Imran Bashir Email & Phone Number

United States

Responsible for building and manage a robust pipeline of funding opportunities, maintaining business development systems and coordinating overall proposal workflow, serving as coordinator for select proposals, and tracking business development performance and contributing to refining NEF’s systems and practice. Responsibilities also include formulating and updating business development strategy; building strategic partnerships; preparing BD-related communications materials and representing NEF to donors and partners.

Iraq

I was providing technical and operational leadership to teams in Syria and Iraq for design and implementation of programs in areas of inclusive economic growth, peace building, social cohesion, blended finance, Agribusiness , improving capacity of CSOs and Governance.

Syria

Managed an area program of USD 20 million consisting of 4 offices and approx. 350 staff funded by USAID, ENI, and SDC in food security, livelihoods, WASH, shelter, and education. Ensured appropriate administrative, financial and logistical systems/procedures are in place, maintained and adhered to for effective and efficient support functions.

Yemen

Short Term Fixed Term Contract: Developed short and medium-term strategy for Yemen, Regularly analyzed the context, risks, operational access issues, and availability of resources. Monitored the emergency humanitarian situation in the country and advised HQs on the appropriate course of action. Assessed and responded as necessary to the changes in the external environment ensuring these changes are reflected in the country's strategy and project plans. Represented organization, coordinated, and did advocacy on key issues with local and national authorities, UN agencies, donors, and INGOs. Supervised budget preparation, and analysis of actual expenditures against the budget. Established and managed field accounting systems. Developed country security management plan.

Syria

The overall goal of SLS was to support food security and agriculture-based livelihoods recovery while encouraging the regeneration of stable market systems. SLS objectives were to; Strengthen Agricultural and Livestock Production; Strengthen Livelihood Opportunities and Value Chains Critical to Food Security; Improve Water Management, Irrigation, and Land Use Techniques besides Learning and Data Collection for better future programs for the Agriculture sector. Handled the overall program management, operations, technical direction, administrative coordination, budget, and client relations. Responsibilities also included establishing and maintaining strong relationships with local and international NGOs and civil society organizations, government agencies, Syrian partners, and the private sector to ensure sound implementation of activities funded by USAID. Served as the principal liaison with USAID, external stakeholders, and Global Communities headquarters staff. Ensured that all donor and other sponsoring organization compliance and reporting requirements are met fully and on time. Secured an additional USD 5 million for the program.

Syria

Managed large scale FFP funded Syria Emergency Food Security Program. Planned, coordinated, and managed all activities in a challenging and complex context. Maintained effective communication and relation with the donor for a timely response. Ensured quality and accountability, managed procurements, and was responsible for operations oversight and budget management. Reviewed technical specifications, guided field teams, and developed SOPs. Expanded program, represented the organization, and developed proposals.

Syria

Developed successful proposal for USAID funded stabilization program. Managed all food security and livelihoods projects in Syria, including a 3-year DFID funded multi-sectoral resiliency project worth $2M annually. Provided technical and management oversight and supervision to 6 staff members. Designed and managed, Food Security, Agriculture, TVET and Livelihood projects. Ensured that all program targets are reached in accordance with agreed program objectives. Coordinated with Consortium and oversee the work of selected contractors and partners. Managed food voucher, cash for work and unconditional cash transfer activities. Ensured the preparation of detailed implementation work plans. Carried out regular field visits to monitor progress and organize regular project review sessions. Monitored project activities to ensure quality and capture the impact of project activities. Monitored the changing security situation. Prepared budgets, funding concept notes, and proposals. Monitored and managed relevant program expenditure and budgets. Ensured that internal and external reports are produced to a high standard. Designed and manage agricultural input vouchers system and distribution in northeast Syria. Trained key partner staff in donor requirements and compliance rules under specific contracts. Lead and manage staff, contributed to their capacity building and career development. Provided technical support and on-going on-the-job training and coaching to staff. Monitored and reviewed the performance of the staff. Participated in the design and implementation of accountability and quality initiatives ensuring that they are integrated into the programs.

Pakistan

The USAID Punjab Enabling Environment Project (PEEP) was a seven-year (2014 to 2021), $18.48 million project that provided support to businesses through policy and regulatory reforms, improved infrastructure, and institutions. The project improved the enabling environment for the province’s agriculture sector and promoted private sector-led growth, with a focus on the horticulture and dairy and livestock sub-sectors.Developed the Strategy and business plan for the establishment of Center of Excellence for Olive Research & Training to be established by the Agriculture Department, Government of the Punjab. Coordinated with all stakeholders for needs assessment and strategy development. Tasked to present strategy to all stakeholders to ensure each understands it and implemented accordingly.

Afghanistan& Pakistan

Managed the entire Development and Capacity Enhancement portfolio in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Managed Implementation and budget for Democracy, women economic empowerment, Health, Education, Governance, Peace, and minority rights programs. Made sure that projects have an implementation plan as per proposal and budget approved by donors. Followed up with project teams at regular intervals to make sure that projects are on track as per the implementation plan. Designed and Supervised baseline surveys, midterm evaluations, and final assessments for projects. Ensured that the monitoring team has good quality and sufficient tools in place to report against indicators as given in project log frames. Ensured that data is regularly collected and analyzed against indicators. Ensured necessary systems/policies are in place and took the initiative of doing lesson learning exercises from time to time with teams. Ensured gaps identified through review processes/evaluations are addressed. Ensured timely and quality reporting to all donors and increased visibility of programs. Strengthened networking and linkages and represented Community World Service Asia nationally and internationally. Developed proposals for new projects and built capacity of team in technical areas.

