Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Research Publications, Articles, Chapters & Papers
Research And Consultancies
Academic Contributions, Engagements and Fellowship
Timeline
Generic
Kashif Saeed KHAN

Kashif Saeed KHAN

Associate Professor
Peshawar

Summary

Dr. Khan is an Associate Professor with experience in academia, development and humanitarian sectors with over 12 years of experience. His expertise spans Development Studies, the Political Economy of Conflict and Development, Humanitarian governance, Peacebuilding, Climate Change, and environmental security, with a focus on Pakistan and South Asia. He has conducted extensive fieldwork in conflict- and disaster-affected areas, evaluating recovery programs and humanitarian policies. He has published in ISI-listed journals, authored book chapters and policy briefs, and regularly contributes to media discussions on conflict, Peacebuilding, Development, Political Economy, Environmental and interdisciplinary issues amongst others. He has in-depth experience in higher education and is known for crafting innovative curricula and promoting scholarly research. He has a proven track record of collaborating with diverse teams to drive educational excellence and adapt to evolving academic needs and is recognized for strong leadership, critical thinking, and ability to foster engaging learning environment.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages

Work History

Associate Professor – Coordinator Development Studies and Development Action Cell

University of Peshawar, Pakistan
08.2022 - Current
  • Developed and launched MPhil Development Studies Program.
  • Teach and supervise research at the PhD, MS, and BS levels in Development Studies and Economics.
  • Responsible for the BS Development Studies Program since 2019 managing a program with over 160 undergrad students, administering its teaching, management and quality assurance and expansion into the MPhil and PhD in Development Studies.
  • Oversee curriculum and program development, academic and policy initiatives in the Development Studies. Member of the Board of Faculty and Board of Studies of Economics and Development Studies.
  • Integrated real-world examples into lessons, making course content more relevant and engaging for students.
  • Developed students'' critical thinking skills through interactive classroom activities and discussions.
  • Kept abreast of advances in pedagogy and work to continuously improve teaching methods and introduce new approaches to instruction.
  • Mentored students and advised on career paths, degree requirements and post-graduate education options.

Assistant Professor – Coordinator Development Studies Program

University of Peshawar, Pakistan
01.2016 - 01.2022
  • Responsible for the BS Development Studies Program since 2019 managing a program with over 160 undergrad students, administering its teaching, management and quality assurance
  • Developed and launched the BS in Development Studies program, introducing core courses such as:
  • Climate Change and Development
  • Conflict and Development
  • Development Theory and Policy
  • Disasters and Social Risk Management Strategies
  • Peacebuilding and Dispute Resolution
  • Rural Livelihoods
  • Organized the International Conference on Marginalization and Social Exclusion in the Context of the Market Economy.
  • Led research on the environmental costs of conflict in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, focusing on afforestation and sustainability initiatives.
  • Supervised student and project-based research, integrating technical, social, economic, and environmental analysis.
  • Contributed to interdisciplinary research projects on:
  • Conflict and militancy’s impact on child schooling
  • Migration patterns and urban development
  • Urban immovable property tax collection
  • Environmental sustainability
  • Socio-economic impacts of conflict
  • Mentored students and communicated internship and employment opportunities.
  • Created materials and exercises to illustrate application of course concepts.
  • Maintained an up-to-date knowledge of subject matter by attending conferences, workshops, and webinars relevant to the field of study.
  • Inspired critical thinking skills among students by fostering a learning environment that encouraged open-mindedness, curiosity, and intellectual exploration.

