Mr. Ali Khan Utmankhel is a dedicated, empathetic, and forward-thinking social development professional. Curious, sensitive, and solution-oriented, he is known for resolving conflicts and building strong, positive community relationships.

As Deputy CEO & Director General of Climate Change & Environmental Protection at the Global Rehabilitation Assistance Organization (GRAO), he brings extensive experience in development, humanitarian assistance, and climate policy. He leads projects in education, clean water, women empowerment, youth development, and environmental sustainability. A volunteer with the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) since 2008, he has been recognized by UNEP, UNDP, UNICEF, UNHCR, and ICRC for his contributions to climate action and environmental protection. He holds Master’s degrees in English Literature and Journalism.

Areas of Expertise

• Development & International Cooperation
• Humanitarian Assistance & Emergency Response
• Strategic Planning & Organizational Management
• Policy & Programme Design, Planning & Review
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation
• Professional Report Writing & Documentation
• Climate Change Policy, Gender & Climate Action
• Environmental Protection & WASH

Professional Skills

Managing Complex Workloads | Resourcefulness | Tactful & Articulate Communication | Strong Interpersonal Skills | Partnership Building | Innovative Problem Solving

Work Experience

Deputy CEO & Director General, Climate Change & Environmental Protection
Global Rehabilitation Assistance Organization (GRAO) | Present

As a key member of GRAO’s executive leadership team, Mr. Utmankhel leads the organization’s climate, environmental, and social development programmes.

Donor & International Partnerships

Works closely with international donors and development agencies to design and implement projects in:

• Children’s Education & Student Scholarships
• Healthcare & Rehabilitation
• Clean Drinking Water
• Environmental Protection
• Climate Change
• Digital Literacy
• Women Empowerment
• Youth Development

Climate Change & Environmental Leadership

Mr. Utmankhel is highly regarded for his extensive research and field experience in climate change and environmental protection. He is recognized for his expertise in climate policy development and gender-responsive climate action.

He has successfully led numerous community-based projects with CBOs, CSR partners, private sector organizations, and individual donors across rural and urban areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Key Project Initiatives

1. Clean Air, Healthy Home Initiative – Indoor air quality and clean cooking awareness.
2. Green School, Safe Future Campaign – Climate education in schools.
3. Plastic-Free Mohalla Movement – Community waste management.
4. Every Drop Counts – Water Conservation Drive focusing on water conservation and WASH.
5. Solar Energy Awareness & Tree Plantation Drives – Ongoing environmental sustainability initiatives.

Humanitarian & Volunteer Background

• Volunteer Member, Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) since 13 February 2008.
• Led food ration distribution for vulnerable communities.
• Implemented water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) projects across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
• Developed volunteer programmes for teenagers to promote community service.
• Coordinated agency-wide programmes, events, and community needs assessments.

Awards & Recognition

Mr. Utmankhel has received awards and recognition from several United Nations and international organizations, including UNEP, UNDP, UNICEF, UNHCR, ICRC, and PRCS, for his outstanding contributions to climate change, environmental protection, and children’s education. He has also been honored with Gold Medals and Appreciation Certificates from CSR organizations and international institutions.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with communities, donors, and development partners.
• Strong understanding of legislative and theoretical frameworks in social development.
• Excellent computer proficiency, report writing, and assessment documentation skills.
• Proven experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder development programmes.
• Effective both as an independent leader and as a collaborative team member.
• Willing and able to travel extensively across diverse geographical areas when required.

Academic Qualifications

• Master’s in English Literature – National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad.
• Master’s in Journalism – Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan.