Education

Khadija Saif Khan

Humanitarian and development professional

Tameere Khalaq Foundation

Islamabad · Urdu, English

Biography

I am a humanitarian and development professional with over 15 years of experience, driven by a simple belief: real change begins when people, especially women and marginalized communities, have the opportunity to shape their own futures. Coming from Balochistan, where women often face significant barriers to leadership, I take pride in being among the first women to hold a senior leadership position at Tameer-e-Khalaq Foundation (TKF), where I currently serve as Deputy CEO. My journey has been about challenging stereotypes, building partnerships, strengthening local institutions, and creating space for others to lead. My work has taken me from communities in Balochistan and the tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to fragile, conflict-affected settings in South Sudan, where I worked with UNMISS on Protection of Civilians. I am particularly passionate about social cohesion, civic education, youth empowerment, gender equality, and disaster risk reduction. As an advocate for anticipatory action, I believe communities deserve support before disasters become tragedies. As a Gender Equality Champion, Education in Emergencies practitioner, and Crisis Leadership Programme graduate, I continue to learn, challenge myself, and advocate for more inclusive leadership. For me, leadership is not about titles. It is about opening doors, building trust, and making sure others have the courage and opportunity to walk through them.

Areas of expertise

• Women's Leadership
• Humanitarian and Crisis Leadership
• Protection of Civilians
• Disaster Risk Reduction
• Anticipatory Action

Key achievements

Breaking Barriers in Women's Leadership: Emerged as one of the pioneering women in senior leadership at Tameer-e-Khalaq Foundation (TKF), a locally led organization from Balochistan, progressing to Deputy CEO and contributing to institutional growth, strategic partnerships, and organizational development. Leading Humanitarian and Development Programmes: Contributed to the leadership and management of large-scale, multi-sectoral programmes within TKF's portfolio of over 120 projects, valued at more than USD 24 million, supporting vulnerable communities across Pakistan. International Humanitarian Experience: Served with UNMISS in South Sudan, supporting Protection of Civilians, displacement monitoring, recovery, and reintegration in fragile and conflict-affected communities. Strengthening Social Cohesion and Community Leadership: Supported social cohesion and participatory governance initiatives in the tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, promoting dialogue, trust, and cooperation among communities and local institutions. Championing Education and Youth Empowerment: Advanced education, civic engagement, and youth development initiatives through work with the Norwegian Red Cross under an IFRC contract and community-based education programmes in Balochistan. Advocating for Anticipatory Action: Promoted disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, and anticipatory approaches that help communities prepare for hazards and reduce losses before disasters strike. Promoting Gender Equality and Inclusive Leadership: Advocated for women's meaningful participation in community decision-making, institutional leadership, and development processes, particularly in traditionally underserved and conservative settings. Investing in Professional Leadership: Completed the Crisis Leadership Programme and specialized Education in Emergencies training at the University of Geneva, strengthening expertise in crisis management, inclusive education, and humanitarian leadership. My proudest achievement is not a particular position or project, but the trust I have built with communities, the barriers I have challenged as a woman leader, and the opportunities I have helped create for others to have a voice in decisions that shape their lives.

International experience

Asia · Africa

joined UN mission in south Sudan as peacekeeper titling Protection, Transition and reintegration Officer. also worked in South Sudan as DRR Advisor with ACTED in 2022. lead girls education project in Afghanistan back in 2017.

Engagement interests

Speaker · Panelist · TV / Radio · Podcast · Mentor · Training

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