Senior Analyst Local Governance, Energy & Power

Dept. for International Development (DFID, UK), Strategic Support Unit, Peshawar, Pakistan
11.2015 - 01.2016
  • As a Senior Analyst, at SSU funded by Dept. for International Development, United Kingdom, I looked after the portfolios of Local Governance translating the aspirations of the provincial government into prioritized set of goals, targets & action plans. Managing the Portfolio of the provincial Government for two of its major line departments with an annual budget exceeding 50 Billion PKR.
  • I contributed towards realizing visions of the provincial government concerning critical programs and their frameworks as well as strategic program development of Governance, as well as Capacity-Building interventions by Investing in Human Resources as well as People at the local levels.
  • I collaborated with Local Government department on the ongoing empowerment and development initiatives with particular reference to the problems faced by local government officials and their resolution through appropriate policy interventions.
  • I was involved in operationalization of the Local Government Commission, capacity building of elected representatives, and facilitation of dispute resolution mechanisms, provision of rules to the different tiers as well as ongoing development initiatives of LGs.
  • Provided consistent problem-solving support to sectors in ensuring that on-time progress is made against the agreed-upon action plans.
  • Developed routines for periodic reviews with the Hon. Chief Minister and senior executives for ensuring corrective actions.
  • Gathered and analyzed data to understand root causes of delivery setbacks. Provided analytical support and recommendations to overcome key delivery challenges in projects and initiatives. Supported and drafted periodic sector performance reports.
  • Mentored junior analysts, fostering professional development while enhancing overall team performance.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify areas of improvement, leading to increased operational effectiveness.
  • Nurtured strong working relationships with clients, ensuring their needs were met while exceeding expectations on deliverables.
  • Analyzed data to identify root causes of problems and recommend corrective actions.
  • Identified patterns and trends in large data sets and provided actionable insights.

Assistant Professor

Centre for International Peace and Stability, National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad
01.2015 - 11.2015
  • Designed and taught PhD courses on Peace, Conflict and Development and Contemporary Peace and Conflict Studies; supervised multiple PhD students.
  • Developed specialized PhD modules on Conflict Mapping and Analysis, Sustainable Development, Traditional Tools of Conflict Resolution, Indigenous Peacebuilding Processes, and Humanitarian Aid Architecture.
  • Organized the International Conference on Post-Conflict Rehabilitation (Nov. 2015) at NUST.
  • Coordinated international conferences, policy roundtables, and workshops, including concept note development, program scheduling, and budgeting.
  • Led donor engagement, fundraising and arrangements and organized an international conference on Post-Conflict Rehabilitation, Deradicalization, and Peacekeeping.
  • Enhanced cross-disciplinary collaboration through active participation in departmental meetings and workshops.
  • Contributed to departmental goals by serving on various committees focused on curriculum development, assessment strategies, and accreditation requirements.
  • Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
  • Evaluated and supervised student activities and performance levels to provide reports on academic progress.
  • Collaborated with colleagues on curriculum revision, evaluation of course syllabi and lesson plans for Peace and Conflict Studies and Development Studies curriculum at the PhD and MPhil level.

Capacity Development Advisor – Disaster Risk Management (P3)

FATA Disaster Management Authority FDMA, Pakistan
06.2013 - 07.2014
  • Served as a Policy Advisor, gaining expertise in humanitarian response, disaster risk management (DRM), resilience building, and food security. Managed the DRM portfolio of FDMA, which had an overall budget of approximately 3 Billion PKR catering to DRM and IDP needs of communities in Pakistan's Ex-FATA tribal region.
  • Provided technical input to the Food Security and Livelihoods Cluster, supporting methodology development and data collection for the Detailed Food Security Assessment (DFSA).
  • Conducted training sessions on DRR and Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) for government and line department officials in FATA.
  • Advised on resilience capacity-building approaches, including vulnerability analysis, rapid assessments, contingency planning, and emergency preparedness and response.
  • Designed capacity-building programs for staff members, enhancing their skills and knowledge for improved job performance.
  • Established strong partnerships with local organizations, fostering collaborative efforts to achieve development goals.
  • Conducted thorough research and analysis to inform decision-making processes, contributing to the success of various initiatives.
  • Facilitated workshops and training sessions for stakeholders, promoting a deeper understanding of key development concepts and practices.
  • Built strong relationships with donors and partners through transparent reporting on progress made towards agreed-upon milestones.

