As an experienced Program, communication, Partnership, Policy Advocacy, and Coordination Specialist with over 13 years of expertise, I have a proven track record of leading more than 30 major projects that consistently deliver impactful outcomes in food security, livelihoods, rehabilitation, shelter construction, community-based disaster risk reduction (CBDRR), school-based DRR, and climate change adaptation. I have successfully integrated gender equality and women's economic empowerment into program objectives, significantly contributing to community development and resilience.
Throughout my career, I have effectively managed multimillion-dollar climate change adaptation and DRR projects, with a strong focus on disaster-prone areas such as Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and across Pakistan. My technical assessments and climate-smart initiatives have led to high-impact advocacy efforts, addressing climate change risks and opportunities. As the Monitoring and Accountability Officer for a WFP-funded Nutrition Project in Bagh, AJK, I ensured the rigorous tracking of progress and results, which underscored my capacity for handling complex monitoring frameworks.
My leadership extends beyond program implementation to policy influence, where I have developed and adapted policy briefs addressing critical climate change issues. I led a national advocacy campaign in AJK that focused on climate change and successfully integrated gender equality and women’s empowerment into these initiatives. My work in advocacy, particularly in shaping and influencing climate policy at regional and national levels, underscores my ability to drive policy change for enhanced resilience and adaptation measures. In addition to my advocacy work, I have developed and managed a wide range of climate-focused projects, from proposal development to budget management. I emphasize integrating climate change and DRR measures into every project, ensuring they are both sustainable and scalable
My role in stakeholder engagement, including collaboration with government agencies and NGOs, has been instrumental in fostering the partnerships essential for successful climate advocacy and project implementation. This work has involved leading capacity-building initiatives, providing technical support for institutional capacity-building, and ensuring gender-sensitive approaches in climate action and DRR efforts.
Furthermore, my leadership in promoting gender justice and community-based development, particularly in AJK, demonstrates my ability to mainstream conflict sensitivity and build local social cohesion mechanisms. Through my work, I have empowered marginalized groups, including women, by integrating gender perspectives into program design, advocating for inclusive policies, and developing grassroots social cohesion frameworks. This combination of policy influence, technical guidance, and gender-sensitive approaches to climate adaptation and DRR reflects my commitment to creating resilient and empowered communities.
Interim Coordinator/Projects Lead at Islamic Relief: I successfully led the implementation of 10 projects focused on climate change adaptation, food security, WASH, advocacy, climate campaigns, domestic violence, and girls' education. I represented the organization in media discussions, high-level consultations, and forums with government bodies, the UN, and INGOs.
International Representation: I represented Pakistan at the World Humanitarian Summit in Central Asia and Europe, held in Switzerland in 2015, where I advocated for more localized and community-driven approaches to humanitarian response. My efforts contributed to shaping global policies aimed at promoting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development in crisis-affected regions worldwide.
Publications: My research article, “Unravelling the Climate-Water Nexus and Seeking Sustainable Solutions,” highlighted the water-related crises facing Pakistan and revealed key policy inconsistencies, contributing to the national discourse on water resource management. Articles and blogs "Strengthening Locally Led Anticipatory Action in Pakistan" "Religious Leader’s Engagement in Disaster Management," "Strengthening Humanitarian Advocacy in Pakistan, A Wake-Up Call" and "Polycrisis: The Urgent Need for Coordinated Humanitarian Action in Pakistan" collectively highlight critical issues related to disaster management, the water crisis, and the lack of anticipatory action.
I led a research project titled “Increased Impacts of Climate Change on Water Resources and Livelihoods”. In this role, I developed the Terms of Reference (TORs) and assisted consultants throughout the articulation and publication. I also led the development of Terms of Reference (TORs) and conducted research on “Water Quality Survey in Bagh”, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, in collaboration with PCRWR. The research aimed to assess water contamination levels before the installation of purification plants and to determine the most suitable type of plant for each specific location.
Leadership in Climate Action, Gender Equality and Sustainable Development: I have consistently led impactful advocacy campaigns, influencing policy and driving significant change in areas such as climate change, domestic violence, and girls' education.
Engaging parliamentarians, religious leaders, and key stakeholders, I have championed climate-resilient policies that promote gender equality and sustainable development.
I have moderated and hosted over 200 high-level consultations, seminars, and symposiums covering critical issues such as climate change, food security, livelihoods, WASH, youth and gender justice, and women’s empowerment. My leadership has been pivotal in advancing climate action agendas and advocating for the rights of vulnerable populations.
