Deputy Director (Training & Development)

This opportunity is offered 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, facilitating trade, and modernizing food safety processes. The selected Deputy Director (Training & Development) will join NAFSA’s foundational team and play a critical role in developing systems, processes, and institutional capabilities to build a competent and future-ready regulatory workforce.

Key Responsibilities

Learning Strategy & Planning: Lead the development and execution of NAFSA’s annual Learning & Development strategy, ensuring alignment with the Authority’s mandate, workforce planning, and implementation roadmap. Conduct structured Training Needs Assessments 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 facilitate 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 processes 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, maintain bond or commitment documentation where applicable, and ensure compliance with development frameworks. Monitor return on investment and retention risks related to sponsored programs.

Budget & Vendor Oversight: Assist in preparing and monitoring the annual training budget. Oversee vendor performance evaluations, contract compliance, and maintain documentation for audit purposes. Ensure cost-effectiveness and value-for-money principles in all training engagements. Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of 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. Proven experience in designing technical training programs for specialized or regulated sectors is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

Professional certification in Learning & Development, such as CIPD, SHRM, or an equivalent credential, will be considered an advantage. The role offers the opportunity to contribute to a pioneering national initiative with significant impact on Pakistan’s agri-trade and food safety regulatory landscape. The candidate will engage with diverse technical wings and development partners, gaining exposure to cutting-edge regulatory capacity-building practices.

This position is ideal for a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills and a passion for developing institutional learning frameworks that support regulatory excellence and workforce readiness.