PhD candidate/ Research Fellow and Teaching Assistant

Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU, Oslo, Norway
09.2009 - 06.2013
  • PhD Research: Conducted a PhD research project on conflict, development discourses, practices, and livelihoods in northwestern Pakistan, including a 6-month field study (Sep 2010 – Feb 2011) in post-conflict and fragile contexts.
  • Collected quantitative and qualitative data, carrying out baseline studies, in-depth interviews, and policy analysis.
  • Engaged with a diverse range of stakeholders, including high-ranking government officials, policymakers, academics, NGOs, donors (NORAD, UNDP, OCHA, UNICEF), and rural communities.
  • Coordinated the Conflict, Human Security, and Development (CHSD) research cluster, managing information dissemination, internal communication, and organizing workshops.
  • Taught and contributed to grad and under-grad courses, on:
  • Development Aid and Politics (EDS 270)
  • Conflict and Development (EDS 360)
  • Research Methodology (EDS 312)
  • State Building and Conflict in Afghanistan & Pakistan (EDS 378)
  • Field Research & Qualitative Analysis (EDS 300)
  • Conducted comprehensive literature reviews to identify knowledge gaps and inform future studies.
  • Enhanced research quality by implementing rigorous methodologies and data analysis techniques.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to tackle complex research questions from various perspectives.
  • Published research findings in top-tier academic journals, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
  • Managed research projects within budget constraints while maintaining high-quality output and timely completion.
  • Expanded the reach of research findings by engaging with media outlets and presenting research insights to non-academic audiences.
  • Ensured the highest standards of scientific integrity were upheld throughout all stages of the research process.
  • Secured grant funding for critical projects through persuasive proposal writing and effective collaboration with team members.
  • Authored professional scientific papers for publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

Education

Ph.D. - Development Studies

Norwegian University of Life Sciences
Oslo, Norway
06-2013

Masters - Development Studies

Norwegian University of Life Sciences
Oslo, Norway
07-2009

Masters - Economics

University of Peshawar, Pakistan
Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
08-2006

Skills

Strong analytical research capabilities

Demonstrated teaching proficiency

Conflict resolution analysis

Online teaching

Curriculum design

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Learning management interfaces

Syllabus development

Peer reviews

Problem-solving skills

Workshops and seminars

Project management

Research Publications, Articles, Chapters & Papers

1. Ahmad, S. M., & Saeed, M. K. (2024). Preparation for education in emergencies: Current educational reforms in Pakistan. In B. Akgün & Y. Alpaydın (Eds.), Global agendas and education reforms (Maarif Global Education Series). Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-3068-1_4 [BKCI listed; SSCI Indexed] BOOK CHAP.

2. Ahmed, T., Khan, K. S., Malik, Z. K., Wahid, F., & Iqbal, M. N. (2020). The dynamic effect of public spending on Pakistan’s economic growth and its implications for the agriculture sector: Evidence from 1972 to 2014. Sarhad Journal of Agriculture, 36(1), 311–318. https://doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2020/36.1.311.318 [SSCI & Scopus Listed]

3. Khan, K. S. (2019). Analyzing local perceptions of post-conflict and post-floods livelihood interventions in Swat, Pakistan. Development Policy Review, 37(S2), 274–292. https://doi.org/10.1111/dpr.12409 [SSCI Indexed]

4. Ahmed, T., Khan, K. S., & Naeem, M. (2019). The effect of public spending on agricultural growth: Evidence from 1972 to 2014 in Pakistan. Sarhad Journal of Agriculture, 35(2), 349–357. https://doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2019/35.2.349.357 [SSCI & Scopus Listed]

5. Khan, K. S., & Ahmad, S. M. (2019). Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women (CEDAW) and women empowerment in the post-earthquake recovery effort in Northern Pakistan. FWU Journal of Social Sciences, 13(1), 146–154. [ESCI & Scopus Listed]

6. Saeed, K., Jan, S. A., & Ahmad, S. M. (2018). Corruption and governance: Evidence from post-9/11 conflict-affected Pakistan. FWU Journal of Social Sciences, 12(1), 109–117. [ESCI & Scopus Listed]

