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Projects Asia-Pacific

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Who is behind Projects Asia-Pacific.

Meet the Programme Directors of Projects Asia-Pacific.

Portrait of Jim Parke

Jim ParkeLLBLLM(QUT)MJuris(Bond)MSc(Oxf)

Programme Director, Projects Asia-Pacific

Jim Parke on LinkedInJim Parke on Instagram

Jim Parke brings a distinctive legal, financial and governance perspective to the leadership of major projects. A lawyer, chartered accountant and experienced board member, he focuses on the decisions and institutional arrangements that determine whether ambitious programmes deliver their intended benefits.

Jim holds a Master of Science in Major Programme Management from the University of Oxford. His research examined the relationship between law, governance and the delivery of megaprojects. At Projects Asia-Pacific, he draws on that work and his professional experience to explore how sponsors and programme leaders can strengthen accountability, respond to uncertainty and make better decisions throughout a project’s life.

Jim is Managing Director of Parke Lawyers and has held senior public and community governance roles.

Portrait of Shahzad Khan Tarakai

Shahzad Khan TarakaiBSc(Hons)FCCA

Programme Director, Projects Asia-Pacific

Shahzad Khan Tarakai on LinkedInShahzad Khan Tarakai on Instagram

Shahzad Khan Tarakai brings a financial and commercial perspective to the leadership of major programmes. A chartered accountant, Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and management consultant, he focuses on how infrastructure is financed, scoped and governed. His work examines the early commitments that shape a programme’s value for money and its ability to deliver the benefits promised in its business case.

Shahzad holds a BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting and a Certificate in Leading Strategic Projects from the University of Oxford. He is completing the Master of Science in Major Programme Management at Oxford’s Saïd Business School. His research examines cost overruns and scope changes in megaprojects and introduces a typology of “programme-level shrinkflation”, treating scope changes as a cause of cost outcomes rather than a consequence.

Shahzad is the founder of Tarakai Consultants, a Sydney-based advisory firm working with clients in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan and Dubai on infrastructure financing and major programme delivery. He is also Practice Manager at Financial First Partners in Perth. His earlier experience includes senior leadership roles with Crowne Plaza and Novotel and a senior director role in a family office. Since 2011, he has served as Finance Secretary of a humanitarian non-profit.

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