Country Program officer
ZAIGHUM ABBAS
Policy, Research & Academic Professional driving advocacy, education, and evidence-based insights in governance and development.Welcome to my portfolio.
Policy, Research & Academic Professional driving advocacy, education, and evidence-based insights in governance and development.Welcome to my portfolio.
Experienced professional serving as Country Program Officer for APMDD Pakistan, leading research and advocacy on land rights, food sovereignty, and clean energy while coordinating with international teams. Concurrently engaged in academia as a lecturer in political science and constitutional law, with extensive teaching experience at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, supervision of research, and involvement in academic coordination. Contributed to international research initiatives with organizations such as the ILO and DAAD, focusing on migration, media, and social inclusion, and delivered consultancy and training programs on constitutional literacy, civic engagement, and federalism for national and international organizations.
Provide in-depth policy analysis, research studies, and evidence-based recommendations on governance, land rights, food systems, and clean energy.
Design and implement advocacy strategies, campaigns, and stakeholder engagement plans to influence policy and drive social impact.
Deliver lectures, develop course content, and support academic programs in political science, constitutional law, and governance studies.
Conduct qualitative and mixed-method research, including interviews, field surveys, and socio-political assessments across diverse contexts.
Design and deliver workshops, training modules, and capacity-building programs on civic education, constitutional literacy, and public policy.
Prepare high-quality research reports, policy briefs, analytical papers, and documentation for academic, donor, and institutional use.
Facilitate coordination with government bodies, NGOs, academia, and international organizations for program implementation and research.
Develop and implement M&E frameworks, track program performance, and generate insights for adaptive management and decision-making.
Provide translation (Urdu–English), transcription, and research assistance for field-based and academic projects.
Organize and facilitate academic conferences, policy dialogues, and stakeholder consultations at national and international levels.
A detailed overview of my professional timeline, highlighting positions, key achievements, and the technical value delivered in each role.
Led national-level research and advocacy initiatives under APMDD focusing on land governance, sustainable agriculture, a...
Designed and delivered training programs in collaboration with Hanns Seidel Foundation and Khudi Pakistan, promoting con...
Co-authored a research study analyzing Pakistani media coverage of labour migration (2017–2020), including stakeholder...
Contributed to a cross-border research project with the University of Bonn, conducting field surveys and analysis on hou...
Taught and supervised undergraduate and graduate research in political science, contributing to academic development, cu...
Authored and co-authored peer-reviewed journal articles on CPEC, ethnic diversity, and collective action in Gilgit-Baltistan, published in the Journal of Political Science, GC University Lahore.
Developed critical research on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), including perspectives from Gilgit-Baltistan and analytical work challenging dominant development narratives (under review).
Co-authored a feature article highlighting the decline of Pakistan’s cinema artists, contributing to global discourse on cultural preservation.
Published multiple opinion pieces in leading national outlets including The News, The Daily Times, and The Friday Times, addressing academic freedom, governance issues, political rights, and public policy in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Actively contributed to national debate through analytical writings on student movements, sectarian tensions, and constitutional developments, influencing public awareness and policy discussions.
"Zeghum Abbas brings exceptional clarity and depth to policy research and advocacy. His work on land rights, food sovereignty, and clean energy reflects strong analytical rigor and a deep understanding of ground realities."
"An engaging educator and mentor, Zeghum Abbas has consistently demonstrated the ability to simplify complex political and constitutional concepts, making them accessible and impactful for students and professionals alike"
"Working with Zeghum Abbas on research initiatives has been a highly rewarding experience. His attention to detail, structured approach, and commitment to quality significantly enhance project outcomes."
"Zeghum Abbas is a skilled trainer and facilitator with a strong ability to connect with diverse audiences. His sessions on civic engagement and constitutional literacy are insightful, practical, and thought-provoking."