Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Affiliations
Thematicexpertise
Internationalexperience
Speaker
Donorexperience
Professionaltrainingcourses
Consultanting Experience
Publications
Software
Interests
Timeline
Generic
Ghulam Farooq

Ghulam Farooq

Development Professional
Islamabad

Summary

A proficient Development and Humanitarian Professional, bring over 19 years of rigorous experience in program development, operations, and project management across global initiatives in WASH, Shelter/CPIs, Education, Health, MHPSS, Food Security & Livelihood, and many more. Professional journey is marked by strategic leadership in multi-million-dollar projects across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Central America aimed at humanitarian and development outcomes. Possess deep collaborative experience with various organizations, stakeholders, and the most prominent donors, including BHA/USAID, UKAid/FCDO, ECHO, and EU. With academic foundations in Engineering and Management, complemented by a diploma in Sustainable Development and certifications in PMP and Project DPro, have a robust suite of skills. Overall career is characterized by a keen ability to set definitive goals, strategically align resources, drive significant change, and deliver high-impact results, ensuring substantial value for investment.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
29
29
years of post-secondary education
7
7
Certifications
4
4
Languages

Work History

Team Lead KP

DAI Pakistan
Islamabad, Balochistan
04.2024 - Current
  • As a Lead for DAI's Fleming Fund, spearhead pivotal antimicrobial resistance (AMR) efforts using a One Health approach to integrate human, animal, and environmental health systems
  • Duties encompass the strategic execution of grant activities, coordination with government officials and partners, and policy advisory roles to optimize AMR surveillance and response
  • Instrumental in enhancing stakeholder capacity, promoting data-driven policies, and fostering sustainable health practices, demonstrating dedication to leading public health advancements through effective leadership and collaboration
  • Set performance expectations for the team, monitoring progress towards goals and providing constructive feedback as needed.
  • Developed team members'' skills through targeted coaching sessions, resulting in improved individual performance.

Team Leader

The Palladium Group International
Islamabad
05.2023 - 04.2024
  • As organization representative to external stakeholders, key responsibilities included promoting program and maintaining relationships with government officials such as DG Health, Population Welfare Department, and partner organizations
  • Led coordination meetings, participated in forums and committees, and directed workshops
  • Additionally, role involved project management, both external and internal reporting, team management, financial management, and procurement management
  • Set performance expectations for team, monitoring progress towards goals and providing constructive feedback as needed.
  • Developed team members'' skills through targeted coaching sessions, resulting in improved individual performance.

Director Programme Operations

Save the Children International
Islamabad
10.2020 - 04.2023
  • As member of Senior Management Team, directed strategic development of impactful, evidence-based programs designed to foster significant, enduring change in line with Save Children's core missions: Learn, Survive, and Be Protected
  • As Director of Program Operations, was responsible for overseeing implementation of Country Strategic Plan, driving program alignment with global standards, and managing budgets effectively
  • Took lead in humanitarian response to the Kabul crisis, ensuring maintenance of robust supply chain connections
  • Also managed staff structures and logistics, implemented MEAL systems, and achieved key performance indicators
  • The role extended to acting as the deputy for the Country Director, further demonstrating leadership flexibility
  • Spearheaded the 'Safe Back to School' initiative
  • Rolled out the 'Learning Tree' digital platform in Sindh
  • Developed and implemented a comprehensive Country Strategy
  • Managed critical humanitarian logistics during the Kabul crisis in August 2021
  • Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.

Deputy Country Director

Action Against Hunger
Islamabad, Balochistan
09.2020 - 10.2020
  • Spent two months and contributed to overall design and delivery of programmes with respect to Country Strategy: Key areas:
  • Consultative development of Country Program strategy, management of all technical sectors
  • Ensured accountability to beneficiaries, government counterparts and donors
  • Recruited and inducted staff in PD/grants, Programs, MEAL, IM, research, operations
  • Initiated to develop systems for Program Development, Project Management, MEAL, and MIS
  • Increased program impact by incorporating data-driven decision-making processes in project planning and execution.
  • Managed multi-million dollar budgets, ensuring optimal allocation of resources and timely delivery of projects.
  • Collaborated with government agencies to ensure compliance with local regulations, avoiding potential legal issues or delays in project implementation.

Development Consultant

UNICEF WCARO
Remote
01.2020 - 08.2020
  • Led and managed Evaluation teams, and financial and administrative aspects of Multi-Country Evaluation assignment
  • Led skilled, professional team to plan and implement this multi-country evaluation with two purposes: accountability and learning
  • Concerning learning, this evaluation done, informed programme implementation strategies in the years to come, and shed on potential corrective actions that needed to be explored further down the line
  • Elevated client engagement levels through regular communication updates and strategically planned touchpoints.
  • Negotiated contracts and closed sales with new and existing clients.
  • Collaborated with clients to design, implement, and evaluate development programs, ensuring alignment with their goals.
  • Played a key role in the successful completion of high-profile projects by coordinating efforts among team members, partners, and stakeholders.