7. Khan, K. S., Shanmugaratnam, N., & Nyborg, I. L. P. (2015). Recovering from disasters: A study of livelihoods in post-quake villages in Northern Pakistan. Disasters, 39, 339–361. https://doi.org/10.1111/disa.12104 [SSCI & Scopus Listed]

8. Asif, M., Amin, A., Nazir, N., Saeed, K., & Jan, S. (2021). Role of tariffs, import substitution, and investment efficiency in economic growth of Pakistan. Quality & Quantity, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-021-01188-6 [SSCI & ISI Indexed]

9. Yousaf, Z. M., & Saeed, M. K. (2024). Economic growth and total factor productivity in Afghanistan. Remittances Review, 9(S2), 432–457. [Scopus Listed till 2023]

10. Jehan, N., & Saeed, K. (2023). Economic estimation of fish value chain: A case study of Sardaryab District Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Journal of Tianjin University Science and Technology, 56(2), 169–192. [SSCI & Scopus Listed]

11. Khan, K. S., Khan, M. S. A., & Tariq, M. (2022). Attempting takeoff: An analysis of Pakistan's economic performance through Rostow's stages of growth. Multicultural Education, 8(1), 249. [SSCI Indexed as of 2022]

12. Ali, S., Saeed, K., Yasmin, F., Urooge, S., & Iqbal, K. (2021). Fiscal decentralization and poverty alleviation: Aggregate and disaggregate analysis for the economy of Pakistan. Linguistica Antverpiensia, 3984–3995. [SSCI & ISI Indexed]

13. Sharif, M. S., Iqbal, D. K., Munir, M. A., Saeed, K., & Ali, S. (2021). Librarian behaviors, students’ personality, and academic performance: A case of public libraries. Library Philosophy and Practice, 6235. [SSCI & Scopus Listed till 2021]

14. Zahid, K., Saeed, K., & Sami, F. (2021). Factors affecting students' academic performance: A case study of District Dir Lower and Malakand Agency, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Indian Journal of Economics and Business, 21(1). [Scopus Listed till 2021]

15. Din, M. U., Saeed, K., Khattak, S. W., Fatima, A., Imtiaz, S., & Ullah, S. (2020). Macroeconomic determinants of foreign indebtedness: Evidence from Pakistan. Indian Journal of Economics and Business, 19(2). [Scopus Listed till 2021]

16. Ali, W., Jan, S. A., Saeed, K., Khattak, S., & Ali, A. (2021). The effects of consumer environmental consciousness and environmental friendliness on brand preference. Indian Journal of Economics and Business, 20, 13. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6586865 [Scopus Listed till 2021]

17. Hassan, I. U., Saeed, K., Hashim, S., Israr, M., Khattak, S. W., & Ullah, S. (2021). Socio-economic impact of internal displacement: A case study of internally displaced persons from Federally Administered Tribal Areas to District Bannu. Indian Journal of Economics and Business, 20(2). [SSCI & Scopus Listed till 2021]

18. Khan, K., & Nyborg, I. L. P. (2013). False promises, false hopes: Local perspectives on liberal peace building in Northwestern Pakistan. Forum for Development Studies, 40(2), 261–284. https://doi.org/10.1080/08039410.2013.797016 [ESCI & Scopus Listed]

19. Khan, Kashif. 2008. “Conflict Transformation and Development in North Western Pakistan”, PSRU Brief No.33, 2008” Pakistan Security Research Unit’s (PSRU).

http://spaces.brad.ac.uk:8080/download/attachments/748/Brief+33+REFCHAI.pdf 

20. Khan, Kashif. 2012. “Rural development in Swat, Pakistan: Understanding Food Livelihood Security in Post-Conflict Contexts”, Noragric, working paper No. 62.

www.umb.no/statisk/noragric/publications/reports/.../noragricrep62.pdf 

21. Zeus, Barabara & Khan, Kashif. 2010. "Whole People, Holistic Approaches: Cross-Sectoral Action and Learning" framing paper for the Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies 2010 policy round-table, Geneva. http://toolkit.ineesite.org/toolkit/Toolkit.php?PostID=1105 

22. Khan, Kashif. 2012. “Livelihood recoveries and discourses of development” paper presented at the 53rd International Studies Association convention Power, Principles and Participation in the Global Information Age,San Diego, California.

