Deputy Director (Training & Development)

This position is being recruited by Pakistan Single Window (PSW) 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, facilitation, and modernization of 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 Authority’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

Learning Strategy & Planning:
Lead the development and execution of NAFSA’s annual Learning & Development (L&D) strategy, ensuring alignment with the Authority’s mandate, workforce planning, and implementation roadmap. Conduct structured Training Needs Assessments (TNA) in collaboration with various Wings and Departments, translating findings into an approved Annual Training Plan with clear priorities and budget allocations. Establish governance processes for learning, including training approval workflows, nomination criteria, and documentation standards.

Programme Design & Delivery:
Design, coordinate, and oversee the delivery of technical, regulatory, and managerial training programs for NAFSA staff. This includes SPS-related capacity building in coordination with SAPW and the Operational Wing. Develop structured induction programs for new hires and transferred staff to ensure early productivity and regulatory orientation. Facilitate internal knowledge-sharing sessions, workshops, and subject-matter seminars as needed. Manage relationships with external trainers, institutions, development partners, and vendors to ensure quality, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.

Competency Frameworks & Learning Pathways:
Support the development and refinement of competency frameworks aligned with job architecture and regulatory standards. Develop role-based learning pathways and certification roadmaps for inspectors, scientists, technical staff, and managerial cadres. Integrate training initiatives with performance management and succession planning in coordination with HR Operations.

Training Governance, Monitoring & Evaluation:
Establish measurable training KPIs and evaluation mechanisms covering reaction, learning, behavior, and results to assess training effectiveness and institutional impact. Maintain comprehensive training records, certifications, and learning histories through structured documentation or Learning Management Systems (LMS). Prepare periodic reports and dashboards on training coverage, utilization, outcomes, and budget status for management review. Identify capability gaps and recommend corrective actions.

Certifications & Professional Development:
Coordinate professional certifications, study visits, and external development opportunities in line with approved policies and budgets. Ensure transparency in nominations, manage bond/commitment documentation where applicable, and ensure compliance with development frameworks. Monitor return-on-investment and retention risks associated with sponsored programs.

Budget & Vendor Oversight:
Support the preparation and monitoring of the annual training budget. Ensure vendor performance evaluations, contract compliance, and documentation completeness for audit purposes. Maintain cost-effectiveness and value-for-money principles in all training engagements. Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director HR & Administration consistent with NAFSA’s mandate.

Required Qualifications

A Master’s degree (minimum 16 years of education) in Human Resource Development, Education, Management, Public Administration, or a related discipline from an HEC-recognized institution is required. Candidates should have a minimum of eight years of relevant experience in training design, organizational learning, capacity building, or HR development roles, including at least four years in a supervisory or managerial capacity. Experience designing technical training programs for specialized or regulated sectors is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

Professional certification in Learning & Development, such as CIPD, SHRM, or an equivalent credential, will be considered an advantage.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute significantly to the establishment and growth of a key national regulatory authority, shaping the future of Pakistan’s agri-trade and food safety landscape.