Country Director

Euro Charity Trust
Malawi
01.2019 - 12.2019
  • As Country Director for the Euro Charity Trust's Malawi Programme, was entrusted with the comprehensive leadership of programs valued at GBP 17 million
  • Responsibilities spanned strategic planning, operations, and administration, focusing on health innovations like 'Health on Boats,' education, and WASH initiatives
  • Spearheaded developing and implementing strategic and operational plans tailored to Malawi, securing substantial funding to enhance the program scope
  • Representing the trust in Malawi, emphasized technical leadership, program expansion, and strong partnerships with local governments and international donors, ensuring the organization was well-integrated and influential within the regional framework
  • Crafted and implemented a robust country strategy, raising GBP 15 million in funding
  • Introduced innovative floating hospitals to serve remote areas of Lake Malawi, significantly increasing healthcare accessibility
  • Enhanced operational efficiency by deploying heavy machinery that drastically reduced drilling times
  • Enhanced team performance by providing ongoing training, support, and feedback to staff members.
  • Coordinated multi-disciplinary teams across departments to achieve shared objectives while promoting cross-functional collaboration.

Grants Manager Innovation | Community Empowerment Lead

The Palladium Group Int’l
Islamabad
08.2015 - 06.2018
  • Company Overview: (DFID Project)
  • Initiated and devised innovative solutions and awarded grants to 15 organizations including Transgender people projects to empower communities through social inclusion
  • Delivered technical oversight, supervised grants, and scheduled resources to meet delivery requirements and customer/beneficiaries’ needs of enterprise services
  • Developed, nurtured, and led to key strategic relationships to respond to right opportunities to enhance external engagement & Knowledge exchange activities
  • (DFID Project)
  • Oversaw multi-million GBP projects on health, community empowerment, and accountability
  • Collaborated with FCDO, parliamentarians, media, securing support for effective grant scalability
  • Authored comprehensive Grants Manual, ensuring vfm across all initiatives innovatively
  • Implemented MIS and tools for timely, high-quality project delivery
  • Designed and deployed Grants Module, enhancing grant management processes
  • Evaluated program outcomes to assess impact, providing valuable feedback for future grant applications and program improvements.
  • Monitored project timelines closely, ensuring timely completion of tasks to meet donor deadlines.

Head of Programmes-HoP | Programme Manager

Islamic Relief Worldwide
10.2010 - 03.2015
  • Led program development and Operations teams to design innovative programs; implemented successfully in 04 Provinces as per strategy
  • Managed IPs, Engaged Stakeholders, and Consulted with Donors & the Government of Pakistan for smooth program implementation
  • Extended support to other Country Programs, including Jordan, Afghanistan, UK, and China, through best project management practices
  • Introduced integrated programme concept including Health as major component in target areas
  • Raised funds for various grants (worth multi-million GBP) successfully
  • Designed & implemented renewable energy (solar systems) project for 1000 households in Baluchistan
  • Co-Led the Shelter and Health Cluster during the devastating flood of 2010-2012
  • Launched Grants in ex-FATA, served the affected population in the most volatile security environment
  • Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.

Snr. Program Coordinator

American Refugee Committee
10.2008 - 09.2010
  • Company Overview: (Ex-ARC International)
  • Led a sizeable team through Socio-technical support and guidance and built team ability to ensure a successful project (s) on the budget, scope, and schedule
  • Ensured Accountability for handling tasks in Baluchistan, AJK-Kashmir, Pakistan earthquake-affected areas, flood-affected areas, Afghan refugee camps
  • Worked with ARC Haiti as snr Coordinator during earthquake 2010
  • (Ex-ARC International)
  • Led the ARC Country Strategy and rolled it out in the country at Provincial and field-office levels
  • Introduced innovative solutions in WASH, i.e., slow sand filters, Solar pumps & Wind Turbines
  • Led the multi-sectorial UN survey (MIRA) in the conflict-affected areas of KPK (volatiles security region)
  • Maintained detailed records of program activities and participant data, ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
  • Established strategic partnerships with external organizations, expanding program reach and impact.

Senior Health, Environmental Health & Infrastructure Manager ERU Earthquake 2005

International Rescue Committee
Islamabad, Mansehra
11.2005 - 10.2008
  • Company Overview: (IRC International)
  • As Senior Manager, led the whole Program Operations team along with Project/Program Design, Planning, Execution, Monitoring & Evaluation teams, including Environmental Health Managers, medical doctors & paramedics, and Operation & Finance staff to work together in the envisaged direction
  • Build coordination with Govt authorities, UN & Funding Agencies for smooth implementation in the EQ-affected areas & FATA
  • (IRC International)
  • Introduced Project Management Tools & Techniques in all projects including field offices
  • Co-Lead WASH Cluster with UNICEF in Mansehra; 100+ INGOs/NGOs responding to the Earthquake
  • Established Lincoln Corner Library in Ex-FATA (USAID Education Project in FATA)
  • Worked in team-driven environments and communicated effectively with stakeholders.
  • Secured sensitive data by establishing robust cybersecurity measures and protocols.

