Ashug Rai is the KM and Digitalisation Specialist for the SheLeads Skills and Empowerment Project at Helvetas Nepal, supported by the Ursula Zindel-Hilti Foundation (UZHF), Switzerland. Working closely with local governments and project partners, he leads digital transformation, knowledge management, monitoring systems, and evidence generation to strengthen programme implementation, learning, and accountability.
Ashug has practical experience in implementing and monitoring Results-Based Financing (RBF) in Nepal’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. Through SheLeads Skills and Empowerment Project and previously the Rural Enterprise and Remittances Project (SAMRIDDHI), supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of Nepal (GoN), he has contributed to implementation of performance-based contracting, monitoring and verification, tracer studies, digital data systems, and the measurement of gainful employment outcomes for the youths.
Ashug holds a Masters of Information Technology from Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia. He is passionate about applying digital innovation and evidence-based approaches to improve the effectiveness, transparency, and impact of skills development and youth employment initiatives.