Green Customs Strategy
The USAID-funded Pakistan Regional Economic Integration Activity (PREIA) Project had commissioned us to develop a Green Customs Strategy for Pakistan Customs as well as conduct associated training sessions. This activity aimed to empower Pakistan Customs officials by raising awareness and strengthening their capacity to adhere to trade rules, environmental agreements, and national laws. Implemented by DAI, this project collaborated closely with key stakeholders to develop a roadmap and implementation framework in the form of GCS.
Jun–Aug 2024
Pakistan Country Framework for GCF
The National Rural Support Programme (NRSP) commissioned us to develop Pakistan’s Country Framework for the Green Climate Fund (GCF) through extensive consultations, workshops, feasibility studies, assessments and reviews. The Framework identifies the potential areas and opportunities to access climate finance through various modalities of GCF. It also presents a portfolio of fundable ideas to be pursued by the public and private sector in Pakistan.
Dec 2022 – Aug 2024
SAFER Pakistan Proposal
Provided project design support to ICIMOD in developing and winning its USD 10 million proposal on Sustainable Actions for Ecosystems Restoration in Pakistan, funded by the Adaptation Fund. The project will be implemented by UNICEF and UN Women.
Aug 2023 – Jun 2024
Balochistan Climate Change Policy
UNDP had assigned us the development of Balochistan Climate Change Policy, Implementation Framework/Action Plan and Financing Strategy. Developed through an extensive consultative process in close coordination with the Government of Balochistan, the policy, action plan and the financing strategy will help the province in enhancing resilience against climate change and accessing the climate finance.
Jul 2023 – Jun 2024
DRRS Feasibility Study & Institutional Analysis for Pakistan
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) had engaged us for the feasibility study and institutional analysis as part of the roadmap and white paper developed by the Dutch Disaster Risk Reduction & Surge Support (DRRS) for improving governance for flood resilience in Pakistan by applying a stabilisation mechanism—Inter-Provincial Dialogue Platform. Designed as an engaging and consultative process, this assignment aimed to assess and define clear options for the roles of the various institutions in the Pakistani water sector to enable further decision-making on the division of roles for key stakeholders in the proposed dialogue platform.
Dec 2023 – Mar 2024
GB Climate Adaptation Plans
In continuation of our similar work in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, WWF Pakistan had commissioned us to develop climate adaptation plans for five districts of Gilgit-Baltistan (Diamer, Ghizer, Hunza, Shigar and Skardu) considering their specific vulnerabilities and socio-economic characteristics, and incorporating nature-based solutions into the plans. The plans help enhancing ecosystem resilience, mitigating climate risks and promoting sustainable development at the district level.
Sep 2023 – Mar 2024
KP Climate Adaptation Plans
Commissioned by WWF Pakistan, we developed climate adaptation plans for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and four districts of KP province (Abbottabad, Haripur, Kolai-Palas and Mansehra) considering their specific vulnerabilities and socio-economic characteristics, and incorporating nature-based solutions into the plans. The plans help enhancing ecosystem resilience, mitigating climate risks and promoting sustainable development at district and provincial level.
Aug 2023 – Mar 2024
Case Study & Policy Briefs on Planetary Healthcare Workers
We developed a case study and policy briefs on the role of park and conservation rangers in protected area management as well as frontline defenders in case of disasters. The assignment attempted to ascertain the potential for both expanding as well as professionalising their role across Pakistan.
Oct 2023 – Feb 2024
Local Adaptation to Climate Change Appraisal
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, through Particip, commissioned a comprehensive assessment and enhancement of the proposed Local Adaptation to Climate Change (LACC) project by assessing the feasibility and implementation possibilities of the LACC project, evaluating its relevance to beneficiaries and stakeholders, implementation strategy, resource allocations, sustainability, and result orientation. Additionally, a transition study explored opportunities to broaden cooperation between Finland and Nepal, diversifying cooperation modalities and partnerships to support Nepal’s sustainable development priorities beyond traditional development cooperation. Both reports provide a comprehensive and coherent set of recommendations to inform the subsequent phases of the project cycle and support the achievement of national sustainable development goals.