Education

Master of Science - Project Management

Salford University
Manchester, UK
09-2009

Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering

Ex-NWFP University of Engineering & Technology
Peshawar, Pakistan
04.2001 - 01.2005

Diploma in Sustainable Development - Development Studies

Kingston University
London, UK
04.2001 - 01.2015

PMP Certification - Project Management

Project Management Institute PMI
Pennsylvania USA
04.2001 - 01.2013

Skills

Projects & Program development

Certification

Certified LHP Asia, Save the Children International, 21/21

Affiliations

  • Registered Engineer with Pakistan Engineering Council
  • Ex. Member Highly Skilled Migrant Community UK

Thematicexpertise

  • WASH
  • CPIs
  • Shelter/NFIs
  • Health
  • SRHS & Nutrition
  • Livelihood & Income Generation
  • Climate & Environment
  • Education- F/Non-Formal
  • Humanitarian/Relief/Rehab

Internationalexperience

  • UNICEF Consultant-Multi-Country Evaluation Advisor, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, 01/20
  • Country Director, Malawi Based, Euro Charity Trust, 01/19 - 12/19
  • Development Consultant, Nairobi, Kenya, 07/18 - 12/18
  • Director Program, PMEye Management Consultant, Intl. London, UK, 03/15 - 07/15
  • Snr. Program Coordinator, ARC International – Port O’ Prince, Haiti, 01/10 - 03/10
  • Environmental Health Coordinator, IRC- Afghanistan-Cross Border Program, 05/08 - 07/08
  • Environmental Health Coordinator, IRC – Ades Ababa, Ethiopia, 03/07 - 04/07

Speaker

Global PMI Summit, Los Angeles, California, USA, 09/24

Donorexperience

  • BHA (Ex-USAid)
  • FCDO (ex-DFID)
  • SCI Member COs
  • Sida, ECHO, EC, KNH
  • UN: UNICEF, WFP, WHO
  • Charities i.e. IRW, Euro.

Professionaltrainingcourses

  • Certified CHS (Core Humanitarian Standards)
  • Certified CVA (Cash Voucher Assistance) Save the Children International
  • Certified Financial Management for Non-financial Managers, Limda Consultants, Pakistan
  • Certified Safety & Security Management, UNDSS Islamabad
  • Disaster Risk Reduction-DRR, Islamic Relief Worldwide
  • Country strategy development along with RME strategy, Islamic Relief Worldwide
  • PRA (participatory rural appraisal), Sungei Development, Pakistan
  • Certified in Managing Multiple Projects in complex emergencies, RedR United Kingdom
  • Sphere Project Minimum Standards by the RedR United Kingdom
  • Camp Management in Emergency Disaster Preparedness, UNHCR Pakistan
  • Young Film Producer Course, London Film Academy the United Kingdom 2011

Consultanting Experience

  • Led a comprehensive multi-country evaluation on Female Genital Mutilation for UNICEF in West Central Africa (2020).
  • Directed the development and implementation of an Accelerated Learning module across three districts in Malawi (2019).
  • Partnered with the Government of Pakistan to develop the Safe Back to School module in response to COVID-19.
  • Innovated the Learning Tree Application, enhancing online education accessibility during the pandemic in Sindh, Pakistan.
  • Conducted extensive baseline studies and research across multiple sectors and organizations.
  • Authored and successfully secured funding for various proposals addressing global humanitarian and development needs.

Publications

  • Decode Your Destiny, Farooq Khan, Non-Fiction Book, Amazon KDP
  • Nazarpanra, Pashto poetry book, three editions
  • Hygiene Promotion Module
  • Numerous blogs and articles

Software

Outlook, MS Office, AI, MS Project, PhotoEditing

Interests

Gym, Travelling, Camping, Photography, Reading, Writing

Timeline

Team Lead KP

DAI Pakistan
04.2024 - Current

Team Leader

The Palladium Group International
05.2023 - 04.2024

Director Programme Operations

Save the Children International
10.2020 - 04.2023

Deputy Country Director

Action Against Hunger
09.2020 - 10.2020

Development Consultant

UNICEF WCARO
01.2020 - 08.2020

Country Director

Euro Charity Trust
01.2019 - 12.2019

Grants Manager Innovation | Community Empowerment Lead

The Palladium Group Int’l
08.2015 - 06.2018

Head of Programmes-HoP | Programme Manager

Islamic Relief Worldwide
10.2010 - 03.2015

Snr. Program Coordinator

American Refugee Committee
10.2008 - 09.2010

Senior Health, Environmental Health & Infrastructure Manager ERU Earthquake 2005

International Rescue Committee
11.2005 - 10.2008

Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering

Ex-NWFP University of Engineering & Technology
04.2001 - 01.2005

Diploma in Sustainable Development - Development Studies

Kingston University
04.2001 - 01.2015

PMP Certification - Project Management

Project Management Institute PMI
04.2001 - 01.2013

Master of Science - Project Management

Salford University

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