Zain Shaikhzadeh
Contact
Project Management - International Development
--Nationality: German
Islamabad, Pakistan
www.linkedin.com/in/zain-shaikhzadeh/
Skills
Summary
Dynamic grant writer and programme officer with over six years of impactful
experience in the development sector. Proven expertise in designing, managing,
and delivering successful projects in collaboration with diverse, multicultural
teams. Skilled in engaging a wide range of stakeholders, including donors,
government agencies, INGOs, UN bodies, and field teams, to secure funding and
drive project success. Analytical and strategic thinker with a strong ability to
manage complex, multi-faceted workstreams efficiently. Highly adaptable
professional with a global outlook, shaped by extensive international experience
in work, education, and travel.
Project Management
Proposal Development
Monitoring & Evaluation
Stakeholder Engagement
Communication
Public speaking
Research
Languages
English (Native)
Urdu (Native)
Hindi (Fluent: Spoken)
German (Limited proficiency)
Certifications
Gender Mainstreaming in Project Management
Aga Khan Foundation (2024)
Generative AI Overview for Project Managers
Project Management Institute (2024)
Basics of Disciplined Agile™
Project Management Institute (2024)
Basics of Scrum
Project Management Institute (2024)
Proposal Development
Aga Khan Foundation (2023)
Software
MS Office 365
Google Workspace
Salesforce
Asana
Primavera P6
Work Experience
Programme Officer - Partnerships
Aga Khan Foundation
May 2023 to present
Mobilised over $2.24 million in funding within 1.5 years by leading proposal
development and securing grants from major donors such as DG ECHO and
the Embassy of Denmark.
Spearheaded the development of a €1.3 million Disaster Risk Reduction
project, focusing on disaster preparedness systems and cash disbursement
for vulnerable communities.
Contributed to securing a $700k climate resilience project, promoting
sustainable agriculture and aquaculture in Sindh's coastal communities.
Managed a diverse portfolio of projects on Salesforce, ensuring compliance
with donor requirements and delivering impactful results.
Cultivated partnerships with government agencies, INGOs, UN bodies, and
consortium partners, facilitating collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
Supported cross-functional teams in project budgeting, reporting, and
process improvement to streamline grants management.
Conducted field visits to remote project sites for monitoring and evaluation,
strengthening accountability and ensuring project alignment with community
needs.
Economic & Commercial Affairs Officer
Consulate General of Japan
March 2021 to April 2023
Collaborated with the Consulate’s Project Consultant to evaluate NGO
proposals and select impactful projects for up to $100k funding under
Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP)
programme.
Successfully monitored implementation across multiple districts in Sindh,
ensuring alignment with grant objectives and completion within timelines.
Engaged with government officials and trade bodies to address diplomatic
matters affecting Japanese businesses and expatriates, fostering strong
bilateral economic relations.
Conducted in-depth economic research and market analyses to identify
trends, assess risks, and uncover opportunities, providing actionable insights
to support Japanese businesses in strategic decision-making and trade
promotion efforts.
Zain Shaikhzadeh
Contact
--Nationality: German
Islamabad, Pakistan
www.linkedin.com/in/zain-shaikhzadeh/
Political Affairs Officer
Consulate General of Japan
Liaised between the governments of Japan and Sindh, connecting
Japanese diplomats with political and civic stakeholders to strengthen
bilateral relations and foster collaboration.
Contributed to Japan’s GGP programme, overseeing project selection,
coordination with NGOs and local stakeholders, and monitoring to ensure
compliance and successful implementation.
Supported the Political Chief by analyzing regional political developments
and facilitating diplomatic engagements to advance Japan’s strategic
interests.
Assistant Project Manager
The Citizens Archive of Pakistan
Skills
Project Management
Proposal Development
Monitoring & Evaluation
Stakeholder Engagement
Communication
Public speaking
Research
Languages
English (Native)
Urdu (Native)
Hindi (Fluent: Spoken)
German (Limited proficiency)
Certifications
Gender Mainstreaming in Project Management
Aga Khan Foundation (2024)
Generative AI Overview for Project Managers
Project Management Institute (2024)
Basics of Disciplined Agile™
Project Management Institute (2024)
Basics of Scrum
Project Management Institute (2024)
Proposal Development
Aga Khan Foundation (2023)
March 2019 to March 2021
Dec 2017 to March 2019
Contributed to the Oral History Project by sourcing and archiving oral
histories of the Partition, supporting efforts to preserve cultural heritage.
Assisted in the Story Share Initiative, collaborating with StoryCorps to
document the history, art, and culture of Interior Sindh.
Coordinated the successful execution of the Exchange for Change
educational project, connecting students from Haque Academy in Karachi
with the Latin School in Chicago to foster cross-cultural understanding.
VP, Corporate Sales & Talent Management
AISEC Aarhus
VP, Corporate Sales:
Led AIESEC’s B2B team in developing corporate partnerships with Danish
IT start-ups through targeted cold-calling, strategic networking, and effective
negotiation.
Planned and executed business meetings and events to strengthen
partnerships, driving engagement and mutual growth opportunities.
VP, Talent Management:
Directed recruitment campaigns in collaboration with the VP Marketing,
ensuring organisational continuity and growth by attracting top talent.
Monitored team health and performance, providing internal support,
fostering communication, and ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
Education
Aarhus University (2015 - 2017)
Master of Arts, International Studies
Monash University (2012 - 2015)
Bachelor of Social Science, International Studies and Communication
Volunteering
Society for the Rehabilitation of Special Children (Karachi, Pakistan)
Special Education Teacher (Aug 2009 - May 2010)
Software
MS Office 365
Google Workspace
Salesforce
Asana
Primavera P6
2016
Cosmo City School (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Mathematics Teacher (March - June 2015)
References available upon request