Jul–Aug 2023
EHS Change Offer Design
GIZ, through Como Consult GmbH, engaged Hamid Sarfraz as part of the appraisal mission for designing the extension phase of the Strengthening Education and Health Services for Refugees and Host Communities in Pakistan (EHS)—a project financed by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Jan–May 2023
Damage & Need Assessment of Ziarat Junipers Biosphere Reserve
The dev~consult was assigned by UNESCO to undertake damage and need assessment of the Ziarat Junipers Biosphere Reserve. Spread over 1,118.5 km2, the reserve is one of its kind in the world and was affected by 2022 torrential rains. The assessment helped designing interventions for its rehabilitation and future protection.
Dec 2022 – Apr 2023
Nature Conservation Advisory at PMBSNR
The dev~consult provided advisory to Korn Ferry for protected area organisational requirements at the Prince Muhammad bin Salman Nature Reserve (PMBSNR) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The reserve, spread over 24,500 km2, is an excellent effort to conserve nature alongside ecotourism and livelihoods promotion, and will supplement the Saudi Green Initiative.
Dec 2022 – Feb 2023
Climate Smart Villages
The assignment entailed finalisation of a concept note on climate smart villages, to be submitted to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) by the National Rural Support Programme (NRSP). With a budget of USD 50 million, the project will introduce climate smart integrated village development actions in Bhakkar District of the Punjab and Badin District of Sindh. Holistically covering one tehsil in each of the districts, the project will expand its capacity building and awareness outreach to the entire districts.
Sep 2019 – Jan 2023
SCRC Evaluation
The Asia Foundation commissioned us the end-of-project evaluation of its South Asia Regional Project to Strengthen Community Resilience to COVID-19. The EU-funded initiative addressed the immediate threat and longer-term implications of COVID-19 for the most vulnerable populations of Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Its goal was to provide greater awareness of health risks and preventive measures, better access to support services, reduced communal tensions and stigma, and greater responsiveness of public authorities to the voice and interests of the poor, women and girls, minorities, and other marginalised populations. Using the OECD-DAC evaluation criteria, the evaluation focused on identifying lessons learned and making recommendations that project partners and stakeholders might use to improve the design and implementation of other related projects and programmes.
Jun–Aug 2022
Environmental & Social Safeguards Assessment at Karandaaz
Karandaaz Pakistan engaged the dev~consult to undertake compliance assessment of its Environmental and Social Guidelines (ESG), and Gender and Youth Policy (GYP), and to identify gaps in the ESG to align the guidelines with the industry standards. The assignment entailed review of relevant documents and reports, and meetings with Karandaaz portfolio partners across Pakistan. The gap analysis will help Karandaaz to strengthen its environmental and social safeguards regime across its portfolio.
Jan–Jun 2022
Nature Conservation Advisory at KARNR
The dev~consult provided advisory to Korn Ferry for protected area staffing requirements at the King Abdulaziz Royal Nature Reserve (KARNR) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The reserve, spread over 28,000 km2, is an excellent effort to conserve nature alongside ecotourism and livelihoods promotion, and will supplement the Saudi Green Initiative.
Feb–May 2022
ERDA Proposal
Provided technical support to the Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA) in developing the proposal for the Economic Recovery and Development Activity (ERDA) in the newly merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The activity will be supported by USAID.
Jul–Aug 2021
Revision of PPAF’s Environmental & Social Management Framework
The Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund commissioned revision of its Environmental & Social Management Framework (ESMF) in view of safeguard policies and protocols of IFIs and provincial environmental legislation. It entailed review of relevant documents, consultations with the relevant stakeholders and training of PPAF staff on use of ESMF. The outcome was 6th edition of the ESMF.
