordinated with local authorities for FGDs in the Salma Dam area.
- Collected qualitative data through FGDs, including audio and video documentation.
- Transcribed and translated FGD data into English.
- Completed and submitted reports in line with ASLO project requirements.