Summary

PROFILE Seasoned humanitarian and development leader with over 19 years of global experience, specializing in strategic planning, program quality enhancement, and crisis management in volatile environments. Proven track record of steering multi-disciplinary teams to deliver high-impact programs across organizations such as Save the Children, DAI, Palladium, Islamic Relief, IRC, ARC and Euro Charity Trust in regions including Asia, Africa, and Central America. I possess deep collaborative experience with various stakeholders and the most prominent donors, including BHA/USAID, UKAid/FCDO, ECHO, and EU. With academic foundations in Engineering and Management, complemented by a diploma in Sustainable Development and certifications in PMP and Project DPro, I have a robust suite of skills. My career is characterized by a keen ability to set definitive goals, strategically align resources, drive significant change, and deliver high-impact results, ensuring substantial value for investment.

PROFILE HIGHLIGHTS
Humanitarian Involvement I have been at the forefront of significant global humanitarian efforts, including the 2022 Pakistan floods, the 2021 Afghanistan crisis, Cyclone Idai in Malawi, the Pakistan Super Floods, the Haiti earthquake, and other significant events from 2005 to 2012.
Development Leadership My roles have ranged from leading Sida's CSO Project and USAID's Livelihood Program in Malawi to managing DFID-funded initiatives in Pakistan, driving projects integrating community development with sustainable practices.
Strategic Planning As a senior team member, I have spearheaded strategic planning across organizations like SCI, IRC, ARC, Islamic Relief, and Euro Charity Trust, orchestrating development strategies that align with organizational and regional goals.
Program Excellence My expertise in designing, developing, and managing programs meets rigorous donor standards. Partnering with USAID, FCDO, SIDA, and the UN, I have directed and secured funding, ensuring compliance and exceptional performance across sectors.
Environmental Stewardship With a solid background in environment and climate, I have worked internationally to address environmental challenges, leveraging a global perspective to implement practical solutions.
Grants and Financial Oversight My experience extends to financial management, including budget oversight, contract negotiations, and ensuring donor compliance.
Risk Management Skilled in risk assessment and mitigation, especially in challenging environments affected by prohibited parties, ensuring operational integrity and legal compliance.
Research and Evaluation A seasoned MEAL expert, I have led multi-country evaluations for UNICEF and developed comprehensive monitoring systems, significantly enhancing program accountability and impact.

Projects

Empowerment Voice & Accountability for Better Health & Nutrition-(DFID)
Health and Nutrition Innovation Fund-EVA BHN (DFID)

Experience

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Provinical Lead KP | Fleming Fund Country Grants, Pakistan
DAI Pakistan Program
Apr 2024 - Present | Islamabad, Pakistan

Thematic Focus: Development: Programme Operations, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Management, One Health Systems Integration, Public Health Policy, and Strategy
As Provincial Lead for the Fleming Fund, I direct initiatives combatting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) using a One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health systems. My role involves strategic planning, executing grant activities, and collaborating with government officials and stakeholders to enhance AMR surveillance and response. I lead efforts to strengthen health system capacities and advocate for sustainable, data-driven public health policies.
Key Contributions:
ü  Led strategic execution of AMR initiatives, aligning with national health standards.
ü  Built strong multi-sector partnerships, enhancing integrated health responses.
ü  Promoted sustainable health policies, improving system effectiveness and public health outcomes.

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Team Leader | PSSD DAF, Pakistan
The Palladium Group International
May 2023 - Apr 2024 | Islamabad, Pakistan

Thematic Focus: Development: Stakeholder Engagement and Relations, Project and Financial Management, Leadership and Organizational Representation, Safety & Security
As Team Leader for the PSSD DAF in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, I served as the key liaison for external stakeholder relations, including engagements with senior government officials and partner organizations. My responsibilities centered on leading strategic project management, facilitating coordination meetings, and directing capacity-building workshops. I managed comprehensive project and financial oversight, ensuring alignment with both internal standards and external regulatory requirements, and played a pivotal role in maintaining robust safety and security protocols for the team.
Key Contributions:
ü  Strengthened stakeholder relations for sustained organizational support.
ü  Directed strategic project initiatives, improving operational efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction.
ü  Maintained rigorous safety and security standards, ensuring a safe working environment for teams.

