Building on experience:
Zohair transforms a global
career into local impact 

With a career built across Pakistan, the United States, United Arab Emirates and now Australia, he brings a depth of corporate experience in compliance and quality assurance that strengthens the support we provide to older people and people living with disability. 

For Zohair, working at UC has been a reminder that skills gained in the corporate world can have an extraordinary impact when applied in a for-purpose setting. 

A global journey, a community focus 

Born in Pakistan and raised partly in the United States, Zohair grew up travelling the world thanks to his father’s work as an aircraft engineer – often in the cockpit of Boeing 747s.

He went on to study biomedical engineering and environmental sciences, before building a compliance career across multiple industries and countries.  

Eventually, Zohair and his wife embarked on skilled migrant pathway to Australia, where their professions where in high demand. Thanks to a cousin who lived here and Zohair’s love of cricket, they chose Adelaide as their new home. 

Outside work, Zohair is active in the Pakistani Australian Association of South Australia. He coordinates major events, runs environmental education sessions and has even authored a book on the history of early Pakistani migrants – now held in the State Library of South Australia. 

He also finds joy in everyday rituals: nightly calls with family overseas, watching basketball and cricket, and weekly stargazing trips with friends to explore South Australia’s night skies – across more than 100 locations and counting.  

Zohair says this global journey has shaped his ability to remain flexible and find solutions to risks before they become problems – qualities he brings into his daily work at UC. 

“Working in many different countries and industries gave me the opportunity to become very adaptable. And in a fast-changing sector like aged care, that’s essential. I enjoy taking on new challenges. Each one is a chance to learn and it keeps me motivated for what comes next.” 

Bringing corporate experience to community impact 

Across his career, Zohair has managed international teams, overseen environmental and safety compliance across multiple continents, and worked as a consultant with global organisations like the World Bank. 

Compliance has always been the through-line – a discipline he now uses to strengthen the systems and processes that keep our services safe, responsive and centred on people’s needs. 

In his current role as Senior Administrative Officer, Zohair acts as a bridge between service managers and support services, helping information flow clearly and consistently across Community Aged Care and Disability Services. 

He monitors complaints and feedback, identifies risks, and supports managers with the documentation and insights they need to make informed decisions. 

One of his most valued contributions has been establishing a monthly case-review process for clients with more complex needs – a structured process designed to make sure vulnerable clients receive the support they need, when they need it. 

Zohair’s experience in environmental compliance has also seen him join UC’s Net Zero 2035 committee, where he helps shape the practical steps we’re taking to reduce our environmental impact and move towards zero emissions. 

“Compliance has been the common thread in my career, but in my current role, I can see how those skills can directly support vulnerable people and make a difference for the environment. That’s what makes the work rewarding.” 

“Something UC does really well is showing that it’s okay to try and fail, as long as you try. Being bold and genuine, being evidence-based, being willing to innovate – in my experience, it pays off.” 

Finding meaning in a new sector 

When Zohair joined UC in March 2023, it was his first experience in the not-for-profit sector after many years in corporate environments. The change was significant. Funding arrangements, program structures and rapid reforms create a very different operating rhythm – one that requires adaptability and creativity. 

“Coming from the corporate world, you quickly learn things don’t work the same way. You have to be flexible and willing to adjust.” 

But he soon discovered the difference wasn’t a barrier – it was a benefit. The work felt more purposeful, more connected, and more focused on real outcomes for people. 

“I’m grateful to find purpose in my daily work,” Zohair says. “I may not be supporting clients directly, but I know the work I do behind the scenes contributes to their quality of life. That matters to me.” 

Zohair believes corporate skills and experience can have immense value in the for-purpose world – especially when paired with a genuine desire to help others. 

“If you have that instinct to help people, UC is a place where your skills really mean something.” 

Project management, stakeholder engagement, compliance and risk, problem solving, communication, data literacy – these are all capabilities Zohair has drawn on in his work at UC, and skills that are in high demand across the for-purpose sector. In the right environment, those skills don’t just transfer; they thrive. 

“You don’t lose what you’ve built in the corporate world – you bring it with you. If you’re looking to do work that aligns with your values, the shift is well worth it.”