My professional journey has woven together a diverse array of experiences, each contributing to my robust skill set. Recently, successfully concluded a research project funded by WHO while holding the position of Manager-Implementation at TVI. In this role, I oversee a multi-country observational research study on chest indrawing pneumonia in children under 5 in Pakistan. This responsibility adds to my portfolio of pivotal roles, including District Manager-Badin at GHD and Independent Monitor with WHO during Karachi's inaugural TCV campaign.
My academic background includes a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Administration and a Master's in Women’s (Gender) Studies from the University of Karachi. Complementing these, I have pursued online certifications in GCP, Essentials of Public Health Research, Health Information Privacy and Security, and M&E Fundamentals, blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications.
Throughout my career, I have been deeply involved in projects spanning research, gender equality, psycho-social support, health, hygiene, disability rights, education, inclusive development, vaccination, family planning, reproductive health, and family medicine. Collaborating with esteemed organizations such as IFRC, Oxfam, USAID, and WHO, I have conducted extensive research and capacity-building activities on critical topics such as Chest Indrawing Pneumonia, GBV, CSA, ASRH, DRR, and Disability.
My international exposure includes participating in WHO organized Data Analysis & Manuscript Writing Workshop in Istanbul, Turkey in July 2024, leading medical missions in Iran and Iraq, and engaging in knowledge-sharing initiatives in Bangladesh and Egypt. These experiences have broadened my perspective and enriched my cross-cultural competencies. Notably, I was part of the pioneering Rozan team that introduced psycho-social support concepts in Pakistan following the 2005 earthquake.
Beyond my professional endeavors, I have made significant contributions to publications and material development. This includes translating and adapting essential documents such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and WHO's training manual on Clinical Management of Rape Survivors into Urdu. I have also developed localized Standard Operating Procedures for Women's Centers in Pakistan and the UNFPA Gender Checklist for organizations in disaster-affected areas, highlighting my dedication to raising awareness and education on critical social issues.
I am entrusted with the overall management and implementation of a multi-country cohort study focusing on chest indrawing pneumonia, spanning seven diverse low and middle-income countries across Africa and Asia, with Pakistan among them, all funded by WHO. My responsibilities encompass overseeing every aspect of the study's execution.
Over the course of approximately three years in this position, I undertook the overall management of the production unit, overseeing HR, Finance, Import & Export, and Production departments. Notably, I achieved a nearly doubled production output from its initial startup phase. Utilizing analytical tools, I strategized methods to enhance production efficiency and boost the performance of our workforce.
I served as an Independent Monitor-WHO for the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine campaign in Landhi Town, overseeing both the Korangi and Malir portions for a short-term consultancy. Throughout my tenure, I provided supportive supervision to various field teams and team members involved in the campaign, including UCPOs, UCCSOs, UCMOs, DHCSOs, THO, DHO, and others. My dedication and efforts were recognized multiple times by officials, including the Deputy Commissioner of Korangi, and acknowledged in the District Polio Control Room (DPCR). I received commendation for my proactive approach, utilizing personal contacts to enhance campaign coverage. Furthermore, I provided on-ground support to field teams in high-risk areas such as Muzaffarabad, Moinabad, Muslimabad, Sharafi Goth, and Dawood Chowrangi in Malir Town
During my tenure at GHD, Indus Health Network, I managed diverse programs rooted in Family Medicine, operating from Civil Hospital Badin and pioneering Pakistan’s first Primary Healthcare Container Clinic in Khorwah, District Badin. I introduced the SALT Approach for community engagement through our Community Engagement Center, and provided support to various initiatives including community engagement, girls’ education, Hepatitis, nutrition, and vaccination. As Field Manager, I fostered strong relationships with government departments, communities, and paramedical staff, providing expert guidance to ensure effective implementation of projects. I also facilitated continuous improvement through regular learning reviews and contributed to Human Resources and Finance operations. Additionally, as a representative of GHD, I engaged in donor visits, meetings, and public gatherings to advance the organization's mission and impact.
