Shafqat Ali Sayed Email & Phone Number

Islamabad, Pakistan

•Responsible for the set-up and management of the grant operations. Ensure that the programme has robust systems in place for the correct management, accounting and reporting for all funds disbursed in the form of accountable grants.•Undertake and implement recommendations of process reviews of the grant windows to enhance effectiveness.•Implement effective internal communications to provide regular reporting to the Senior Management, including drafting appropriate reporting for the donor and the Programme Steering Committee.•Conduct regular visits to the field to ensure that Fund operations are managed in accordance with the Fund Operations Manual.•Develop and implement robust record keeping and data management system.•Ensure that the rules, procedures, and policy guidance contained within the Grants Manual, are kept up to date and are relevant to the needs of the programme.•Ensure the implementation of the agreed monitoring and evaluation framework for grants in consultation with the MEL experts.•Ensure the regular updation of the Grant risk register and alert the senior management on any emerging risks to the programme related to the Grant Fund.•Develop and implement an internal and external communication system for the effective execution of the grant in consultation with PAIDAR team.•Develop and implement a complaints procedure for the Grant.•Support to design the terms sheet under each window for review by the Senior Economist & Governance Expert and UNIDO HQ for approval and execution.•Provide inputs on the financial support component at the project selection phase to businesses under the PAIDAR programme. Respond to the queries raised from the side of public and private stakeholders.•Develop templates vis process flow chart of the grant mechanism to facilitate the application, evaluation and approval process for the grants. Provide inputs and feedback to the grant evaluation and award committees on grant applications.

Islamabad, Pakistan

As a Grants Specialist, my services were assigned to two projects funded by the EU and USAID and implemented by FAO of the United Nations. These projects focused on strengthening of selected value chains in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Leading a team of grants & program professionals, I was responsible to supervise:• Develop and maintain processes for grants and contracts management and ensure transparent implementation of the project’s matching grant program worth US$ 6.2 million.• Ensure matching and competitive grants are spent on economically viable and investment oriented interventions with the Private Sector Stakeholders;• Facilitate in preparation of simple and competitive business proposals including financial analysis;• Review of grant/contract finances, compliance requirements and reporting through each stage in the life cycle of a grant/contract, from proposal to close out, including adherence to donor and FAO regulations and ensuring the correct agreement structure and terms are negotiated with the recipients;• Implement, managing and improving the processes used to administer proposals, grants and contracts, including financial compliance, reporting, and communications with relevant departments;• Liaison between the program and financial teams to ensure continuity, accuracy, and adherence to key processes related to grant management, systems used and reporting;• Monitor financial management of grant funds to ensure consistency with agreed technical plan and actual implementation;• Financial and technical reporting; monthly, quarterly and annual reports as per donor requirements;• Prepare monthly financial overviews and manage the budget monitoring system related to Grants.

Pakistan

As a National Consultant Grants, my services were assigned for The Horticultural Advancement Activity (THAzA) Project awarded by the USAID and implemented by FAO of the United Nations. THAzA was focusing on strengthening of selected value chains in four newly merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and sixteen districts of Balochistan. I was responsible to: Formulate Grant Manual for procedural support and compliance to intended applications. Develop processes for grants and contracts management for a funding portfolio of US$ 6 million;  Advise the Management on the financial aspects of estimates, tenders, procurement and other financial functions of the Project, ensuring compliance with USAID and FAO norms and procedures. Proper and transparent implementation of THAzA matching grant program. Facilitate in designing and preparation of simple and competitive business proposals including financial analyses; Create and maintain budget and budget narrative templates for proposals, grants, contracts, and amendments as per donor (USAID) and FAO requirements;

Lahore, Pakistan

As a Director Programs, I was leading the Business Startups & Development Unit (BSDU) at the National Business Development Program. The Project was working for the support & development of SMEs in all business sectors of Pakistan. I was responsible for: Design and develop complete grant funding mechanism/system in coordination with the hired consultancy firm covering the entire process flow and documentations from initial stage upto close-out. Identify gaps through close networking/coordination with Trade Associations and Business Chambers and design as well as implement interventions/grant products for SMEs under the six major components of the Project.  Implement grant funding programs in coordination with SMEDA’s 4 provincial and 22 regional offices to build up funding portfolio of US$ 11 million during the Project life.  Design and develop technical support products like business pre-feasibility models and over-the-counter information material for SMEs, in high priority areas. Develop Statement of Work (SOW) and Request for Proposal (RFPs) and serve as a member of committee established by the Project for procurement of consultancy services for varied assignments under the twelve main Project components.

