With over 14 years of experience in economic development, I’ve focused on empowering vulnerable communities, particularly in poverty-stricken and disaster-affected areas of Pakistan. My work has centered on providing impactful financial services and development initiatives that help people build resilience and unlock economic potential.
As a Private Sector Development Advisor at GIZ Pakistan, I work on strengthening MSMEs in agricultural value chains through climate risk finance. This role allows me to apply innovative, gender-responsive solutions that promote sustainable growth and enhance resilience.
During my time with Islamic Relief Pakistan, I gained valuable experience in microfinance, social mobilization, and grassroots development. I worked on the Islamic Microfinance Program, addressing the financial needs of marginalized groups in challenging environments.
In summary, my experience spans project management, poverty alleviation, and delivering development programs tailored to local needs, all aimed at driving sustainable economic progress.
Design and implement assessments for SMEs in agricultural value chains to identify business development opportunities and address climate risks.
Develop tailored training formats and financial instruments for SMEs, emphasizing adaptation strategies at the provincial level.
Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure SME development interventions align with sustainability standards and best practices.
Manage consultants and trainers, providing guidance to foster capacity development within the organization.
In this role, I am accountable for overseeing and managing the Islamic microfinance program of Islamic Relief, ensuring that it is effectively implemented according to established standards and procedures.
My primary responsibility is to oversee all aspects of the programme's planning, implementation, and management. This involves ensuring that all procedures, systems, and guidelines set by the organization are adhered to and that the programme is carried out in a manner consistent with these standards.
My responsibilities also include strengthening the operational infrastructure of the system, developing business plans, implementing effective management information systems, establishing reporting mechanisms, managing risk and compliance, and spearheading expansion initiatives.
My role also involves creating budgets, project proposals, concept notes, and project reports, which are intended for sharing with senior management, donors, and other stakeholders.
My focus is on conducting critical business reviews, building effective teams, fostering synergy, motivating staff, and enhancing capacity building.
It is my responsibility to ensure that all members of the MF staff comply with Islamic Relief Worldwide's (IRW) policies and procedures, with particular attention to those relating to Sharia principles.
I regularly conducted business reviews and provided on-the-job facilitation to address any performance gaps. In addition, I strengthened operational controls and ensured compliance with appropriate service delivery standards. Through my efforts, I was able to boost team morale and increase motivation levels among staff members.
Ensure effective and efficient utilization of resources to achieve the desired outcomes.
I represented the Islamic Relief Microfinance Program at various national and international networking forums and workshops.
§ Providing all required resources and logistics to field staff for achievement of Program deliverables.
§ Completing the project tasks timely and according to outcomes/deliverables indicated in the project document.
§ Preparation of monthly plan of activities for the project team and monitoring for timely and efficient implementation of agreed plans.
§ Providing updated reports to seniors about Portfolio, Staff performance, any other required by line-manager.
§ Managing all the field operations of the Microfinance program
§ Incorporating all the changes in the MIS
§ Conducting performance reviews of the staff.
• Standardized credit disbursement process, ensured policy compliance, credit quality and eliminated possibility of dual loaning (not a single dual loan in my tenure).
• Defined loan limit in accord with IRP’s rules & regulations for more than 2,500 loan applications. Maintained accurate, transparent and reliable record at all level of operations.
• Conducted pre and post disbursement account monitoring.
• Guided and facilitated sales personnel in dissemination & implementation of policy knowledge.
• Maintained a healthy branch portfolio with 99.2% recovery rate.
· Conducted situational analysis, initial contacts, program introduction, periodic meetings and organized people into credit groups.
· Worked out market penetration strategy for greater outreach & scale with optimum resource allocation.
· Ensured vigilant client selection through streamlined scrutiny system, KYC (Know Your Customer) approach and cash flow based appraisal.
· Managed and maintained a portfolio of 340 clients.