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Director Programmes & Operations
Save the Children
Oct 2020 - Apr 2023 | Islamabad, Pakistan

Thematic Focus: Development & Humanitarian: Programmes Operations, Programme Development, IP, Monitoring & Evaluation, Nutrition, WASH, Education, CP& CRG, Shelter, Relief, Rehabilitation, Donor Liaison, Safety & SecurityAs a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), I am responsible for overseeing and ensuring strategic development of high quality, evidence based, innovative programs, in all settings and contexts that deliver immediate and lasting change for children and contribute to Save the Children’s global breakthroughs: Learn, Survive and Be Protected.Keeping track of Country Strategic Plan (CSP) roll-out, analyse its pace/implementation and to identify solutions to challenges. Designing robust learning and knowledge management processes are ensures rolling those out.As Programs Director, effectively and efficiently coordinating operations systems, processes and activities so that programs are delivered on time according to organisational strategy, donor requirements and within allocated budgets. Taking lead on aspects related to staffing structure and management, security and logistics planning for program implementation, and implementation of M&E systems.Leading on achievement of the global Operations and Programme KPIs, and contribute to achievement of other global KPIs.

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Deputy Country Director
ACF International | Action Against Hunger
Sep 2020 - Oct 2020 | Islamabad, Pakistan

Thematic Focus: Humanitarian and Development: Programme Operations with a focus on, Health & Nutrition, Livelihood & FSL, Relief & Rehabilitation, WASH, Shelter

During my short tenure with AAH, I have contributed to the overall design and delivery of the programmes in respect to the Country Strategy: Key areas:
Consultative development of the country Programme strategy
Operational management of all technical sectors
Ensured accountability to beneficiaries, government counterparts and donors
Recruited and inducted staff in PD/grants, programmes, MEAL, IM, research, operations
Initiated to develop systems for project development, Programmes, MEAL, research and operations

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Int'l. Development Consultant | West & Central African Region
UNICEF Consultant
Jan 2020 - Aug 2020 | Dakar, Senegal

Thematic Focus: Evaluation, Female Gentile Mutilation, End Child Marriage, Community Engagement, C4D, Social Norms
Responsible for leading and managing Evaluation, financial and administrative aspects of the Multi Country Evaluation assignment.Leading a skilled, professional team to plan and implement this multi-country evaluation which have two purposes: accountability and learning.This evaluation will provide both the donor (vertical accountability) and the expected beneficiaries (horizontal accountability) with solid evidence on the extent to which community engagement interventions to reduce child marriage and/or FGM in each one of the concerned countries have attained their envisaged objectives.With respect to learning, this evaluation is expected not only to inform the programme implementation strategies in the years to come but it will also shed some light on some potential corrective actions that need to be explored further in the future.

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Country Director Malawi Programme
Euro Charity Trust UK
Feb 2019 - Dec 2019 | Blantyre, Malawi


Thematic Focus: Organizational Development, Program Development, Grants Management, Baselines, Monitoring & Evaluation, Hospital Administration, Health Mobile Clinics (Health on Boats Project), WASH, Education, Shelter, Relief, Rehabilitation, Donor Liaison, Safety & SecurityAs country head, was responsible for leading and managing programmatic, financial and administrative aspects of the Malawi program. Led a skilled, professional team to plan and implement a range of programs. Developed and executed a country-specific strategic plan, annual operational plans, and generated new funding to secure program expansion. Being the primary representative in Malawi, worked hard to maintain technical leadership, expanded the country program, and maintained strong partnerships by ensuring strong collaboration with local government, international donors and collaborators.Key Accomplishments:
Developed and rolled out the country strategy Management Toll kit prepared and trained all the senior staff member
Floating hospitals (Hospital on boats -innovation) introduced to reach the remote islands
Heavy machinery reg machines introduced & reduced drilling time from one week to six hours

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Lead Development Consultant
PMEye Management Consulting, Int'l.
Jul 2018 - Jan 2019 | Nairobi, Kenya

Consulting – Systems Management
Establishing project management and project offices, set-up and optimization of processes, portfolio management. Ensuring project quality, outside assessment and feedback. Establishing and Empowering Startup Businesses through coaching and mentoring i.e. Business/organizational structure, staff recruiting, office setup till sustainable operationalization.