23. Khan, Kashif. 2011. “Pakhtuns of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the Pakistani state: an analysis of structural conflict in the Pakhtun society”, Conference on South Asia in transition, University of Oxford.

24. Saeed, K., Pervaiz, Z., Jan, S. A., & Ahmad, T. (2019). Social and Institutional Challenges in the Implementation of Pakistan’s Bonded Labour Laws. Putaj Humanities & Social Sciences, 26(1), 55-65.

25. Khan, K. S., & Jan, S. A.(2018). Deosai National Park: Conservation, Control, and Conflicts. Putaj Humanities & Social Sciences, 25(1), 59-66.

26. Khan, Z., Saeed, K., & Sami, F.(2022). Factors Affecting Students’ Academic Performance: A Case Study of District Dir Lower and Malakand Agency, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Indian Journal of Economics and Business, 21(1), 339-342. (HEC Y-Category)

27. Turi, F., Saeed, K., & Arafat, Y.(2023). Energy Efficiency and Energy Rebound Effect in Pakistan. Journal of Managerial Sciences, 17(3). (HEC Z-Category)

28. Farzana, M., Ahmad, S. A., & Khan, K. S. (2017). The Influence of Facebook on Academic and Social Environments of Undergraduate Students. Putaj Humanities & Social Sciences, 25(1).

29. Khan, Kashif (2013). Conflict, Livelihoods, and Local Perspectives of Peacebuilding in Post-9/11 Northwestern Pakistan. PhD Thesis, UMB, Norway.

30. Khan, Kashif (2024, under review). Exploring Post-9/11 Discourses in North-Western Pakistan: Analyzing Conflict and Social Transformation in the Pakhtun Society, Journal of Conflict, Security and Development,KCL.

31. Alam, N., & Saeed, M. K. (2024). Effect of Tax Modernization on Voluntary Tax Compliance with a Moderating Role of Tax Awareness and Education: Evidence from Implemented Services Tax in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Journal of Asian Development Studies, 13(1), 916-931.

32. Helena Svele, Ingvild Jacobsen, Kashif Khan, Ingrid Nyborg, Gendered Dimensions of Human Security and Post-Crisis Development in Pakistan, Workshop Report. September 2012.

Research And Consultancies

1. HED Research Grant 2019-22
Role: Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI)
Project: Impact of Conflict and Militancy on Children and Their Education in Khyber Tribal District, Pakistan
Grant: 2.5 Million PKR
Successfully led a research project funded by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Higher Education Department, focusing on the effects of conflict on children and their educational outcomes in Khyber Tribal District.

2. GIZ, KP UIPT PDA 2021-23
Role: Deputy Team Leader
Project: KP Urban Immovable Property Tax Proposal Development
Grant: 250,000 EUR
Led the administrative planning and research for this project, ensuring all research goals and deliverables were met within timelines. Provided backup support to the Team Leader.

3. Helvetas-Swiss, International 2019-20
Role: Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI)/Deputy Team Leader (DTL)
Project: Migration Trends in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Grant: 1.05 Million PKR
Led a team of eight researchers in a field study across three districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, examining migration trends, remittance flows, and the push/pull factors in the region.

4. APEX Consulting for UNDP Role: Team Leader  Project: Conflict Mapping in Southern KP  Grant: 2.5 Million PKR Led research on mitigating conflict risks and strengthening social cohesion in southern conflict-prone areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

5. Planning Commission of Pakistan
Role: Principal Investigator (PI)
Project: Research on CPEC’s Socioeconomic Impact
Grant: 0.5 Million PKR
Led two studies commissioned by the Planning Commission, examining CPEC’s impact on KP’s economic growth and its potential for socio-economic development through Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and rural connectivity.

