概要

Zulfiqar is a seasoned professional with 18 years of progressive experience in the social development sector. A dynamic leader, he has successfully managed diverse teams, playing a pivotal role in institutional development within challenging contexts. Zulfiqar is known for his self-driven and target-oriented approach, consistently delivering results in multi-stakeholder development projects.
His expertise spans a broad spectrum, including education programs, social mobilization, social protection, women's development, gender gap analysis, community development, technical vocational education, rural development, poverty reduction programs, livelihoods, climate resilience, SME, TVET, trade, economic development, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Zulfiqar brings specialized knowledge in health, education, livelihood, women's economic empowerment, climate change, and sustainable land management, including early recovery programs and emergency preparedness and response.
In program implementation and operations, Zulfiqar excels in strategic planning, policy development, project design, budgeting, fundraising, communication, representation/relationship management, contracts management, and operational supervision. His proven track record includes successful leadership and management of large-scale education, social development, and humanitarian programs. Zulfiqar has secured financial assistance from prestigious international entities such as the World Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), UN Agencies (UNDP, UNICEF, UN-OCHA), European Union (EU), ECHO, DFID, USAID, PPAF-IFAD, AUSAID, and various INGOs, including Plan International, OXFAM GB, OXFAM Novib, and HelpAge International.
Zulfiqar's wealth of experience and comprehensive skill set position him as a valuable asset in the fields of social development, humanitarian assistance, and international program management. His dedication to driving positive change and achieving impactful results sets him apart as a leader in the global development community.

项目

OXFAM-GB, UNICEF, Plan International & UNDP

工作经历

公司标识
Head of Section (Social Development)
The World Bank Group
Jan 2022 - 代表 | Karachi, Pakistan

Urban and Rural Planning Support:
• Support the PIU team in comprehending urban and rural planning.
• Lead public consultations on social mobilization, community participatory development, and climate change.
Stakeholder Engagement Training:
• Conduct training sessions for the PIU team on stakeholder engagement and participatory development methods.
• Collaborate with PIU Team personnel and partner departments for effective training.
Engagement with NGOs and CBOs:
• Establish regular engagement with local NGOs and CBOs in consultation with the PIU CLICK TEAM.
Training Development:
• Develop training sessions on stakeholder engagement for the PIU, CLICK personnel, JV partners, and relevant organizations.
Resettlement and Social Management Plans:
• Create Resettlement Action Plans (RAP), Resettlement Frameworks (RAF), and Social and Resettlement Management Plans for the CLICK Programme.
Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM):
• Establish a comprehensive GRM covering operation, resolution, response, documentation, and record-keeping monitoring.
Project Implementation Plan:
• Prepare the project implementation plan, including timelines for various activities.
• Monitor progress and provide technical guidance to consultants and contractors.
Project Document Review:
• Assist the Project Director of the CLICK Programme in reviewing, evaluating, and clearing project documents for compliance.
Progress Reporting:
• Prepare progress reports aligned with Project Deliverables for submission to the CLICK Programme by consultants and other stakeholders.
Strategic Vision:
• Contribute to the development, maintenance, and review of the strategy and strategic vision for the CLICK Programme.
Guidance for Program Units:
• Provide overall guidance and direction to program units, ensuring the achievement of agreed targets and strategic objectives.
Environmental and Social Management Plans:
• Lead and support the preparation of environmental and social management plans for development projects funded by the World Bank.
Social Impact Screening:
• Provide overall guidance for screening schemes for social impacts based on the approved categorization by the World Bank projects.
Independent Monitoring Report:
• Support the Program team with an independent monitoring report for each sub-project to clear the initiation of civil works.
Incorporation of Mitigation Measures:
• Ensure that sub-project-specific social mitigation measures are incorporated into contract documents.

