ARA joined JICA in 1999 and has served in the grant aid department, Malaysia office, Hokkaido International Center, social infrastructure development department, operation strategy department, and the Bangladesh office of JICA.

As a group director for urban and regional development, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Mr. Ara has implemented a number of projects and researched mainly in Asia and Africa. Since 2018 when he was appointed to his current position he has led many projects and conducted training in urban transport, urban development, and regional development sectors. 

Mr. Ara holds a Master’s degree from the Graduate School of Engineering and Architecture Engineering, University of Kyoto.