Summary

Compassionate, driven, and meticulous Economic Researcher with a master’s degree in international and development economics and 8 years of progressively responsible experience in the field of public policy and economic development, I bring a proven track record of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting economic, financial, and monetary data to drive insightful research and informed reports. My expertise in statistics, econometrics, economic modeling, and forecasting positions me as a valuable asset for delivering impactful insights and contributing to the advancement of the organization. Passionate about data analysis and developing analytical reports and briefs. Hands on experience using Microsoft Suite 365, Power BI, STATA, and R Studio. Proficiency in statistical and econometric programs, coupled with fluency in English further enhances my ability to excel in this role.

Projects

Anti-Littering Awareness & Using Pedestrian Overhead Bridges
Say No Plastic Bags

Experience

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Policy Manager
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government, Canberra, Australia
Jan 2022 - Apr 2023 | Canberra, Australia

·       Led the preparation of economic impact assessments for major infrastructure projects post COVID-19, effectively outlining projected contributions to GDP growth and job creation, resulting in increased private sector investments by 30% in alignment with government development priorities.
·       Contributed to managing comprehensive economic research projects by designing and executing data collection methodologies and economic modelling, resulting in the generation of impactful reports that informed policy decisions, leading to a 15% increase in the efficiency of targeted government interventions.
·       Developed and maintained a dynamic economic database, regularly updating and analysing economic indicators, resulting in a 20% improvement in data accuracy and accessibility, enhancing the quality of research outputs.
·       Collaborated closely with cross-functional teams to evaluate the impact of policy initiatives on key economic metrics, contributing to evidence-based decision-making and achieving a 25% reduction in unemployment rates within targeted sectors.
·       Contributed to the formulation and implementation of strategic economic policies to foster sustainable economic growth, resulting in a 10% increase in foreign direct investment and reinforcing the ACT's reputation as an attractive business destination.
·       Conducted comprehensive market research and analysis, identifying key growth opportunities for the investors that resulted in a 15% increase in market share.
·       Prepared and coordinated briefings, dashboards and correspondence using Power BI and PowerPoint for a range of audience saving update and presentation time by 20% on daily basis.
·       Applied economic concepts, models, and theories to analyse a wide variety of economic policy issues.
·       Analysed data and contributed to economic modelling and cost benefit analysis of more complex issues, to inform the development and analysis of policy proposals.
·       Produced high quality evidence based advisory reports and ministerial briefs for senior executives.

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Assistant Data Analyst
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government, Canberra, Australia
Mar 2020 - Dec 2021 | Canberra, Australia

·       Enhanced Data Quality: Implemented rigorous data quality control measures resulting in a 20% reduction in data errors and inconsistencies within ACT Government projects.
·       Developed and implemented efficient data collection protocols, reducing data collection time by 15% and improving the accuracy of data collected for MEAL purposes.
·       Streamlined Data Collection: Developed and implemented efficient data collection protocols, reducing data collection time by 15% and improving the accuracy of data collected for MEAL purposes.
·       Data Visualisation: Created visually appealing data dashboards and reports that improved data accessibility for decision-makers, leading to a 20% increase in the utilisation of data for programmatic decision-making.
·       Quantitative Analysis: Conducted in-depth quantitative analysis of program data, identifying key trends and insights that directly informed program improvements, resulting in a 15% increase in program effectiveness.
·       Capacity Building: Provided training and capacity-building sessions on data analysis and interpretation to project staff, enhancing their data utilisation skills and contributing to a 20% increase in staff confidence in using data for decision-making.
·       Data-Driven Reporting: Developed automated reporting processes that reduced manual reporting efforts by 40%, allowing for more timely and accurate reporting to stakeholders.
·       Research Contributions: Collaborated on research projects related to program impact assessment, leading to the publication of research findings, thus contributing to the broader knowledge base in the field of MERL.

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Project Manager
Centre for Evaluation and Development (C4ED)
Feb 2019 - Dec 2019 | Islamabad, Pakistan