Professional Development
Trainings-Hard skills: Planning, project management, efficiency assessment
Soft skills: Self-improvement, leadership & motivation, teamwork
Simulations: Training in realistic project simulation, intense experience and feedback.

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Innovation Fund (Grants) Head Pak & Provincial Manager
The Palladium Group Int'l
Aug 2015 - Jul 2018 | Islamabad, Pakistan

Thematic Focus: Grantees Management, Program Development (Proposals), Research, Baseline, Monitoring & Evaluation, Primary Health Care, WASH, Education, TGs, Voice, Advocacy & Accountability, Donor Liaison, Govt & Parliamentarian Coordination, Safety & Security
Initiated and devised appropriate as well as innovative solutions by executing partners funded under the grant to achieve overall objectives. Delivered technical oversight and supervised work-plan of the grants, and scheduled resources to meet delivery requirements and customer/beneficiaries needs of the enterprise services. Developed, nurtured, and led on key strategic relationships to respond to appropriate opportunities to enhance external engagement and knowledge exchange activities Key
Accomplishments:

Assured programmatic success in the direction and evidence of the project in accordance with the original innovation envisaged public health system of Pakistan & DFID.
Functioned in close collaboration with various stakeholders, such as DFID, Government, Parliamentarian and Media, and guaranteed buy-in of the grant projects for scalability, reliability, and ownership
Ensured Value for money in all grants through innovative approaches & devised Grants Manual for the organization Thematic Focus as CE Manager: Capacity Building, Human Development, Empowerment, RME, Voice & Accountability, Advocacy and Primary Health Care including Nutrition Key Accomplishments:
Spearheaded a sizeable team for direct and indirect staff members and managed a multi-million GBP project funded by DFID for health governance, community empowerment, voice, accountability, and advocacy.
Organized research, monitoring, and evaluation teams along through MIS and project/program management tools to assure quality deliverables.

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Lead Development Consultant-UK
PMEye Management Consulting, Intl.
Mar 2015 - Jul 2015 | Greater London, United Kingdom

As a Lead Development Consultant, I played a crucial role in the growth of organization, helped to identify business weaknesses and actualizing opportunities for growth. Backed up by a thorough understanding of business administration. Worked with the key decision-makers within the company and colleagues working in sales, marketing and accounts.
My role to included the following tasks and areas of responsibility:

Identified new business opportunities, Developed networks with potential customers. 
Devising different strategies with orientation and capacity building
Liaising with colleagues and making sure aims are shared and worked towards.
Delivered project management training i.e. PMP, PMD Pro-01, Entrepreneurs Mentoring

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Head of Programmes Pakistan
Islamic Relief Worldwide
Oct 2010 - Mar 2015 | Islamabad, Pakistan

Thematic Focus: Relief & Rehabilitation, Water Sanitation & Hygiene Promotion, Shelter, School & Health Facilities Construction, Disaster Risk Reduction, Renewable Energies, Product and Process Innovation, Primary Health Care, Mental health, Livelihood, Islamic Micro Finance, Orphan, IPs (Grants) managementI worked on three positions with Islamic Relief i.e. Head of Programmes, National Programme Manager and Provincial Programme Manager actively liaised with the program development teams to design and devise new proposals & programs; and supervised development program team along with 05 Provincial Area Offices under the above thematic areas. Managed IPs, Engaged Stakeholders, and Liaised with Donors & the Government of Pakistan for smooth program implementation. Extended support to Islamic Relief Programs in other countries including Afghanistan, the UK, and China through best management practices.
Key Accomplishment:

Successfully delivered as Interim Country Director IR Pakistan for 04 Months
Managed various projects (worth multi million GBP) successfully with a widespread presence throughout Pakistan and AJK
Initiated renewable energy (solar systems) project for 1000 household in the inaccessibly areas of Baluchistan
Trained field office staff on Project Management Tools & Techniques which added value to the programme quality
Managed country program according to the country strategy and established a robust MIS system for quality assurance at field level.
Established and integrated sectorial and thematic strategies at field level in line to the country strategy

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Senior Program Coordinator American Refugee Committee ARC – Haiti
American Refugee Committee ARC International
Jan 2010 - Mar 2010 | Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Secondment
Earthquake Haiti Emergency Response Team

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Snr. Coordinator Program Pakistan & AJK
American Refugee Committee-ARC Int'l
Oct 2008 - Jun 2009 | Islamabad, Pakistan

