Deputy Director (Animal Surveillance, Diagnostics & Coordination)

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 stronger regulatory oversight, facilitation and modernisation of food safety and trade processes. The selected candidate will join NAFSA's foundational team, helping build its systems, processes and institutional capabilities. The workplace is on site.

Key responsibilities

• Lead national-level coordination for animal disease surveillance, diagnostics and field response support within NAFSA's mandate.
• Plan and oversee risk-based surveillance programmes for priority animal diseases relevant to trade, including notifiable diseases and emerging threats.
• Coordinate the collection, transport and testing of animal and animal product samples through notified or accredited laboratories, ensuring biosafety and biosecurity compliance.
• Analyse surveillance and diagnostic data to identify trends, hotspots and non-compliance patterns and recommend corrective actions.
• Support the operationalisation of crisis management plans for animal health emergencies, including field coordination, reporting and escalation triggers.
• Prepare diagnostic summaries in time and communicate results to relevant OW and SAPW units for decision-making.
• Coordinate with provincial livestock departments, laboratories and conformance assessment bodies for harmonised surveillance and official controls.
• Maintain SOPs, sampling protocols and documentation standards for surveillance and diagnostics activities.
• Supervise assigned inspectors and field teams, ensuring the quality, integrity and completeness of surveillance records.

Required profile

• Master's degree (16 years of education) in Veterinary Public Health, Epidemiology, Animal Health, Food Safety or a related discipline, or a DVM or equivalent recognised by the Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council.
• At least 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.
• Proven stakeholder management skills, including coordination with provincial departments, laboratories, industry and international counterparts.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of SPS measures and international standards (WTO-SPS, WOAH/OIE standards, Codex where applicable) and experience applying them in regulatory settings.
• Demonstrated analytical and report-writing skills, able to turn scientific evidence into policy and operational requirements.

To apply, candidates should submit their application through Pakistan Single Window.