公司标识
Team Lead/EDF Program Lead
European Union-EU Success Programme
Oct 2021 - Dec 2021 | Jamshoro, Pakistan

Leadership of EDF Fund:
• Oversaw and led the execution of all activities within the defined scope and methodology of the EU European Union Success Program for the EDF fund.
Capacity-Building and Technical Training:
• Developed and conducted technical training and capacity-building initiatives for the program team, encompassing EDF, SME, TVET, and Economic Development.
• Shared a comprehensive plan for skills development and capacity-building, ensuring timely delivery under EU standards.
Emphasis on Practical Skills Development:
• Prioritized practical skills development for enterprises and facilitated learning by doing for business development groups, ensuring timely achievement of specified targets under deliverables.
Operational Manual Oversight:
• Ensured the development and implementation of the EDF Fund operational manual across project activities.
Training Needs Assessments:
• Designed and executed EDF and skills development training needs assessments, incorporating a gender-based approach for all EU Success project staff members and Business Development Groups (BDGs).
Stakeholder Engagement Training:
• Supported the EU Project team with training sessions on stakeholder engagement and participatory development methods, collaborating with local support organizations and community groups.
Consultative Implementation Approach:
• Ensured the implementation and evaluation of the EDF program through a consultative and participative approach, conducting regular field visits and community consultations for finalizing BDGs and the local EDF team.
Strategic Direction:
• Provided strategic direction to the EU Project team, guiding efforts towards business and enterprise development with the overarching goal of poverty reduction and local development.
Leadership in Strategic Planning:
• Led the role in the strategic planning process of EDF fund implementation within the project.
Stakeholder Relationship Building:
• Identified business development groups and EDF opportunities to build key stakeholder relationships, taking the initiative to follow up with necessary actions

公司标识
Team/Programme Lead
Mott MacDonald - MM Pakistan
Apr 2021 - Oct 2021 | Karachi, Pakistan

Strategic Decision-Making:
• Lead the development of key decisions for project implementation.
• Provide solutions to issues that may arise during implementation.
Strategic Direction for Social Development:
• Provide strategic direction to the K-IV team, ensuring the integration of the social development component in project implementation.
Strategic Planning Leadership:
• Play a leading role in the strategic planning process and social development of the program.
Stakeholder Relationship Building:
• Identify sub-projects and opportunities to build key stakeholder relationships.
• Take the initiative to follow up with necessary actions.
Social Screening:
• Conduct social screening of the K-IV project to identify and mitigate potential social risks and impacts.
• Propose the Environmental and Social (E&S) category for the Project.
E&S Assessment Review:
• Review selected E&S assessment documents, including project Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and third-party due diligence reports.
Record Keeping:
• Keep track of project records, action plans, and other information to enhance Environmental and Social (E&S) performance.
Risk Management Practices:
• Review the reliability of risk management practices during project appraisal and supervision.
• Assist with the analysis of precedents.
Social Impact Assessments:
• Lead the project team in preparing and implementing social impact assessments (SIA), resettlement planning frameworks (RPF), resettlement plans (RP), Indigenous Peoples Plan (IPP), Indigenous Peoples planning frameworks (IPPF), and other relevant instruments for managing social risks and impacts.
Operational Guidance:
• Provide operational guidance and support to the Environmental and Social (E&S) team.
Climate Resilience Monitoring:
• Monitor the implementation of climate resilience social risk management instruments of the Project.
• Address any issues arising during Project implementation.
Progress Reporting:
• Lead the project team in preparing progress reports aligned with project deliverables.
• Collaborate with consultants and stakeholders as defined in the Strategic Management Framework (SMF)/Resettlement Planning Framework (RPF) and sub-project-specific Environmental Management Plans (EMPs)/Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs)/Annual Resettlement Action Plans (ARAPs).

