Majid Khan
Programme Policy Officer (NOC)
Peshawar,Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Summary
With a master’s degree in Anthropology and over 17 years of diverse experience in managerial, strategic, programmatic, and leadership capacities across national organizations and UN agencies including WFP, FAO, and UN Habitat, I currently serve as the Programme Policy Officer (NOC) for the World Food Programme in Peshawar, KP. In this role, I oversee emergency relief, recovery, and resilience efforts. Previously, I held various positions within the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, ranging from Programme Policy to Food Security Cluster Coordinator. Before that, I served as an Area Programme Coordinator for UN-HABITAT, managing portfolios in KP and FATA. Throughout my career, I have actively contributed to complex emergencies such as earthquakes, floods, and human-induced crises, focusing on thematic areas including food security, livelihoods, disaster risk reduction, housing/shelter, WASH, and non-formal education. I have successfully managed over 20 projects of significant value across Pakistan, demonstrating skills in emergency response, community mobilization, conflict resolution, coordination, team building, and information management. Moreover, my expertise spans humanitarian relief, crisis management, resource mobilization, community involvement, conflict resolution, reconstruction, emergency response, and project management. I excel in overseeing international development projects throughout their lifecycle, encompassing planning, monitoring, evaluation, and budgeting.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Programme Policy Officer (NOC)
World Food Programme
10.2021 - Current
- Act as an OIC in the absence of the Head of Provincial Office
- Engage the provincial government at the senior level to conduct policy dialogues, identify key counterparts for in-depth policy discussions, and mainstream WFP strategy in the ex-FATA region into the government’s fiscal planning process through effective advocacy and convenorship roles
- Develop and implement programmes focusing on relief and recovery activities in line with WFP policies, guidelines, Executive Board decisions, and directives
- Develop and implement livelihood, food assistance for assets (FFA), food for training (FFT) Programmes, and emergency preparedness in line with WFP policies
- Provide support to integrate activities with Seasonal Livelihood Programming, including linkages with Productive Safety Net (PSN), Shock Responsive Safety Net (SRSN) programmes and/or peace and stabilization initiatives
- Coordinate with internal and external partners to establish transparent, accurate, and ethical targeting and beneficiary selection, fully in accordance with WFP's corporate beneficiary management procedures (SCOPE), and triangulate data to ensure the most vulnerable are assisted
- Coordinate with internal partners to ensure timely implementation in line with needs on the ground and corporate guidelines
- Engage, maintain, and strengthen upstream policy dialogue to build and support government capacity to plan, coordinate, implement, monitor, and evaluate programmes in a devolved environment
- Provide advice and support to Provincial Offices (PO) on complex issues to clarify ambiguities and ensure that policy and Programme operations are consistent with WFP policies
- Develop relevant Programme guidance and implementation modalities and operations to ensure a clear and strong connection between CO, PO, and field operations
- Provide technical advice or mobilize technical expertise on programme and policy issues including relief, resilience, climate change, livelihood (FFA/T), integrated natural resource management, emergency preparedness, and CBDRM to support government efforts in these areas
- Assist counterparts in governments and other partners in identifying where relevant programmes can be usefully employed and providing support and technical expertise for the planning, formulation, and implementation of complex development programmes to strengthen government and community ownership at national and sub-national levels
- Improve WFPs leadership status in forums relating to food security, livelihoods, resilience, climate change adaptation, CBDRM, and engagement in humanitarian, transitional, and development contexts through direct participation, briefings, information products, and other materials
- Contribute to resource mobilization efforts for WFP portfolio projects
- Advise and support the development of functional training to enhance the capacity of WFP staff and partners to design and deliver effective assistance
- Lead, motivate, and develop a team of staff to enable high performance
- Ensure the best use of assigned financial resources for the achievement of set objectives within the budget
Project Coordinator
FAO-United Nations
10.2019 - 09.2021
- Successfully managed and ensured seamless integration and coordination of the FCDO funded project with other UN Agencies
- Achieved timely, effective, and coordinated implementation of project activities in alignment with the agreed work plan
- Implemented and maintained comprehensive compliance measures, including the Risk register, conflict sensitivity checklist, value for money, GRM, harmonized approach, due diligence check list, and third-party monitoring check list