May–Aug 2021
Report on Transboundary Environmental Issues in the Service of a Peace Process
The report, commissioned by the Middle East Desalination Research Centre (MEDRC), was the first phase of the wider Stabilisation Mechanism research project. The purpose of the report was to ascertain what differentiates the MEDRC model from other Track 1 / Track 1.5 efforts and what conditions could be replicated to be utilised in another conflict environment. The assignment was awarded to our partner firm, SaafConsult, BV.
Apr–Aug 2021
Provincial Strategy for Inclusive and Sustainable Urban Growth in KP
Our joint venture, led by SaafConsult, BV, was awarded development of the Provincial Strategy for Inclusive and Sustainable Urban Growth in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) which was supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). To be developed through an extensive consultative process and field observations, the deliverables included: (1) sector road map for climate resilient, inclusive and sustainable urban growth in KP, and (2) Regional Development Plans (RDPs) for Peshawar (including Kohat and Mardan), Abbottabad and Mingora City regions. The primary focus was on water and sanitation, tourism and urban mobility.
Feb 2018 – Aug 2021
Moderation for IFAD’s CSP Evaluation
Engaged by the Independent Office of Evaluation (IOE) of IFAD for preparations, facilitation, moderation and report writing of the workshop to share the Pakistan country strategy and programme evaluation 2021.
May–Jun 2021
Baseline Ecological Survey & Biodiversity Action Plan
Building upon our earlier assignment for Greater Thal Canal Irrigation Investment Programme (GTCIIP) in 2019, the Landell Mills again sub-contracted the dev~consult for conducting second baseline ecological survey of the command area of the Greater Thal Canal and developing the Biodiversity Action Plan for the resaved rangelands (rakhs) in the same area alongside hands-on capacity building of the counterpart staff. The activity was part of developing the environmental safeguards documents for the ADB’s Transactional Technical Assistance for GTCIIP.
Apr–Oct 2020
Empowerment of Women with Disabilities Case Study
The UN Women Pakistan assigned the dev~consult to undertake end-project evaluation and develop a case study on the Moving from Charity Model to Rights-based Work – Delivering as ONE for Empowerment of Women with Disabilities project. Financed through UN’s core funds, the project was implemented from 2018 to 2020 in Karachi and Peshawar districts by Handicap International and the relevant government departments and agencies.
Aug–Sep 2020
Strengthening REDD+ for RBPs in Pakistan
The assignment entailed finalisation of a concept note on Strengthening REDD+ for Result-based Payments (RBPs) in Pakistan, to be submitted to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) by the National Rural Support Programme (NRSP). With a budget of USD 10 million, the project will pilot REDD+ approach in selected areas of Pakistan and strengthen capacity of the Ministry of Climate Change to apply for RBPs.
Jul–Sep 2020
Economic Empowerment of Women Project Evaluation
The UN Women Pakistan engaged the dev~consult to conduct end of project evaluation of the Economic Empowerment of Women Home-based Workers and Excluded Groups in Pakistan. The project was implemented from 2017 to 2020 in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh provinces through HomeNet Pakistan (HNP), Center of Excellence for Rural Development (CERD), Akhuwat and the relevant government departments and agencies.
Jul–Aug 2020
Improving Workforce Readiness in Punjab
The dev~consult partnered with AARC Ltd, Ireland to provide services for the Improving Workforce Readiness in Punjab (IWRP) project. Supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the IWRP project adds value by strengthening the TVET sector’s ability to support economic growth and job creation in priority sectors and clusters, including export-oriented ones. It will expand existing programs and reforms, such as competency-based training and assessment (CBTA), centres of excellence (COEs) and sector skills councils, and work-based training. It will strengthen industry-TVET linkages, increase female participation in TVET, and expand entrepreneurship programs for TVET graduates. It will introduce private management of public TVET institutes.