公司标识
Provincial Programme Coordinator-PPC Sindh SB-5
United Nations Development Programme
Oct 2017 - Mar 2021 | Karachi, Pakistan

Project Management:
• Managed Provincial Coordination Unit in Sindh.
• Applied UNDP administrative and financial procedures.
• Coordinated with GEF and supported the Government of Pakistan (MoCC).
Government Collaboration:
• Led the Government of Sindh in project implementation.
• Acted as Technical Lead for the Planning and Development Department Government of Sindh.
Stakeholder Coordination:
• Collaborated with provincial government departments and Implementing Partners (IPs).
• Ensured effective stakeholder collaboration.
Financial Management:
• Managed a US$ 5 Million annual financial portfolio.
• Executed planned activities within budget.
Strategic Planning and Policy Development:
• Contributed to PAP, draft Land Use Policy, and Integrated Financing Strategy.
• Led preparation of NAP and National IFS aligned with UNCCD’s 10-Year Plan.
Leadership and Coordination:
• Led SLMP-II Project as Provincial Program Coordinator.
• Collaborated with National and Provincial Consultants.
Results and Impact:
• Successfully achieved project objectives.
• Contributed to sustainable land management in Sindh, Pakistan.

公司标识
Chief Operating Officer-COO/Head of Programme
Sindh Agricultural and Forestry Workers Coordinating Organization-SAFWCO
Aug 2015 - Oct 2017 | Hyderabad, Pakistan

SAFWCO donors and Partners (OXFAM-GB, OXFAM Novib International, Plan International, WHH Germany, UNDP Pakistan, UNICEF, UN-OCHA, European Union-EU, ECHO, DFID, USAID, Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund-PPAF, UN-IFAD, The World Bank, AUSAID, and HelpAge International
September 2015- Oct 2017 (2 Years 2 Months)
Responsibilities and Achievements:
Strategic Leadership:
• Contributed to SAFWCO's strategy and vision development.
Program Management:
• Guided program units in 12 districts of Sindh.
• Led annual fundraising plan, diversifying funding sources.
Strategic Planning and Coordination:
• Developed program strategies and annual plans.
• Led continuous service delivery through proposal development.
Needs Assessments and Analysis:
• Conducted needs assessments and program analysis.
• Identified technical assistance needs for programs/projects.
Stakeholder Relations:
• Established working relationships, representing SAFWCO to various organizations.
Management and Oversight:
• Developed annual program budget aligned with SAFWCO’s strategy.
• Directly managed Project/Regional Managers, Program Managers, Sector Leads.
Advocacy and Risk Management:
• Supported advocacy and communications unit.
• Identified and mitigated risks associated with program activities.
Team Leadership and Development:
• Actively participated in monthly Senior Management Team meetings.
• Ensured clear objectives and feedback for the SAFWCO Senior Management Team.
Partnerships and Networking:
• Built effective partnerships with stakeholders, local government, and humanitarian organizations.
Operations and Field Support:
• Ensured smooth operations in all sectors and districts.
• Led field operations, providing support to field teams and programmatic staff.
Quality Standards and Compliance:
• Ensured adherence to quality standards and donor compliance.
• Collaborated with Finance and Grant Management team.
Process Improvement and Systems Development:
• Developed strategies, SOPs, and streamlined business processes.
Field Office Establishment:
• Led establishment of field offices, developing operational systems and guidelines.
• Collaboration and Communication:
Collaborated with support departments for timely support.
• Established and maintained working relationships with partner agencies, donors, and NGOs.
This role involved strategic planning, program management, stakeholder engagement, team leadership, and operational oversight, contributing significantly to SAFWCO's mission and objectives.

公司标识
Provincial Manager-Sindh
Sindh Skills Development Program (Technical Education Program in Sindh)
Jan 2014 - Nov 2014 | Hyderabad, Pakistan

Stakeholder Coordination:
• Coordinated with academic institutions, universities, technical education schools, colleges, and institutes across Sindh province.
Skills Development Programs:
• Organized and arranged skills development training programs for students in universities, colleges, and academic institutions throughout Sindh.
Project Planning and Proposal Development:
• Led project planning and developed proposals for skills development education programs.
Networking:
• Established networks with National and International Skills Education Development Organizations.
Program Review:
• Conducted monthly and quarterly reviews of skills education programs.
Capacity-Building and Partnerships:
• Identified opportunities for capacity-building and effective partnerships.
• Developed education programs and working relationships with principal stakeholders, including partner communities and government education programs.
Coordination with Support Departments:
• Coordinated with support departments/functions to ensure timely support to the program team and partner organizations.
Linkages and Collaborations:
• Developed linkages between universities, colleges, technical educational institutes, and key stakeholders to ensure necessary support for program implementation.
Field Operations and Support:
• Led overall field operations and provided operational support to field teams.
Field Operations Guidelines:
• Developed Field Operations Guidelines, covering background information, the role of field offices, staffing needs, organogram, job descriptions, policies, procedures, resources, and logistics plans.
Compliance:
• Ensured compliance with applicable policies and procedures in the implementation of field operations.
This role highlighted your leadership in coordinating a skills development program in Sindh, involving stakeholder engagement, program planning, networking, and fostering partnerships for effective education initiatives.

