Tabinda Azhar-| ☎ - | 🔗https://linkedin.com/in/tabinda-malik-9b07a890
Senior Strategic Communications Specialist
📌 20+ years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, and policy advocacy
📌 Expertise in Strategic Communications health communications, gender, crisis response, and stakeholder
engagement, community engagement ,content writing/editing and technical
📌 Proven track record in leading high-impact projects with USAID, WHO Somalia and Pakistan , CDC, USA,
Health Security Partners, Washington Dc and global NGOs
Professional Experience
Director of Strategic Communications & Stakeholder Engagement
📍 John Snow International (JSI) – USAID | Jan 2024 – Present
•
•
•
•
•
Designed and executed an integrated communications strategy for global health security and tuberculosis
programs.
Led the production of multimedia content and knowledge management materials for international
dissemination.
Trained and mentored project teams and NGOs on effective storytelling and digital communication
strategies.
Strengthened donor relations, ensuring compliance with USAID branding and reporting standards.
Spearheaded gender-sensitive campaigns, ensuring inclusiveness in public health messaging.
Head of Communications, Curriculum & Training Development
📍 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Vietnam | May 2024 – Aug 2024
•
•
•
•
•
Developed and delivered a scientific communication module for the FETP Advanced Program.
Designed comprehensive M&E resources, including pre-tests, post-tests, and field assignments.
Created lecture materials for in-depth training, integrating interactive learning elements.
Engaged in strategic consultations with CDC Vietnam to refine health communication strategies.
Enhanced training effectiveness through localized, culturally appropriate content.
Head of Implementations / Program Head – TB Tracker
📍 Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | Apr 2023 – Jan 2024
•
•
•
•
•
Orchestrated collaboration with ministries to integrate TB data into DHIS2 health systems.
Led human resource planning for multi-country project execution.
Designed risk communication strategies in partnership with global health institutions.
Managed documentation of health system workflows, improving interoperability.
Provided advisory support to government partners on health information systems and policy.
Senior Advisor – Global Strategic Communications & Advocacy – (P-5)
📍 World Health Organization (WHO) – Somalia | Feb 2022 – Present
•
•
•
•
•
Developed and led the COVID-19 Rapid Response Plan and related communications strategies.
Created high-impact public health campaigns, increasing vaccine adoption and trust.
Led knowledge-sharing initiatives and global advocacy events on public health priorities.
Produced 9 case studies, highlighting WHO’s impact on community health and gender equity.
Designed social behavior change (SBC) programs, ensuring data-driven decision-making.
Head of Social Behavior Change / Project Head – Trainings
📍 GIZ – Sehat Sahulat Program | Jan 2022 – Sep 2022
•
•
•
•
•
Developed training manuals and instructional materials for frontline health workers.
Designed, implemented, and monitored development programs with transformational leadership.
Strengthened public-private partnerships, improving healthcare access and awareness.
Delivered high-impact Train-the-Trainer (TOT) workshops for nationwide training.
Optimized communication strategies, ensuring alignment with diverse cultural perspectives.
Chief of Strategic Outreach & Government Relations
📍 Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) / UNICEF | Oct 2021 – Dec 2021
•
•
•
•
•
Oversaw national M&E strategies for immunization campaign effectiveness.
Designed performance measurement frameworks, ensuring data-driven policy enhancements.
Coordinated national stakeholder engagement, enhancing multi-agency collaboration.
Implemented structured reporting mechanisms, optimizing real-time decision-making.
Contributed to policy development, focusing on equity in healthcare access.
Senior Advisor – Global Strategic Communications & Advocacy
📍 World Health Organization (WHO) – Pakistan | Mar 2021 – Aug 2021
•
•
•
Authored a multi-sectoral humanitarian response proposal, securing global funding.
Integrated evidence-based strategies into grant applications for maximum impact.
Ensured coherence and alignment across diverse health initiatives and funding proposals.
Head of Communications & Crisis Management
📍 Field Epidemiology & Laboratory Training Program (FELTP) – CDC USA | 2008 – 2020
•
•
•
•
•
Developed and executed national-level risk communication and crisis response training.
Led national scientific communication strategies, ensuring clarity and impact.
Provided strategic guidance to senior policymakers on public health messaging.
Designed and delivered technical training for epidemiologists and health professionals.
Strengthened cross-agency collaboration, positioning FELTP as a global leader in training.
Technical Skills
✅ Strategic Communication & Public Relations – Expert in designing and executing high-impact global
communication strategies.
✅ Crisis & Risk Communication – Specialized in managing crisis response, risk mitigation, and emergency
messaging.
✅ Media Relations & Press Management – Strong experience in media engagement, press releases, and public
diplomacy.
✅ Digital & Social Media Advocacy – Proficient in leveraging digital platforms for advocacy, branding, and
stakeholder engagement.
✅ Health Communication & Behavior Change – Expertise in crafting health campaigns, risk awareness strategies,
and community engagement.
✅ Government & Policy Communications – Skilled in policy briefings, legislative advocacy, and public affairs
strategies.
✅ Stakeholder & Partner Engagement – Strong ability to build relationships with donors, NGOs, governments,
and international agencies.
✅ Content Development & Storytelling – Experienced in crafting compelling narratives for speeches, reports,
blogs, and digital content.
✅ Knowledge Management & Data Visualization – Skilled in transforming complex data into engaging,
actionable insights.
✅ Training & Capacity Building – Developed and delivered Train-the-Trainer (TOT) programs and professional
development workshops.
✅ Branding & Reputation Management – Expert in ensuring brand consistency, positioning, and global
reputation management.
✅ Grant & Proposal Writing – Strong experience in securing funding through well-researched proposals and
strategic donor engagement.
✅ Event Management & Public Speaking – Expertise in planning high-profile events, global conferences, and
delivering keynote speeches.
✅ Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) – Skilled in tracking and assessing communication impact through data-driven
methodologies.
✅ Health Information Systems (DHIS2, RCCE, AMR) – Proficient in managing digital health platforms and data
reporting tools.
✅ Multilingual & Cross-Cultural Communication – Adept at working in diverse, multilingual environments with a
global audience.