خلاصہ

With more than twelve years of experience, I am currently working as Development Communication Specialist and Project Manager at CAB International (CABI) Pakistan. Through this position, I have had the opportunity to enhance my skills on several different levels covering international development mainly in agriculture, rural development and the environment sectors. My curriculum vitae describes my specific responsibilities at CABI and my capabilities in the areas of training supervision, project management, strategic planning, communication for development and research, monitoring evaluation for different development programs and projects. However, I would also like to mention my core experiences as a Manager, Communication expert and Research expert for different programs and projects to ensure quality control and achievement of the respective programs/projects and organizational goals. Under CABIs flagship Plantwise, Action on Invasive, Better Cotton Initiative and PlantwisePlus programs, I develop a strong liaison with the programs partners and stakeholders, in line with the programs themes. I am well versed in developing and implementing project management and communication standards across the project. While managing different programs/projects in multiple roles at the same time, I have the demonstrated ability to multi-task, work under pressure, meeting deadlines in a fast-paced, fluid environment.
In my role as Project Manager, I have been involved in managing projects on (a) capacity building of smallholder potato growers (b) Implementation of climate technology demonstrations (c) Biodiversity baseline study in potato landscape etc. My responsibilities in the said projects encompass managing and developing relations with donors and partners (national and international), promoting organizational strategy, resource mobilization, writing proposals including budgeting and negotiate projects. My responsibilities in the said programmes and other related projects also involves maintaining good knowledge of the CABIs history, key programs achievements, policies leading baseline and end line studies, situation analysis studies and feasibility studies for effective planning and implementation of projects and programs. In addition to this, I also standardized self-sufficiency in implementation of tasks, its reporting to higher management, support project teams and sturdy coordination with stakeholders, partners and donors with professionalism and diplomacy. My role also includes to provide regular updates to the Countrys leadership on progress of on-going projects and support for business development. I also act as point of contact for donor communication, including organizing and hosting donor visits in the field. For example, I have an extensive experience in hosting Ambassadors and international visitors in project areas and arrange their interactive sessions with partners and beneficiaries.
In my role as Development Communication Specialist, I am leading behavior change campaigns on safer use of pesticides (with focus on cotton crop and farmers), gender access to rural advisory services, and invasive species management in collaboration with international and national experts. I have created and implemented comprehensive communication strategies and outreach plans both for corporate and project communications that utilizes relevant channels, including social media, for the dissemination of on-ground impacts. I also possess creative, flexible and excellent interpersonal communication skills to build links with staff, partners, government officials, donors, and other relevant stakeholders. I am an expert in producing extension corporate communication materials including blogs, social media posts, infographics, booklets, quarterly newsletters, media engagement, press releases, brochures, monthly, quarterly, biannually, and annual reports and videos etc. for higher management, donors and stakeholders. For instance, I am currently developing video on Role of women in agriculture to highlight womens contributions in agriculture sector, how they are supporting their men to secure livelihoods and barriers to their access to advisory services. Moreover, I travel frequently to field projects to proactively observe the activities to record and share the success stories with internal and external audiences through different communication channels.
Furthermore, being part of CABI, I have identified and build partnerships with ministries, government research and development institutes and national/international NGOs throughout the country. For instance, under CABIs PlantwsiePlus program, Better cotton initiative programme and RVO funded potato project, myself along with country coordinator and Deputy Director Programme strengthened relationships with key partners by signing MoUs for smooth implementation of CABIs programs and projects. I have also developed the joint operational strategies for engagement with the stakeholders identified, including the levels of engagement, geographical areas of intervention, and roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder. In collaboration with different partners/stakeholders.
In addition to my extensive experience, I have strong research, presentation and communication skills. I am capable of carrying out applied and field research including qualitative and quantitative research studies, situation analysis studies, baseline and endline surveys, formative and summative evaluations and project monitoring reports etc. and can steer the project and its activities accordingly by providing appropriate technical backstopping, news, information, or developments to project team and beneficiaries. I am well-versed in visits to farms and production sites for evaluations. I am capable of ensuring effective project control, change control, risk management, budgets, resources, and testing processes. I can also provide flexible project management solutions by applying appropriate techniques and methodologies to deliver the best solution for the organizations. Fully capable to conduct information sessions, seminars, and workshops with large numbers of audiences and demonstrating live technology, new products, or services.
In summary, the following are some of the key strengths
Project Management Proven ability to plan, implement, and oversee programs/projects from conception to completion, with proven success and stakeholders satisfaction.
Stakeholders Engagement Partnership Development Adept at building relationships and strengthen partnerships with various stakeholders, including beneficiaries, government agencies, and NGOs, to foster collaboration and achieve common goals.
Adaptability and Innovation Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing environments, multi-tasking and develop innovative approaches to address challenges.
Communication Outreach Strong written and verbal communication skills, essential for developing and delivering effective training materials, infographics, reports, blogs, videos and presentations etc.
Research, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Grasp on conducting qualitative and quantitative studies and leading situation analysis studies, baseline and endline surveys, feasibility studies, formative and summative evaluations and project monitoring reports etc.