Omar Bashir Maniar

Governance & Public Policy Specialist | AI Governance, Digital Safety & Data Protection | Justice Reform & Institutional Strengthening

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

About

I am a governance and public policy professional specialising in the intersection of technology, social protection, and institutional reform. With experience across justice systems, child protection, and data governance, I focus on how emerging technologies - particularly AI - can strengthen state capabilities while upholding rights, equity, and accountability. My work spans legislative reform, digital transformation, and implementing safeguards for high-risk public sector systems. Recent projects include embedding data protection standards in law enforcement agencies, developing Pakistan’s Sex Offender Management System, and leading the deployment of AI tools to triage intelligence on online child sexual exploitation and abuse cases. I completed a mid-career MA in Governance, Development and Public Policy at IDS, which deepened my analytical grounding in governance, political economy, and policy design. I am motivated by roles that connect AI governance, digital safety, and broader social transformation, ensuring technology serves the public good and strengthens institutions that protect the most vulnerable.

Experience

  • Community Protection Adviser at Adam Smith International
    Mar 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 5 mos

    Providing technical advice to Pakistan and UK Government counterparts as part of a 3-year program funded by UK FCDO to improve bilateral cooperation on irregular migration, illicit finance, narcotics smuggling, and sexual violence. I led the delivery of new data protection processes, embedding data protection and human rights safeguards within law enforcement agencies in Pakistan to enable government-to-government data sharing. I also successfully led the development of a new integrated Sex Offender Management system in Pakistan to enable bilateral and multilateral information and evidence exchange. My current role includes developing and deploying AI to triage intelligence on online child sexual exploitation and abuse, and developing Pakistan’s national policy to combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse.

  • Technical Consultant for Improving Women’s Access to Justice in Balochistan, Pakistan at UN Women
    Oct 2022 - Feb 2023 · 5 mos

    Conducted primary research, including key informant interviews and field visits, and secondary research to identify demand and supply side gaps in women’s access to justice in Balochistan, Pakistan. Evaluated Gender Responsive Policing initiatives from South Asia to identify viable interventions for UN Women to support locally. Drafted a report with practical and policy recommendations for UN Women to consider while planning and implementing gender-responsive policing initiatives and specialized law enforcement services to improve access to justice for women.

  • Research Assistant at Institute of Development Studies
    Jan 2022 - Apr 2022 · 4 mos

    Conducted qualitative research including key informant interviews across 4 countries to advise the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation on how to remain engaged in countries with democratic backsliding or creeping authoritarianism.

  • Legal Expert - Rule of Law at UNODC
    May 2021 - Oct 2021 · 6 mos

    Supported the development of an improved legislative framework for the criminal justice system in Balochistan, specifically through the development of the: Police Act, Levies Act, Prosecution Act, and Prisons Act for the province.

  • Adam Smith International ()
    • Deputy Provincial Team Lead - Punjab
      Feb 2020 - Mar 2021 · 1 yr 2 mos

    • Legal Adviser
      Aug 2019 - Feb 2020 · 7 mos

    • Senior Delivery Associate
      Dec 2018 - Aug 2019 · 9 mos