6. Data Analyst at MOE Jordan by UNESCO. 

I was seconded by UNESCO through the NORCAP Norwegian Humanitarian and Development Roster in 2020 for a short term assignment, training Jordanian MOE staff in Statistical Packages and Social Science Research. 

Academic Contributions, Engagements and Fellowship

1. Mediation & Peace Diplomacy

· Panelist and Moderator at the Peace Conference on Local Approaches to Preventing Violent Extremism, organized by SPADO, Islamabad.

· Organizer, Keynote Speaker, and Discussant at the International Conference on Marginalization and Social Exclusion in the Perspective of the Market Economy, Bara Gali.

· Lead Resource Person for International Summer School on Governance, Conflict, and Peace-building, Bara Gali, organized by UOP/Hanns Seidel Foundation.

· Lead Organizer for the International Conference on Post-Conflict Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, Center for International Peace and Stability, NUST, in collaboration with Hanns Seidel Foundation.

· Conflict Transformation Workshops, Delhi, India.

2. Humanitarian Policy, DRR & Conflict Analysis

· Appointed as Reviewer for the UNISDR Global Assessment Report (GAR) on Disaster Risk Reduction with reference to South Asia (2020).

· Food Security Cluster Coordination, SBPP – WFP/FAO, Stuttgart, Germany.

· Public Information & Reporting, SBPP – UNOCHA, Reykjavik, Iceland.

· Delivered Lead Lecture on Climate Change Induced Migration and Security, International Conference on Impacts of Climate Change, organized by UNDP and Institute of Strategic Studies, National Defence University, Islamabad.

· Research Grant Recipient, NORAD – Human Security in Practice.

· Fellowship – International Studies Association (ISA), U.S.

· Fellowship – Norwegian Association of Development Studies (NFU), Norway.

3. Institutional Capacity Development & Climate Governance

· Peer reviewer for the NETZERO Challenge Program (Code for Pakistan/WWF

· Member of the Provincial Task Force on Environment, Govt. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

· Finalist, HEC & World Bank’s Grand Challenge Fund for research on “Climatic and Non-Climatic Factors Affecting Afforestation & Forest Ecosystem Services in KP.”

· Lead engagements with provincial policy stakeholders and development actors on urban environment, livelihood recovery, and post-disaster rehabilitation.

4. Peer Reviews and Fellowships

· 9th Development Dialogue, International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), The Hague.

· Conference on Human Rights-based Approaches to International Development, University of Oslo.

· Peer Reviewer for Conflict, Security, and Development (King’s College London).

· Peer Reviewer for Social Science Quarterly (Southwestern Social Sc. Association, U.S.).

· Peer Reviewer for Journal Conflict, Security, and Development, Kings College London

· Peer Reviewer for Journal of Social Sciences Quarterly, US (W-category, ISI listed)

· Peer Reviewer for Humanitarian Policy Group, working papers.

· Peer Reviewer for the International Peace and Stability, NUST.

· Peer Reviewer for the Journal of Social Sciences.

Timeline

Associate Professor – Coordinator Development Studies and Development Action Cell

University of Peshawar, Pakistan
08.2022 - Current

Assistant Professor – Coordinator Development Studies Program

University of Peshawar, Pakistan
01.2016 - 01.2022

Senior Analyst Local Governance, Energy & Power

Dept. for International Development (DFID, UK), Strategic Support Unit, Peshawar, Pakistan
11.2015 - 01.2016

Assistant Professor

Centre for International Peace and Stability, National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad
01.2015 - 11.2015

Capacity Development Advisor – Disaster Risk Management (P3)

FATA Disaster Management Authority FDMA, Pakistan
06.2013 - 07.2014

PhD candidate/ Research Fellow and Teaching Assistant

Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU, Oslo, Norway
09.2009 - 06.2013

Ph.D. - Development Studies

Norwegian University of Life Sciences

Masters - Development Studies

Norwegian University of Life Sciences

Masters - Economics

University of Peshawar, Pakistan
Kashif Saeed KHANAssociate Professor