I am Humanitarian and Development Practitioner and have got extensive and intensive program management experience for last 25 years. I have successfully managed portfolio of multi-million dollars and euros and showed leadership skills with most renowned international NGOs like World Vision, Caritas International, Care International and International Rescue Committee. I am inborn and situational leader with a leadership history and proved my leadership qualities during challenging situations especially of people management, issue resolution and meeting the deadlines with programmatic deadlocks. I proved my leadership qualities and created teams of professionals of international fame, who still working as International experts different countries in middle east and Africa. The leadership skills included seeing through, decision making, extraordinary communication skills, coaching for performance, providing smooth enabling working environment, sectoral capacity building, motivating and leading from the front. The teams always showed their trust and loyalty because of leadership and honesty, transparency, respect and openness. I always proved my trustworthiness and credibility. I managed multi faith and diversified teams and maintained excellent family environment, which people cherished even after many years. I proved myself with extra ordinary management skills, time management, punctuality, honesty, integrity, credibility and establishing systems for easy going and smoothly running the business. An easy going flow of business with short and crispy guiding lines, understanding individual differences and helping team as mentor and leader. Open door policy and easily approachable characteristic always made working environment easy going and solution oriented for personal and official issues. I have got excellent project management skills which includes development of critical implementation paths, work break down structures, financial management, issues resolution, stakeholders management, reaching innovative solutions and coordinating all pieces for bigger picture matching the organizational vision and mission.
1. Strategic Planning: Responsible for strategic Planning and stretegic directions, aligning the program objectives with the strategic goals of the organization. Ensured clear understanding and interlinked different projects contributing to broader level business outcomes.
2. Program Execution and Coordination: Ensured that all projects are completed within given time, budget and meeting the objectives. Conducted regular reviews, risk management, managed timelines, coordination and team building.
3. Stakeholder Management: Enusured ffective communication with stakeholders thrugh coordination, negotiations and resource managenebt. This included donors' liaising and linkages.
4. Resource Management: Allocated appropriate resources efficiently across the program, closely managing necessary budgets, personnel and technology for each project in the programme. I ensured optimal resource utilization to avoid bottlenecks and maximize productivity.
5. Risk Management: Identifed potential risks to the program and mitigation. This included foreseeing issues that might impact multiple projects within the program and developing strategies to address them proactively.
6. Quality Assurance: Ensured and maintained the quality of deliverables across all projects in the program. I oversaw the implementation of consistent quality standards and conducted periodic reviews to ensure each project meeting the benchmarks.
7. Change Management: Managed changes effectively within a program involving adjusting strategies and plans in response to internal and external factors.
8. Reporting and Documentation: Ensured and created detailed reports on the program’s progress and outcomes helps in maintaining transparency and supporting informed decision-making.
Location; Islamabad
Staff Reporting; (7 Direct and 90 Indirect) Budget; (7 million Euros)
Responsible for programmatic oversight, strategic plan development, organizational development, implementation of regular programs with integration of WaSH and Disaster Risk Management. Designing of Program strategies including; WASH and Disaster Risk Reduction strategies, programmatic guidelines, training of staff and implementation at field level across Pakistan (three provinces; Sindh, Punjab and KP). Developed strategies and manuals on Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction, Community Interaction Strategy, Sustainable Livelihoods Intervention Strategy and Community Based Schools Management Program.
Designed, planned, implemented and closed; Humanitarian and Development Project across Pakistan. Ensured humanitarian standards in Emergency Response strategies with Sphere standards, Core Humanitarian Standards, principles and UNCR approved minimum response standards. Thorough understanding of emergency standards in WASH, DRR, Livelihood and Education. Developed system level organizational strategies and rolled out in the field and built capacity of national and district staff on designing, planning, implementation, and closing the projects. Intensive and extensive experience of team management, capacity building of soft and hard skills and developing monitoring frame work. Managed disasters of 2019, 2020 and mega flood of 2022.
Designed and managed Integrated Development Projects with key sectors of Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Food Security and Livelihoods and Education. Secured and utilized multimillion funding from the international donors; BMZ/humedica International, Canadian Embassy, USAID and KnH.
Managed staff for implementation, built capacity through formal trainings and on job coaching, monitored short term and long-term interventions, managed budget utilization, government liaison and linkages with other partner organizations. Donor liaising for periodic reports, queries, donor visits and follow up activities. Managed baseline, midline and end line evaluations in close coordination with MEAL Department. Proven emotional intelligence and maturity with excellent interpersonal communication skills for people management with high performance environment.