公司标识
Chief Executive Officer
National Institute for Research and Development-NIRD
Jan 2013 - Dec 2013 | Hyderabad, Pakistan

Strategic Planning:
• Led the development of program strategies and annual plans.
• Ensured coordination of technical input into country strategy, proposals, and reports.
Proposal Development:
• Spearheaded the development of proposals for continuous service delivery.
Capacity Development:
• Systematically developed the capacity of direct reports.
• Enhanced staff capacity through mentorship and training.
Leadership Development:
• Provided acting role opportunities to direct reports for leadership skill improvement.
Stakeholder Relations:
• Established and maintained working relationships with various stakeholders.
• Took the lead in representing the organization to UN, NGOs, counterparts, donors, and government entities.
Field Operations and Support:
• Led overall field operations and provided operational support.
• Developed Field Operations Guidelines, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.
Operational and Administrative Systems:
• Implemented systems for all project development phases in the field.
• Strengthened systems for targeting beneficiaries, enrollment, and grievance redress.
Budget Development and Oversight:
• Developed an annual program budget in alignment with the organization’s strategy.
• Coordinated with key departments for budget oversight.
Advocacy and Communications:
• Supported the advocacy and communications unit with technical messaging.
Risk Management:
• Identified and evaluated risks associated with program activities.
• Implemented appropriate mitigation measures.
Senior Management Team Participation:
• Actively participated in monthly Senior Management Team meetings.
Financial Oversight:
• Oversaw all program funds, ensuring compliance with NIRD regulations and donor requirements.
Capacity-Building and Partnerships:
• Identified opportunities for capacity-building and effective partnerships.
• Developed programs and relationships with stakeholders, including partner communities.
Staff Management:
• Effectively managed staff to enhance the organization's efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensured coordination between various departments and sectors.
Technical Assistance:
• Assessed and identified technical needs, implementing assistance plans.
Innovation and Growth:
• Built a dynamic organization, fostering innovation and personal growth.
Progress Tracking:
• Ensured effective progress tracking of the project against deliverables.
Coordination with Support Departments:
• Coordinated with support departments/functions for timely and smooth support.

This role showcased your leadership across diverse areas, contributing significantly to the success and sustainability of NIRD's initiatives

公司标识
Field Coordinator(Emergency and Relief Projects) funded USAID/Concern
HelpAge International
Aug 2012 - Dec 2012 | Shikarpur, Pakistan

Project Management:
• Responsible for overall project management and team leadership as Base Manager.
• Monitored activities to ensure smooth operations and effective cluster coordination during emergency Shelter and Non-Food Item (NFI) projects.
Reporting:
• Reported directly to the Senior Manager of Emergencies and Operations at HelpAge International Country Office Pakistan.
• Prepared weekly, monthly, and quarterly progress reports for flood emergency projects.
Guidelines Adherence:
• Implemented Disaster Risk Management and Climate Resilience Strategy according to HelpAge International (HAI) Pakistan guidelines.
Leadership and Development:
• Led the successful development, implementation, planning, monitoring, and reporting of the emergency relief and rehabilitation project.
Cluster Coordination:
• Coordinated activities among different clusters to ensure efficient and collaborative response during emergency Shelter and NFI projects.
Strategic Planning:
• Contributed to the strategic planning of relief and rehabilitation efforts, aligning with organizational goals.
Progress Monitoring:
• Monitored progress against project objectives and made necessary adjustments to ensure project success.
Disaster Risk Management:
• Applied Disaster Risk Management strategies for effective response and recovery.
Climate Resilience Strategy:
• Implemented Climate Resilience Strategy to enhance the project's ability to withstand and recover from climate-related challenges.
Effective Communication:
• Maintained effective communication channels with team members, senior management, and other stakeholders.
Operational Efficiency:
• Ensured operational efficiency in the execution of emergency relief and rehabilitation activities.
Documentation:
• Maintained accurate documentation of project activities and outcomes.
This role highlights your leadership in managing emergency relief and rehabilitation projects, ensuring adherence to guidelines, effective reporting, and strategic planning for disaster response and recovery.

