Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
Generic
Zubaida Abbasi

Zubaida Abbasi

Communication Strategist & Policy Analyst
Islamabad,Islamabad Capital Territory

Summary


A food and travel enthusiast with a knack for building meaningful connections through excellent communication and liaison skills. Driven by a zest for life and a commitment to impactful change, I aim to contribute meaningfully through policy development and innovative research. Dedicated to leaving a positive mark in every endeavor, I thrive on turning ideas into action.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
8
8
Certifications
3
3
Languages

Work History

Deputy Manager

Prime Minister Secretariat
04.2024 - 10.2024
  • Strategic Partnership Development & Liaison:
  • I have served as a Deputy Manager IC Wing and effectively liaised with foreign missions and international organizations, building strong partnerships and maintaining crucial communications and coordination between and among the different stakeholders of the government of Pakistan.
  • Successfully coordinated and executed high-level diplomatic visits such as the Sultanate of Oman, Qatar, the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI), Indonesian embassy. Assisted Ambassador in meetings with the heads of missions in Pakistan like Azerbaijan and others, keeping the communication through emails and available means. Program Coordination & Implementation: Convened and facilitated high-level meetings in the office and at other ministries like the Ministry of Climate Change, Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives for productive discussions to enhance decision-making. Attended international, regional, and national Simulation Exercises for quarterly progress review and planning meetings. Demonstrated strong inter-departmental coordination skills, ensuring smooth collaboration and efficient workflow, vital for aligning communications within interprovincial departments. Facilitated inter-departmental coordination and communication, enhancing operational efficiency. Reporting & Documentation: Drafted detailed meeting minutes/reports for internal consumption, showcasing the ability to produce clear and concise documentation, a key requirement for narrative and financial reporting. Developed and delivered impactful presentations, demonstrating the ability to convey complex information effectively, important for stakeholder engagement and reporting.
  • Protocol & Logistics Management: Served as Protocol Officer for the Prime Minister's official receptions, ensuring seamless execution of protocol procedures, a skill that translates to managing logistics and supporting teams.
  • Led delegations to other gov entities like the National Police Academy of Pakistan, ministries, and others. Supported other wings in their execution of planning like obtaining MoUs, LoUs and drafting LoAs.
  • Team Leadership & Supervision: Supervised junior staff, providing guidance and support to enhance their performance, demonstrating leadership and mentoring capabilities.
  • Gender and Child Cell, NDMA Vulnerable Group Protection & Training: I have briefly worked at GCC and contributed to the development and implementation of initiatives focused on the safety of children, women, the elderly, and vulnerable groups in disaster-prone areas. Participated in the delivery of training programs on prevention and handling situations during disasters or flash floods, empowering vulnerable communities.
  • Data Collection & Philanthropic Enhancement: Learn to utilize digital survey tools to gather data and assess the needs of target populations, enhancing the effectiveness of philanthropic efforts. School Safety & Frameworks: Gained knowledge of school safety frameworks and best practices.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Senior Research Officer

