Shahir George Ishak is the lead author of the paper and a seasoned social protection and development policy expert with over 15 years of progressive experience, spanning research, technical consulting, and program management across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Currently, Shahir works as an Independent Senior Social Protection Consultant, bringing extensive experience in research and technical consulting. He has collaborated with organizations such as the ILO, Asfari Institute, and Development Pathways, focusing on social protection, gender analysis, and policy assessment in Egypt and Jordan.

Previously, he led social security projects for the MENA region at Development Pathways, managed inclusion programs at Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung, coordinated civil society advocacy with Oxfam GB, monitored labor rights at the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, and designed empowerment programs at CARE Egypt.

Shahir holds an MA in Development Studies from the Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex (as a Chevening Scholar), an MA in Professional Development from the American University in Cairo, and a BSc in Political Science from Cairo University.

His published work addresses social protection, migration, labor rights, and youth empowerment, with contributions to leading regional and international organizations.

Throughout his career, Shahir has demonstrated a commitment to advancing inclusive social policies, gender equity, and rights-based development across the Arab region.