Program Development & Execution: I bring extensive experience in developing and executing programs in DRR, food security, and climate adaptation. With strong skills in financial planning, budgeting, and proposal development, I have played a critical role in securing funding for high-impact programs. My meticulous financial oversight has ensured adherence to donor regulations, enabling the successful implementation of projects that address both humanitarian and development needs.
Strategic Partnerships & Collaboration: I have established strategic partnerships with the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to creating positive, sustainable change in humanitarian response, climate resilience, and gender equality. My expertise in managing complex projects, leading advocacy efforts, and forging strategic partnerships positions me as a valuable asset in advancing impactful, community-focused development initiatives.
Reporting to: Country Director/Executive Director
·Led large-scale humanitarian and development programs, ensuring alignment with national, regional, and global priorities.
·Developed and submitted proposals for UNWFP (Afghanistan), Nutrition International and other donors for Pakistan.
·Maintained strong donor engagement, aligning funding opportunities with programmatic goals.
·Developed and implemented the Partnership Development Strategy, Gender Policy (2025-2026), Social Media Policy (2025-2026), Strategic Plan (2025-2030), and Annual Operational Plan (AOP).
·Represented the organization at national forums, advocating for policy reforms and institutional visibility.
·Led high-value funding proposals and partnership agreements to ensure program sustainability.
·Mapped donors, tracked funding cycles, and analyzed priorities to optimize fundraising.
·Ensured compliance with donor requirements and timely submissions with implementing partners.
·Provided technical guidance on donor compliance, reporting, and contractual obligations.
·Managed existing grants and contracts, ensuring regulatory adherence and financial oversight.
·Maintained and updated governance and due diligence documentation for donor engagement.
·Ensured policies, manuals, and frameworks met donor and stakeholder requirements.
·Developed and managed a donor database, tracking funding opportunities.
·Implemented internal controls and operational efficiencies to safeguard program integrity and donor confidence.
Key Focus Areas and Relevant Experience: Donors relations, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), WASH, Climate Resilience, FSL, Poverty Graduation, Gender Justice, and Climate Change Advocacy
·Managed 10 multi-million-dollar projects across three districts, leading a team of 25 personnel in Food Security and Livelihood (FSL), WASH, and emergency response sectors.
·Ensured full compliance with donor requirements, strict adherence to timelines, and the delivery of the highest quality standards.
·Developed and secured strategic proposals aligned with donor and organizational priorities, driving consistent funding growth.
·Spearheaded impactful campaigns on climate resilience, domestic violence, and girls' education, fostering community empowerment and advancing gender justice initiatives.
·Represented the organization at 200+ state-level forums, significantly enhancing visibility and stakeholder engagement.
·Oversaw key operational functions, including finance, supply chain, and risk management, ensuring the seamless execution of projects and full compliance with audit standards.
Achievements:
·Delivered a donor-centric approach by efficiently managing program data and feedback systems.
·Ensured donor satisfaction through transparent communication, timely feedback reports, and impact-focused updates.
·Strengthened partnerships with government entities and academic institutions, fostering cross-sector collaboration.
Technical Proficiency:
.Competent in using systems, email platforms, Microsoft Office, and other software relevant for donor care and Unit4 and ERP.
·Performed other tasks assigned by Management.
Empowering Widows through Enterprise Development Initiative:
·Led and implemented enterprise development project's activities for widows within the CWDP program, ensuring alignment with project documents and processes.
·Conducted assessments, prepared plans, and customized tools to support participant skill-building and project success.
·Collaborated with local government services and social safety providers to secure necessary documentation and resources for families, strengthening support networks.
·Enabled widows' reintegration into the local market by providing solar-powered sewing machines and vocational training, fostering income generation and small-scale enterprise setup.
·Coordinated with key providers such as Baitul Mal, Women development and Social Welfare Departments to ensure targeted support for widows and vulnerable families.
·Developed case studies and reports to highlight individual progress and support broader advocacy campaigns on women’s rights, child protection, and community empowerment.
· Partnered with government and vocational skills providers for educational seminars to further empower rightholders.
·Fostered sustainable income generation and developed pathways for integrating psychosocial services.
·Coordinated with project managers, technical leads, and stakeholders to ensure cohesive work plans across departments.