·       Strategic Partnership Management: Collaborated closely with government agencies, private sector partners, and international organizations to gather input, align project goals, and ensure seamless project implementation, fostering stronger interagency relationships and cross-sector collaboration.
·       Project Financing: Identified funding opportunities. Compiled, wrote, and submitted compelling grant proposals, securing 2 grants and $1.5 million funding for impactful sustainable development and women rights projects and initiatives from GIZ.
·       Collected, analysed, and interpreted data to provide evidence-based policy recommendations to government. Contributed to formulation of policies for renewable energy deployment.
·       Managed project budgets, ensuring efficient resource allocation and reducing project costs by 10% while maintaining high-quality deliverables.
·       Improved Reporting: Developed and implemented streamlined reporting processes, reducing report preparation time by 20% and enhancing the timely dissemination of evaluation findings.
·       Coordinated capacity building programs for local stakeholders, enhancing their understanding of human rights and prevailing gender justice issues. Empowered over 100 participants, resulting in improved capacity for GBV project implementation.
·       Implemented performance metrics to track project milestones, expenditures, and outcomes. Achieved a 98% on-time project delivery rate, enhancing the efficiency of energy access initiative.
·       Efficient Project Execution: Coordinated a team of 4 researchers based in Germany and Pakistan in the successful execution of a complex impact evaluation study funded by GIZ, delivering the final report ahead of schedule and within the allocated budget, showcasing exemplary project management skills.
Notable assignments in this role:
·       Evaluation and Employment Verification (Employment Outcome) in Pakistan (funded by GIZ).
·       Monitoring of Child Labour Survey (funded by UNICEF & BoS).
·       Impact evaluation of the ‘UNICEF Program on Improving Adolescents' Lives’ (funded by International Initiative for Impact Evaluation 3ie and UNICEF ROSA).
·       Impact evaluation of ‘Southern Punjab Poverty Alleviation Program’ (funded by IFAD & Government of Pakistan).
·       Malawi Public Schools Survey (MPSS) 2019 Midline Data Collection (funded by C4ED Africa & World Bank).
·       Child Labour Survey in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad Capital Territory, Azad Jammu, and Kashmir (Pakistan) (funded by UNICEF and provincial Governments).
·       Social Health Protection Health Insurance Program Utility Study (funded by KfW).
·       Child Labour and Disability – Child Labour and Hazardous Work (funded by UNICEF).
·       Impact evaluation of the UNICEF Program on Improving Adolescents' Lives in Afghanistan (funded by UNICEF).
·       Rapid Needs Assessment – Child Protection Needs in the flood affected areas.
Rapid Needs Assessment – Nutrition and Feeding Assessment in the flood affected areas.

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Regional Partnership Coordinator
Children's Global Network Pakistan (CGNP)
Oct 2017 - Jan 2019 | Islamabad, Pakistan

·       Strategic Collaborations: Initiated and cultivated partnerships with 5 local community organisations and 3 international donors, enhancing the NGO's reach and resources, resulting in a 40% increase in project funding (including early childhood education) and a 25% expansion of project outreach.
·       Data-Driven Project Management: Directed the implementation of 3 donor-funded development programs focusing on gender justice, early education and economic justice, overseeing budget allocation, resource utilisation, and timelines, leading to a 15% reduction in project costs while maintaining high-quality outcomes.
·       Quantitative Impact Measurement: Developed and implemented a robust monitoring and evaluation framework for ongoing projects, allowing for systematic data collection and analysis, leading to the identification of key success indicators and a 15% improvement in project effectiveness.
·       Conducted quantitative analysis of social impact assessment data collected using MS Excel and R studio for each project implemented.
·       Monitoring and Evaluation: Implemented robust monitoring and evaluation systems, improving program accountability and leading to a 25% increase in data-driven decision-making.
·       Capacity Building: Conducted training workshops for 15 partner organizations, enhancing their project management and reporting skills, and leading to a 30% improvement in timely and accurate reporting.
·       Community Outreach: Managed a team of community outreach volunteers, resulting in the successful engagement of 500 families in child protection programs, ensuring their access to vital services.
·       Knowledge Sharing: Established a knowledge-sharing platform that facilitated the exchange of best practices among partners, resulting in a 20% increase in program effectiveness.

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Program Assistant – Research & Grants Management
USAID - Small Grants & Ambassador Fund Program (SGAFP)
Apr 2015 - Sep 2017 | Islamabad, Pakistan

·       Successful Proposal Writing: Designed and developed grant project proposals, resulting in 15% increase in successful grant applications and secured US$ 4.25 million funding for community projects from the USAID. These were focused on sustainable development of communities by ensuring improvement in gender-based rights awareness, early education, protection of vulnerable communities, economic justice, and WHS, renewable energy solution among other themes.
·       Effective Grants Coordination: Orchestrated the successful management of 38 research and community development grants, ensuring compliance with USAID regulations and guidelines, resulting in the disbursement of over US$2.5 million in funds to local partners and stakeholders.
·       Enhanced Grant Management: Implemented streamlined grant management processes, resulting in a 20% reduction in grant disbursement time and ensuring timely support to project beneficiaries.
·       Assisted in developing a comprehensive reporting system that improved the accuracy and timeliness of project reports, resulting in a 15% increase in the quality of reports submitted to USAID.
·       Efficient Budget Oversight: Effectively managed program budgets, ensuring 100% compliance with donor financial regulations and contributing to cost savings of 10% on program expenditures.
·       Developed and implemented a streamlined data management system, resulting in a 30% reduction in data processing time and enhancing accuracy in tracking project milestones, budget allocations, and financial reporting.
·       Led the execution of 3 community-focused research projects, collaborating with local experts and stakeholders to collect and analyse socio-economic data, leading to evidence-based policy recommendations.
·       Revamped the grant evaluation process, improving resource allocation and project selection, resulting in a 15% increase in the number of high-impact projects funded, effectively contributing to local economic growth and development.
·       Provide regular technical back stopping to implementing civil society organisations and played a pivotal role in organising grant-related workshops, educating stakeholders on effective grant utilisation, resulting in 30% improvement in project performance and outcomes.