- Undertook follow-up actions on advocacy and program implementation activities, contributing significantly to teamwork building, and prepared relevant reports
- Successfully attended technical cooperation meetings, executing follow-up actions and coordination related to program implementation and monitoring
- Selected and compiled impactful training, orientation, and IEC materials for stakeholders involved in program implementation, including donor and media visits
- Coordinated and supervised the work progress of Partners contracted by FAO through Letters of Agreement (LoA)
- Utilized performance management strategies, ensuring that performance objectives were met and reported upon, with field reports produced on time and meeting required standards
- Provided crucial support to partners, ensuring the timely delivery of inputs to beneficiaries, reviewing, and clearing SP reports in a timely manner, and processing payments within stipulated time frames
- Established effective liaison with technical officers to ensure the timely delivery of training to targeted beneficiaries, with thorough documentation of all training aspects
- Successfully represented the organizational interests and beneficiaries of FAO at various platforms
- Served as the Food Security Cluster Coordinator in addition to the above responsibilities
Project officer/ Food Security Cluster Coordinator
FAO-United Nations
07.2018 - 09.2021
- Successfully liaised with line departments in the Tribal Affairs Secretariat and key stakeholders, including LEAs, for the smooth implementation of project activities
- Developed periodic reports in approved formats, offering a detailed overview of all aspects of project delivery, beneficiary analysis, the intervention approach, and the impact of assistance on food and nutrition in targeted areas
- Prepared and reviewed the project work plan in the agency, contributing to the procurement plan and implementation plan, ensuring timely, effective, and coordinated implementation of project activities aligned with the agreed work plan
- Developed the project-specific implementation plan (dip) aimed at achieving project goals and outcomes
- Contributed to the coordination of field staff, ensuring efficient implementation of project activities, and preparing progress reports in a timely manner
- Ensured leadership and accountability of the food security cluster at the provincial level in providing humanitarian response to the affected population
- Strengthened cluster coordination at the provincial level under the federal/provincial structured approach
- Successfully represented the food security cluster at all provincial-level, general, and inter-cluster coordination meetings, as well as at the national level as required
- Led the development and monitoring of a cluster-wide response plan at the provincial level, ensuring well-coordinated filling of identified gaps
- Ensured that cluster members at the provincial level promoted strategies consistent with the overall strategy developed by the food security working group at the national level, supporting the government and other local partners, and enabling strong linkages between humanitarian and development actions for phased-out through training and capacity-building programs as appropriate
- Ensured timely and accurate reporting on cluster-related activities at the provincial level, disseminating information to all stakeholders as appropriate
- Developed and updated key messages for donor advocacy and organized capacity-building workshops for partner organizations
Food Security Cluster Coordinator
FAO-United Nations
02.2017 - 06.2018
- Successfully ensured leadership and accountability of the Food Security Cluster at the provincial level in providing a humanitarian response to the affected population
- Effectively strengthened cluster coordination at the provincial level under the federal/provincial structured approach
- Successfully represented the Food Security Cluster at all provincial-level, general, and inter-cluster coordination meetings, and at the national level as required
- Led the development and monitoring of a cluster-wide response plan at the provincial level, ensuring that any identified gaps were filled in a well-coordinated manner
- Ensured that cluster members at the provincial level promoted strategies consistent with the overall strategy developed by the Food Security Working Group at the national level
- Supported the Government and other local partners, enabling strong linkages between humanitarian and development actions for phasing out through training and capacity-building programs as appropriate
- Ensured timely and accurate reporting on cluster-related activities at the provincial level, disseminating information to all stakeholders as appropriate
- Conducted regular field visits and organized joint monitoring of field activities, including assessments
- Developed and updated key messages for donor advocacy, ensuring alignment with the objectives of the Food Security Cluster
- Provided support to the National Cluster and Planning, contributing to the overall success of national-level initiatives
- Organized capacity-building workshops for partner organizations, enhancing their capabilities and effectiveness
- Demonstrated adaptability by carrying out other duties assigned by the FAOR, Deputy FAOR, AFAOR (Programme), contributing to the overall success of FAO initiatives
