Governments all over the world are increasingly concerned about food security. The Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives is an organization in Pakistan that has an opportunity to recruit at a high level a Food Security Specialist in the National Economic Transformation & 5Es Unit (NETU). It is based in Islamabad and seeks highly qualified personnel in the field of agriculture, food systems, sustainable development.
Food systems resilience requires a policy-oriented individual who is willing to improve the future of Pakistan by planning, researching, and implementing strategy.
TL;DR – Quick Facts About Food Security Specialist Job
- Job Title: Food Security Specialist
- Location: Islamabad, Pakistan
- Project Pay Scale: PPS-8/9
- Number of Positions: 1
- Contract: 2 years, extendable based on performance
- Age Limit: Maximum 50 years
- Qualification: PhD or Master’s in Agriculture, Food Sciences, Agribusiness, Agronomy, or related field
- Experience: 3–7 years in relevant program development and implementation
- Apply at: njp.gov.pk
- Application Deadline: Around August 20, 2025
Why Food Security Matters in 2025
The FAO records the number of people experiencing moderate or severe food insecurity in Pakistan as above 37 percent. The situation is aggravated by climate change, economic instability, and problems in supply chains. This is making the position of Food Security Specialist more than just a career factor, but rather a national service or practically speaking it is a mission.
Implementation of transformation programs under The Pakistan Vision 2025 government is focused on modernization of agriculture, development of value chain and sustainability. This specialist will contribute to the implementation of such goals as part of NETU.
Job Responsibilities and Scope
As a Food Security Specialist, your role will include:
- Designing and implementing food system strategies
- Advising on agriculture policy frameworks and development projects
- Collaborating with ministries, think tanks, and donors
- Monitoring and evaluating national food security indicators
- Leading field assessments and policy briefs
- Drafting technical reports and funding proposals
This role demands cross-functional leadership and systems thinking.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualifications
You need:
- PhD in Food Sciences, Agriculture Economics, Agribusiness, Agronomy, or Livestock; or
- Master’s in the same fields with at least 7 years of experience
The degree must be from a HEC-recognized national or international university.
Experience
- For PhD holders: 3+ years in program development and implementation
- For Master’s holders: 7+ years in sustainable agriculture or food systems
Salary and Benefits
| Grade | PPS-8/9 Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Monthly Pay | Estimated PKR 250,000–350,000 |
| Allowances | Project-based + travel support |
| Contract | 2 years, renewable |
Salary figures are estimated based on public sector projects of similar scale.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online at www.njp.gov.pk within 15 days from the date of advertisement (August 5, 2025).
Shortlisted candidates will be called for a test/interview. No TA/DA will be provided.
My Personal Experience Searching for a Government Sector Role
During my career search in the first half of the year 2023, numerous employers rejected me because of incompatible qualifications in a government sector job. My Master in Environmental Sciences could be used in wider positions, but at the beginning, I paid attention to teaching positions only. This point turned when I was reading this kind of advertisement identical to this job as Food Security Specialist.
In my CV, I have geared it to the area of public policy and sustainable development by focusing on fieldwork and coordination with the stakeholders. I also got a consulting job at an international development company which partners with the Ministry of Climate Change in Pakistan on multiple interview.
The work fitted in my passion and provided me with an in-depth understanding about the national planning. And…if you are faltering, this might be the sort of opening which will turn your fortunes in your career.
Case Study 1: Dr. Ayesha Ahmed – From Academic to Policy Leader
Dr. Ayesha got her PhD in Agricultural Economics University of Agriculture Faisalabad in the year 2018. She worked in the classroom as a teacher during 2 years and then was hired as a policy staff at the Planning Commission.
In 2021 she was also chosen as a Food Systems Advisor and contributed to co-authoring the National Agro-Industrial Strategy. Through her policy papers, the rural resilience programs received $20 million stakeholders across the world.
“Government roles helped me convert theory into real-world impact,” she said in a 2023 development roundtable.
Case Study 2: Engr. Bilal Khan – Agribusiness Specialist to Public Sector Innovator
Bilal has experience running a small-scale agritech company in the past, and joined the Ministry of Food Security as an expert through a World Bank project.
He has a Masters in Agribusiness which he is using to digitalize crop reporting and linking 6000+ small farmers to regional markets. His achievements made the net farmer income in the pilot districts grow by 12 percent.
Today, he leads a UNDP agriculture innovation lab in Punjab.
Related Career Paths in Government
- Climate Adaptation Specialist
- Agricultural Value Chain Analyst
- Public Policy Consultant
- Rural Development Project Manager
Each of these roles supports Pakistan’s commitment to SDG 2: Zero Hunger.
Application Checklist
- Updated CV with specific project experience
- Verified educational credentials (attested copies)
- National Identity Card copy
- Online application form via njp.gov.pk
Official Details
Hiring Authority: Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Department: National Economic Transformation & 5Es Unit (NETU) Location: Room No 133, P-Block, Pak Secretariat, Islamabad
Final Notes
The Ministry of Planning is recruiting a Food Security specialist in 2025 in Islamabad. The task of this role is to increase food systems and assist national food policies. The candidates are eligible to apply who have relevant education and 3-5 years of experience. It is also an excellent experience to be involved in effective government works.
FAQs – Food Security Specialist Job
1. What is the role of a Food Security Specialist?
They analyze food systems and help design policies to ensure access to safe and nutritious food for all.
2. Is this a permanent or contract-based job?
It depends on the project or department need. Most are initially contract-based with chances of extension.
3. Do I need experience for this job?
Yes, usually 3–5 years of relevant experience is required in food security or related fields.
4. What is the salary range?
Salary is based on government scales or project funding. Exact details are usually shared in the job ad.
5. Where can I apply?
You can apply on the official Ministry of Planning website or job portal mentioned in the advertisement.