For Descartes, it was I Think, Therefore I Am. For me the shortest summary of my career evolution would be, I Write, Therefore I Am.
For me writing has always been a forte that stands strong behind my long haul in development and corporate communication From developing communication strategies that brought in results to consultancies, creative content development and knowledge management. I have built teams, trained resources, brought in innovation but most of all added value to the companies and projects i have been a part of.
To Develop original content/copy for English/Urdu Documentaries, Ads and Marketing Campaigns.To devise strategies for story lines and ideas.To develop content for development sector awareness and advocacy campaigns including brochure, posters, social media, video platforms and radio programs content.To Produce content for Corporate Videos and Social Media Ads. To Develop scripted material for the Web and other communication devices. To Edit content for correct spelling and grammar. To Perform extensive fact-checking.To strategize creative ideas for pitches and proposals that stand out.
Writing and producing project dissemination materials and communications documents such as: newsletters, fact sheets, blogs, web articles, presentations, success stories, documentation of activities, meeting and event reports and other communication materials as requested.Conducting meetings with NPI EXPAND HDA staff and grantees, field visits and review of reports to develop human interest and impact-oriented program success stories and case studies for the quarterly reports submitted to USAID.Designed and conducted training on writing and communication for NPI EXPAND HDA grantees.Coordinating with the project team to capture learning and achievements in the NPI EXPAND HDA project.Collecting project photos, establishing a photo bank for the project and managing the picture archive.Reviewing material developed by grantees to ensure that USAID’s branding and marking guidelines for NPI EXPAND HDA are followed by all grantees and for all project documents.Ensuring that the project communications plan is followed and updated as needed.Supporting the development of material for events such as workshops and meetings.
Managed project information and communication needs and other evidence of achievement in support of project objectives.
Overseeing project compliance of USAID branding and marking requirements.
Provided support across all project offices to oversee communication functions.
Produced information rich reports and success stories to highlight project learnings, successes and challenges from over 450 small grant projects with over 150 implementation partners.
Used information in Activity Database and MEAL reports to compile quick results reporting on program status and impact, including success stories, factsheets, spotlights and infographics.
Reported program status and impact to various internal and external audiences, through a variety of formats.
Provided guidance and support to media components, as needed on activities and to media grantees.
Successful closeout of project communication with a comprehensive Project Final Report.
Worked with Communications Officer, M&E team, Program Development Officers, and Grants Officers in CRA Lahore office to collect and report information on program achievements as Spotlights.
Developed associated narrative for communication within the project, and for the donor.
Trained/provided guideline to CRA Grant Implementation Partners in creating Non Partisan content, activity reports, training manuals on Countering Violent Extremism, and IEC material.
Utilized information accumulated through field visits, regional situation analysis, Activity Database monitoring and M&E reports to compile quick results on program status and impact, including press releases and success stories.
To analyze activity success in the context of theory of change , activity objectives and program objectives.
Shared trends, lessons learned, and success stories with Implementing Partners, donor and program teams.
Reviewed and suggested the list of content/materials to undergo the Non-Partisan Review Process for all grant activities.
Conducted MEAL visits, Focus Group Discussions,Key Informant Interviews, collected Survey Feedback Data and developed Routine Monitoring Reports and M&E Tools from the M&E perspective.
Reviewed Final Evaluation Reports for grants to develop activity highlights and analyze activity trends.
Conducted/Oversaw the Non-Partisan Review Process for all grants to ensure that content adheres to client guidelines and does not unduly privilege or criticize any single political, religious, racial, gender, or ethnic perspective, has a strong CVE lens keeping the establishment clause of the US Constitution in context.
Wrote and compiled program reports for the Lahore field office, such as the Weekly and Quarterly Report, which included reporting of program achievements and analysis.
Increased public, stake holder’s knowledge and documentation of the Empowerment Voice and Accountability for Basic Health and Nutrition (EVA- BHN) program and Health and Nutrition Innovation Fund (HANIF)’s grant projects with a particular focus on increasing awareness regarding Program objectives with in programs, public awareness, client satisfaction, and disseminating innovative solutions to RMNCH challenges and result based advocacy.
