Sadaf Shaheen

GIS & Remote Sensing Specialist | Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Expert
GIS & Remote Sensing Specialist | MEL Professional | Digital Governance Strategist | Geospatial Analytics Expert | IT Policy & e-Governance Leader
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Sadaf Shaheen
01 / Profile

About Me

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.

02 / Expertise

Technical Skills

GIS & Remote Sensing

  • ArcGIS 90%
  • QGIS 90%
  • Satellite Imagery Analysis 90%
  • Land Use & Land Cover (LULC) Classification 90%
  • DEM-Based Modeling 90%
  • Watershed Delineation 90%
  • Spatial Database Development 90%
  • Thematic Mapping 90%
  • Climate Risk Assessment 90%
  • Flood Mapping 90%
  • Remote Sensing 90%
  • Spatial Analysis 90%

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

  • MEL Framework Development 90%
  • Adaptive Management (MEL4AM) 90%
  • Impact Assessment 90%
  • Performance Monitoring 90%
  • MIS Design 90%
  • Quantitative Data Analysis 90%
  • Qualitative Research 90%
  • Survey Design 90%
  • Donor Reporting 90%

Policy & Digital Governance

  • IT Policy Development 90%
  • Digital Governance 90%
  • Legislation Drafting 90%
  • Strategic Planning 90%
  • Public-Private Partnerships 90%
  • Stakeholder Engagement 90%
  • Digital Transformation 90%

Data Analysis & Reporting

  • Microsoft Excel 90%
  • SPSS 90%
  • MATLAB 90%
  • Data Visualization 90%
  • Dashboard Development 90%
  • Survey Platforms 90%
  • Administrative Data Analysis 90%

Project Management

  • Project Management 90%
  • Quality Assurance 90%
  • Risk Management 90%
  • Change Management 90%
  • Conflict Resolution 90%
  • Team Leadership 90%
  • Proposal Development 90%

Office Productivity

  • Microsoft Word 90%
  • Microsoft PowerPoint 90%
  • Microsoft Access 90%

Information Systems

  • Web-Based Information Systems 90%
  • Management Information Systems (MIS) 90%
  • Geospatial Databases 90%
  • Database Management 90%
03 / Offerings

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.
04 / History

Work Experience

A chronicle of my professional career, highlighting achievements, key responsibilities, and technologies deployed in industry settings.

Assistant Director, IT / GIS Specialist

Oct 2022 – Present
Information Technology Department, Government of Gilgit-Baltistan
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

Aug 2020 – Oct 2022
Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability (TDEA)
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

Oct 2019 – Aug 2020
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) – WE'RE Leaders Project
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

Mar 2015 – Oct 2019
USAID – Citizens' Voice Project
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

Oct 2014 – Feb 2015
USAID – Citizens' Voice Project
Prepared research proposals and supported project development activities focusing on disaster risk reduction, gender issues, environmental management, and future donor-funded initiatives.

Research Associate

May 2013 – May 2014
UNDP – National Environmental Information Management System (NEIMS)
Compiled environmental profiles, conducted environmental research, and supported national environmental information management initiatives for Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir.

Intern

Jun 2010 – Aug 2010
Ministry of Social Welfare, National Child Protection Centre (NCPC)
Supported social sector research by preparing analytical reports on child protection and the living conditions of children residing in urban slum communities.

Lead Consultant

Oct 2024 – Apr 2026
GBRSP (FCDO Funded GIS Consultancy)
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

Jan 2026 – Jan 2026
World Bank GIS Flood Impact Mapping Project
Conducted GIS-based flood impact assessments using satellite imagery and change detection techniques to support disaster risk planning and climate resilience for Umerkot District.
05 / Education

Education Credentials

MPhil in Remote Sensing & Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

2010 – 2014
COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad

BS (Hons.) in Environmental Science

2008 – 2012
International Islamic University, Islamabad
06 / Soft Skills

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
07 / Verification

Certifications

  • Ask Questions to Make Data-Driven Decisions
    Google / Coursera
  • Foundations: Data, Data, Everywhere
    Google / Coursera
  • Share Data Through the Art of Visualization
    Google / Coursera
  • MEAL DPro: Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning for Development Professionals
    Kaya Humanitarian Leadership Academy
  • Leading Innovation and Change
    Kaya Humanitarian Leadership Academy
  • Sustainability Issues in Poverty Reduction
    NCRD, Islamabad
  • Knowledge Management
    Training Workshop
  • Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)
    Training Workshop
08 / Training

Registrations & Trainings

  • Data-Driven Decision Making
    Google / Coursera
  • Data Foundations
    Google / Coursera
  • Data Visualization
    Google / Coursera
  • Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL DPro)
    Kaya Humanitarian Leadership Academy
  • Leading Innovation and Change
    Kaya Humanitarian Leadership Academy
  • Sustainability Issues in Poverty Reduction
    NCRD, Islamabad
  • Knowledge Management
    Training Workshop
  • Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)
    Training Workshop
  • Proposal 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 Project
  • Adaptive Management (MEL4AM)
    Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability (TDEA)
09 / Portfolio

Flagship Projects

Gilgit-Baltistan IT Policy & Digital Transformation Strategy
Portfolio

Gilgit-Baltistan IT Policy & D...

Led the development of the region's first IT Policy, 10-Year Strategic Plan, and 5-Year Vision to accelerate digital gov...

Gilgit-Baltistan IT Board Act
Portfolio

Gilgit-Baltistan IT Board Act

Drafted and facilitated the legislative framework establishing the Gilgit-Baltistan IT Board to strengthen the region's ...

E-Rozgaar Performance Monitoring Portal
Portfolio

E-Rozgaar Performance Monitori...

Designed and deployed a web-based monitoring portal for the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan to track startup growth, soft...

Women Peace Technocates of Gilgit-Baltistan
Portfolio

Women Peace Technocates of Gil...

Led a USIP-supported initiative that trained 200 women through 10 women-led technology companies while documenting imple...

10-District GIS Watershed & Climate Risk Assessment
Portfolio

10-District GIS Watershed & Cl...

Directed an FCDO-funded GIS consultancy delivering watershed analysis, climate risk assessment, LULC classification, the...

GIS Flood Impact Mapping for Umerkot
Portfolio

GIS Flood Impact Mapping for U...

Conducted a World Bank-funded spatial assessment using satellite imagery and GIS change detection to analyze flood impac...

Centralized MEL Management Information System
Portfolio

Centralized MEL Management Inf...

Designed and implemented a centralized multi-user MIS supporting nationwide Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning activiti...

GIS Election Monitoring Application
Portfolio

GIS Election Monitoring Applic...

Developed a GIS-enabled monitoring application providing real-time dashboards for monitoring Pakistan's Local Government...

National GIS Mapping & Spatial Database Platform
Portfolio

National GIS Mapping & Spatial...

Prepared dynamic thematic maps and managed spatial datasets supporting 280 partner organizations implementing developmen...

Vote Ka Indraj, Kal Nahi Aaj Campaign
Portfolio

Vote Ka Indraj, Kal Nahi Aaj C...

Co-designed a nationwide digital awareness campaign with the Election Commission of Pakistan and NADRA to improve women'...

10 / Contributions

Platform 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.
11 / Testimonials

Client Testimonials

“
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
“
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
“
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
“
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
“
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
“
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
12 / Contact

Get In Touch

LinkedIn LinkedIn Profile
Location Gilgit, Pakistan

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