Key skills and expertise

With 38 years of experience, the expert is adept in social sector development, project management, and social mobilization. Career highlights include leading both international and local initiatives in rural development, disaster risk reduction, and community engagement. Notable achievements involve implementing social safeguards for major infrastructure projects and developing comprehensive livelihood restoration programs. Previously held roles such as Team Leader and Director, the expert has overseen strategic planning, monitoring, and evaluation. Expertise extends to gender mainstreaming, conflict analysis, and capacity building in volatile regions.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors including the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, European Union, Oxfam Great Britain, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. Responsibilities have included project implementation, technical assistance, evaluations, and capacity building across thematic areas such as governance, health, education, and infrastructure. Projects have been regional and national in scope, conducted in locations like Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand. The expert has provided strategic planning, monitoring, and evaluation support, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and enhancing institutional capacities.

Sectors and geographic focus

Worked across sectors including rural development, civil society, social development, disaster reduction, and corporate social responsibility. Background includes positions such as Team Leader, Director, and Social Development Specialist, focusing on project management, social mobilization, and community engagement. The expert's interdisciplinary expertise includes integrating infrastructure development with rural and regional planning, and addressing gender and social accountability in volatile regions. The geographic scope of work spans Pakistan, with additional assignments in Saudi Arabia and Thailand. Extensive experience in Pakistan has led to deep familiarity with local governance and cultural dynamics.

Languages and education

Bringing a multilingual skill set, the expert is fluent in English, Urdu, and Balochi, with excellent reading, speaking, and writing skills. Proficiency in Seraiki and working knowledge of Pashto and Sindhi have been utilized in diverse contexts, including in-country work and collaboration with multilingual teams across international projects. With a background in education, the expert holds an MSc in Human Settlements Development with a specialization in Rural and Regional Development Planning from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand. Additional qualifications include an MEd in Education and an MSc in Botany with a specialization in Plant Ecology from the University of Baluchistan, Pakistan. Further education includes a BSEd in Science Education at the Government College of Education, Lahore, Pakistan, and a program in Microcomputer Applications in Rural Development at New Mexico State University, USA.