公司标识
Project Manager Early Recovery Program-ERP
United Nations Development Programme-UNDP
Jul 2011 - Aug 2012 | Sukkur, Pakistan

Project Planning and Implementation:
• Prepared comprehensive work plans and budgets for the Early Recovery Program (ERP) in North Sindh.
• Oversaw the overall implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the project.
Consultant Management:
• Developed Terms of Reference (TORs) for national consultants and civil societies.
• Evaluated prospective candidates/organizations for project involvement.
Coordination and Supervision:
• Coordinated and supervised activities of both national and international consultants engaged in the Early Recovery Program.
Humanitarian Response:
• Played a crucial role in the life-saving humanitarian response for communities affected by the massive flood of 2010 in Baluchistan and Sindh provinces.
Livelihood Restoration:
• Supported communities in restoring livelihood activities for those affected by the flood.
• Focused on early recovery of community physical infrastructure and social protection for local residents.
Facilitation of NGOs/CBOs and Government Departments:
• Facilitated NGOs, Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and Government line Departments in implementing the Early Recovery Program.
Community Support:
• Mainly supported people in North Sindh to regain their livelihoods and ensured social protection for the flood-affected communities.
Collaboration and Partnerships:
• Fostered collaboration with NGOs, CBOs, and Government line Departments to enhance the effectiveness of the Early Recovery Program.
Disaster Response and Recovery:
• Addressed the immediate needs of communities affected by the flood, focusing on both recovery and resilience-building efforts.
Program Evaluation:
• Conducted regular evaluations of project activities to assess impact and identify areas for improvement.
Capacity Building:
• Contributed to building the capacity of local organizations and communities in disaster response and recovery efforts.
This role underscores your leadership in managing a comprehensive Early Recovery Program, emphasizing the restoration of livelihoods, social protection, and collaboration with various stakeholders for effective implementation in the aftermath of the 2010 flood.

公司标识
Programme Manager
PPAF-III Project Sanghar (PPAF-IFAD Funded)
Jul 2009 - Jun 2011 | Sanghar, Pakistan

Program Leadership and Management:
• Led and managed the Education Community Development Program, Social Mobilization Program, and Institutional Development Program within the PPAF-IFAD-World Bank-funded Project.
• Ensured compliance with social safeguards and due diligence as defined by World Bank (WB) safeguards policies.
Operational Oversight:
• Oversaw the entire operations of the programs, with a focus on achieving disbursement targets, increasing the number of active clients, sustaining recovery rates, and improving the portfolio's quality.
Reporting:
• Prepared comprehensive monthly, weekly, and daily reports for submission to Senior Manager Programs.
Performance Analysis:
• Analyzed factors influencing program performance and recommended suitable arrangements to involve stakeholders in the project.
Capacity Building:
• Identified areas for capacity building and skills development of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) under the project.
Support to Sub-Projects:
• Provided support and assistance to World Bank-funded sub-projects to address any non-compliance with obligations.
• Developed, recommended, and monitored courses of action and corrective measures to bring the project back to compliance.
Environmental and Social (E&S) Assessment:
• Reviewed selected E&S assessment documents, including project Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and third-party E&S due diligence reports.
Record Keeping:
• Kept track of project records, action plans, and other information to support improved E&S performance of projects.
Risk Management Practices:
• Reviewed the reliability of risk management practices for projects in appraisal and supervision.
• Assisted with the analysis of precedents to enhance risk management effectiveness.
This role showcased your leadership in managing a multifaceted program under a significant funding project, emphasizing compliance, performance improvement, and environmental and social considerations