Jun 2019 – Jun 2020
Baseline Ecological Survey
The Landell Mills sub-contracted the dev~consult for conducting a baseline ecological survey of the command area of the Greater Thal Canal alongside hands-on capacity building of the counterpart staff. The activity was part of the environmental scope of work for developing the environmental safeguards documents for the ADB’s Transactional Technical Assistance for the Greater Thal Canal Irrigation Investment Programme.
Oct–Nov 2019
KP Cities Improvement Project
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) engaged Hamid Sarfraz to support the project development advance action for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cities Improvement Project as the Project Coordination Specialist. The assignment entailed supporting ADB and GoKP in better project readiness for a proposed ADB loan to Pakistan to finance the KP Intermediate Cities Improvement Investment Project. He supported GoKP, ADB and its international team in preparation of various documents necessary for ADB loan approval and agreement signing.
Jan 2018 – Nov 2019
Merged Areas Development Planning
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) engaged Hamid Sarfraz to propose an economic growth oriented Tribal Decade Strategy (TDS) and the Accelerated Implementation Plan (AIP) in the forestry, environment and wildlife sector for accelerated development in the Merged Areas (erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The assignment also included developing the institutional mechanisms and a monitoring and evaluation system, and helping the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in projectising the priority actions for effective implementation of TDS and AIP.
Apr–Aug 2019
Review of Water Governance Domain
The Swiss Confederation, through its Swiss Cooperation Office of the Embassy of Switzerland engaged the dev~consult to undertake external review of its water governance domain. The assignment entailed an overall review of the strategic orientation of the water governance domain in Pakistan, especially Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, using the OECD-DAC evaluation criteria. The review was undertaken by a team of international and national experts in programme management, water governance, economics, DRR and humanitarian aid.
Feb–Jul 2019
Senior Strategy Advisor for PPAF
The Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) engaged Hamid Sarfraz as the Senior Strategy Advisor to develop its results framework aligning it with the Sustainable Development Goals alongside building staff capacities, revise its Balochistan Strategy, and undertake diagnostic review of two Union Councils in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Feb 2018 – Jun 2019
Manual on Institutional Mechanisms for NDA
The National Rural Support Programme (NRSP) engaged the dev~consult to improve the Manual on Institutional Mechanisms for National Designated Authority (NDA) for engagement with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) in terms of planning, management, coordination, processes, modalities, support and monitoring. It also included development of priorities and guidelines for concept notes on high priority projects. The effort was supported by the Readiness Support Project funded by GCF.
Mar–Apr 2018
Public-Private Partnership for Peshawar
With an increasing challenge of financing urban development through public exchequer, the Peshawar City District Government decided to explore possibilities of engaging private sector in the urban development using public-private partnership approach. For this purpose, the dev~consult and NEC Consultants were jointly tasked to undertake a study of options and modalities for developing urban infrastructure under the purview of Peshawar City District Government. The study was supported by the USAID funded Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governance Project, being implemented by DAI.
Jul 2017 – Feb 2018
Final Evaluation of Community based DRR Programme
Commissioned by the Danish Red Cross (DRC) to evaluate its five year (2012-2017) community based disaster risk reduction programme in Sarli Sacha Union Council of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (at the epicentre of 2005 earthquake). The Programme was co-funded by the Australian Red Cross and implemented by the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS).
Nov–Dec 2017
Endline Survey and Final Evaluation of Manoor Valley Programme
We were commissioned by the Danish Red Cross (DRC) to conduct endline survey and final evaluation of its three year (2015-2017) community based disaster risk reduction programme in Manoor Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (just a few kilometre away from the epicentre of 2005 earthquake). The Programme was co-funded by the Swiss Red Cross and Swiss Solidarity. It was implemented by the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS).
Oct–Dec 2017
Country Snapshot on Water Scarcity in Pakistan
The International Water Association (IWA), supported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN (FAO) commissioned us to develop a country snapshot on water scarcity in Pakistan. Based on review of secondary information, the paper covered water scarcity and agriculture sector, current policy context, analysis of recent and ongoing interventions, and an action agenda to address water scarcity and drought in Pakistan.
