Ehsan Nadir Syed

Work History

Manager Grants

Akhuwat

8 2023 - Current

As Manager of Grants, The AKHUWAT Society, I have successfully engaged corporations, national and international donor agencies, and collaborative partners to invest in Mawakhat-oriented, SDG-integrated, sustainability, and ESG-aligned, people-oriented, evidence-based, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable interventions.
The grant management approach adopts participatory development. It focuses on people, planet, and prosperity to execute community-led, systematic integrated solutions to eradicate absolute poverty in all forms, while focusing on controlling relative poverty.
I have successfully managed grants of USD 1.250 million for esteemed corporate clients such as OGDCL, PPL, The Bank of Punjab, Bayer, Proctor & Gamble USA, Pak-Kuwait Investment, AkzoNobel, Nestle, and EBM for thematic areas of climate change, gender inclusion, entrepreneurship, quality education, health, and well-being.
Enhanced corporate donor satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
Streamlined workflows by identifying bottlenecks in existing systems and implementing appropriate solutions.
Enhanced team productivity by implementing agile methodologies, leading to more efficient project completion.
Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.

Principal Consultant

JAFFARI & SABAZWARI CONSULTING

04.2022 - Current

As Principal Consultant, I am responsible for providing programmatic and technical assistance to M/S JAFFARI & SABAZWARI CONSULTING for successfully planning, executing, monitoring, and controlling diversified consultancy projects with a special focus on sustainability, adaptation, and mitigation from environment, forestry, as well as social sector interventions.
Moreover, lead to conduct Third Party Validations (TPV) of Public Sector Development Programs (PSDP) and Annual Development Program (ADP) schemes.
Built strong relationships with clients, fostering long-term partnerships and repeat business.
Managed large-scale projects, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.
Facilitated change management initiatives, helping organizations adapt smoothly to new systems and processes.

Program Manager

Akhuwat

11.2023 - 07.2024

As Program Manager, The AKHUWAT Mustafa Abad Mawakhat Program (PM, the AMMP), I successfully designed inclusive, resilient, sustainable SDGs, integrated a social impact-oriented program, and implemented a participatory development approach.
Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion within deadlines and budgets.
Managed multiple strategic projects with numerous sub-projects or workstreams.
Adopted evidence-based interventions, whose outcomes integrate with SDGs and ESG disclosures.
Priorities thematic areas are: a) Environment, i.e., Solid Waste Management, Access to Clean Water, Sanitation and Health, and Plantation; b) Social, i.e., poverty elevation through the provision of interest-free microcredit, digital literacy initiatives for the youth, especially girls and Zero Hunger.
Major achievements include: 1) the Integrated Resource Recovery Centre (IRRC), costing USD 0.0861 for Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) in collaboration with Sub National Governance (SNG-II) and Municipal Committee Mustafa Abad, District Kasur; 2) IT centers for girls and boys each; and 3) 325 interest-free microcredits (Qard-e-Hasan) of USD 0.123 for vulnerable groups, especially women. 4) Strengthen Partnership for Goals with SNG-II, District Administration Authorities and MCs, local influencers, and stakeholders.
Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.
Recruited, interviewed, and hired employees, and implemented a mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.

Deputy Director, Program

Pak Green Enviro-Engineering (Pvt.) Ltd.

11.2019 - 08.2023

I have been at the forefront of creating new models, procedures, and instruments to guarantee efficient project management in my role as deputy program manager.
Ensured regulatory compliance across all departments through diligent monitoring of policies, procedures, and documentation requirements.
Devise strategies and tools to satisfy the unique requirements of our clients while also being in line with the organization's vision, mission, goals, and strategic plans.
Collaborated with other department heads to ensure smooth functioning of organizational activities.
Ensured regulatory compliance across all departments through diligent monitoring of policies, procedures, and documentation requirements.
The pinnacle of my employment experience was overseeing a fruitful 15-month technical legal consulting project for a World Bank-funded project.
The $0.1 million project supplied crucial services for the Punjab Outward Development Program (PGDP) of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) of the Punjabi government's Strategic Planning and Implementation (SP&IU).
Developing new environmental standards and updating current ones were the main goals of the project.
My advice went above and beyond, just finishing the project.
I managed three teams that gave the team, as a whole, organizational and technical direction: program development, implementation, and monitoring research.
As a result, the entire project life cycle—from planning and conception to implementation, monitoring, and control to successful completion—was guaranteed.

Deputy Director, Programme Monitoring & Evaluation

Pak Green Enviro-Engineering (Pvt.) Ltd.

04.2017 - 10.2019

I spearheaded the development of a robust monitoring and evaluation framework for a socio-economic impact assessment.
This included designing survey instruments and methodology, identifying key performance indicators (KPIs), and providing technical assistance throughout the process.
To ensure data quality, I led and coordinated with field teams on data collection and analysis using various statistical tools in MS Excel and SPSS.
Mentored new recruits during their probationary period, offering guidance on policy adherence, tactical skills, and professionalism within the force.
Assisted in budget planning and management, allocating resources strategically for optimal department performance.
The third-party validation (TPV) study of the Green Pakistan Program (GPP) for 2016-2017 broke new ground by utilizing drone technology and satellite imagery for the first time.
This innovative approach validated tree plantations and forest cover (SDG 15.2). It enhanced the quality of impact assessment and set a valuable precedent for future evaluations.

