Management Team

1. Bilal Naqeeb – Managing Partner, DDS
Bilal Naqeeb is a seasoned development professional with over two decades of diverse experience in strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), institutional development, research, capacity building, and knowledge management. He holds master’s degrees in Political Science and Computer Science, alongside a background in Mathematics and Statistics. His academic foundation is complemented by specialized national and international trainings in participatory M&E, result-based management, reproductive health, NGO standards, field safety, and global development exposure.

His work has consistently engaged with governance, rule of law, climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, health, education, and human rights. For instance, he contributed to the KP Rule of Law Roadmap under DFID’s Justice Sector Support Programme, facilitating governance reforms within Pakistan’s criminal justice system through data-driven decision-making and institutional strengthening.

Bilal has led numerous baseline studies, end-of-project evaluations, and impact assessments across thematic sectors. His governance-focused baseline for CPDI’s Citizens for Good Governance project in Sindh and Balochistan assessed stakeholder capacities and public perceptions of transparency and accountability, while ensuring gender and social inclusion. His application of OECD-DAC criteria for evaluations, such as the Legal Aid Society’s projects on access to justice for religious minorities and the criminal justice system’s response to sexual violence, reflects his commitment to evidence-based evaluations in rule of law programming.

In the realm of climate change and disaster risk reduction, Bilal spearheaded the Multi-Hazard Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment (MHVCA) in Musakhel, Balochistan, integrating hazard mapping, community vulnerability analysis, and institutional capacity assessment to inform DRR strategies. This participatory research provided actionable insights for enhancing climate resilience at both community and policy levels, contributing to adaptive planning in fragile ecosystems.

His experience in health includes the development of Community Engagement and Behaviour Change Communication Strategies for the USAID-supported Punjab Youth Workforce Development Project, aimed at improving youth access to skills training, microfinance, and employment. Moreover, his role in the Delivering Accelerated Family Planning in Pakistan (DAFPAK) programme involved designing data use logic frameworks and training modules for health sector personnel across Punjab, Sindh, and KP, promoting evidence-based decision-making in reproductive health services.

In the education sector, Bilal contributed to monitoring the Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) across Punjab and AJK, supporting learning assessments in primary education. His work with the AAWAZ Voice and Accountability Project included tracking women’s political participation, dispute resolution, and accountability in social services—aligning education with civic empowerment. Furthermore, his efforts in knowledge management for HRCP and training delivery for regional human rights defenders illustrate his integrated approach, ensuring institutional learning and sustainability.

Bilal's extensive contributions to training and capacity building include regional workshops for FORUM-ASIA members across South Asia, focusing on Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (PMEL) with a strong emphasis on gender mainstreaming and social inclusion. He has facilitated learning processes that bridge thematic areas, ensuring that governance reforms, rule of law advancements, climate adaptation, health improvements, and education quality are supported by robust M&E systems.

Throughout his career, Bilal has consistently applied gender-sensitive approaches and upheld strong work ethics, ensuring that marginalized communities, including women, youth, and religious minorities, are actively engaged and their rights safeguarded within the development processes. His work across governance, rule of law, climate change, health, and education sectors is underscored by his commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice.

Experience in working with Donors and Development Agencies/NGOs

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO, previously known as DFID), British High Commission (BHC), Global Action Canada (GAC, previously known as CIDA), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (EKN), Royal Norwegians Embassy (RNE),  Australian Aid (AusAid), German Embassy, European Union (EU), Adam Smith International, Palladium Pakistan, Oxford Policy Management (OPM), Development Alternatives Inc. (DAI), Ecorys-UK, Management System International (MSI), Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO), Free Media Foundation (FMF/SAFMA),  Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), South Asia Partnership (SAP-PK), Forum-Asia, Church World Service(CWS), Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) and Cowater International.

Education:

·        MS (Political Science), University of Punjab, 2008

·        MS-Executive (Computer Science), Preston University, 1997

·        BSc. (Maths A&B, Statistics), University of Punjab, 1989

2. Anas Bilal, Business Development Manager

Anas Bilal is a professional, graduated from the Lahore University of Management Sciences in 2024 with a degree in Economics and Politics. His academic coursework included Western Political Philosophy, Comparative Politics, Politics of South Asia, Classical Anthropology Theory, Muslim Veiling: The Struggle, Urban Economics, Economics of Organization & Management, and Game Theory.

While working with media firms, Anas gained extensive experience in developing and implementing comprehensive content strategies for political narrative dissemination. He conducted in-depth research on political issues, voter demographics, and opposition strategies to inform content creation. Additionally, he crafted persuasive and compelling messaging for social media and campaign literature in close collaboration with campaign managers and communication teams. Anas regularly monitored political trends and news to provide timely and relevant content, ensuring the campaign remained adaptive and proactive.

His role as Institutional Capacity Assessment Associate at Rivets Learning provided him with in-depth knowledge of institutional development. He assessed five not-for-profit organizations and recommended action plans for the NPI Expand Programme supported by USAID, focusing on developing the capacities of their partners based on identified gaps. The assessment particularly emphasized health and education programs implemented by the selected partners.

Anas Bilal believes that sustainable approaches and strategies are crucial for generating ongoing benefits for target groups beyond the lifespan of programs and projects.

3. Dua B. Naqeeb, Strategic Communication Advisor

Dua Bilal Naqeeb is a dynamic Strategic Communication Advisor at DataBridge Development Solutions, bringing a results-driven approach to advancing evidence-based communication, strategic engagement, and stakeholder influence. With a background in Business Management and a specialization in Digital Leadership, she combines analytical rigor with creative outreach, contributing to high-impact initiatives across governance, institutional development, and research domains.

Dua has worked with leading firms such as Accenture and Oxford Policy Management, where she honed her expertise in digital data operations, research communication, and client strategy. Her experience spans designing compelling reports, developing stakeholder-oriented content, managing AI-related datasets, and supporting the communication components of complex research frameworks. She has played an instrumental role in enhancing visibility and market positioning for DataBridge by crafting tailored messaging for proposals, projects, and strategic engagements.

Her work emphasizes data-driven storytelling, brand integrity, and inclusive messaging. Dua also supports proposal development, partner outreach, and thought leadership pieces that align with the organization’s mission and sectoral expertise.

Dua holds a BA (Hons) in Business Management with a focus on Digital Leadership from Asia Pacific University (Malaysia), and has been recognized with international awards for research excellence, including the Emerald Innovative Research Excellence Award and Best Student Project Award by AMER.