Oct–Nov 2017
Environmental, Social and Statutory Framework for NRSP
The dev~consult was assigned to develop the Environmental, Social and Statutory Framework for the National Rural Support Programme. Developed through an organisation-wide consultative process, the ESSF will serve as a basis for environment friendly and socially sensitive programme implementation by NRSP. The document was pivotal in getting NRSP accredited by GCF as the first ever direct access national accredited entity.
May–Nov 2017
PM&E Session for GCF Readiness Support
The National Rural Support Programme, which is implementing the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness Support Project in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change, engaged Hamid Sarfraz to conduct a crisp session on planning, monitoring and evaluation (PM&E) to orient the senior staff of the prospective Accredited Entities as well as the Nationally Designated Authority (MoCC). Currently, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) is considering accreditation applications of 5 organisations from Pakistan. The interactive session was attended by 36 participants and was an excellent two-way learning avenue.
Sep 2017
Improving Water Governance in KP & FATA
The assignment envisaged development of a roadmap for improving water governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA. The Sustainable Water Partnership—USAID funded initiative of Winrock International and partners—was assisted in scoping missions, exchange of ideas, background research, and stakeholder dialogue to chalk out possibilities of USAID support for improving water governance in KP and FATA.
Apr–Sep 2017
External Review of Water for Livelihoods Project
The dev~consult was assigned to undertake an external review of the Phase II of Water for Livelihoods Project (2014-2017). The project was supported by the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by the InterCooperation in partnership with VEER, Alkhidmat, YSDO and CIDO in ecologically fragile, semi-arid and poor districts of Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Karak and Chitral of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The current phase of the project aimed at contributing to agricultural development and enhancing rural economies through equitable access to water by reaching out to about 90,000 households living in over 400 villages in these districts.
Apr–Jul 2017
Strategy and Guidelines for introducing PES in Pakistan
The assignment envisaged development of a strategy and guidelines to introduce the globally acknowledged Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) approach in Pakistan through a consultative process. The initiative taken by the Sustainable Land Management Programme to Combat Desertification in Pakistan (SLMP-II) was supported by UNDP and the Govt. of Pakistan.
Nov 2016 – May 2017
Punjab Intermediate Cities Improvement Investment Program
The assignment was to support the Local Government & Community Development Department, Government of the Punjab (GoPb) in implementing the Project Preparatory Technical Assistance (PPTA) for the Punjab Intermediate Cities Improvement Investment Program (TA 8683-PAK) and prepare the feasibility study for Tranche 1 for possible funding by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to support urban development and municipal services in the selected intermediate cities in Punjab province of Pakistan. The PPTA also assisted GoPb to proceed with pre-implementation activities such as advance procurement. Implemented by our consortium, led by SaafConsult BV (with dev~consult and NEC Consultants) through a large team of international and national consultants, the assignment paved way for public private partnership based urban infrastructure in intermediate cities of the Punjab province of Pakistan.
Sep 2016 – May 2017
Tharparkar Water Security Plan
The dev~consult was assigned to develop the Water Security Plan for Tharparkar District in Sindh. Based on the policy review, diagnostics of pilot activities of Sukaar Foundation, and learning from various implementation models in rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, the Plan provides roadmap for joint action by all relevant stakeholders to make Tharparkar a water secure district. The initiative was implemented by the Sukaar Foundation, and supported by the Big Lottery Fund through the WaterAid.
May 2016 – Mar 2017
Evaluability Assessment of CABI’s Plantwise Programme in Pakistan
The Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) commissioned us (Verona Groverman Consultancy and dev~consult) to undertake evaluability assessment of its Plantwise programme in Pakistan. Extremely innovative in approach, the assessment itself was a great learning opportunity paving the way for better evaluations in future. It will also help improving the plant protection services in Pakistan. The consultancy was managed through Evidence on Demand – a Joint Venture of DAI & IMC.
