Sadaf Shaheen
GIS & Remote Sensing Specialist | MEL Professional | Digital Governance Strategist | Geospatial Analytics Expert | IT Policy & e-Governance Leader
GIS & Remote Sensing Specialist | Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Expert
Strategic Vision & Expertise
<p>GIS & Remote Sensing and Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) professional with over 12 years of experience delivering geospatial analysis, digital governance, policy development, and donor-funded development initiatives across government, international organizations, and consultancy assignments. Experienced in leading GIS-based climate risk assessments, spatial data analysis, monitoring frameworks, management information systems, and evidence-based decision-making for projects funded by FCDO, USAID, UNDP, Global Affairs Canada, DRL, USIP, and the World Bank. Currently serving as Assistant Director (IT/GIS Specialist) with the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan, leading strategic digital transformation initiatives including the GB IT Board Act, the region's first IT Policy, and long-term digital governance planning. Proven expertise in stakeholder engagement, policy formulation, GIS consultancy, remote sensing, climate resilience, project management, and translating complex geospatial data into practical solutions that drive sustainable development and institutional reform.</p>
Services Offered
GIS & Remote Sensing Consultancy
Provide end-to-end GIS and remote sensing solutions including spatial analysis, thematic mapping, land use classification, watershed analysis, and climate risk assessments.
Climate Risk & Environmental Assessment
Conduct climate vulnerability, flood risk, watershed, erosion, and environmental assessments using satellite imagery and geospatial technologies.
Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)
Design MEL frameworks, indicators, evaluation methodologies, monitoring plans, and learning systems for donor-funded development projects.
Management Information System (MIS) Development
Design and implement customized MIS solutions, monitoring portals, dashboards, and data management systems for government and development organizations.
Digital Governance & IT Policy Advisory
Support governments and institutions in developing digital strategies, IT policies, legislative frameworks, digital transformation roadmaps, and governance reforms.
Project Planning & Proposal Development
Prepare concept papers, project proposals, PC-1 documents, Terms of Reference (ToRs), strategic plans, and donor funding proposals.
GIS Database & Spatial Data Management
Develop geospatial databases, spatial data infrastructure, digital maps, and integrated GIS repositories for evidence-based planning.
Data Analytics & Visualization
Transform complex datasets into meaningful dashboards, reports, visualizations, and analytical insights using Excel, SPSS, GIS, and other analytical tools.
Capacity Building & Professional Training
Deliver customized training programs on GIS, remote sensing, MEL systems, proposal writing, data analysis, and digital governance for public and private sector organizations.
Donor Project Management & Reporting
Manage donor-funded projects by ensuring effective planning, implementation, monitoring, compliance, reporting, and stakeholder coordination.
Digital Transformation Consulting
Guide organizations in adopting digital technologies, process automation, e-governance systems, and innovation-driven service delivery.
Research & Policy Analysis
Conduct policy research, evidence-based studies, impact assessments, and technical reports to support informed decision-making and sustainable development.
Work Experience
Assistant Director, IT / GIS Specialist
Leading GIS-driven digital governance initiatives, policy development, IT legislation, strategic planning, e-governance systems, monitoring portals, stakeholder engagement, concept paper development, and digital transformation projects for the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Mentor – Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Officer
Developed MEL frameworks, MIS platforms, monitoring tools, donor reporting systems, capacity-building programs, proposal review mechanisms, and coordinated nationwide implementation with partner organizations under USAID, DRL, FCDO, and AusAID-funded projects.
Monitoring & Evaluation Officer
Designed MEL systems, implementation plans, MIS applications, donor reporting mechanisms, household surveys, partner capacity-building initiatives, and monitoring activities supporting women's empowerment and rights programs.
Monitoring & Evaluation / GIS Assistant
Managed GIS databases, monitoring systems, implementing partner performance tracking, GIS applications, thematic mapping, election monitoring support, training manuals, and spatial analysis across nationwide development projects.
Program Development and Research Intern
Prepared research proposals and supported project development activities focusing on disaster risk reduction, gender issues, environmental management, and future donor-funded initiatives.
Research Associate
Compiled environmental profiles, conducted environmental research, and supported national environmental information management initiatives for Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
Intern
Supported social sector research by preparing analytical reports on child protection and the living conditions of children residing in urban slum communities.
Lead Consultant
Led a multi-district GIS consultancy conducting watershed analysis, climate risk assessment, satellite imagery analysis, thematic mapping, remote sensing, geodatabase development, and web-based spatial information systems across all districts of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Lead Consultant
Conducted GIS-based flood impact assessments using satellite imagery and change detection techniques to support disaster risk planning and climate resilience for Umerkot District.