Thematic Focus: IDPs Camp Management, Shelter construction, BHUs Constructions, Water Sanitation, DRR, M&E, primary Health Care, GBV/Protection, Psychosocial support
Provided Socio-technical support and advice to the Managers and Deputy WatSan Managers, WatSan Engineers, WatSan Technicians, and Health Field staff to ensure successful project (s) conclusion on budget, on scope and schedule. Ensured Accountability for handling projects in Baluchistan, AJK-Kashmir, and Pakistan earthquake affected areas, flood affected areas and Refugees camps.Key Accomplishment:

Served as a Senior Program Coordinator successfully and led a team under the above thematic to design project proposal for internally displaced persons from Swat, Malakand in 2009.
Proficiently managed USAID-OFDA projects for IDPs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from project initiation to implementation, monitoring, and evaluation followed by closures.
Designed the ARC Country Strategy as a leading member
Introduced ARC to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and got the NoCs from the Govt through effective coordination with authorities

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EH Manager Nov 2005-08 |Snr. Manager EH & Infrastructure 2008
International Rescue Committee-IRC
Nov 2005 - Oct 2008 | Islamabad, Pakistan

Thematic Focus: Proposal Development, Health Facilities Construction, Water Sanitation, Community Development & Hygiene Promotion, Donor Liaison & NetworkingWith IRC I worked as EH Manager and as Snr Health Infrastructure Manager, led the whole Project/Program Design, Planning, Execution, Monitoring and Evaluation and managed Environmental Health Managers to build coordination with local Govt authorities and UN Agencies for the health infrastructure along with water and sanitation projects smooth implementation in the Earthquake affected areas of Northern Pakistan. All progress/status reports Monthly, Quarterly (internally and externally) disseminated in time.
Key Accomplishments:

Introduced Project Management Tools and Techniques in the fragile environment which saved our time, efforts and other resources
Ensured proper Supply and procurement of construction materials and kept tracking of expenses and follow up on budgets.
Led the WASH Cluster with Unicef in Mansehra where more than 100 INGOs/NGOs responding the Earthquake Emergency
Remained an active part of the proposal development team, secured one of IRC’s large program funding i.e. PRIDE (Better Health)

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Program Coordinator (Cross Border Program)-Afghanistan
International Rescue Committee IRC - Kabul, Afghanistan
May 2008 - Jun 2008 | Kabul, Afghanistan

Two months assignment to support Cross border programme for Afghan Refugees

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Trainee Engineer
Premier Sugar Mills Mardan, BGP China National Petroleum, Pakistan Steel Mills
Jun 2004 - Aug 2004 | Islamabad, Pakistan

