Welcome to my professional portfolio
I am Dr. Syed Akhtar Hussain Shah, with over 30 years of expertise in development, economy, strategy, project finance, and SDGs, serving both the Government of Pakistan and international entities like the UNDP. My career is marked by a dedication to economic growth, strategic development, and impactful policy-making.In government management, I have led efforts to stimulate economic growth, craft development strategies, and manage significant project finances and executions. My contributions to policy-making have directly addressed national development challenges, ensuring the effective and efficient rollout of projects with a focus on sustainability.
My recent contributions to the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, include developing strategic policies for human capital export, mineral sector development, and governance improvement. I designed a human capital export strategy to address educational alignment with market demands and foster industry-academic partnerships, offering solutions applicable globally. In the mineral sector, my analysis and roadmap focus on unlocking economic opportunities through regulatory reform and technological advancement. The Khushal Khyber Pakhtunkhwa initiative, featuring a Digital Dashboard, aims at enhancing governance through transparency and efficiency. Moreover, my involvement in the 10 Billion Tree Afforestation Project showcases a commitment to sustainable environmental efforts through innovative financing and partnerships.These efforts underscore my commitment to leveraging my expertise for Pakistan's development and governance, showcasing my ability to navigate and resolve complex challenges through strategic solutions.
Experience
Government Advisory and Policy Development
In my role as a senior advisor and policy developer, I have been instrumental in formulating strategies that address national priorities and developmental goals. My work includes crafting the Human Capital Export Strategy and the Mineral Sector Development Strategy for the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, showcasing my ability to translate complex economic challenges into actionable policy frameworks. These strategies emphasize aligning education with market needs and unlocking the economic potential of untapped natural resources.
Project Implementation and Monitoring
My tenure in various governmental capacities has allowed me to lead and oversee the effective execution of significant development projects. Notably, as Director General of Monitoring & Evaluation at the Ministry of Planning Development and Reforms, I introduced software solutions and training programs that enhanced project efficiency, directly contributing to substantial cost savings and improved productivity across numerous development initiatives.
International Collaboration
Collaborating with international entities such as the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), I have played a pivotal role in fostering partnerships that benefit Pakistan's development agenda. My work with UNDP as Deputy Provincial Representative for KPK & FATA involved coordinating aid and development strategies, highlighting my ability to navigate and strengthen international relationships for local and national benefit.
Leadership and Strategic Planning
Throughout my career, I have exemplified leadership in managing teams and departments towards achieving strategic objectives. My leadership roles, such as Secretary to the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Member of the Economic Advisory Council, have underscored my commitment to transparent governance, efficient public service delivery, and the implementation of innovative governance measures like the Khushaal Khyber Pakhtunkhwa initiative and the 10 Billion Tree Afforestation Project.
Scholarly Contributions and Intellectual Insights
My scholarly contributions dissect key facets of economic development and policy innovation, spanning social capital, human capital dynamics, labour economics, and the interplay of economic growth with environmental sustainability. My work on the "Social Capital Matrix" breaks new ground in understanding the role of social networks in economic development, offering strategies to harness this capital effectively. I've also delved into the human capital export potential of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, suggesting educational and industry-academic collaborations to meet global demands, and highlighting the region's latent talent. My research in labour economics provides vital policy insights into labour market dynamics, crucial for adapting to changing employment trends.
My "10 Billion Tree Financing Strategy" merges economic goals with environmental conservation, advocating for innovative financing and partnerships. Additionally, I explore governance, anti-corruption, and public service delivery, focusing on improving efficiency and integrity. This body of work reflects my dedication to advancing economic theory and practice, aiming to influence policy-making and address developmental challenges succinctly.
The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education." - Martin Luther King Jr.
Education
Pakistan Institute of Development Economics
PhD in Economics
2002-2006
University of Sindh
MSc. Rural Development
1997-1999
Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad
MSc. Anthropology.
1987-1989
Professional Management Specialised Courses
Pre-Civil Service Training Course
1993-1994
Senior Management Course of Civil Service
2012-2013
Professional Career
Member Economic Advisory Council of Prime Minister (PM) of Pakistan
June 2023
Member Private Sector Development and Competitiveness Planning Commission of Pakistan
21st June 2018- 19th Feb 2019
DG Monitoring and Evaluation M/O Planning, Development & Reform
May 2018- Feb 2019
Joint Secretary Implementation Planning Commission of Pakistan
22nd Dec 2017 - 19th Feb 2019
Secretary Establishment Department Govt. of KPK
26 Oct 2016 - Oct 2017
Secretary Benevolent Fund Board Government of KP, Pakistan
26th August 2015 - Oct 2017