Centre for International Strategic Studies, (SPD)
07.2021 - 04.2024
  • Presented research findings at national and international conferences, elevating the organization''s reputation in the field.
  • Research and Strategic Analysis
    I have conducted in-depth research on critical strategic issues, including South Asian strategic stability, technological advancements in the military domain, deterrence dynamics, international security architecture, psychological/information operations, and the peaceful applications of nuclear technology.
  • Explored renewable energy sources under the ambit of peaceful utilization of nuclear technology, emphasizing innovative strategies for sustainable energy growth.
  • Analyzed complex geopolitical trends and their implications for regional and global security, as well as advancements in space technology aligned with the UN Agenda 2030.
    - Specialized in the emerging field of space militarization and its potential impact on strategic balance, while also researching sustainable development practices using space technology, particularly in agriculture and climate resilience.
  • Documentation and Communication
    - Authored comprehensive research reports, concept notes, and opinion pieces for dissemination among policymakers, academics, and internal teams.
    - Prepared detailed internal reports, meeting minutes, transcripts, and documentation for conferences, book launches, workshops, and internal discussions.
    - Developed clear and concise proposals, funding applications, and progress documents to effectively communicate project objectives to key stakeholders.
    - Maintained a consistent track record in producing high-quality documentation, ensuring alignment with organizational and donor standards.
  • Proposal Development and Implementation
    - Designed and presented innovative project proposals focusing on climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy solutions, drawing on insights from space-based technologies to address climate change challenges.
    - Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to conceptualize project frameworks and secure funding through well-researched, compelling proposals.
    - Facilitated program monitoring and evaluation, ensuring progress aligned with strategic objectives and identifying areas for improvement.
  • Training and Capacity Building
    - Delivered impactful presentations on space technology, renewable energy, and strategic issues to diverse audiences, including policymakers, academics, and community leaders.
    - Conceptualized and conducted training sessions and capacity-building workshops to equip teams with skills and knowledge for program implementation.
    - Facilitated webinars, panel discussions, and collaborative outreach activities with partner institutions to foster dialogue on sustainable growth and environmental resilience.
  • Outreach and Strategic Engagement
    Engaged in strategic dialogue and knowledge-sharing initiatives with experts from around the world to advance sustainable development solutions.
    Participated in international platforms to advocate for the integration of space-based solutions in addressing climate-induced challenges and enhancing resilience in the agricultural sector.
    Leveraged international experience to align projects with global best practices in renewable energy and sustainable growth.
  • Interagency Coordination and Protocol Management
    - Coordinated interagency communication and collaboration to ensure smooth program implementation and information exchange.
    - Performed security and protocol duties during high-profile engagements, ensuring effective operational management and adherence to protocols.

Lecturer, International Relations

Sindh Secretariat
12.2020 - 02.2024

Philanthropic Contribution and Academic Engagement

  • Collaborated with the Sindh Government to support underprivileged CSS students by teaching free of cost, contributing to societal betterment and equitable access to education.
  • Curriculum Development: Designed and delivered lectures focused on International Relations, integrating concepts of global sustainable development, climate change mitigation strategies, and the role of emerging technologies in fostering green growth.
  • Student Engagement: Promoted active learning by facilitating interactive discussions, Q&A sessions, and applying real-world case studies on sustainable economic, political, and security practices, particularly addressing climate resilience.
  • Mentorship and Guidance: Provided mentorship to students, fostering skills in critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving, with an emphasis on applying these competencies to sustainable development challenges.
  • Academic Collaboration: Partnered with faculty members to enhance the quality of academic programs by integrating topics such as renewable energy solutions, green agricultural practices, and climate-smart governance strategies.
  • Public Diplomacy: Contributed to shaping positive narratives on sustainability and government policies through public lectures, advocating for inclusive growth and the transition to a green economy

Freelancer

Private Client
02.2018 - 10.2023

Freelance Copywriting Experience

  • Successfully written and delivered documents, reports, and assignments for clients, ensuring high-quality output and alignment with their specific requirements.
  • Produced original, plagiarism-free content across various formats, reflecting creativity and professionalism.
  • Managed multiple projects efficiently, consistently meeting tight deadlines without compromising on quality.
  • Conducted thorough research to develop content tailored to client needs, combining accuracy with compelling narratives.
  • Collaborated closely with clients to refine content ideas and ensure the final product aligns perfectly with their goals.
  • Demonstrated adaptability by addressing diverse topics and industries, showcasing versatility in tone, style, and subject matter

News Writer

The Express Tribune
09.2019 - 03.2020
  • News Writer and Transcriber – The Express Tribune
    - Consistently produced high-quality news articles, features, and blog posts, maintaining a strong standard of journalistic integrity and engagement.
    -Research Expertise: Conducted in-depth research on diverse topics, analyzing complex information to deliver accurate and insightful content.
    Social Media Engagement: Leveraged social media platforms to share news, foster audience interaction, and amplify reach.
    -Media Relations: Built and maintained strong professional relationships with journalists and media outlets to enhance content reach and credibility.
    -Crisis Communication: Responded adeptly to crises by managing media inquiries and producing accurate, timely communication.
    Core Competencies
    - Exemplary Writing Skills: Produced clear, concise, and persuasive content tailored to diverse audiences.
    Thrived in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments while maintaining precision and focus.
    - Effective Communication: Excelled in both written and verbal communication, collaborating seamlessly with teams and stakeholders.