Education

Save the Children International
Certification, ‎
Cash Voucher Assistance CalP
Incomplete
2022
Save the Children International
Certification, ‎
Leading For High Performance LHP Asia 2021
Incomplete
2021
Save the Children International
Certification, ‎
SHIP (Save The Children Humanitarian Intermediate Programme) 2021
Incomplete
2021
Save the Children International
Certification, ‎
Project De Pro 2021
Incomplete
2020
RedR UK C/O DFID
Certification, ‎
Certified Value For Money UK
Incomplete
2018
DFID Training
Short Course, ‎
Value For Money Analysis
Completed
2017
Kingston University
Diploma, 06 Months Diploma in Sustainable Development‎
Development Economics, Developmental Studies, Engineering Management, Human Resource Development and Management, Project Evaluation, Project Management, Research Methodology, Construction Management, Stakeholder Management, People And Culture
Completed
2015
FranklineCovey Southasia
Certification, Leadership-Great Leaders, Great Teams, Great Results‎
Completed
2014
Islamic Relief Academy
Certification, Result Base Management‎
Completed
2014
Project Management Institute PMI USA
Certification, Certificate in Project management (PMP)‎
Completed
2013
Islamic Relief World-wide
Short Course, AX Business Training‎
Management Information Systems
Completed
2012
redR uk
Certification, PMD Pro (Project Management for Development Professional)‎
Project Management for NGO/Development Sector
Completed
2012
Limda Islamabad
Short Course, Technical Writing‎
Business Communication
Completed
2011
RedR
Short Course, Managing Projects in Complex Emergency‎
Project Management
Completed
2011
London Film Academy
Certification, Young Film Producers‎
Photography, Movie Making, Story, Plot etc
Completed
2011
IR Consultant
Short Course, MS Project‎
Project Management
Completed
2010
ARC Int'l
Short Course, Safety & Security‎
Health, Safety and Environmental Engineering
Completed
2009
RedR
Short Course, Design, Monitoring & Evaluation Skills‎
Project Evaluation, Project Management
Completed
2009
Salford University
Masters, Masters in Science, MS Construction Management‎
Development Economics, Engineering Management, Human Resource Development and Management, Project Evaluation, Project Management, Research Methodology, Construction Management, Stakeholder Management, People And Culture
2009
ARC Int'l
Short Course, Child Protection & GBV‎
Social Development Studies
Completed
2008
ARC Int'l
Short Course, First Aid‎
Health Management
Completed
2008
Online Tutorial
Short Course, AutoCad (Advance)‎
Design
Completed
2008
Pakistan Engineering Council-PEC
Certification, Project Cycle Management‎
Project Management
Completed
2008
International Rescue Committee-IRC
Short Course, Project Proposal Writing‎
Project Management
Completed
2007
Sungi Development
Short Course, PRA Tools‎
Development Communication
Completed
2007
World Health Organisation
Short Course, Camp Management‎
General Management
Completed
2006
International Rescue Committee
Short Course, Water Quality Analysis‎
Science and Technical Education
Completed
2006
International Rescue Committee-IRC
Short Course, Protection‎
Social Work
Completed
2006
UNICEF
Short Course, Sphere Minimum Standards (Guidelines)‎
Project Management
Completed
2006
NWFP University of Engineering & Technology
Bachelors, Bachelors in Technology, BE Mechanical Engineering‎
Design and Manufacturing, Engineering Management, Mechanical Design
Percentage 75%
2005
Pakistan Tobacco Ltd
Short Course, Communication Skills‎
Business Communication
Completed
2001
University of Peshawar
Bachelors, , Bsc Computer Sciences‎
Percentage 60%
2001

Skills

Expert learning and development
Expert monitoring & evaluating programmes
Expert Ability to demonstrate initiative & work well
Expert Ability to plan and work within agreed timeframes
Expert Ability to understand and generate budgets
Expert Ability to work in and with a diverse team
Expert Accounts Managment Skills
Intermediate Adaptive Management
Expert Admin Assistantce
Expert An Entrepreneurial Mindset
Intermediate Analytic Thinking
Expert Analytical
Expert Appropriate Engagement
Expert Budgeting & Forecasting
Intermediate Business Acumen
Intermediate Business Alliance Development
Expert Business Modeling
Expert Capacity Building
Expert Certified Project Manager
Expert Communication Skills
Expert Complex Problem Solving
Expert Concept Based Teaching
Expert Configuration Switches
Expert Conservation Awareness
Expert Consortium Management
Expert Contemporary understanding of issues and
Expert Control Room Operations Handling
Expert Developing partnerships
Expert Donor Liaison and Networking
Expert Donor Management
Expert Education Project Management
Expert Espresso Making
Expert Evaluating Risk
Expert Excellent Communication And Public Speaking
Expert Executive Presentation Skills
Expert experience in reviewing
Expert experience of working with financial data
Intermediate Familiarity With Diverse Business Functions
Expert Finance Administration
Expert Front Office Support
Expert Good understanding of current thinking
Expert Handling Assignments
Expert in depth understanding of national & Int.
Intermediate In-depth Knowledge Of Corporate Governance
Expert Infrastructure Asset Management
Expert Institutional Funding
Expert Institutional Planning
Expert Internet Services
Expert Knowledge of capacity building
Expert Knowledge Of Donors

Languages

Beginner Arabic
Expert Urdu
Expert Pashto
Expert English

Endorsements

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Umar Zaman
Agriculture & Citizen Engagement Specialist, World Bank

Good Project Management

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Usman Muhammad
Program Operation Coordinator, Islamic Relief Pakistan

He is a good team leader and having above the mark skills to motivate staff for the accomplishment of tasks.

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Good work accomplished by Ghulam Farooq Khan.He brings passion,enthusiasm and generosity to his work.

Ghulam Contacts

Usman Muhammad
Islamic Relief Pakistan