Usman Altaf

I am a dedicated individual who is passionate about making a positive impact on society through my work in the non-governmental organization (NGO) sector. With a strong academic background in social sciences, I hold a bachelor's degree in social science from a renowned university.

Throughout my academic journey, I developed a deep understanding of social issues, inequality, and the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Her coursework encompassed diverse subjects such as sociology, anthropology, economics, and development studies, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of social dynamics and development processes.

Senior Program Officer Working on the project - Electoral Quality and Inclusiveness in Pakistan (EQuIP) Sustainable Development Goal 16 - Peace, justice, and strong institutions. From 30/09/2022 till the Present 

Conducting an assessment of the electoral roll in all tehsils/subdistricts.

• Developing and implementing data uploading on GMIS for the electoral roll census blocks, ensuring that the data is correctly uploaded and verified.
• Monitoring and evaluating the performance of MNAs in their constituencies.
• Conduct capacity-building activities for political workers to educate them on the electoral process, and voter education including voter registration, and electoral roll census block assessment.
• Developing and implementing strategies to engage vulnerable populations, including women, PWDs, and minority groups, in the electoral process.
• Work closely with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and community leaders to draft strategies and implementation.
• Observation and reporting of hate speech and electoral violence in Pakistan.

Program Officer at Program Officer at Strengthening Media Freedom and civic space in Pakistan (SMFCSP) from 06/2021 to 31/03/2022

1. Planned, implemented and monitored programs aimed at promoting and protecting the rights of vulnerable populations in Rawalpindi Division, focusing on strengthening media freedom and civic space.
   • Conducted mapping exercises to identify vulnerable populations and ensure that programs were targeted to their specific needs.
   • Facilitated training sessions for journalists and civil society organizations on media freedoms, human rights, and reporting on vulnerable populations.
   • Monitored health centres, vaccination centres, hospitals and BHUs for compliance with COVID relief measures and engaged with stakeholders, including District Health Officers, to ensure compliance.
   • Prepared reports on program activities, outcomes and impact, and shared these with senior management.

   worked collaboratively with other stakeholders and partner organizations to leverage resources and maximize the impact of program activities and ensure compliance with donor requirements, including reporting and monitoring.

   • Supervised 25 volunteers working at the tehsil level. Ensured timely completion of the tasks.

Assistant Program Officer (EWAM (Enhancing Women Workers' Access to Market) Sustainable Development Goals 5 : Gender equality & SDG # 10) from 06/2020 - 31/03/2022

Activity Planning and Report Writing: Conducted activity planning and report writing to ensure the effective implementation of the EWAM project.

Write reports to document progress, achievements, and challenges encountered during the implementation of the program.

Case Management w.r.t violation of the labour laws.

Filed Operations: Conducted workplace monitoring of companies, resulting in improved compliance with labour laws and regulations and formation of the anti-sexual harassment committees.

As a collaborator with government bodies and local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), my primary focus is to advocate for the rights of women in the labor market. By working together with these entities, we aim to bring about meaningful change and create an environment that ensures gender equality, fairness, and inclusivity in employment opportunities.

Engage with stakeholders to ensure their participation in the program and to address their concerns.

I work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders, including government bodies, industry associations, labour unions, and advocacy groups, to drive positive reforms and ensure fair treatment and opportunities for all employees.I also monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented policies and legislation, assessing their impact on gender equality in the workplace.

Organized two district women's conventions: As the organizer of two district women's conventions, I took the responsibility to plan, coordinate, and execute these important events. The conventions aimed to bring together women from the respective districts to discuss and address key issues related to gender equality, women's empowerment, and their active participation in various spheres, particularly the electoral process. The conventions served as a platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among women leaders, activists, and community members.

03/2020 - Present Volunteer Executive Member Child Rights Movement (CRM)

Volunteer Executive Member of CRM (Child Rights Movement) to contribute to the promotion and protection of child rights in Pakistan.