·Developed and submitted impact and financial reports aligned with donor expectations, ensuring transparency and accountability.
·Facilitated community advocacy efforts, empowering beneficiaries to raise awareness of their needs and influence decision-making.
·Maintained records, prepared detailed reports (completion & learning). Identified and documented project successes through case studies.
Summary: Provided strategic leadership in overseeing humanitarian programs in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, leading a multidisciplinary team with expertise in strategic planning, risk management, and securing funding for climate change, disaster risk reduction (DRR), and resilience projects. Demonstrated excellence in establishing district offices, training volunteers, and implementing cost-effective Disaster risk reduction strategies.
Achievements:
·Strategic Team Management: Led a multidisciplinary team of program coordinators, District Project Officers, supply chain/administration, media & communications, human resources, and finance personnel, effectively overseeing their respective functions to enhance operational efficiency.
·Program Planning and Execution: Oversaw the planning and execution of Integrated Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction and climate change projects, ensuring alignment with the project’s Logical Framework and local adoption plans for community-based initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to strategic alignment.
·Risk Management Expertise: Identified and managed project risks, including hazards and vulnerabilities, effectively escalating significant issues to program leads and operations as required, showcasing a proactive approach to risk mitigation.
·Cost-Effective Disaster Risk Reduction: Implemented cost-effective risk reduction strategies and disseminated information to raise awareness of climate-related hazards and risks, emphasizing a strategic approach to community engagement.
·Social and Behavior Change Strategies: Developed and executed comprehensive social and behavior change strategies, ensuring engagement of children and communities throughout all project phases, from formative research to strategy development and implementation.
·Youth/ Volunteers Training and Enrollment: Trained and enrolled 2,000 volunteers at district and state levels for disaster response, enhancing community resilience through strategic capacity building.
·Disaster Response Preparedness: Conducted simulation exercises to train staff and volunteers for disaster response, while establishing and sustaining four district offices to enhance operational effectiveness.
·Emergency Preparedness Planning: Updated and developed emergency preparedness plans in collaboration with the National Response Team, IFRC, and other counterparts, demonstrating strategic foresight in disaster risk management.
·Capacity Building in Disaster Preparedness: Enhanced team capacity in disaster preparedness and response, leading disaster response teams and training staff to ensure effective implementation of strategies.
·Stakeholder Engagement: Fostered strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, parliamentarians, SDMA/NDMA, UN agencies, donors, and international counterparts, facilitating collaboration and support for disaster risk management initiatives.
·Accountability and Compliance: Submitted timely financial and narrative reports to donors and stakeholders, ensuring accountability and compliance with organizational and donor requirements.
.Conducted flood assessments and managed camp operations for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), SWABI
·Led an emergency response team of 20 in Sindh in 2008. Established a field medical hospital, developed proposals for recovery and rehabilitation, and provided clean water, food, medicine, and non-food items in interior Sindh. (QUBO SAEED KHAN, LARKANA, JALMAXI AND SHAHDADKOT)
·In 2015, I led the baseline assessment and designed the shelter construction project for two union councils in Rajanpur, South Punjab. This involved conducting a thorough needs analysis, developing construction plans tailored to the specific needs of the communities, and ensuring that the project met both safety and sustainability standards.
SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS:
·Member of the Area Management Team and Disaster Response Team for Islamic Relief Pakistan.
·Trainer for DDRT, BDRT, and NDRT at PRCS in 2009.
·Lead Consultant for Disaster Preparedness and Response for HelpAge International in 2011. (JACKABAD, SAKAR SINDH JAOARABAD PUNJAB)
·Lead Consultant for Disaster Preparedness and Response for Action Aid Pakistan/ STF in 2011 (AJK)
·Lead Consultant for Disaster Preparedness and Response/ First Aid for IRC/ NRSP International in 2010 (AJK)
·Developed Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) manuals for both community and professional use. (AJK)
·Developed Community-Based Disaster Response Plans.
·Member of the Climate Policy Implementation committee for the Government of AJK. MUZAFFARABAD
·Led a team of 6 members and provided technical backstopping for the implementation of the project in 3 districts around policy advocacy and campaign.
· Recruited project staff in accordance with the organization's policies and the donor's directives.
·Represented the organization in advocacy and knowledge-sharing platforms to ensure valuable interactions with networks.