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Lecturer
International Islamic University, Islamabad
Jan 2015 - Jun 2015 | Islamabad, Pakistan

# Designed course outlines for “Principles of Accounting” and “Financial Reporting” for the Faculty of Business Management Sciences at IIUI; # Taught “Principles of Accounting” & “Financial Reporting” to 02 Batches, with 50 students per Batch, of BBA(Hons.) at IIUI; # Evaluated students on assignments, quizzes, presentations, voluntary participation, community welfare work, Mid Term & Final examination; # Organized 03 visits to Islamabad Stock Exchange for the students to provide them market exposure.

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Marketing Officer
Skans School of Accountancy,CA,ACCA,CAT Campus Islmbd, CA Campus Rawalpindi
Oct 2013 - Dec 2014 | Islamabad, Pakistan

# Activated & managed the mid-year Personal Assessment and Development Plan process for the company (All Skans Schools); # Created a branding concept for the ‘Talent Management System Project’ for implementation across the company, incorporating key elements such as conducting research on scorecards, KPIs, and competency frameworks; # Developed a Talent Management Literature Review for the purpose of knowledge & learning: introduced various strategic concepts including buddy systems, mentor-ship programs, succession planning, rewards and recognition programs, orientation procedures, retention policies, and employee engagement; # Spearheaded a company-wide (All Skans Schools) Total Needs Analysis portfolio for employees.

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Teacher Assistant
Skans School of Accountancy, ACCA Campus Islamabad
Jul 2009 - Jun 2010 | Islamabad, Pakistan

# Assisted ACCA Lecturer on “Financial Management F-9” in organizing lectures, exam schedules, mock exam designing and communication with the class; # Organized class debates on weekly basis; # Successfully resolved subject related issues and problems during and after class.

Education

The Australian National University
Masters, MSc, ‎
International And Development Economics
CGPA 3.5/4
2022
University of Sargodha
Masters, Masters in Arts, MA Economics‎
Economics
2014
ACCA Pakistan
Certification, ACCA (Associate Chartered Certified Accountant)‎
Completed
2011
International Islamic University
Bachelors, , BBA Hons. - Finance‎
Finance
Percentage 80%
2008

Skills

Expert Analytical Skills
Expert Aseptic Technique Knowledge
Expert Business Statistics & Econometrics
Expert C++
Expert Capacity Building & Training
Expert Computer Proficient
Expert Configuration Switches
Expert Data Analysis & Research
Expert Database Management
Expert Donor Reporting
Expert Econometric Modelling
Expert Economic Data Analysis
Expert Economic Forecasting & Analysis
Expert Executive Presentation Skills
Intermediate Financial Variance Analysis
Expert Forecasting & Trend Analysis
Expert Hands-on Problem Solving
Expert Leadership and Team Management
Expert Leadership Collections Handling
Expert Legal & Regulatory Knowledge
Expert MEAL Framework
Expert Meet Strict Deadlines Ensuring Quality
Expert MERL processes
Expert Microsoft Excel
Expert Microsoft Outlook
Expert Microsoft Power BI
Expert Microsoft Powre Point
Expert Microsoft Teams, One Drive, SharePoint
Expert Microsoft Word
Expert Monitoring Analysis
Expert Multi-tasking
Expert Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting
Expert Problem Resolution
Expert Program Administration
Expert Program Management Skills
Expert Programme Reporting & Documentation
Expert Quantitative & Qualitative Analysis
Expert Sensitivity Analysis
Expert Stakeholder Engagement
Expert Statistical Techniques
Expert Strategic Policy Development
Expert SWOT Analysis
Expert Technical Proposal Writing

Languages

Beginner Arabic
Intermediate Punjabi
Expert Pashto
Expert Urdu
Expert English

Endorsements

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Durga Shanker
Diseases Surveillance Officer, WHO

Saira is a constant source of new ideas. Creative, passionate, and fun to be around.

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Arshia Ali
Study with you at ACCA Pakistan

Endorsed

Saira Contacts

Arshia N/A Ali
Trust for Democratic Education & Accountability - TDEA
Nouman Zaib
Acgile Accounting and Bookkeeping Services
Sami Ullah Baig
Auditor General
Yasir Ali
UCE Telecom Solutions PVt Ltd
Umair Ahmed Siddiqui
Money Transfer Pty Ltd, Sydeny, Australia