Skills & Competencies
// GIS & Remote Sensing
// Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning
// Policy & Digital Governance
// Data Analysis & Reporting
// Project Management
// Office Productivity
// Information Systems
Projects & Initiatives
Gilgit-Baltistan IT Policy & Digital Transformation Strategy
Gilgit-Baltistan IT Board Act
E-Rozgaar Performance Monitoring Portal
Women Peace Technocates of Gilgit-Baltistan
10-District GIS Watershed & Climate Risk Assessment
GIS Flood Impact Mapping for Umerkot
Centralized MEL Management Information System
GIS Election Monitoring Application
National GIS Mapping & Spatial Database Platform
Vote Ka Indraj, Kal Nahi Aaj Campaign
Education
MPhil in Remote Sensing & Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad
BS (Hons.) in Environmental Science
International Islamic University, Islamabad
Certifications
Ask Questions to Make Data-Driven Decisions
Foundations: Data, Data, Everywhere
Share Data Through the Art of Visualization
MEAL DPro: Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning for Development Professionals
Leading Innovation and Change
Sustainability Issues in Poverty Reduction
Knowledge Management
Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)
Trainings & Workshops
Data-Driven Decision Making
Google / CourseraData Foundations
Google / CourseraData Visualization
Google / CourseraMonitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL DPro)
Kaya Humanitarian Leadership AcademyLeading Innovation and Change
Kaya Humanitarian Leadership AcademySustainability Issues in Poverty Reduction
NCRD, IslamabadKnowledge Management
Training WorkshopStatistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)
Training WorkshopProposal Writing and Grant Development
Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability (TDEA)Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Systems
Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability (TDEA)GIS Mobile Applications and Spatial Reporting
USAID – Citizens' Voice ProjectAdaptive Management (MEL4AM)
Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability (TDEA)Key Achievements
Developed the Gilgit-Baltistan IT Board Act
Authored the 10-Year Strategic Plan for IT Department
Drafted Gilgit-Baltistan's First IT Policy
Secured PKR 900 Million Development Funding Through PC-1s
Designed and Deployed the E-Rozgaar Performance Monitoring Portal
Led Women Peace Technocates of Gilgit-Baltistan Initiative
Signed Strategic MoU with Circle Women Pakistan
Developed Nationwide MEL Systems for Donor-Funded Programmes
Trained 210 Civil Society Organizations on Proposal Writing
Designed the "Vote ka Indraj, Kal Nahi Aaj" National Awareness Campaign
Developed GIS Monitoring System for Pakistan Local Government Elections
Managed GIS Mapping for 280 Partner Organizations Across 90 Districts
Successfully Led a 10-District FCDO GIS Consultancy in Gilgit-Baltistan
Delivered GIS Climate Risk Assessment and Watershed Analysis for 10 Districts
Authored the eBook "Women Peace Technocates of Gilgit-Baltistan"
Bronze Medalist at Korea International Women Invention Exposition (KIWIE)
Selected for Intel National Science and Engineering Fair
Technical Contributions
Digital Governance Reform in Gilgit-Baltistan
Contributed to the digital transformation of Gilgit-Baltistan by drafting the IT Board Act, developing the region's first IT Policy, and preparing long-term strategic plans for the IT sector.
Women Empowerment Through Technology
Led the Women Peace Technocates initiative, empowering 200 women through digital skills, entrepreneurship, and technology-led economic participation across all districts of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Climate Resilience and Watershed Planning
Directed GIS-based watershed mapping, climate risk assessments, and environmental analysis to support evidence-based planning and climate resilience initiatives across Gilgit-Baltistan.
Strengthening Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Systems
Designed and implemented Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning frameworks, MIS platforms, and reporting systems that improved accountability and performance across donor-funded development programmes.
Capacity Building of Civil Society Organizations
Trained over 210 civil society organizations on proposal writing, grant development, monitoring frameworks, and adaptive management practices to strengthen institutional capacity.
Advancing Inclusive Democratic Participation
Developed GIS applications, monitoring systems, and nationwide awareness campaigns supporting voter registration, women's participation, and election monitoring initiatives across Pakistan.
Promotion of Digital Literacy and Innovation
Established strategic partnerships with universities, technology organizations, and private-sector partners to promote AI, digital literacy, startup incubation, and innovation ecosystems.
Knowledge Sharing Through Research and Publications
Authored technical publications and an eBook documenting digital inclusion, women's empowerment, and lessons learned from technology-driven development initiatives.
Testimonials & Endorsements
"Sadaf consistently demonstrates exceptional expertise in GIS, digital governance, and strategic planning. Her leadership in developing the IT Policy, IT Board Act, and digital transformation initiatives has significantly strengthened the technology ecosystem of Gilgit-Baltistan."
Muhammad Ali
Director, Information Technology Department, Government of Gilgit-Baltistan"Sadaf played a pivotal role in establishing Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning systems that greatly improved project quality, reporting, and partner performance. Her technical competence and dedication consistently exceeded expectations."
Project Director
Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability (TDEA)"Sadaf brought outstanding analytical and organizational skills to the project. Her ability to design robust MEL frameworks, manage complex datasets, and build partner capacity contributed significantly to achieving programme objectives."
Programme Manager
Global Affairs Canada (WE'RE Leaders Project)"Her combination of GIS expertise and monitoring experience enabled the successful implementation of nationwide mapping and reporting systems. Sadaf consistently delivered innovative solutions under challenging timelines."
Chief of Party
USAID Citizens' Voice Project"Sadaf successfully led a technically demanding GIS consultancy covering all districts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Her professionalism, leadership, and technical excellence resulted in high-quality outputs that directly supported climate resilience planning."
Programme Coordinator
GBRSP (FCDO Funded Consultancy)"Sadaf is a highly dependable GIS and MEL professional with exceptional project management, stakeholder engagement, and policy development skills. She consistently transforms complex technical challenges into practical, evidence-based solutions."
Development Partner
International Development ProgrammePublications & Reports
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Media Appearances
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