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 vital 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 support its mandate and foster public and stakeholder trust.
- Assist SAPW and Operations Wing in risk communication aligned with the Act, 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 those risks.
- Facilitate consultative and stakeholder engagement during the preparation, evaluation, and revision of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures; design communication materials to promote compliance and market access.
- Manage media relations, including press releases, briefings, crisis communications, and spokesperson coordination; monitor media coverage and proactively address 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 and maintain 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 unified messaging during emergencies and crisis situations.
- Track and analyze communication key performance indicators (KPIs) such as reach, engagement, sentiment, and awareness, continuously improving communication strategies and effectiveness.

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.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and presentation skills in both English and Urdu, with the ability to translate complex technical content 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 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 techniques.

No preferred qualifications or benefits were specified for this position.