公司标识
Program Officer
PPAF-IFAD Funded Project
Jul 2004 - Jun 2009 | Sanghar, Pakistan

Project Implementation:
• Managed project implementation for the capacity building and mobilization for community-driven sustainable solutions for Livelihood (PPAF).
Community Mobilization and Capacity Building:
• Mobilized community members, workers, and community lead focal persons to develop sustainable solutions for livelihood.
Girls Education Program:
• Led the Accelerated Girls Education Program team, conducting mobilization activities and engaging with school management committees (SMCs).
Strategic Planning:
• Developed Social/Community Mobilization plans, implemented strategies, and provided strategic directions for the entire Livelihood initiatives.
Gender Mainstreaming:
• Ensured gender mainstreaming and incorporation of gender-disaggregated data in all project and program planning cycles for both PPAF projects.
Monitoring and Social Risk Management:
• Monitored the implementation of relevant social risk management instruments for the projects.
• Addressed issues arising during project implementation, including any changes in the project design or scope.
Community Assessments:
• Conducted Community Mobilization Need Assessments for the selection of villages for the Integrated Area Upgrading Program (IAUP) and Community Physical Infrastructure.
Participatory Rural Appraisals (PRAs):
• Utilized PRAs tools in different communities, including Semi-Structured Interviews, focus group discussions, social mapping, poverty ranking, observation, and transit walks.
This role reflects your hands-on experience in social mobilization, education, and community development, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable solutions and gender-inclusive planning within the framework of PPAF and UNICEF-funded projects.

学历

University of Sindh
哲学硕士, MPhil Development Studies‎
Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Rural Development
Completed
2017
Symbolic Alliance USA)
证书, Project Management Professional (PMP)‎
Project Management
Completed
2014
University of Sindh
硕士, 艺术硕士学位, Masters in Sociology‎
Rural Development
所占比重 70%
2007
University of Sindh
学士, 艺术学士, Bechlors in Economics‎
Economics
所占比重 70%
2004

技能

熟练 learning and development
熟练 monitoring & evaluating programmes
熟练 Ability to work in and with a diverse team
熟练 Academic Administration
熟练 Accounts / Manager
熟练 Accounts Administration
熟练 Adaptive Leadership
熟练 Adaptive Management
熟练 Admin Analysis
熟练 Admin Assistantce
熟练 Administration of Financial Management
熟练 Administrative Skills
熟练 ADT HOME Security Services
熟练 Adult Participatory Learning
熟练 Advanced Knowledge Of Software
熟练 Advisory Skills
熟练 Advocacy skills
熟练 Advocate of Teamwork
熟练 Aesthetic Procedures Knowledge
熟练 Analytical
熟练 Analytical And Information Management
熟练 Analytical Reports
中级 Analytical Skills
熟练 Appropriate Engagement
熟练 Audit Assignment Handling
熟练 B2B Business Development
熟练 Board Relation Leadership
熟练 Branch Administration Skills
熟练 British Accents
熟练 Budget Management
熟练 Budgeting
熟练 build teams
熟练 Business Development Strategies
熟练 Business Strategy
熟练 C Problem Solving
熟练 Capacity Building And Team Building
熟练 Change Management
熟练 Child Rights
熟练 Climate Data Management
中级 Climate Risk Insurance Schemes
中级 climate Smart Agriculture
初学者 Cluster Sales
熟练 Collaboration
初学者 Commercial Business Command
熟练 communication & networking
熟练 Communication and Presentation Skills
熟练 Communication Both Verbal And Written
熟练 Communication Skils
熟练 Communication Strategy
熟练 Communications and Social Mobilization Strategy

语言

中级 Saraiki
中级 俾路支语
中级 信德语
熟练 旁遮普语
熟练 乌尔都语
熟练 英语

Zulfiqar 联系人

Muhammad Raza Soomro
World Health Organization