• Facilitate meetings, prepare agendas, and take notes to ensure effective communication and collaboration between CRM member organizations.
• Participate in events and campaigns organized by CRM to promote and raise awareness about child rights issues.
• Conduct field visits to monitor and evaluate the implementation of child rights policies and programs.
• Collaborate with CRM member organizations to develop and implement advocacy strategies to influence policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize children's rights.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, media, and civil society organizations, to promote the goals and objectives of CRM.
• Contribute to the development of CRM's policies, plans, and strategies.

Project Management Support Officer - WE'RE Leaders: Gender Equality in the Electoral Process (SDG Goals 5, 10, and 17) from 01/2020 - Present.

• Communication and Reporting: Coordinate with the team, stakeholders, and partners to ensure effective communication and reporting on the project's progress.
• Female Voter Registration and CNIC Facilitator: Female Voter registration by making CNICs.
• Stakeholder Capacity Building Trainer: Empowering Constitutional Rights and Electoral Participation: conduct training sessions to build the capacity of stakeholders on constitutional rights and the importance of their participation in the electoral process.
• Grassroot mobilization: Provide training and support to grassroots female political workers on voter education, political rights, and advocacy techniques.
• Liaison: Liaise with political workers and party leaders to facilitate the charter of demands at regular intervals, ensuring their voices are heard and taken into account.
• Project Documentation and Proposal Contributor: Contribute to the development of project proposals, reports, and other documentation as required.

Internship From 01/2018 - 31/03/2018 Akhtar Hammed Memorial Trust 

• Attend and participate in meetings with various departments and staff to address organizational queries and concerns.
• Supervise a team of 12 workers, ensuring that they are working efficiently and safely. Conduct site visits to monitor their work and address any concerns or issues that may arise.
• Manage the recruiting process, including document keeping, and logbook maintenance.
• Assist in maintaining employee files and logbooks, ensuring that they are up-to-date and accurate.
• Participate in the development and implementation of environmental sustainability initiatives, such as recycling daily waste into organic fertilizers and animal feed.
• Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of the plant's performance, including waste reduction.

Bachelors in economics B.Sc. from 2013-2017 Economics, Development Studies, and Project Appraisals.

Economics, Development Studies, and Project Appraisals are interconnected fields that play crucial roles in understanding and promoting economic growth, development, and effective project implementation.

Economics: Economics is the study of how societies allocate limited resources to fulfill unlimited wants and needs. It analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. It provides insights into how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions regarding resource allocation, pricing, investments, and policies.

Economics helps understand and address various economic issues such as inflation, unemployment, poverty, inequality, market dynamics, and economic growth. It provides a foundation for decision-making in both microeconomics (individuals and firms) and macroeconomics (economy as a whole).

Development Studies: Development Studies is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on understanding and promoting socio-economic development in different regions and countries. It explores the historical, political, social, and economic factors that influence development processes.

Development

Studies incorporates perspectives from economics, sociology, political science, anthropology, geography, and other disciplines. It examines the challenges and opportunities for sustainable development, poverty reduction, social justice, governance, environmental sustainability, and human well-being.

Development

Studies aims to design and implement effective policies and strategies to foster inclusive and equitable development.

Project Appraisals: Project Appraisals involve evaluating the feasibility, potential impacts, and financial viability of proposed projects before their implementation. Economic analysis is a crucial component of project appraisals. It assesses the costs, benefits, risks, and returns associated with a project to determine its economic viability.

Economic indicators such as net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), cost-benefit ratio, and economic rate of return (ERR) are used to evaluate projects. Project appraisals also consider social and environmental factors, ensuring that projects align with sustainable development goals and minimize adverse impacts. The appraisal process involves identifying project objectives, conducting feasibility studies, assessing economic and social impacts, analyzing financial aspects, and making recommendations to support decision-making.

The integration of economics, development studies, and project appraisals allows for a comprehensive understanding of economic development and effective project implementation. Economics provides analytical tools and frameworks to study economic phenomena, while development studies offer a broader perspective on the socio-economic context in which projects are implemented. Project appraisals apply economic analysis and evaluation techniques to assess the viability and potential impacts of development projects.

Together, these fields contribute to informed decision-making, policy formulation, and sustainable development efforts.