A seasoned & dynamic Development Communications Specialist & Social Impact Leader, I bring over two decades of extensive experience in Strategic Communications & Social Impact Project Management Consulting. With a robust academic foundation from prestigious AJK Mass Communication Research Centre, I have honed my expertise across diverse socio-economic landscapes, specializing in rights-based urban and rural development initiatives.
Hi, I’m
Ershad Ahmad
Strategic Communications Specialist & Social Impact Leader
New Delhi
Summary
Overview
20
years of professional experience
16
Certifications
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
UNDP
Communications Officer
Job overview
- Managed the advocacy campaign for the NREGA in 313 districts of India, Developed and effectively implemented communication strategies for increasing mass awareness about MNREGA and its new initiatives to the workers, implementing authorities, other stakeholders and to the public being implemented in 29 states / 616 districts.
Charkha, Development Communications Network
Program Coordinator
Job overview
- Key responsibility included: Project & Proposal Development, Partner assessment, Financial and field-based Monitoring and Evaluation of 5 Partners in States.
National Centre for Advocacy Studies
Research Coordinator
Job overview
- Assisted the team of National Advocacy Advisers / trainers on People Centred Advocacy and also developed media Advocacy program.
Ministry of Home Affairs Govt of India, UNDP
Communications Expert
03.2016
Job overview
- Rendered assistance to the project for institutional strengthening & capacity building for reduction of disaster risks.
Humana People to People India Humana peoples Movement
PR, Information and Communications Officer
07.2013
Job overview
- Managed internal and external communication meant for branding, visibility and advocacy.
MSF Doctors without Borders
Project Coordinator-Team Lead
09.2021 - 09.2023
Job overview
- Lead the MSF's operational response in the project by coordinating MSF's programme execution and identifying the population's health needs and the humanitarian issues at stake.
Climate Resilient Cities for Shared Prosperity (CReSP)
Principal Consultant
09.2019 - 09.2021
Job overview
- Supported the planning and effective implementation of the Climate Resilient Cities and Shared Prosperity (CReSP) programme.
Smart Cities Mission Marketing
Communications Specialist & Digital Marketing and Communications Director
05.2017 - 09.2019
Job overview
- Provided project communications, marketing communications, branding, public awareness, campaign, social & behavioural change communications and citizens engagement related to the Smart City Mission.
Kailash Satyarthi Children's Foundation
Director Campaign
04.2017
Job overview
- Managed multiple campaigns focused on child rights.
UNDP - Deputed in the Election Commission of India (ECI)
Communications and Campaign Expert
04.2014 - 03.2016
Job overview
- Deployed strategic communications to educate voters for enhancing electoral participation in 8 states of India.
FHI 360
SBCC and Campaign Expert - Health Communications
02.2014
Job overview
- Reinforced institutional setting for the National Rural Health Mission and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
IPE-Global (World Bank Project)
Communications Specialist
12.2012 - 03.2013
Job overview
- Developed communications strategy for World Bank by conducting communications need assessment in 8 districts of Assam.
Zar Inc (UNICEF supported programme)
Program Manager
11.2011 - 03.2012
Job overview
- Managed a UNICEF-aided research on the Child Protection Research Network (CPAN) to analyze the functionality and effectiveness of Child Protection Action Network at national levels spanning 21 districts and 12 provinces.
UNICEF India
Consultant Communications and Advocacy
04.2011 - 10.2011
Job overview
- Managed matters related to capacity building and IEC activities under the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (WATSAN) programme in 600 districts and 35 provinces.
UN Millennium Campaign
Communications & Campaign Consultant
05.2010 - 11.2010
Job overview
- Managed the advocacy campaign for the MDG review at the General Assembly and managed the online chapter of the 'StandUp' campaign.
Education
Jamia Millia IslamiaNew Delhi, IN
Masters in Economics from Development Economics, Health Economics
05.2001 - 03.2004
University Overview
A.J.K. Mass Communication Research CenterNew Delhi, IN
P. G. Diploma in Development Communication (First batch)
07.2002 - 12.2003
University Overview
Skills
Team Leadershipundefined
Certification
Certificate in Leadership and Team Development, International Business Management Institute (IBMI), Germany
Timeline
Project Coordinator-Team Lead
MSF Doctors without Borders
09.2021 - 09.2023
Principal Consultant
Climate Resilient Cities for Shared Prosperity (CReSP)
09.2019 - 09.2021
Communications Specialist & Digital Marketing and Communications Director
Smart Cities Mission Marketing
05.2017 - 09.2019
Communications Expert
Ministry of Home Affairs Govt of India, UNDP
03.2016
Communications and Campaign Expert
UNDP - Deputed in the Election Commission of India (ECI)
04.2014 - 03.2016
PR, Information and Communications Officer
Humana People to People India Humana peoples Movement
07.2013
Communications Specialist
IPE-Global (World Bank Project)
12.2012 - 03.2013
Program Manager
Zar Inc (UNICEF supported programme)
11.2011 - 03.2012
Consultant Communications and Advocacy
UNICEF India
04.2011 - 10.2011
Communications & Campaign Consultant
UN Millennium Campaign
05.2010 - 11.2010
A.J.K. Mass Communication Research Center
P. G. Diploma in Development Communication (First batch)
07.2002 - 12.2003
Jamia Millia Islamia
Masters in Economics from Development Economics, Health Economics
05.2001 - 03.2004
Communications Officer
UNDP
Program Coordinator
Charkha, Development Communications Network
Research Coordinator
National Centre for Advocacy Studies
Director Campaign
Kailash Satyarthi Children's Foundation
04.2017
SBCC and Campaign Expert - Health Communications
FHI 360
02.2014
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