Deputy Director (Surveillance, Diagnostics & Coordination - Animal)

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:

• Lead national-level coordination for animal disease surveillance, diagnostics and field response support within NAFSA’s mandate.

• Plan and oversee risk-based surveillance programs for priority animal diseases relevant to trade, including notifiable diseases and emerging threats.

• Coordinate collection, transport and testing of animal and animal product samples through notified/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 operationalisation of crisis management plans for animal health emergencies, including field coordination, reporting and escalation triggers.

• Ensure timely preparation of diagnostic summaries and communication of 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/field teams and ensure quality, integrity and completeness of surveillance records.

• Perform any other responsibilities assigned by the reporting officer in support of NAFSA’s mandate.

Requirements

Education:

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

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.

For contact, kindly reach out to hr.support@psw.gov.pk.