Zaheer Ahmad

Political Science Researcher | SCR Research Grant Recipient | Policy & Agrarian Economy Specialist

Based in: PakistanCurrently: Outreach Ambassador, Summer Coaching Fellow & Peer Mentor, NOP Center | LUMSExperience: 6 years

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Political Science graduate from LUMS with a specialized focus on qualitative research, gender studies, and agrarian economies. Recipient of the SCR Research Grant with a proven track record of leading complex fieldwork in partnership with international NGOs like OXFAM. Experienced mentor and educator who has supported over 300 students in research and academic development.

Experience

Outreach Ambassador, Summer Coaching Fellow & Peer Mentor

NOP Center | LUMSSouth Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistanwork2021 – Present

Summary

Represented the NOP Centre across underserved districts of South Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit- Baltistan, engaging 500- 600 students through outreach, counselling, and admissions guidance - several secured fully funded admissions to LUMS. Coached students for the LCAT/SAT under the LUMS Summer Coaching Session and mentored newly admitted scholars through their transition to university life.

Results

  • Engaged 500-600 students through outreach and counseling.
  • Several students secured fully funded admissions to LUMS.
LCATSAT

Teaching Assistant at School of Humanities & Social Sciences | LUMS

School of Humanities & Social Sciences | LUMSLahore, PakistanworkSep 2024 – May 2026

Summary

Supported the instructors in delivering Qualitative Research Methods, Comparative Politics, Civil Society & Social Movements, British Raj & Frontier Governmentality, and Balochi Language courses. Mentored 300+ students on research papers, presentations, assignments, and senior year projects; acted as liaison between faculty and students on deadlines and course design. Assisted with record-keeping, grading, and course material development across hybrid teaching environments.

Results

  • Authored the final report "Women Empowerment in Punjab | A Case study of Women in Rice Value Chain" detailing CSR intervention assessments.
  • Identified a critical implementation gap where CSR models were incompatible with local ground realities.
  • Recommended Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to bridge NGOs with local authorities and community activists for sustainable impact.
Hybrid teaching environmentsQualitative Research Methods

Trainer & Advisor

Teaching Assistants' Advisory Group (TAAG) | LUMS Learning InstituteLahore, Pakistanwork2024 – 2025

Summary

Pioneered the TAAG initiative and proposed the TAAG Helpdesk, improving coordination across all LUMS schools and departments. Designed and delivered training modules on MS Excel, Mail Merge, LMS platforms, and graded instruments for 100+ Teaching Assistants. Successfully advocated for the TAPDC as a mandatory pre-requisite for TA-ships, implemented university-wide.

Results

  • Improved coordination across all LUMS schools and departments through the TAAG Helpdesk proposal.
MS ExcelMail MergeLMS platforms

Skills

Technical

Qualitative Research Design
Focus Group Discussions
MS PowerPoint
MS Word
Transcription & Translation
Fieldwork & Data Collection
In-depth Interviews
Report & Policy Writing
Literature Review
MS Excel
LMS Platforms
Process Documentation
MS Forms
Canva
Prompt Engineering
InPage

Areas of expertise

Stakeholder Engagement
Meeting Coordination
Logistics Management
Training Design & Facilitation

Languages

Punjabi
English
Saraiki
Balochi
Urdu

Projects

Role of Class, Caste and Gender in Political Economy of Punjab | Women in Rice Value Chain

Lead ResearcherpersonalSep 2023 – May 2024
Conducted in-depth primary research to assess CSR-driven interventions in rice farming in Punjab, examining women's economic agency and empowerment. Evaluated NGO-led programs and documented barriers to inclusive participation.
Qualitative ResearchGender AnalysisDiversity AnalysisStakeholder Engagement

Education

BSc (Honours)

Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)Political Science2020 – 2024

Thesis. Role of Class, Caste and Gender in Political Economy of Punjab | Women in Rice Value Chain

Societies & activities

Dean's Honour ListSCR Research Grant Recipient

Recognition

Awards

Dean's Honour List

Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)2023

Spring 2022-23

SCR Research Grant Recipient

LUMS Learning Institute & Office of Research2023

2023-24

Certifications

Research Methodologies

Queen Mary University of London | Higher Education Commission x Coursera2026

AI for Everyone for Work and Productivity

Higher Education Commission x Coursera2026

Teaching Assistant Professional Development Course (TAPDC)

LUMS Learning Institute × LUMSx2024

Microsoft Office Skillfest - MS Word, PowerPoint & Excel

Information Systems & Technology | LUMS2021

Social impact & activities

3rd International Interdisciplinary Conference on Gender, Work, and Society

Future of Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)conference talkMay 2022

Managed logistics and assisted judges and operational aspects of launch of sanitary products vending machine.

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