Ahmed F. ElFarra is a senior executive, economist and institution builder with nearly three decades of experience across the United Nations, government, investment, private-sector development and institutional advisory work. His career combines senior policy and strategic advisory work with institutional leadership, resource mobilization, organizational development and implementation.

He is currently Founder and Principal of PALiNVEST, an independent advisory platform established in 2006 and relaunched in November 2024, focusing on economic development, institutional reform, investment environments, energy transition and recovery.

From January 2015 to October 2024, he served in senior leadership roles with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), ultimately carrying Head of Programme Office functions in Palestine. He built and led UNIDO's Palestine programme operation, designed and mobilized more than EUR 20 million in donor-funded programmes, and exercised responsibilities spanning programme delivery, personnel, budgets, procurement, donor relations, government partnerships and UN-system coordination.

At Taawon (Welfare Association), from October 2024 to September 2025, he served as Programs Director (Acting) and Head of Team of Experts, subsequently serving as Strategic Advisor to the Chairman. He led a programme function comprising approximately 45–50 staff and exercised executive oversight of an approximately USD 52 million Board-approved 2025 portfolio across Gaza, the West Bank, Jerusalem and Lebanon.

His earlier experience includes senior economic and institutional development work with the International Labour Organization (ILO), ministerial-level government advisory and administrative reform, industrial and investment policy, Board-level investment advisory, and service as the Palestinian Authority's Chief Representative for the implementation of the Agreed Principles for Rafah Crossing.

His consultation expertise encompasses international development financing and implementation; UN and donor operating models; government and institutional reform; economic and investment environments; industrial policy and private-sector development; renewable energy and industrial energy efficiency; recovery in fragile settings; and executive leadership of complex programmes and institutions.

His direct operational experience is grounded in Palestine, complemented by broader professional engagement across the Middle East and North Africa.