Area Program Coordinator (Head of KP Provincial Office)
UN Habitat
04.2015 - 10.2016
- Managed the UN-Habitat KP and FATA portfolios
- Represented UN-Habitat in humanitarian cluster meetings
- Oversaw field office resources and supervised field personnel
- Acted as an Area Security Management team member
- Established good working relationships and partnerships with authorities and other stakeholders
- Led UN-Habitat's advocacy and communications in KP and FATA
- Led the preparation of project funding proposals and provided input on KP and FATA matters to UN-Habitat Peshawar and Islamabad technical teams
- Provided management oversight for successful implementation of Shelter and WASH Assistance in FATA and KP, ensuring effective delivery of assistance and rehabilitation measures
- Undertook monitoring visits and spot checks to project sites, ensuring adherence to project activities as per design, BOQs, quality standards, work plan, and agreed deliverables under the Agreement of Cooperation (AoC)
- Acted immediately and followed up on all requests for remedial actions in close liaison with the Technical Team, CTA, and CPM in Islamabad, addressing issues identified through quality assurance and oversight
- Collaborated closely with the implementing partner(s), third-party monitoring NGO, and UN-Habitat team to ensure visibility of project outputs
- Prepare evidence-based or photo documentation, including best practices, showcasing project achievements
- Led the conduct of periodic project reviews involving stakeholders such as KP and FATA provincial and local authorities, implementing partner(s), third-party monitoring NGO, and other partners
- Established and implemented an efficient monitoring and reporting system, including the creation of a database of photo documentation of activities and completed works
- Provided inputs to the technical team in Islamabad for a comprehensive data and information management system with GPS coordinates
- Reviewed and endorsed progress reports and payment requests submitted by implementing partner(s) and third-party monitoring NGOs
- Highlighted observations to the technical team in Islamabad, ensuring accuracy and transparency in project reporting
Deputy Project Manager
UN Habitat
01.2014 - 03.2015
- Represented UN-Habitat effectively in Shelter, WASH, Protection, and Community Restoration clusters, fostering liaison and coordination with various government departments, NGOs/INGO, and UN agencies
- Conducted regular field surveys and assessments, collaborating closely with IT to document survey and assessment results and map data
- Provided valuable training and advice to communities on UN-Habitat information and activities, contributing to enhanced community understanding and engagement
- Monitored and facilitated the identification of project-related issues, offered recommendations to address them, and maintained strong liaison with community-based organizations
- Effectively supervised the work of field teams, ensuring efficient and timely implementation of project activities
- Ensured community consultation, meetings, training, demonstration activities, village mapping, community action plans, and capacity building occurred on a timely basis in line with established standards
- Regularly monitored project activities in the field, providing comprehensive weekly and monthly field visit reports
- Identified, documented, and addressed emerging issues, offering possible solutions and documenting good practices
Field Coordinator
UN Habitat
06.2011 - 12.2013
- Successfully managed all aspects of project management, implementation, coordination, and monitoring at the field office, ensuring seamless operations
- Effectively handled financial management responsibilities for the field office, ensuring proper allocation and utilization of resources
- Established and maintained fruitful liaison with district and local authorities, contributing to smooth project implementation
- Prepared and consistently updated work plans and budgets for field activities in close coordination with the provincial manager, ensuring alignment with project objectives
- Supervised and ensured the implementation of activities, with a focus on maintaining high-quality standards in beneficiary assistance, including shelters, WASH, and infrastructure
- Coordinated with relevant partners, particularly field staff, to implement and monitor progress in accordance with management standards
- Monitored and controlled budgetary allocations, ensuring optimal resource management through regular reviews
- Issued final completion certificates to beneficiaries, acknowledging the successful completion of project assistance
- Served as a security focal person, ensuring the safety and well-being of project operations
- Represented the HERWG at various provincial-level, general, and inter-cluster coordination meetings, fostering collaboration
- Ensured timely and accurate reporting on HERWG-related activities at the provincial level, disseminating information to all stakeholders as appropriate
Team Leader
UN Habitat
06.2010 - 01.2011
- Successfully supported and coached UN-HABITAT staff, ensuring a cohesive and integrated work approach within the project area
- Led the local team, providing high-quality information and analysis, fostering an environment of shared experiences and continuous learning
