Manoj Kumar completed his B.S. (Hons) degree in Sociology from the University of Sindh, Jamshoro in 2012. He has completed various courses in developing communication products, including short video documentaries, writing and documenting case stories, documentary photography, and visual storytelling from recognized film companies and organizations in Pakistan.
Currently, he is engaged in developing behavior change strategies and rollout plans for a waste management and recycling project with a UKAID Match-funded project in collaboration with Tearfund Pakistan, based in Karachi. He regularly supports the team in the implementation of BCC strategies and develops multiple communication products on waste management.
Manoj has previously worked with national and international organizations in the capacity of media communications, particularly in generating case stories, publishing them, and developing multimedia products for internal communication and social media platforms.
In addition to his professional work, Manoj has been writing for Pakistani newspapers, primarily on themes of culture, people, and climate change. He has written over 25 feature stories that have been published in Dawn. Highlighting two of his notable achievements, in May 2017, three of his photographs were exhibited at the UNDP Asia-Pacific Photography Competition held in Bangkok, Thailand, where he ranked in the top 10 out of 100 photographers. One of his short documentaries, "Ancient Thar," focusing on water issues in Thar, won the Water and Energy category at the 60 Seconds International Film Festival 2014-2015. In November 2022, he was a runner-up in a global photo contest on climate change and the environment organized by the Netherlands Government.
Portfolio:
drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1rlDw2RAbVlgVQwfWLee2ZLblXoGAI_GP
I am independently writing for Dawn, this isn't full time job and based on the assignments and tasks given by the firm. I have done around 20+ stories and documentaries mainly focused on the themes of Culture and Water.
Supporting the project director to ensure that Tearfund’s purpose, core values, and project objectives are effectively communicated to project team members, fostering mutual understanding and ownership. Additionally, assist in drafting the communication strategy and plan, and help develop and maintain the collaborative approach needed to create value and maximize impact.
Supporting the project in developing and finalizing the content and materials for the UKAM Project. Follow communications protocols rigorously, including obtaining consent and considering cultural, safety, and other relevant concerns. Coordinate with Country Office and Tearfund UK staff, providing timely support and information. Manage digital and print media resources efficiently and facilitate internal communications to keep the team and relevant personnel updated on project activities and progress.
Supporting project coordinator to plan and organize project activities, monitoring and documentation for quality project implementation. Developing a project monitoring plan in consultation with the line manager, conduct field monitoring visits, and recommend corrective actions.
Producing case studies on best practices, impact stories and compile activity reports for a monthly E-Newsletter. Supporting media media team in producing content for social media sites.
Ensuring the formulation of plans and budgets adheres to AA Pakistan's guidelines and properly documenting the LRP plans and budgets according to the organization's prescribed format. Guiding the LRP team in developing communication and visibility products per ActionAid Pakistan and its donor’s policies. Ensuring a transparent and accountable process at the community level, keeping the community at the center of all planning and implementation. Implementing ActionAid Pakistan’s “Partnership Policy Guidelines” and ensuring long-distance management of the LRP partner is mutually agreed upon. Facilitating the sponsorship unit in developing high-quality case studies with photos and building the capacity of LRP staff in digital documentation of sponsored children.
Conducting field visits to carry out monitoring using standard tools and submitting detailed reports. Collecting case studies and success stories to capture learnings and effects of project interventions. Rigorously checking and ensuring that the activities under the project fulfill the scheduled objectives on time. Conducting required data analysis and presenting information to support decision-making. Conducting orientation sessions regarding ongoing studies, surveys and data collection from the field.
Managing relations with the media by sharing information and updates, and getting news about the Tharparkar area published or broadcasted with accurate facts and figures. Managing the E-Advocacy initiative, handling data digitally, developing documentaries, compiling issues and case studies, and sharing reports within the organization. Facilitating capacity building of local correspondents from print and electronic media. Compiling, publishing, and circulating the quarterly magazine "Pirbhat," focusing on issues in the area with verified facts and figures. Developing short documentaries on project work, including shooting, recording clips, and editing. Creating social media campaigns to highlight profiles and case studies from the operational area. Designing publications such as brochures and pamphlets.
Taking part as a fellow during the shoot of the Pakistani Feature Movie “MOOR” directed by Jami Jamshed Raza in 2012. Learning the basics of DSLR Cinematography and photography tools and techniques. Understanding how to edit short movies and documentaries on social issues. Knowing how to write scripts and storyboards for feature documentaries. Making short documentaries for public awareness.