Pooja Sood Payeur

About Pooja Sood Payeur

I grew up in Hong Kong, where East meets West and global influence is woven into daily life. It was there that I learned to value nuance, listen closely, and navigate complexity with both agility and respect. That foundation continues to shape how I lead today at the intersection of government affairs, policy strategy, and international crisis response.For the past 17 years, I’ve helped governments, multilateral agencies, and cross-sector partners align on policy priorities and respond to urgent challenges in some of the world’s most complex environments, including Ukraine, Gaza, Yemen, and Iraq. Whether developing strategies, advising on foreign policy, or managing multi-million-dollar programs, I bring together diverse interests to drive forward smart, actionable solutions.My experience spans the full spectrum of foreign policy, from high-level policy analysis to interagency coordination and stakeholder engagement. I’ve led cross-functional teams, built coalitions across sectors, and crafted policy frameworks that translate into real-world impact.What sets me apart is how I build trust across departments, borders, and ideologies and move priorities forward with clarity, diplomacy, and a deep sense of mission. Whether navigating intergovernmental relations in Washington or overseeing field operations, I lead with integrity and a collaborative mindset.I maintain a security clearance.

Experience

1. Team Leader

   USAID

   Feb 2020 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   I led crisis response efforts as Incident Commander during a major conflict, managing a $950M portfolio, delivering critical aid impacting over 1M beneficiaries.I oversaw a $500M+ portfolio across four countries supporting 3M+ people while simultaneously co-directing an $8B budget review to inform executive-level funding and strategic decisions.I represented the organization in numerous White House National Security Council (NSC) meetings delivering strategic briefings on crises that influenced top-level policy and shaped cross-agency response strategies.I synthesized complex geopolitical and policy issues into clear, compelling, and actionable memos, briefs, and policy positions for senior U.S. Government (USG) leadership, including meetings with heads of state and diplomatic delegations, to advance strategic USG priorities.I led a weekly cross-team meeting to drive knowledge-sharing, and foster collaboration, recognized by leadership as a model for building organizational cohesion and strengthening cross-functional alignment.

Education

• The Fletcher School at Tufts University

  MA

• Georgetown University

  BSc