Budget Officer / Financial Analyst

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, playing a key role in developing systems, processes, and institutional capabilities to support the organization’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

The candidate will assist in the formulation and consolidation of budgets by gathering inputs from various Wings and Directorates, validating data against approved templates and assumptions, and preparing budget schedules, summaries, and working papers. Maintaining and updating budget trackers related to headcount, procurement, operational expenses (OPEX), and capital expenditures (CAPEX) will be essential. The role also involves supporting the preparation of funding utilization reports, ensuring all supporting documentation and approval trails are complete.

Conducting variance analysis comparing budgeted figures to actuals, performing trend analysis, and summarizing cost drivers will be required. The candidate must identify exceptions and emerging risks for review by the Deputy Director. Developing basic forecasts and cost projections on a monthly and quarterly basis using scenario assumptions will support management decision-making and planning discussions.

Supporting medium-term planning exercises by compiling historical baseline data, unit cost assumptions, and conducting sensitivity analysis for key expenditure categories is another important responsibility. The candidate will also assist in coordinating budget review meetings by preparing briefing packs, presentation materials, and consolidated dashboards for management and governance forums.

Processing budget adjustments, including re-appropriations and internal reallocations, will involve preparing supporting notes, schedules, and documentation in compliance with applicable financial rules. Maintaining a well-structured repository of budget files, assumptions, correspondence, and evidence documents to ensure audit readiness and timely responses to queries is critical.

Additional duties may be assigned by the Deputy Director (Budget & Planning) in line with NAFSA’s mandate.

Required Qualifications

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (16 years of education) in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or a related discipline is required. Candidates should have at least two years of relevant experience in budgeting, financial analysis, or financial planning support. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Microsoft Excel are essential. Attention to detail and the ability to work effectively under deadlines are also important for success in this role.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

While not explicitly stated, candidates with experience in public sector budgeting or familiarity with financial regulations applicable to government entities will be well-positioned for this role. Working with NAFSA offers the opportunity to contribute to a high-impact national initiative focused on modernizing Pakistan’s agri-trade and food safety landscape.

This role provides a unique chance to be part of a foundational team shaping institutional capabilities and processes in a dynamic regulatory environment. The position encourages professional growth through exposure to strategic planning, financial management, and cross-functional collaboration within a government-affiliated organization.