- Coordinated and liaised effectively with DCO and relevant local authorities, local partners, and stakeholders at the district level for the sustainable implementation of the project
- Organized and facilitated general coordination meetings with local Government, humanitarian, and relief organizations, fostering collaboration and alignment of efforts
- Monitored project activities with implementing partners (IPs) and UN-HABITAT staff, ensuring efficient execution in line with project goals
- Prepared comprehensive weekly and monthly progress reports on project implementation, providing transparent and timely updates
- Successfully arranged visits of UN-HABITAT senior staff, donors, and other agencies, ensuring effective coordination with all stakeholders
- Conducted field surveys for need assessments, gathering crucial information for informed decision-making
- Planned and coordinated activities in emergency shelter, ensuring active community participation in shelter site selection and construction, with full integration into technical activities in Hangu District
- Undertook any other duties assigned by the Program Manager, contributing to the overall success of the program
Senior Social Mobilizer
UN Habitat
11.2008 - 05.2010
- Successfully supported training initiatives for UN-HABITAT social mobilization mobile teams, enhancing their skills and capabilities
- Organized and efficiently managed the social mobilizer work program, providing crucial support for its implementation
- Monitored, evaluated, and reported on social mobilization activities, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process
- Identified emerging issues and provided viable solutions, documenting good practices for future reference
- Undertook minor infrastructure improvements in target areas, contributing to the overall development and well-being of communities
- Played a key role in launching awareness-raising campaigns on safer construction in target areas, promoting community safety
- Facilitated the establishment of linkages between communities and UN-Habitat, fostering strong and sustainable connections
Social Organizer
Community Motivation and Development Organization (CMDO)
06.2006 - 11.2008
- Successfully conducted a baseline survey, providing a foundation for informed decision-making and project planning
- Identified and developed linkages with formal schools in target areas, facilitating the signing of MOUs with the government for enhanced collaboration
- Identified at-risk children and provided essential school supplies (uniforms, books, pencils, etc.) in the target areas, promoting access to education
- Organized and trained School Management Committees (SMCs), enhancing community involvement in school governance
- Undertook minor infrastructure improvements in selected schools, contributing to a conducive learning environment
- Identified spaces, established, and equipped resource centers and libraries in selected schools in the target areas, promoting access to educational resources
- Conducted field appraisals (participatory rural appraisals, - PRAs) to identify target group children, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of local needs
- Identified spaces for establishing non-formal education (NFE) and early childhood education (ECE) centers, enrolling students in these centers
- Developed linkages with formal schools in target areas, strengthening the collaboration between community-based and formal education systems
- Supported the identification, establishment, and strengthening of government technical vocational training institutes
- Planned and undertook enrollment campaigns with the support of community groups, increasing access to education for vulnerable children
Education
Masters - Anthropology
University of Peshawar
01.2004 - 04.2006
Bachelors - Political Science and Law
Islamia College Peshawar
01.2002 - 04.2004
Intermediate - Civics, English Elective and History
Islamia College Peshawar
01.2000 - 04.2002
Skills
Type policy expertise
Legislative tracking techniques
Opinion editorials
Planning processes
Policy Development
Improvement strategies
Policy compliance understanding
Cost-benefit analysis
Trend understanding
Problem-Solving
Excellent Communication
Decision-Making
Teamwork and Collaboration
Planning and Coordination
Organization and Time Management
Flexible and Adaptable
Self-Motivated
Teambuilding
Good Telephone Etiquette
Multitasking Abilities
Critical Thinking
Interpersonal Communication
Analytical and Critical Thinking
Training and Development
Timeline
Programme Policy Officer (NOC)
World Food Programme
10.2021 - Current
Project Coordinator
FAO-United Nations
10.2019 - 09.2021
Project officer/ Food Security Cluster Coordinator
FAO-United Nations
07.2018 - 09.2021
Food Security Cluster Coordinator
FAO-United Nations
02.2017 - 06.2018
Area Program Coordinator (Head of KP Provincial Office)
UN Habitat
04.2015 - 10.2016
Deputy Project Manager
UN Habitat
01.2014 - 03.2015
Field Coordinator
UN Habitat
06.2011 - 12.2013
Team Leader
UN Habitat
06.2010 - 01.2011
Senior Social Mobilizer
UN Habitat
11.2008 - 05.2010
Social Organizer
Community Motivation and Development Organization (CMDO)
06.2006 - 11.2008
Masters - Anthropology
University of Peshawar
01.2004 - 04.2006
Bachelors - Political Science and Law
Islamia College Peshawar
01.2002 - 04.2004
Intermediate - Civics, English Elective and History
Islamia College Peshawar
01.2000 - 04.2002