Director Communications

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 critical role in developing systems, processes, and institutional capabilities that support the Authority’s mandate.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop and implement NAFSA’s strategic communications and stakeholder engagement plan to build public and stakeholder trust and support the Authority’s objectives.
- Support Pakistan Single Window (PSW) and Operations Wing (OW) in risk communication, ensuring timely dissemination of information to business operators and, when necessary, the public regarding risks to human, animal, or plant health and the measures taken to mitigate these risks.
- Facilitate consultative processes and stakeholder consultations during the preparation, evaluation, and revision of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures. Design communication materials that promote compliance and market access.
- Manage media relations, including press releases, briefings, crisis communications, and spokesperson coordination. Monitor media coverage and respond proactively to emerging issues.
- Oversee internal communications and change management messaging across PSW, Operations Wing, and Customs Single Window (CSW) to enhance organizational alignment and foster a performance-driven culture.
- Establish, manage, and regularly update NAFSA’s digital platforms such as the website, social media channels, and content management systems, ensuring 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 obligations.
- Coordinate with provincial and federal stakeholders to ensure unified messaging during emergencies and crisis situations.
- Track and analyze communication key performance indicators (KPIs) such as reach, engagement, sentiment, and awareness, and continuously improve communication strategies based on these insights.

Required Qualifications

- Master’s degree (16 years of education) in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Relations, Public Policy, or a related discipline.
- A minimum of 12 years of relevant experience in corporate or public sector communications, media relations, or stakeholder engagement, including at least 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 content into clear, public-friendly messages.
- Strong coordination skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with technical teams, regulators, and external stakeholders.
- Experience in public sector or regulatory communications, including liaison with federal and provincial stakeholders as well as business associations.
- Demonstrated ability to manage agency relationships (media, creative, digital) and oversee the production of high-quality communication deliverables.
- Solid understanding of reputational risk management, stakeholder mapping, and communication measurement.

No preferred qualifications or benefits were specified for this position.