Assistant Director (Plant Health Risk)

Pakistan Single Window (PSW) is recruiting on behalf of the National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA), a strategic national initiative aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s agri-trade ecosystem. NAFSA focuses on enhancing regulatory oversight, facilitating trade, and modernizing food safety and trade processes. The selected candidate will join NAFSA’s foundational team and play a key role in developing systems, processes, and institutional capabilities to support these objectives.

Key Responsibilities

- Support the Deputy Director Plant-Risk in executing assigned duties and functions.
- Assist in pest risk assessment (PRA) activities by collecting, cleaning, and organizing relevant datasets, including surveillance data, interceptions, pest distribution, and trade pathways.
- Conduct technical analyses to support PRA, which involves reviewing scientific literature and compiling evidence for hazard identification and pathway assessment.
- Draft sections of PRA documents, technical notes, and briefing materials under the guidance of the Deputy Director.
- Maintain pest risk databases, pest lists, and reference documentation to aid in assessments and regulatory decision-making.
- Coordinate with provincial departments and laboratories to obtain field and diagnostic evidence necessary for PRA.
- Assist in preparing presentations and submissions for internal peer reviews and Scientific Committee deliberations.
- Monitor global pest alerts, Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) notifications, and scientific updates relevant to plant health risks.
- Ensure proper documentation, version control, and record-keeping for all risk assessment outputs.
- Perform any additional responsibilities as assigned by the reporting officer to support NAFSA’s mandate.

Required Qualifications

- A minimum of sixteen years of education (BSc. Honours) in Agriculture with a specialization in Entomology, Plant Protection, Plant Pathology, Weed Science, or a related discipline from a Higher Education Commission (HEC) recognized institution.
- At least four years of relevant experience in plant protection, quarantine, pest surveillance, or SPS-related analytical work. Candidates with strong exposure to pest risk assessment, including fresh or entry-level applicants, may also be considered.
- Proficiency in computer applications, including MS Office and database/spreadsheet management.
- Strong technical writing skills with the ability to analyze scientific information and translate it into structured regulatory documentation.
- Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively coordinate with field and laboratory stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

There are no additional preferred qualifications or benefits explicitly mentioned for this role. However, candidates who demonstrate strong analytical capabilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills will be well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to NAFSA’s objectives.

This position offers a unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering national initiative aimed at modernizing Pakistan’s agri-trade and food safety landscape. The role involves collaboration with diverse stakeholders and contributes directly to enhancing the country’s regulatory framework and trade facilitation efforts.