Director Communications

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 candidate will join NAFSA’s foundational team and play a key role in developing systems, processes, and institutional capabilities to support the Authority’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop and implement NAFSA’s strategic communications and stakeholder engagement plan to advance the Authority’s mandate and foster trust among the public and stakeholders.
- Support SAPW and Operations Wing in risk communication aligned with the governing Act, ensuring timely dissemination of information to business operators and, when necessary, the general public regarding risks to human, animal, or plant health and preventive measures.
- Facilitate consultative processes and stakeholder engagement during the preparation, evaluation, and revision of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures; create communication materials that promote compliance and market access.
- Manage media relations, including press releases, briefings, crisis communications, and spokesperson coordination; actively monitor media coverage and respond proactively to emerging issues.
- Oversee internal communications and change management messaging across SAPW, Operations Wing, and CSW to enhance organizational alignment and foster a performance-driven culture.
- Establish, maintain, and update NAFSA’s digital platforms such as the website, social media channels, and content management systems, ensuring content accuracy, accessibility, and confidentiality compliance.
- Set up and manage NAFSA’s helpline, either directly or through outsourcing arrangements.
- Develop communication toolkits, awareness campaigns, and public education materials related to SPS measures, food safety, biosecurity, and compliance requirements.
- Coordinate with provincial and federal stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging during emergencies and crisis situations.
- Monitor communication key performance indicators (KPIs) including reach, engagement, sentiment, and awareness, and use insights to continuously enhance communication effectiveness.

Required Qualifications

- Master’s degree (16 years of education) in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Relations, Public Policy, or a related discipline.
- At least 12 years of relevant experience in corporate or public sector communications, media relations, or stakeholder engagement, including a minimum of 5 years in a leadership capacity.
- Proven expertise in risk and crisis communication, campaign development, and digital communications.
- Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills in both English and Urdu, with the ability to translate complex technical information into clear, accessible messages for the public.
- Strong coordination skills with experience working alongside technical teams, regulators, and external stakeholders.
- Experience in public sector or regulatory communications, including collaboration with federal and provincial authorities as well as business associations.
- Demonstrated ability to manage relationships with media, creative, and digital agencies, ensuring the delivery of high-quality communication outputs.
- Solid understanding of reputational risk management, stakeholder mapping, and communication performance measurement.

This role offers a unique chance to contribute to a pioneering national initiative that will shape the future of Pakistan’s agri-trade and food safety landscape. Candidates with a strategic mindset and strong communication leadership skills are encouraged to apply.