Staff Reporting; (12 Direct and 150 Indirect) Budget; (180 million USD)
USAID Funded multi-million dollars project; Pakistan Reading Project (PRP) implemented by consortium of INGOs across Pakistan. The position was a responsible for provincial level strategic planning, backstopping, coordination, representation and technical guidance on implementation and school management programs. Provincial Level lead position for “Improved Classroom learning environment” across KP benefiting 4000 Government Primary Schools and 1.1 million students in 10 districts. Leadership and Strategic Planning Provided leadership and strategic backstopping on project design, implementation and quality enhancement. The PRP Project was implemented in 10 districts of KP to improve early grade learnings of 1.1 million children through teacher training, class room learning and material improvement. Coordination and Representation Project implemented through different government departments and ensured robust coordination from provincial level authorities to 10 district level departments. Coordinated with Directorate, E&SE, and district level stakeholders. Represented PRP/IRC at provincial and district level forums. Monitoring, Capacity Building and Quality Enhancement Provided strategic oversight on implementation, monitored progress for quality enhancement, developed training manuals, organized workshops for officials and teachers. Financial Management: Managed 180 m USD budget; prepared annual strategic funding plans, regular periodic financial forecasts, monthly and periodic reviews/burn rates and gaps analysis. Managed grants through appropriation at different levels. Staff Recruitment, Management, Coaching and Capacity Building Recruited 150 plus staff members, built capacity, monitored performance, ensured coaching and backstopping.
The position was responsible for overall strategic guidance, supervision, coordination and technical guidance to manage disaster. Worked as Response Manager for 2014 flood emergency situations; developed project, contributed in securing funds and implementation strategies, rolled out project through implementing partners and was involved actively in project cycle management (PCM), identification at different level, designed, monitored, controlled and evaluated.
Provided strategic oversight, managed Post Flood Response Projects on Health, livelihoods and Nutrition; through partners and Government Line Agencies in South Punjab. Other activities included budget management, staff management, partners management, monitoring of implementation strategies, monitoring frameworks, evaluation studies and coordination with government, UN, Donors and other stakeholders.
Thorough understanding of disaster assessments, gender needs in emergencies, protection in emergencies, UN, Sphere, Core Humanitarian Standards, volunteerism, administration, procurement, security, effective communication, coaching for performance, report writing, visibility and role model in leadership.
Location; KP (2008-10)and Sindh, (2011-14) Pakistan
Nature of Project; Emergency Response and Early Recovery/Development Staff; (Direct 9 and Indirect 150)
Budget Managed; total 250 million USD
World Vision is an international Child Centered Christian’s organization, striving for international development through a systematic approach and management system. In the aftermath of historical Earthquake of Pakistan, WVI started emergency response and development projects in region. Then mega floods of 2010, she extended operational area to Punjab and Sindh.
Strategic Leadership, Coordination and Representation
Provided strategic leadership and backstopping for Area Programme. Ensured strategic programmatic and operational plans are well in place, in practice and live. (e.g. Strategy, Annual Budget, Integration Plan, GIK Plan, DPP). Established provincial level and district level coordination with government departments, NGOs and private sector.
Ensured Operational Effectiveness and Financial Management:
Managed a portfolio of multi-sector grants to ensure timely completion, monitoring budget, quality and reporting standards. Prepared annual strategic funding plans, presented to higher management, implemented and monitored regularly. Monitored spending status/burn rate for each sector/Project of the programme to gauge progress, identify gaps and challenges for smooth implementation of program.
Supported in development of cash flow projections per grant and further shared it with Donors/Support office. Lead Operational, Programmatic Planning, Implementation and Monitoring:
Ensured proper coordination with support sectors and PDQ to promote information sharing, effective implementation, and joint program/project design and planning
Maintained adherence to key humanitarian standards and sector standards, actively following up on Technical Team Leads recommendations and monitoring uptake.
Managed projects of donors like; USAID, AusAID, UN-FAO, UNICEF, DFID, EU, WVI and other donors. Ensured Systems are in Place to Promote Audit Compliance and Good Stewardship:
Promoted efficient use of ministry resources, developing and monitoring systems, which promoted good stewardship. Ensured awareness of, and full compliance with, donor and Support Offices requirements, including the timely preparation and submission of quality narrative and financial reports.
Staff Management and Capacity Building:
Effectively managed and coached the Project Managers/Technical Specialists, ensuring a shared vision, teamwork, effective communication and active engagement in decision-making and management approaches.
Ensured staff grievances and disciplinary action are addressed with the support of P&C Manager in a timely manner in alignment with WV P&C policy
Ensured Safe and Secure Working Environment:
Regular review of Security Risk Assessments for field and office are being updated, every two months or on need basis. Leadership role in the timely implementation of security recommendations and adherence to Core Security Requirements and ensured staff and assets are safe.
Qatar Charity International Pakistan Program initiated mega projects on emergency response, and development during post conflict emergency and post flood emergency 2010 in KP, Sindh and Punjab. Joined QC as Project Manager and was promoted to Regional Manager to lead development and emergency response programme.