Lahore, Pakistan

As a Value Chain / Grants Mgt. Specialist, I was working closely with the Team Lead and other key personnel at main office and 3 regional offices. I was responsible to: Plan and execute project’s interventions like value chain analyses, post-harvest and marketing of selected value chains; capacity building of the value chain partners and coordination with the relevant projects, programs and organizations. Lead implementation of product specific value enhancement plans through improvements in technologies and processes employed for production, postharvest handing, processing, curing, packing, logistic (supply chain management and cold chain management) and marketing; Supervise implementation of training & capacity building programs for the stakeholders to acquire international export certifications.  Develop a comprehensive grants management system and lead the team to ensure smooth functioning and building up of US$ 16m funding portfolio. Maintain productive relationships with donor, project counterparts, grant beneficiaries and public & private sector stakeholders while achieving the overall component goals and objectives. Serve as a member of committee established by the Project to select suppliers for procurement, candidates for employment and awardees of grants. Ensure that all reporting on program activities provides a timely, high quality, and accurate reflection of the program’s progress toward its goals and objectives. Supervise the technical work of all local and international consultants.

Islamabad, Pakistan

As an Executive Director, I was responsible for smooth functioning of all units of the organization, ensuring effective and efficient utilization of funds received from the Government. Each year, EDF extended funds of approximately US$ 11 million as grant-in-aid to private businesses, trade associations and public sector institutions, etc. to support business initiatives for the development and promotion of exports of Pakistan. Substantial funds were also invested in establishing training institutes in Pakistan for producing skilled labor force required by the business community.

Islamabad, Pakistan

Reporting to the Chief of Party of the Project, I was responsible for the following:Grants Management:Led 8-members team in grants issuance, management, monitoring, close-outs and periodic reporting activities of the Grants Department in compliance with the approved company guidelines and USAID rules & regulations. The department successfully built-up a grant funding portfolio of US$ 7.91 million awarded to over 1500 beneficiaries, comprised of progressive small and medium sized growers, food processors and exporters of fresh and processed fruits & vegetables throughout Pakistan. Programs Support:•Developed strategies & implementation plans.•Reviewed and finalized grant funding / investment proposals in collaboration with Programs Team.•Prepared activity budgets with financial analysis and technical designs & specifications.•Prepared work plan for programmatic activities.•Prepared communication plans for each intervention.•Coordinated meetings with Finance, Procurement, Programs, Communications, Monitoring & Evaluation and Engineering Teams.•Conducted field visits for monitoring and evaluating of implementing project.Technical Assistance:•Established partnerships with international entities, public academia and private sector bodies/institutes to design and organize a number of capacity building programs for growers, food processors, NGOs, QC inspectors, etc. These programs proved to be an excellent source of knowledge/technology transfer and skill development of local manpower in agribusiness sector.•Designed and implemented ‘International Export Certification Program’ for growers, SMEs and exporters. These certifications opened new business avenues for local producers in the international markets and became a source of increased revenue & foreign exchange generation.•Worked as local counterpart with international consultants for value chain study, preparation of reports and development of products for agribusiness stakeholders.

Islamabad, Pakistan

As a Private Sector Development Specialist, I was primarily responsible for designing and implementing program activities under the Technical Assistance component worth US$ 3 million at national level. In collaboration with the relevant communities, private sector SMEs and regional teams, these activities were implemented with an aim to achieve project objectives i.e. economic growth, employment/income generation and poverty alleviation. I was leading implementation of an Export Certification program wherein a number of growers, processors and exporters of horticultural and livestock products were extended financial support for the acquisition of export certifications. The program modernized the prevailing practices and facilitated stakeholders in entering new export markets. Under the ‘Technical & Managerial Trainings’ component, I was responsible for designing and organizing capacity building programs for the private sector stakeholders in horticulture, livestock and dairy sectors. These programs were organized in partnership with the local and international skill development institutions and proved to be an excellent source of transfer of knowledge and technology.Similar to advocacy groups, I was also responsible for the formation of Value Chain Platforms (VCPs) in Pakistan where the purpose was to bring on board experts from public and private sectors and discussed related issues and advocated for reforms in the agribusiness sector.I worked as a local counterpart to foreign consultant hired from time to time for the development of specific value chains in horticulture and livestock areas. I was also working on capacity building and institutional strengthening of Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs) in the agribusiness sector.

