Prior to joining EWI, Shinwari worked as Regional Program Officer for Human Rights Education and Research Capacity Development Program with Raul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Laws, in Sweden.

Shinwari is originally from Afghanistan, educated in Pakistan and has been working with development cooperation programs in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sweden and Southeast Asia. His career interests focus on good governance, strengthening democratic institutions, human rights, business and economic governance. He has also coordinated program methodology concerning result-based management and development of large-scale program proposals, interventions and tenders.

Shinwari speaks English, Pashto, Dari and Urdo.