Jawaad Vohra: leading with purpose in international development

Based in Gloucester, UK, but often working across borders, Jawaad is passionate about solving complex global challenges and delivering meaningful change at scale. From empowering schools in Pakistan to shaping climate-resilient infrastructure in South Asia, his work reflects the power of collaboration, innovation and purpose-driven leadership. 

Tell us about your role and where you are based

My role focuses on achieving an optimum balance between risk, return and results for the group. I lead our infrastructure development and resilience business across international development. I am accountable for driving and delivering profitable, sustainable growth in the environment and society, transport, energy and water markets. I manage the day-to-day operational functions, driving continuous improvement across project performance, governance and compliance, health and safety, risk management, talent development and technical excellence.  I am based in Gloucester in the UK.

Why did you choose you career path? Why Mott MacDonald?

I got into development because I wanted to work on real problems that matter. It’s an area where the stakes are high and the solutions are not straightforward. I started out as an intern, keen to learn and get stuck in, and overtime found myself drawn to shaping systems and delivering projects that make a positive economic, social and environmental impact at scale.

Mott MacDonald stood out early on - not just because of its global footprint, but because of the people. Everyday world class engineers work side by side with management consultants, climate specialists, programme managers and digital innovators to name just a few. The diversity of talent, thinking and backgrounds means you are constantly learning, stretching and doing work that matters.

What does it mean to you to be trusted to do brilliant things at Mott MacDonald? 

At Mott MacDonald, trust is not just a word. It’s something you feel in the way you are empowered from day one.  For me, being trusted means having the freedom to lead, try new ideas and build something meaningful with the backing of people who authentically believe in you to create value. That kind of culture does not just bring out the best in you; it makes work exciting.

Can you share a project you’ve worked on that you’re particularly proud of and explain why it stands out to you? 

When I went to school in the UK, most children didn’t think twice about textbooks, notebooks and a warm classroom. This was just the normality but, in many parts of the world, these basics are not guaranteed. In one of my previous roles, I had the opportunity to support the Government of Punjab in Pakistan to roll out a reform that changed the reality of learning for millions of children.

By providing advisory and capacity building services, we helped to implement a discretionary budget for schools – the kind of operational spending that directly affects learning. Whether it was buying classroom supplies or fixing a tap, schools in Pakistan were able to make timely decisions that improved learning outcomes for children and teachers felt empowered. This impacted over eight million students in government-run schools. What makes me proud is not just the scale of our impact but knowing that something as simple as a functioning school budget can restore dignity to classrooms and give children a better shot at learning.

What does being part of a global team mean to you, and how does it influence your work?

Being part of a global team means you are never working in a vacuum. You are constantly exposed to new perspectives, new ways of thinking and different lived experiences. It sharpens your thinking and broadens your view on what is possible. At Mott MacDonald, I have seen how powerful it is when diverse teams come together across borders, disciplines and time zones to solve problems that matter. Whether it is delivering climate resilience in South Asia or shaping infrastructure in Africa, the strength of our global networks is what makes it possible. You feel like you are part of something bigger, and better.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start their career at Mott MacDonald?

Come with curiosity and a mindset to make things better. If you do that, you will thrive. Mott MacDonald is not a place where you are expected to fit into a box. It’s a place where you can help shape the future of infrastructure, climate and development by being your authentic self, bringing fresh ideas and learning from the best in the business.

You will find that job titles matter less; sharing ideas and taking the initiative count for a lot. If you speak up, ask questions and get stuck in, people will notice and doors will open. What sets us   apart is the freedom to grow in a direction that inspires you, backed by a global community that genuinely wants to see you succeed. If you are looking for a career with purpose, challenge and space to grow, Mott MacDonald is a brilliant place to start.

What resources or support at Mott MacDonald have been most beneficial to your growth?

Honestly, it starts with the people. I’ve worked with people managers who didn’t give me all the answers. They gave me space to explore, figure things out and grow through experience. That kind of trust builds real confidence. There is a strong culture here of ‘if you are good enough, you are old enough’. You are trusted with responsibility when you are ready, not when you hit a certain age or grade.

We work in an environment that encourages learning through doing. We are empowered to take ownership, test ideas and reflect on what works and could be better. It’s not about having all the answers right away, it’s about being supported to go on the journey. Mott MacDonald is a place where growth is earned and celebrated. If you show up with drive, curiosity and authenticity there is no limit to how far you can go.