Strategic Oversight, leadership and Coordination
1. Provided strategic leadership role in managing regional office for KP, Sind and Punjab Provinces overseeing district level offices. Managed development and emergency response projects in South Punjab and North Sind, overseeing programmatic and support functions. Achievements included; programme development, strategic planning, resource mobilization, project implementation, budget management, capacity building, monitoring and coordination with donors and other stakeholders.
Implemented Projects on WASH, Livelihoods, DRR, NFIs, Shelter, Advocacy and Infrastructure
2. Implemented projects on post flood emergency; distribution of non-food items and food items, schools rehabilitation and emergency schooling, establishment of girls primary schools, infrastructure rehabilitation, emergency shelters for 2500 families, WASH; installation of hand pumps, emergency/pit latrines, Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS), hygiene education, schools construction and capacity building.
Partnership and Small Grants Management Programme
3. Constructed 2500 semi permanent shelters for poorest families and 25 Government Primary Schools. Built 3000 latrines through Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) Process. Total focus on sustainability.
4. Managed project through partners; identified partners for emergency response and development projects, managed grants, built capacity of partners, monitored and evaluated program activities. Coordinated with government for construction of Schools, teacherâs training, schools improvement and early child hood development.
Security Focal Person and Representation; Represented
Nature of Project; Earthquake Emergency Response and Early Recovery Reporting; (Direct 8, Indirect 120)
Budget; 80 million USD
On October 8, 2005 the Earthquake hit North Pakistan and claimed 80,000 lives and affected multi million people. CAFOD and Caritas International responded within few hours and started emergency response with health, shelter and food distribution initiatives. The Program Manager’s position was to develop early recovery and rehabilitation program through livelihoods, shelter, education and community engagement sectors. Project Cycle Management; damage assessment, funding appeal/proposal development, representation in donor conferences, project designing and implementation, ensuring effective systems in place, coordination and project completion and exit.
Programme Design, Quality Enhancement and Budget Management;
Designed, planned, implemented and closed out project through community institution development. Started programme with one million USD and secured and utilized 80 million USD on livelihoods, shelter and WASH interventions.
Designed budgets, manage forecasts/expenses/burn rates, analyzed periodic planned vs actual burn rates and efficient usages. Identified and filled gaps through supportive monitoring and supervision.
Coordination, Implementation, Monitoring and Capacity Building;
Ensured effective management of projects on; Livelihood, Shelter, WASH, DRR and Small Grants.
Emergency response included; targeting of most vulnerable families for shelter, WASH and food assistance activities. Livelihood included cash vouchers, cash for work, food and non-food distributions, linkages with market, institutional building with CBOs, and Regional Forums.
WASH interventions included provision of WASH infrastructure, behaviour change communication trainings and coordination. Provided transitional shelters to most vulnerable households through agreed hybrid technology. Established community schools and equipped with transitional shelters and school kits for teachers and children.
Coordination and Representation;
Coordinated with UN organizations, government departments and NGOs for sustainable impact and represented organization at strategic forums for planning, organizational reputation, vision sharing and funding. Worked in close coordination with UNWFP, FAO, UNICEF, ERRA, CAFOD, TROCAIRE, CARDAID and other CARITAS sister organizations.
Staff Management and Capacity Building;
Recruited staff; developed relevant JDs, oriented, coached and developed systems for regular capacity building and reflections.
Nature of Project; Natural Resource Management, Education, infrastructure development, poverty reduction and FSL
Swiss agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) funded Community Based Natural Resource Management Project was a development, multi-tire, process-approach based development project on sustainable resource management and capacity building. The project focused on evolutionary holistic approach and built capacity of communities from grass roots level to formation of apex institution aiming self-management of resources and poverty alleviation.
Managed project on Community Based Natural Resource Management in the high lands of KP, which included activities on environment protection, human institutional development, education, community empowerment and liaison for sustainable development. The implementing strategy primarily focused on community engagement/ social mobilization and human & institutional building. Managed Funds, Staff, Community and coordinated with Government and donors. The project management included people management, financial management, community engagement, donor coordination, staff capacity building and report writing.
Field coordination and institution building at grass roots level; formation of grass roots level institutions, formation of village development plans and partnership initiatives with Community Based Organizations (CBOs) for sustainable development. Developed village development plans through Participatory Reflection and Actions (PRAs), trained natural leaders, conducted exposure visits, formed village committees, conducted conferences and workshops. Conducted sessions on hygiene, school improvement, gender mainstreaming, environment protection, conservation. • Worked as front line worked for the implementation of project activities. Field Visits, Village Development Plans, CBOs formation, Government Liaising, Cluster Meetings, Conflict Resolutions, staff management etc
Umer Farooq is an example of true leadership in action; not seeking merely gain followers, but also working hard to cultivate other leaders. I realy enjoyed working with him.
Umer has a unique combination of creativity, strong work ethic, and management skills.
Umer is an excellent team player who creates an atmosphere of convenience for quality work.
Endorsed