Innovative ways of presenting Success stories to public and stake holders.
Development of marketing collateral for the promotion of EVA – BHN and HANIF portfolio.
Increased digital footprint of the EVA-BHN and HANIF through the active use of and public engagement through social media.
Produce and Improve quality and frequency of EVA-BHN and HANIF publications, reports and outreach efforts.
Develop and implement a comprehensive communication and advocacy framework contributing to the program outputs.
Develop and implement behavior change communication strategy particularly factoring in gender concerns and issues of excluded groups.
Preparation and ensuring quality of all communication and advocacy materials.
For HANIF implementing partners,help to develop communication and advocacy campaigns.
Interact with mass media for effective delivery of program’s messages.
To work with the Communications, M&E, and Program Teams in Lahore and Islamabad to collect information on program achievements and develop associated narrative for communication within the project, and to the client.
To collect information from activity partners and synthesize achievements into program reports, such as Weekly and Quarterly reports.
To develop media plans for grant activities and monitor media coverage for the program.
To use information in Activity Database and MEL reports to compile quick results reporting on program status and impact, including press releases and success stories.
To maintain quality control over project documentation and deliverables, including but not limited to:
• Monitoring and Evaluation Plans
• Routine Monitoring Reports (RMRs)
• Final Evaluation Reports (FERs)
Other duties translations and writing support as assigned by the supervisor.
To Head/Supervise Content & Communications Department.
To design Mass Telecommunication Value Added Services Campaigns and Media Communication strategy for increased reach and conversion response.
To spearhead content creation and production.
To devise social media campaigns and strategies To develop monitoring and content handling databases and record sheets.
To oversee VAS Content Management
To moderate and ensure Bulk SMS Content Production
To supervise Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Prompts Production
To oversee IVR and SMS based product marketing Campaigns and Strategy Design.
To Develop original content for English/Urdu Documentaries, Ads and Marketing Campaigns.
To Use the written word to express story lines and ideas.
To Produce content for radio and television broadcasts, Corporate Videos and Social Media Ads.
To Develop scripted material for the Web and other communication devices.
To Conduct extensive research on various topics.
To Write outlines and rough drafts.
To Edit content for correct spelling and grammar.
To Perform extensive fact-checking.
To Maintain blogs to keep in touch with fans and readers.
To deliver draft or fair copy in a timely manner, ensuring accuracy and creativity.
To consider and suggest opportunities for event industry press relations
To speak directly to press contacts.
To maintain relationships with media.
To continually consider creative ideas for pitches and proposals that stand out.
To suggest the best ways of presenting proposals and pitch material.
Provided Consultancy / Content Creation services to USAID EP Firms Project under the banner of Chemonics International.
Development of SEO based Web Content for 11 SME Companies Web Pages in the Agri Implements Sector.
Development of SEO based Web Content for 10 SME Companies Web Pages in the Marble & Granite Sector.
Supervision of Content Team comprising of 40 researchers/writers/Voice Over Artists/Audio Editors with expertise in 5 languages(English, Urdu, Dari, Pashto and Afghan Pashto)keeping Content Quality intact
Creative Content/Prompt Supervisor overseeing the launch of Versatile Services for Pakistan Telecom Sector (Zong, Ufone. Telenor, M9, MTN and Mobilink).
Promotional SMS Writing for different Services including Mobile Music Station, Islamic Portal, Ugoal, Z-Cricket and U-Cricket.
Writing weekly entertainment portal Mobile Magazine.
English/Urdu News and VAS IVR Voice Over.
Set goals and deadlines for the Operations department.
Prepared and reviewed operational reports and schedules to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
Direct or coordinate the supportive services department of a business, agency, or organization.
Analyze internal processes and recommend and implement procedural or policy changes to improve operations, such as evaluations or the disposal of records.
Hire and terminate Operation Executives as per Company HR Policy.
Conduct training sessions to teach Operation procedures to staff.
Monitor the Working environment to ensure that it remains safe, secure, and well-maintained for running Operations.
Defined and devised SOPs, JDs and KPIs for Content Operations Department.
Waqas is someone you can always trust. Great values, gets the job done. A highly inspiring leader who motivates his team to give their best. Highly recommended!