Dr. Jaidev “Jay” Singh is a Foreign Service Officer with the rank of Counselor in his position as Mission Director for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Azerbaijan.  He has served as USAID Mission Director to Azerbaijan since July 2018. His goal as Mission Director is to enhance the enduring partnership with Azerbaijan towards diversifying the economy, creating a transparent and open environment to maximize human capital and attract investment, and advance the prosperity of the Azerbaijani people.

Prior to being named Mission Director, Dr. Singh served in several senior leadership roles in Washington, D.C. and in various Missions overseas where he managed strategically important relationships with bilateral and multilateral development partners to achieve development and humanitarian goals. During his time at USAID’s Bureau of Policy, Planning and Learning, he co-authored USAID and the Department of State’s 2018-2022 Joint Strategic Plan.

He has served as the acting Mission Director of USAID/Mali. His other foreign service assignments include Bosnia-Herzegovina, Japan, South Sudan, Djibouti, Kenya and Afghanistan. In his foreign service career, he has specialized in combatting violent extremism, conflict and stabilization, and strategic transition, as well as donor and interagency assistance cooperation. Over his career, Dr. Singh has spearheaded several interagency strategies related to conflict, natural resources and combating terrorism in coordination with the Departments of Defense and Departments of State.  He was awarded the Joint Services Commendation Medal for his service to the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa, one of the first civilians at the task force to receive this award. 

Dr. Singh holds a doctorate from the University of Washington, Seattle, and master’s degrees in business administration and international diplomacy.  He has broad experience in the field of international affairs and development, including with the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, the U.S. Institute for Peace, and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Project).