In my role, I managed Field Offices in Korangi Town, overseeing a project that catered to approximately 1,000,000 people, including around 18,000 MWRAs. My responsibilities encompassed team management, including field force, management team, and support staff. I conducted data analysis for future planning and execution, and generated monthly financial and narrative reports. Ensuring quality services through supportive supervision for the field force was paramount, as was networking with partner organizations and community groups.
In this capacity, I facilitated the signing of MoUs and maintained effective liaison with all stakeholders involved. I played a pivotal role in developing both qualitative and quantitative study tools, supporting the Principal Investigator (PI) in data analysis, and assisting in the planning and execution of research activities. Additionally, I conducted social mobilization efforts, carried out monitoring and mentoring visits, and prepared detailed monthly and quarterly narrative reports. Furthermore, I represented our organization in various networking meetings and forums, ensuring our presence and engagement in pertinent discussions and collaborations.
Responsible for managing five diverse programs: SEHHAT organizes medical camps for marginalized groups, collaborating on vaccination campaigns and welfare activities. AAGAHI conducts awareness campaigns on diseases and gender sensitization, including teacher training sessions. ZINDAAN operates in prisons, providing medical aid and cultural events. SAHARA supports persons with disabilities through medical camps and educational activities. KHIDMAT aids those affected by natural disasters with emergency relief. Responsibilities include budgeting, team management, and representation on forums.
Assuming responsibility for the overall development of the organization, I designed SOPs for administrative, financial, and programmatic functions, achieving the significant milestone of securing lifetime Tax Exemption status. Spearheading planning, budgeting, supervision, and reporting, I effectively coordinated projects across various cities in Pakistan, including Karachi, Islamabad, Gilgit, Muzaffargarh, and more. Extensive travel was undertaken for monitoring and evaluation purposes, covering projects such as community schools, orphanages, housing schemes, micro-credit initiatives, hospitals, and nursing schools. Additionally, I prioritized team building and staff capacity building initiatives to foster a cohesive and skilled workforce.
Responsible for planning, budgeting, implementation, supervision, reporting, and networking to coordinate various projects in District Skardu and Swabi. These projects included promoting social inclusion of persons with disabilities in District Skardu funded by Dark & Light Blind Care; promoting adult literacy through Adult Literacy Centers in District Swabi funded by Muslim Care; promoting Social Inclusion for PWB, Low Vision, and other Disabilities in District Skardu, funded by SightSavers International; and strengthening local support mechanisms to address issues of Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MnCH) care in District Skardu and Swabi funded by the GAVI Alliance. Additionally, successfully completed projects encompassed the school-based hygiene promotion program in District Rawalpindi funded by USAID in collaboration with the Government of Punjab, and promoting Social Inclusion for PWB, Low Vision, and other Disabilities in District Swabi, funded by SightSavers International and the European Union.
In my capacity, I fostered partnerships with implementing partners for an Oxfam-funded project, emphasizing staff capacity building through shadow and supervision visits, IEC material development, and the creation of training manuals. I organized training sessions covering a range of topics including gender mainstreaming, GBV, EVAW, RH, CSA, and psycho-social support, facilitated by renowned experts. Moreover, I implemented gender-sensitive budgets, established gender-segregated data systems, and conducted comprehensive surveys. Utilizing radio programs, I addressed youth issues and represented Rozan at various forums, including regional conferences on EVAW. Additionally, I provided psychological counseling to violence survivors and introduced psycho-social support concepts post the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan.
I provided lectures to students pursuing BA (Honours) and MA (Final Year) degrees on a range of subjects, including Feminism, Feminist Theories, Women and Work, among others. Additionally, I organized exposure visits for students and conducted awareness-raising campaigns on social issues pertaining to gender, ending violence against women (EVAW), and more.