Summary: Led the implementation of disaster risk reduction (DRR) initiatives across four districts in AJK, overseeing a multidisciplinary team of over 50 staff members from administration, human resources, and finance. Demonstrated strong leadership by fostering collaboration among team members and maintaining close coordination with key stakeholders, including UNICEF, government agencies, and other partners.
·Led the execution of school-based disaster risk reduction initiatives across four districts in AJK in collaboration with the Government Education Department.
·Trained over 5,000 teachers and students in disaster risk reduction and disaster response mechanisms.
·Developed and published disaster risk reduction plans and formally handed over to the government.
·Submitted timely financial and narrative reports.
Project: Water Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion at School and Community Level
•Monitored partner organizations' Islamic Relief Pakistan PATS Project implementation and provided technical support in the implementation of project activities in the program area.
•Developed and managed relationships with ‘partner organizations, especially in the AJ&K for effective implementation of sustainable WASH/PHATS project.
•Worked closely with the Islamic Relief Pakistan’s District, Field staff, and management to ensure that advocacy and influencing work is properly linked with the line department and community.
•Conducted technical briefing and coordinated pre-visit information.
•Produced high-quality reports and case studies.
Summary: Led the implementation of community-based disaster risk reduction (CBDRR) programs, effectively monitoring activities to ensure timely execution. Strengthened community structures for disaster preparedness, developed CBDRR plans addressing climate change risks and promoted sustainability. Conducted Hazard, Vulnerability, and Capacity Assessments (HVCA) to integrate findings into Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) plans. Supported and executed mitigation projects in collaboration with Village Disaster Management Committees (VDMCs) and emphasized localization principles to empower communities and build long-term resilience.
Output and Achievements:
·Led the implementation of community-based disaster risk reduction (CBDRR) program management, including the effective monitoring of activities to ensure timely and successful execution.
·Established and strengthened community structures focused on disaster preparedness, enabling communities to respond efficiently to disasters while reducing the impact on vulnerable populations through prevention and mitigation strategies.
·Developed and implemented community-based disaster risk reduction plans to help communities manage risks associated with climate change, both in the present and future. These plans promoted community action on sustainability and environmental protection, while also fostering the creation and empowerment of new community groups to build active, cohesive, and resilient communities.
·Conducted Hazard, Vulnerability, and Capacity Assessments (HVCA) to identify CBDRR activities and map hazards for community members. Facilitated the integration of these assessments into comprehensive Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) plans at both village and district levels.
·Supported the implementation of large & small-scale mitigation projects, identified through IVCA, LAPA & CBDRM plans, in collaboration with Village Disaster Management Committees (VDMCs). These initiatives strengthened local capacity to prevent, prepare for, and mitigate disaster risks.
·Advocated for and applied localization principles in DRR initiatives, empowering communities to take ownership of disaster risk reduction efforts and ensuring that interventions were tailored to local needs, knowledge, and capacities.
·Participated in the determination of organization policies regarding participant eligibility, program requirements, and project benefits.
·Provided facilitation during seminars, conferences, and interviews for Red Cross/ IFRCs promotion purposes.
·Spoke to community groups to explain and interpret agency purposes, programs, and policies.
·Highlighted impact reports in case studies.
.Performed any other official assignments given by the supervisor.
·Led a team of field engineers, social mobilization, and livelihood team.
·Led project planning, implementation, and monitoring of livelihood, WASH, and rehabilitation initiatives.
·Provided leadership in the rehabilitation of WASH and DRR related interventions, including drinking water supply schemes, water tanks, link roads, walking tracks, and livelihood interventions.
·Successfully constructed 50 houses and rehabilitated 1000 families in earthquake-affected areas, and led seasonal programs for Ramadan and Qurbani.
·Coordinated with government agencies, NGOs, and civil society organizations (CSOs) to ensure collaboration and maximize project impact.
·Delivered expert technical guidance and strategic feedback to project teams and partners on sector-specific issues, enhancing the effectiveness of interventions.
· Represented the organization at high-level coordination platforms, including WASH and Food Security and Livelihood (FSL) clusters, ensuring clear communication, advocacy, and alignment with global standards.
·Highlighted impact reports in case studies.
·Performed any other official assignments given by the supervisor.
·Planned and organized events, including youth summer camps, school/university training sessions, and volunteer recruitment drives.
·Led and organized three state-level youth and volunteer camps and facilitated two national camps in Islamabad.
·Implemented the Community-Based Health and First Aid Project in Muzaffarabad and Bagh AJK.