Jul–Nov 2016
Diagnostic Study of Punjab EPA
The Government of the Punjab requested the Asian Development Bank to assist in restructuring of the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (Pb-EPA) through a quick diagnostic study. The assignment entailed review of policy and legal framework, interviews with the relevant stakeholders and development of a roadmap for strengthening and restructuring the Punjab EPA.
Oct 2016
Public Private Partnership in Sindh
The assignment envisaged support in drafting arrangements for an Environmental and Social Management System to be put in place for implementing an upcoming Public Private Partnership Support Facility in Sindh province of Pakistan. The ADB financing of the Facility will be catalytic in developing much needed infrastructure under the public private partnership arrangement through capacity building and setting-up a Viability Gap Fund.
Aug–Sep 2016
Advisory Support to PPAF’s Compliance and Quality Assurance
The intermittent advisory support to the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) as Senior Advisor, Compliance and Quality Assurance included strengthening environmental & social management, monitoring & evaluation, and research functions. The special focus was on strategic issues such as revising organisational RBF in context of SDGs, updating M&E system, and outreach and partnerships, building staff capacities, and providing support to ESM aspects of the Programme for Poverty Reduction (PPR).
May–Sep 2016
KP Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan
As a lead partner to the consortium with Italian organisation, Ev‐K2‐CNR, the dev~consult was engaged by GIZ to set up a KP Biodiversity Working Group; design a biodiversity outlook as web-based knowledge hub on biodiversity; assess biodiversity conservation needs and capacities; and prepare the biodiversity strategy and action plan for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Developed through an extensive series of consultations across the province; the provincial targets for conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity were aligned with the national as well as Aichi Biodiversity Targets, linking the provincial efforts to global conservation efforts. The BKP project which was implemented by the GIZ in cooperation with the Government of KP supported this effort on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
May 2015 – Jun 2016
Project Completion Report of SDC’s School Reconstruction Programme
Assigned by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation to develop the Project Completion Report for its School Reconstruction Programme 2011-2016. Under SRP, SDC supported reconstruction of 25 new school buildings and rehabilitated 60 schools. This helped bringing back around 13,000 boys and 3,000 girls to the schools. Based on the review of programme documents, field visits, and interaction with the relevant stakeholders, the report captured the best practices and challenges in implementation of the programme.
Apr–May 2016
Climate Change Adaptation Case Studies
Contracted by the Rural Support Programmes Network (RSPN), the assignment entailed development of case studies on (1) Local Indigenous Adaptation Practices in Mountain Areas, and (2) Best Practices in Climate Change Adaptation. The first study focused on communities in the northern Pakistan while the second one looked into the national level best practices. The studies were part of a project—Rural Livelihood and Climate Change Adaptation Programme—implemented jointly by RSPN and ICIMOD, and financially supported by the European Union.
Mar–May 2016
Concern Country Strategy 2016-20
As a short assignment, Hamid Sarfraz contributed the “External View” to the Pakistan country strategy of the Concern Worldwide for 2016-2020. It captured the socio-economic mosaic of the country against which Concern is programming for the next five years in Pakistan.
Mar 2016
KP & FATA Water Governance & DRR Review
A team of dev~consult was assigned by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation to review the water governance and disaster risk reduction in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan. It covered the policy and legal framework, institutional arrangements, public sector priorities, donor financing, stakeholder mapping, political economy analysis, and futuristic directions. It also looked into options for a process towards Kabul River treaty.
Jan–Feb 2016
Advisory Support to PPAF’s Compliance and Quality Assurance
The intermittent advisory support to the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) as Senior Advisor, Compliance and Quality Assurance included strengthening environmental & social management, monitoring & evaluation, and research functions including its integrated MIS. The special focus was on strategic issues such as revising organisational RBF in context of SDGs, updating M&E system, building staff capacities, and outreach and partnerships.
