Deputy Director (SRD Animal) | NAFSA

Pakistan Single Window; Islamabad; On-site; PKR 2,000,000 - 3,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Pakistan Single Window (PSW) is recruiting on behalf of the National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA). The selected candidate will join the foundational team to develop systems, processes, and institutional capabilities in animal health regulation and trade facilitation.

The role requires 8+ years in animal health/SPS regulation, a DVM (or PVMC-recognized) and a Master’s in related field, with strong analytical, policy-translation and stakeholder-management skills to harmonize

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in animal health/SPS regulation.
• 3+ years in a supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of SPS measures and international standards (WTO-SPS, WOAH/OIE, Codex).
• Analytical and report-writing skills; ability to translate science into policy.
• Proven stakeholder management with provinces, industry and international partners.

Responsibilities

• Develop, review and update SPS measures, standards and regulatory instruments for animals and animal products.
• Draft and maintain import/export animal health requirements, quarantine conditions and certification protocols.
• Vet and standardize international veterinary certificate formats and health protocols.
• Provide regulatory guidance to OW for implementation at points of entry/exit, including inspection and detention procedures.
• Lead stakeholder consultations for new or revised animal health regulations with SAPW risk assessments and provincial feedback.
• Coordinate with provincial livestock departments to harmonize measures and emergency response arrangements.
• Maintain a structured repository of notified SPS measures, SOPs and guidance documents.
• Support enforcement integrity by clarifying regulatory interpretations and resolving disputes.
• Monitor international regulatory developments and partner requirements; recommend updates.
• Perform any other responsibilities assigned by the reporting officer in support of NAFSA’s mandate.

Skills

SPS regulation knowledge

Analytical/report writing

Stakeholder management

Leadership / supervision

Policy translation to operations

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or PVMC-recognized qualification

Master’s Degree in Veterinary Public Health / Epidemiology / Animal Health / Food Safety

Job description

This position is being recruited by Pakistan Single Window (PSW) on behalf of the National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA). NAFSA is being established as a strategic national initiative to strengthen Pakistan’s agri-trade ecosystem through enhanced regulatory oversight, facilitation, and modernization of food safety and trade processes. The selected candidate will be part of NAFSA’s foundational team, contributing to the development of systems, processes, and institutional capabilities.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, review and update SPS measures, standards and regulatory instruments for animals and animal products in line with the NAFSA Act and applicable national legislation.
• Draft and maintain import/export animal health requirements, quarantine conditions and certification protocols, aligned with WOAH standards and bilateral agreements.
• Vet and standardize international veterinary certificate formats and health protocols to support trade facilitation and regulatory assurance.
• Provide regulatory guidance to OW for implementation at points of entry/exit, including inspection, quarantine, detention, rejection and destruction procedures where required.
• Lead stakeholder consultations for new or revised animal health regulations, incorporating scientific advice from SAPW risk assessment and feedback from industry and provinces.
• Coordinate with provincial livestock departments to harmonize animal health measures, movement controls and emergency response arrangements.
• Maintain a structured repository of notified SPS measures, SOPs and guidance documents for animal health controls.
• Support enforcement integrity by clarifying regulatory interpretations and resolving technical disputes and appeals inputs as required.
• Monitor international regulatory developments and trading partner requirements and recommend updates to domestic measures accordingly.
• Perform any other responsibilities assigned by the reporting officer in support of NAFSA’s mandate.
  

Education:

• Preferred Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent qualification recognized by Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council (PVMC) (will be preferred).
• Minimum Master’s Degree (sixteen years education) qualification in Veterinary Public Health, Epidemiology, Animal Health, Food Safety, or a related discipline (preferred).

Experience:

• Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible experience in animal health/SPS regulation, veterinary public health, quarantine, or international trade compliance, including at least 3 years in a supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of SPS measures and international standards (WTO-SPS, WOAH/OIE standards, Codex where applicable) and experience in applying them in regulatory settings.
• Demonstrated analytical and report-writing skills with the ability to translate scientific evidence into policy and operational requirements.
• Proven stakeholder management skills, including coordination with provincial departments, laboratories, industry and international counterparts.