Lahore, Pakistan

Agribusiness Support Fund is a not-for-profit company sponsored by the Asian Development Bank. The company extends matching grant funding facilities to private sector agribusiness SMEs and support initiatives undertaken for the development & growth of the agribusiness sector.I was primarily responsible for the company’s financing operations in Sindh and Balochistan provinces. In accordance with the Asian Development Bank’s guidelines/rules/requirements, I appraised grant applications received from both provinces, ensured proper documentation, assessed viability of the proposed projects, examined financial capability of the applicant, analyzed expected future returns, studied feasibility reports, conducted pre-award assessment & verified information submitted, assessed eligible grant awards for the applicants, prepared and presented formal cases to the appraisal panel committee for approval, drafted grant contracts, set milestones & payment modes for disbursements. I was successful in building a grant funding portfolio of Rs. 78 million approved in favor of the farming communities & associations based in the rural areas, private sector SMEs and NGOs.I performed ongoing monitoring of the funded projects with respect to the activities, deliverables, and milestones stated in the grant contracts. Working in close relationship with the CEO, I assisted in developing business policies & products and working out marketing strategies.In addition to the above, I was responsible for organizing training programs in collaboration with local and foreign training providers, for the capacity building of potential / existing agribusiness experts, farming communities and relevant NGOs / RSPs. Through these activities, transfer of knowledge, skills & technology took place which has had a considerable impact on the livelihood of people in remote areas. Over 2,000 individuals had been trained in different areas under that program.

Hyderabad, Pakistan

As an Executive Officer I was incharge of the three regional offices of the Foundation for managing the financial as well as the administrative operations. I was responsible for supervising / ensuring that all financial & administrative transactions remained transparent, records were properly maintained in line with the operating guidelines, periodic operational reporting is properly executed and the resources were properly & effectively utilized. I was also responsible for formulating & implementing control policies, organizing & evaluating programs related activities, developing business network in the operational areas, maintaining close contacts with the relevant stake-holders, planning & controling periodic budgets, etc.

Karachi, Pakistan

As a Credit Administration & Monitoring Officer working directly under the Head of Country Operations, I was responsible for managing the back-office operations of the newly launched ‘Housing Finance’ product of the Bank. Primary responsibilities were to scrutinize & evaluate credit files and other associated third-party evaluation reports, assess loan applications, ensure compliance of departmental policy & regulatory requirements, complete legal & security documentations, facilitate disbursements, follow-up & monitor repayments, prepare progress reports for senior management.

Malawi, Central Africa

As a Manager, reporting directly to the Board of Directors, I was responsible for planning & formulating business policies, promoting business activities, developing clientele network, structure financial transactions, examine/ evaluate & process loan applications, prepare credit proposals for the Credit Committee, complete documentation, facilitate disbursements, monitor repayments, prepare management reports, etc.

Islamabad / Karachi, Pakistan

Risk Management Department, IslamabadAs a Risk Management Officer, working directly under the Country Risk Controller, I was responsible for analyzing & reviewing credit proposals, evaluating security / collaterals, ensuring compliance of bank’s credit policy & regulatory requirements, conducting periodic evaluation & monitoring of liquid securities, monitoring security status & repayments with special emphasis on non-performing loans, calculating & suggesting provisions against expired credits, preparing comprehensive consolidated reports for the senior management, conducting periodic assessment of the investment & financing portfolios, conducting sectoral reviews, developing & maintaining bank’s ‘Risk Assets Acceptability Criteria’.Credit Administration & Monitoring Department, KarachiAs a Credit Admin & Monitoring Officer, I was responsible for completing legal & security documentation in line with the loan approval by the senior management, ensuring compliance of bank’s credit policy & regulatory requirements, facilitating disbursements, conducting periodic evaluation & monitoring of liquid securities, monitoring expired credits, calculating & suggesting provision against non-performing assets, following-up & monitoring repayments, MIS reporting.

Islamabad, Pakistan

As a registered Trainee Auditor of the firm, under the article-ship program of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan, I was responsible for examining books of accounts & financial statements of local & foreign clients, undertaking book keeping & investigation assignments, conducting periodic stock checks, preparing final accounts, etc.

Master Of Business Administration - Mba, Finance & Accounts, A

Post Graduate Diploma, Islamic Banking

B.Com, Commerce / Accounts

Education record

Education record