Lahore, Pakistan

The Sub-National Governance (SNG) programme, a 5-year DFID funded initiative, managed by Oxford Policy Management (OPM), was specifically designed to improve the Pakistan provincial government’s capacity to respond more efficiently and effectively to the public service needs of the local communities. The programme’s primary areas of focus included, implementation of governance policies, efficient public financial management and investment in innovations in governance to improve the access to and satisfaction with the basic public services.I managed public service delivery improvement innovations through tech and process standardization , documented evidence of what works to improve public service delivery and Governance. Managed grants, did organizations capacity assessment, and reviewed financial and progress reports. Managed quarterly disbursement to grantees and prepared and submitted quarterly funds projections for all ongoing projects. Guided grantees in the development of work plans, budget, results frameworks, and project log frame. Built a strong relationship with key client counterparts and relevant government departments and district administrations. I was responsible for compliance and pro-active monitoring and reporting.

Afghanistan

I was responsible for planning, management, and implementation of projects both in Pakistan and Afghanistan. (Health, Education, Democracy, Governance, Peace, and Livelihoods Projects). I managed projects startups, recruited and coached teams. Strengthened systems and mechanisms to run the program. Supported teams in designing, conducting & data analysis of Needs Assessments and Baseline Surveys. Besides improving financial management and visibility of projects, I developed proposals and was responsible for fundraising, and networking in Kabul & Islamabad. I ensured that the team follows standard guidelines and policies, including security protocols. Mainstreamed quality& accountability and Local Capacities for Peace (Do no Harm). Developed & maintained good rapport’ with implementing partners and supported implementing partners to manage programs.

Pakistan

USAID Agribusiness Project (UAP), an 89.4 million US$ project; aimed to support improved conditions for broad-based economic growth led by private sector, create employment opportunities, and contribute to poverty alleviation through an increase in competitiveness of horticulture and livestock value chains.I had overall responsibility for coordinating and implementing the program, together with supporting the COP in preparation of detailed annual work-plans, targets, and budgets for the regions/provinces, designing interventions, and program implementation. I was responsible for managing, coordinating, and overseeing partners' work. Supervised all value chains analysis and M&E component sub-awarded to CNFA. Managed International Market Assessment and Linkages program sub-awarded to JE Austen. Presented assessment data for value chains and interventions prioritization to USAID. Developed grants products to stimulate Private sector led growth of Agriculture Sector. Managed Grants designed for Small and Medium Agri Businesses (Business Development matching grants for processors, exporters, cool chain development, storage, input suppliers, retailers, startups, expansions). Reviewed Grants RFAs, EOIs, research, business plans, and cash flow. Managed matching grant support (USD 48 million) component for economic infrastructure development and supervised all procurement for in-kind grants. Identified prevailing policy, legislative and regulatory constraints impeding the development of the sector, or sub-sectors. Developed the linkages and networks required for project implementation.Developed and managed value chain platforms. Managed technical and managerial training for agribusinesses. Managed subaward to FAO for organizing Farmer Field Schools. Designed and managed technical assistance for capacity building of BDSPs and support for Quality Assurance and Food Safety Compliance.

Lahore, Pakistan

REMP a project co-funded by the Government of Pakistan & the Asian Development Bank to provide marketing and product development support to existing rural enterprises in Pakistan. I designed interventions to connect producers in rural areas with key private sector players in urban markets, worked extensively with Pvt Sector to implement project facilitated remote producers model. Prepared Project annual work plans and financial requirements. I was responsible for program implementation, operations, procurement, administration and progress, and financial reporting to the Planning and Development Department, Economic Affairs Division (EAD), and Asian Development Bank. B2C component was funded by USAID.

Pakistan

I was responsible for Agriculture sector development programs. Supervised collection and analysis of data to prioritize the business development needs of agribusinesses. I coordinated with commercial banks to develop financial products for the agri enterprises. I participated in research and conducted sector studies for SME facilitation and policy formulation. Assisted the private sector and delivered Business Development Services to them. Coordinated Shell Tameer (Shell LiveWIRE is a Royal Dutch Shell Social Investment Programme, which enables young people to start their own business and create employment. Shell LiveWIRE is currently present in 15 countries across the globe. Over 9.2m young entrepreneurs have benefited from Shell LiveWIRE global programs since its inception in 1982. In Pakistan, Shell LiveWIRE was launched in 2003 with the local name of "Tameer," which means "to build", The program encourages a business environment through developing entrepreneurial skills in young people aged between 18-35). I was a member of the Business Incubation Facility Development Team.

Pakistan

I was responsible for the formulation, planning, and conduct of training programs for agribusinesses. Facilitated designing of agribusinesses financing products in collaboration with commercial banks. I conducted training need analysis applying various TNA tools to find out training and development needs. Prepared schedule of training courses in accordance with training needs analysis for a year and then bifurcate into the four-monthly schedule for better conduct and coordination of all the training programs. Coordinated with the National and International training and skill development organizations for training for farmers, agribusinesses, and business development services providers.

Pakistan

I was responsible to form and support Farmers Community Organizations in rural areas. Managed microfinancing to community organizations for farming and small scale community-owned infrastructure projects.

Climate Change; Financial Risks And Opportunities, Climate

Certificate, Entrepreneurship In Emerging Economies

Certificate, Results Base Managment - Monitoring And Evaluation, A

Master Of Science - Ms, Project Management

Accredited by PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs

Dhrm, Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General

Bsc(Hons)/Msc Agriculture, Agronomy And Crop Science