Mar–Dec 2015
Strengthening and Use of Country Safeguard Systems
The assignment envisaged developing case studies focusing on aspects of project approvals in Pakistan where success and failure of a project could be related to the ESIA processes, and delivering some of the course modules developed under the same TA.
This was part of ADB’s assistance to the National School of Public Policy in building capacity of civil servants of GPS 18 and above on environmental assessment and management through integrating environmental safeguards system into mandatory promotional courses including Mid-Career Management Course, Senior Management Course and National Management Course. The effort was aimed at inculcating the environmental consciousness in development planning in public as well as private sector. Three case studies were developed on (1) Karachi Nuclear Power Plants, (2) Dasu Hydropower Project, and (3) Quetta Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Jun–Oct 2015
Environmental Safeguards for Public‐Private Partnership in Punjab and Sindh
The assignment included development of environmental guidelines to identify, assess and mitigate adverse environmental impacts resulting from infrastructure projects implemented under the public‐private partnership policy in Punjab and Sindh provinces of Pakistan. It also entailed participation in the Asian Development Bank‘s fact‐finding missions and necessary assistance to the Mission Leader. The draft guidelines for both provinces were developed and shared with the relevant stakeholders for their feedback.
Jan 2014 – Mar 2015
Country Assessment of Environmental Safeguards Capacity
As part of Asian Development Bank’s project “Improving the Implementation of Environmental Safeguards in Central and West Asia,” the assignment was aimed at helping Pakistan in further strengthening the national capacity in effective implementation of environmental management for infrastructure investments. The assignment included (i) assessing the national environmental safeguard systems and capacity of selected participating DMCs, (ii) promoting country ownership of environmental safeguard compliance, (iii) developing Country Safeguards Framework for Environment, and (iv) identifying the needs and providing a long term capacity building program for narrowing the gaps and achieving better compliance with environmental safeguard requirements of both ADB and governments. In addition to the preparation of Pakistan’s Capacity Assessment Report and the Capacity Development Programme, Pakistan’s Country Safeguards Framework was also developed under this assignment.
Nov 2013 – Mar 2015
Advisory Support to PPAF’s Compliance and Quality Assurance
The assignment required intermittent advisory support to Compliance and Quality Assurance Group of the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) on strengthening Environment & Social Management, Monitoring & Evaluation, and Research functions including its nascent Management Information System.
Dec 2013 – Dec 2014
Community Driven Local Development
The assignment included advice to OPM Team in rolling‐out the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Community Driven Local Development policy in 6 districts of Malakand Division of KP under EU funded “Technical Cooperation Assistance on Public Financial Management to Selected Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” being implemented by the Oxford Policy Management. The initiative was a precursor to full‐scale implementation of the recently signed EU funded Khyber Pakhtunkhwa District Governance and Community Development Programme.
Jan–Jul 2014
Biodiversity Sectoral Capacity Assessment in KP
Undertaken for GIZ Biodiversity Project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the assignment included reviewing the capacities of frameworks, key stakeholders and institutions for the conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity and agrobiodiversity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan, and providing an overview of the sectoral capacity. The report focused on policy and legal environment, and institutional and functional capacity; and provided recommendations to strengthen the biodiversity sector as a whole. It not only provided basis for developing a capacity building strategy, but also setting a benchmark to evaluate the project’s performance after its completion. The BKP project which is implemented by the GIZ in cooperation with the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is supporting this effort on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Oct–Dec 2013
Shangla District Development Strategy
As part of the EU funded “Technical Cooperation Assistance on Public Financial Management to Selected Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa”, being implemented by the Oxford Policy Management, the assignment included (i) review of the diagnostic work for the Shangla District Development Strategy undertaken by the project team and DDS Specialists, (ii) revision and restructuring of the draft DDS, and (iii) finalisation of the DDS giving it a logical and coherent structure.