Zaid Abuhouran

Former U.S. Diplomat in Global Education Reform

Zaid Abuhouran's profile photo
LocationBloomingdaleNew Jersey, United States
Government service11yrsU.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) · U.S. Department of Education (ED)

About

I’m a cross-sector strategist with 13 years of experience driving large-scale change across education, workforce development, digital transformation, and public policy. As a U.S. diplomat, I’ve led multi-million-dollar K-12 and postsecondary education initiatives, advised ministries, and collaborated with funders and product teams to scale inclusive, technology-enabled learning models.

I specialize in mobilizing cross-sector partnerships, aligning strategy with execution, and strengthening systems to expand access and improve outcomes. I bring deep expertise in operational strategy, cross-functional leadership, and navigating complex ecosystems to drive sustainable, measurable impact.

With an active Top Secret Security Clearance and a career grounded in equity and innovation, I remain committed to transforming systems through thoughtful policy, scalable design, and high-impact collaboration.

Roles

Apr 2022–Sep 2025
Former role

Foreign Service Officer - Education and Workforce Development Lead

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), El Salvador Mission

District of Columbia

International DevelopmentProgram and Project ManagementProgram DirectorEducationForeign Relations / Diplomacy
Oct 2019–Apr 2022
Former role

Foreign Service Officer - Deputy Director of Education

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Pakistan Mission

District of Columbia

International DevelopmentProgram and Project ManagementProgram DirectorEducationForeign Relations / Diplomacy
Jun 2018–Oct 2019
Former role

Policy Analyst

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Office of Policy

District of Columbia

International DevelopmentPlanning, Policy, StrategyPublic PolicyForeign Relations / Diplomacy
Jul 2016–Jun 2018
Former role

Middle East Desk Officer

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Bureau for the Middle East

District of Columbia

International DevelopmentProgram CoordinatorForeign Relations / Diplomacy
Jul 2014–Jul 2016
Former role

Presidential Management Fellow - State Support Officer/Program Manager

U.S. Department of Education (ED), Office of Elementary and Secondary Education

District of Columbia

Program and Project ManagementGrant Review Budget ManagerEducation