Senior Manager, Program Grants

World Council of Religions, Pakistan

05.2014 - 04.2017

My grant management abilities extend beyond fundraising.
In my role as Senior Program Grants Manager, I managed six grants totaling $0.39 million from leading organizations, including The Asia Foundation (TAF), Development Associate International (DAI), and Norwegian Church Aid (NCA).
I was able to put my financial expertise to good use.
My dedication earned me a promotion to Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, after I started as Finance Manager.
Implemented and developed operational standards, policies and procedures.
With the help of this combination of abilities, I was able to create intricate grantmaking plans, ensure program support aligns with donor goals, and produce the desired results.
My emphasis on efficiency also included utilizing automated software to enhance reporting systems, delivery accounting systems, and business processes.
Established strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, ensuring long-term partnerships and repeat business.
This resulted in audits conducted successfully by well-known companies like Ernst & Young (EY) and KPMG.
I am interested in more than just fund management.
As a master trainer, I have equipped more than 700 young women, girls, and leaders in the community to fight violent extremism, resolve disputes, and advance peace.
I participated in the creation of two regional-level policy documents on just and sustainable peace through seven focus group discussions in the districts of Multan and Gujranwala.

Manager, Programme Finance

Sanjh Preet Organization

08.2013 - 04.2014

As Program Finance Manager, I spearheaded financial management for three UNICEF and The Asia Foundation (TAF) grants totaling $0.15 million
All grants successfully passed audits conducted by A.F. Ferguson & Co. (PwC, Pakistan).
Beyond financial oversight, I actively improved our grant management processes.
I reviewed existing protocols and internal controls to identify areas for strengthening.
Recognizing the importance of team knowledge, I implemented on-the-job training for both program and support staff.
This training focused on the proper implementation of project activities and adherence to financial control measures.
My proactive approach led to the initiation of an annual consolidated audit for all organizational grants.
This comprehensive audit ensures transparency and accountability across our programs.
Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
Enhanced professional satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.

Officer, Program Finance & Admin

Bedari NGO, Islamabad

06.2012 - 07.2013

Managed 02 grants worth USD 0.10 million for Plan Pakistan and ICDI at the regional office, Multan.
I was also responsible for internal assessment of grant management and evaluation, so I was directly involved in grant management at the grassroots level with field formations and communities in order to achieve intended outcomes.
Established effective relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally for increased collaboration opportunities.
Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop their skills and advance in their careers.
Implemented process improvements that streamlined workflows, reducing redundancies and increasing operational efficiency.
Facilitated collaboration between departments, improving efficiency and effectiveness in handling cross-jurisdictional cases.

Master Trainer

UNDP

04.2013 - 05.2013

I successfully conducted training and built the capacity of more than 500 government officials to serve as polling staff for the Election Commission of Pakistan in Multan district during the general election of 2013 in Pakistan.
Consistently maintained high evaluation scores from trainees due to effective instruction and a keen focus on individual needs.
Facilitated hands-on workshops that allowed participants to practice newly acquired skills in a supportive environment.
Managed complex schedules and logistical arrangements for large-scale training events, ensuring seamless execution of all program components.
Contributed insights towards revising existing course content based on participant feedback and industry developments, keeping our programs up-to-date and relevant.

Individual Consultant, Accounts & Logistics

Asian Development Bank

04.2010 - 06.2010

As an Individual Consultant, Accounts, and Logistics at the Asian Development Bank, I was responsible for implementing a grant worth US$25K (budget under my control) provided by DFID-UK for conducting eight capacity-building trainings under the Punjab Devolved Social Services Program (PDSSP), SP60-12: Training of PHED Technical and Community Development Staff for Improved Water Management and Sanitation Services.
I had done grant management, controlling, reporting, and general administration in eight districts of South Punjab.
More than 200 government officials were direct beneficiaries of this project.
Navigated challenging situations with diplomacy and tact, effectively resolving conflicts among stakeholders while maintaining positive working relationships.
Evaluated project success against established goals and metrics using data-driven methodologies to inform future improvements.

Officer, Finance

husein sugar mills limited

01.2008 - 04.2010

I was responsible for bookkeeping of accounts, preparing payrolls, and updating assets and inventory books.
I was also coordinating with the Internal Auditor to ensure compliance and fulfill audit requirements.
Oversaw cash management strategies that maximized return on investment while ensuring liquidity needs were met.
Improved financial reporting accuracy with thorough analysis and data validation.
Reduced operating costs by identifying areas for improvement and implementing cost control measures.
Streamlined financial processes by implementing efficient accounting systems and procedures.

Research Internship

United Bank Limited

07.2007 - 09.2007

Completed three months of compulsory rigorous internship under the supervision of the Institute of Bankers Pakistan (IBP) at the Corporate Regional Office of United Bank Limited, Faisalabad.
Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
Gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.

Research Internship

Askari Bank

05.2006 - 07.2006

Completed a three-month compulsory internship under the supervision of the Institute of Bankers Pakistan (IBP) at the Head Office Branch of Askari Commercial Bank Limited, Faisalabad.
Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
Gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.

Summary

Overview

Work History

Manager Grants

Principal Consultant

Program Manager

Deputy Director, Program

Deputy Director, Programme Monitoring & Evaluation

Senior Manager, Program Grants

Manager, Programme Finance

Officer, Program Finance & Admin

Master Trainer

Individual Consultant, Accounts & Logistics

Officer, Finance

Research Internship

Research Internship

Education

Master of Public Administration - MPA - Public Administration

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) - Banking and Finance

Bachelor's Degree - International Business/Trade/Commerce

Skills

Certification

Timeline

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