Police Officer Trainee

Punjab Police
07.2018 - 10.2018
  • Community Engagement and Gender Inclusivity
    - Facilitated community conflict resolution by promoting dialogue and fostering collaborative solutions to build trust and cohesion.
    - Spearheaded initiatives to eliminate gender-based violence through awareness campaigns, education, and advocacy for a gender-inclusive society.
    - Actively collaborated with government agencies, UN Women, and other development partners to develop and implement policies aimed at preventing crimes against women and children.
    - Designed and led public outreach programs to raise awareness about legal rights, gender equality, and societal inclusion, ensuring widespread community impact.
    - Engaged stakeholders at all levels to align efforts for sustainable solutions in addressing gender-based issues and empowering vulnerable populations.

Education

Master of Arts - International Relations

University of Karachi
Karachi
04.2001 -

Associate of Arts - Public Policy Analysis

University of Massachusetts, MA
Amherst, Boston USA
04.2001 -

Skills

Project management

Accomplishments

    I have been fortunate to achieve a series of accomplishments that reflect my dedication and passion for making a meaningful impact. From earning a prestigious scholarship in the USA, which broadened my academic horizon, to the honor of sharing a frame with the President of Pakistan, I have experienced moments of profound recognition. As Protocol Officer for the Prime Minister's Reception, I showcased my organizational and coordination skills at the highest level. My students remain a source of pride, as their admiration reflects the positive influence of my mentorship. Additionally, my writing has consistently been acknowledged for its originality, clarity, and ability to resonate with readers, further affirming my commitment to impactful communication. These milestones represent my journey of growth and my drive to contribute to meaningful change.

Affiliations

I am privileged to have been affiliated with renowned organizations such as the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), Hanns Seidel German Foundation, British American Security Information Council (BASIC), Pak-US Alumni Network, UNDP, International Quran Research Association (IQRA), and the School of Leadership, among others. These collaborations have allowed me to contribute to impactful projects, including drafting policies and shaping policymaking processes that address critical societal challenges. My work with development partners, such as UN Women and other stakeholders, has focused on the prevention of crimes against women and children, advancing gender inclusivity, and fostering sustainable development. Through these affiliations, I have actively engaged in initiatives promoting community empowerment, democratic reforms, and evidence-based solutions, gaining invaluable expertise and fostering innovation across multiple sectors. Each experience represents my commitment to driving meaningful change through research, collaboration, and forward-thinking strategies.

Certification

WWF Climate Resilience Country Project

Timeline

Deputy Manager

Prime Minister Secretariat
04.2024 - 10.2024

Physics and Mechanics of Nuclear Technology

03-2023

Senior Research Officer

Centre for International Strategic Studies, (SPD)
07.2021 - 04.2024

Lecturer, International Relations

Sindh Secretariat
12.2020 - 02.2024

News Writer

The Express Tribune
09.2019 - 03.2020

WWF Climate Resilience Country Project

06-2019

Police Officer Trainee

Punjab Police
07.2018 - 10.2018

Media and Journalism Ethics

07-2018

Professional Chef

05-2018

Freelancer

Private Client
02.2018 - 10.2023

Master of Arts - International Relations

University of Karachi
04.2001 -

Associate of Arts - Public Policy Analysis

University of Massachusetts, MA
04.2001 -
Zubaida AbbasiCommunication Strategist & Policy Analyst