Director Communications

About the role

Pakistan Single Window (PSW) is recruiting on behalf of the National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA), which is being set up to strengthen Pakistan's agri-trade ecosystem through better regulation, facilitation and modernisation of food safety and trade processes. The Director Communications reports to the DDG CSW and manages internal and external communications, stakeholder engagement, change management and public relations. The selected person joins NAFSA's foundational team, helping build its systems, processes and institutional capabilities.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and run NAFSA's strategic communications and stakeholder engagement plan to build public and stakeholder trust.
• Support SAPW and OW in risk communication under the Act, giving timely information to business operators and, where needed, the public on risks to human, animal or plant health and the measures taken.
• Support consultations on SPS measures and design communication material that helps with compliance and market access.
• Handle media relations, press releases, briefings, crisis communications and spokesperson coordination, and monitor media coverage.
• Oversee internal communications and change management messaging across SAPW, Operations Wing and CSW.
• Run NAFSA's website, social media and publications, and manage the helpline, directly or through outsourcing.
• Build communication toolkits, awareness campaigns and public education materials on SPS measures, food safety and biosecurity.
• Coordinate with provincial and federal stakeholders on unified messaging during emergencies and track communication KPIs such as reach, engagement, sentiment and awareness.

Required profile

• Master's degree (16 years of education) in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Relations, Public Policy or a related field.
• At least 12 years of experience in corporate or public sector communications, media relations or stakeholder engagement, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience in risk and crisis communication, campaign development and digital communications.
• Experience in public sector or regulatory communications, including liaison with federal/provincial stakeholders and business associations.
• Ability to manage agency relationships (media, creative, digital) and oversee high-quality communication deliverables.

Required skills

• Excellent writing, editing and presentation skills in English and Urdu, and the ability to turn technical content into clear public messages.
• Strong coordination skills working with technical teams, regulators and external stakeholders.
• Understanding of reputational risk management, stakeholder mapping and communication measurement.