ASHFAQ [user:field_middlename] AHMAD

AHMAD Ashfaq

Program Officer, Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation & Research       

E-mail: cornelian2682@gmail.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashfaq-ahmad-united-states/ 

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Experienced International Development Professional with over 13 years of expertise in leading complex, multi-million-dollar projects. Proficient in strategic program management, monitoring and evaluation methodologies, and stakeholder engagement. Demonstrated ability in making decisive operational and administrative decisions, ensuring effective and timely project completion. Committed to driving sustainable development initiatives and building impactful collaborations across diverse cultural contexts. Expanded expertise in Data Analytics at Concordia University, complementing over 13 years of international development experience.                                   

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• Results-Based Management (RBM)
• Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation
• Collection and Analysis of Quantitative and Qualitative Data
• Program & Project Leadership 
• Data visualization and reporting
• Excellent Communication & Presentation Skills
• Organized & Results-Oriented
• International Development and Humanitarian Cooperation 
• MS Excel, PowerBI & Tableau

EDUCATION                                                                                                                                                                        

• Master in Data Analytics                                                                                                                                                          2023 

 Concordia University of St. Paul Minnesota, USA      

• Master of Professional Studies International Development,  Concentration in Monitoring & Evaluation                    2020

       Cornell University, USA                                                 

• Master in Development Management, Concentration in Project Management                                                                2013

       Asian Institute of Management, Makati, Philippines                                               

• MSc in Government & Public Policy                                                                                                                                       2012

              National Defence University, Islamabad, Pakistan   

ACADEMIC PROJECTS                                                                                      ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎  ‎ ‎  ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎  ‎‎‎ ‎‎‎  ‎ ‎ ‎‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎  ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎                     ‎ 

Asian Institute of Management, Philippines, Asian Development Scholar                                                              2013 EVALUATOR Cambodia 

• Led a diverse team in conducting a comprehensive mid-term evaluation of a major Asian Development Bank-funded roads project.
• Successfully assessed and reported on the economic, social, and environmental impacts of the project, providing key insights for future developments.

USAID-Funded Watermills Rehabilitation in Pakistan                                                                                                  2013

MONITORING AND EVALUATION SPECIALIST  

• Developed a strategic framework for monitoring and evaluating the rehabilitation of watermills, a vital source of livelihood in Upper Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, severely impacted by 2010 floods.
• Pioneered approaches that addressed critical needs in sustaining the local wheat-based economy, emphasizing sustainability and community resilience.

UNODC Program - Doha Declaration, Cornell University                                                                                              2020

EVALUATION TEAM MEMBER  

• Conducted critical research and interviews, contributing to global policy on crime prevention and criminal justice.
• Authored case studies, enhancing the program's influence on international law and governance.

District Governance & Community Development Program Evaluation                                                                           2020

HEAD OF PLANNING, MONITORING, EVALUATION, AND RESEARCH/REPORTING  

• Led the mid-term evaluation, significantly improving program efficiency and impact in community development and governance.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES                                                                                     ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎  ‎ ‎  ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎  ‎‎‎ ‎‎‎  ‎ ‎ ‎‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎  ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎      ‎ 

Pakistan Government, Sarhad Rural Support Program                                                              April 2015 to June 2019

      PROGRAM OFFICER, PLANNING, MONITORING, EVALUATION & RESEARCH Pakistan

• Developed and led initiatives forming 4,449 Community-Based Organizations, trained over 10,000 individuals in management skills, implemented 4,500 infrastructure projects worth 8,489 million PKR, and influenced policy replication across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's 28 districts, positively impacting over 3.5 million people. 
• Successfully implemented local development policies and streamlined data collection, boosting program efficiency by 30% and improving survey response rates by 25% within a year. 
• Managed a $2 million budget, achieving a 10% cost saving, while playing a key role in strategic planning that increased community engagement and satisfaction by 15%.
• Authored and standardized job descriptions and TORs for key roles, enhancing recruitment efficiency by 20%, and actively participated in over 50 meetings, boosting inter-departmental collaboration by 35%. 
• Authored over 25 progress reports and enhanced reporting efficiency by 40% through robust project tracking, while maintaining strong relationships for timely submissions and program transparency. 
• Developed and managed annual work plans, aligning with donor requirements for a 20% funding efficiency increase, and reviewed over 30 infrastructure proposals to ensure complete alignment with community needs. 
• Served as a key liaison for the Internal Program Review Committee, significantly improving the effectiveness of external evaluations and community awareness by 50% in local development initiatives. 

CARAVAN SWAT, Livelihoods, Governance & Rehabilitation                                                      Nov 2010 to Dec 2014                                                                                                   

MONITORING, EVALUATION, ACCOUNTABILITY & LEARNING (MEAL) COORDINATOR Pakistan

• Led the development and periodic revision of detailed implementation plans, resulting in a 20% increase in project delivery efficiency.
• Prepared and disseminated comprehensive periodic reports and case studies, ensuring a 95% satisfaction rate among departments and donors regarding project transparency.
• Conducted extensive training and guidance sessions for staff, which led to a 30% improvement in project management efficiency across various thematic areas of the organization.
• Successfully increased voter registration by 40% in key districts through strategic initiatives in The Asia Foundation's Voter Registration Project.
• Led FAO's animal fodder distribution in flood-affected areas, aiding over 5,000 families and enhancing livestock recovery. 
• Coordinated the USAID-funded rehabilitation of watermills, significantly improving livelihood for 2,500 households and reducing future flood damage risks. 
• Played a key role in USAID and World Learning Inc.'s Pakistan Reading Project, leading to a 25% improvement in literacy rates among 10,000+ students. 

Sungi Development Foundation                                                                                                    Dec 2010 to Nov 2011

      INFORMATION MANAGEMENT & REPORTING OFFICER Pakistan

• Implemented new data capture tools, improving project reporting accuracy by 20% and compliance with donor guidelines.
• Developed monitoring templates and comprehensive reporting mechanisms, enhancing data-driven decision-making and boosting report efficiency by 30%.
• Represented SDF in key district-level meetings, contributing to a 15% increase in collaborative project initiatives.
• Aided in report preparation and project execution, leading to a 25% improvement in team coordination and project delivery timelines.
• Initiated M&E training for staff, resulting in a 40% enhancement in monitoring efficiency across the organization.

Community Awareness Raising & Advocacy Ventures Around Needs (CARAVAN)                 Apr 2003 to Apr 2008                                                                                     

      MONITORING & EVALUATION OFFICER Pakistan

• Developed a risk reduction plan, reducing emergency response time by 25% and increasing community preparedness by 30% within a year.
• Provided technical assistance and training to 100+ staff, enhancing data management efficiency by 20% in six months.
• Identified project risks and implemented performance indicators, improving project efficiency by 15% and reducing resource wastage by 10% annually.

REPORTS & PAPERS                                                                                                                                                                   

• Evaluation of The Doha Program, UNODC Program funded by the Government of Qatar, Cornell University 2020
• Mid-Term Evaluation of Asian Development Bank -Funded Project in Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia, 2013
• Designing a Monitoring & Evaluation System for CARAVAN, Asian Institute of Management, 2013