Chief Regulatory Officer

Company Description

The Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) is the national organization established under the Digital Nation Pakistan Act of 2025, dedicated to advancing Pakistan as a Digital Nation. It provides leadership in developing the National Digital Masterplan, unifying federal and provincial digital initiatives under one cohesive strategy. PDA focuses on building secure Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), enabling an inclusive digital economy, driving digital transformation in governance, and ensuring the security and privacy of Pakistan's digital ecosystem. Collaborating with government entities, industries, and development partners, the PDA aims to create a connected, inclusive, and digitally enabled society. It envisions a future where every citizen has equitable access to digital services.

Job Summary: The CRO is the primary architect of Pakistan's national digital regulatory landscape. This role is externally-focused and leads PDA's external mandate for digital regulation and law. This role is responsible for the strategic development and enforcement of all regulatory frameworks, rules, and standards for digital governance across the public and private sectors, in alignment with the Act.

Key Responsibilities

·       Regulatory Strategy: Design and develop the comprehensive regulatory framework for Pakistan's digital economy, covering areas such as data governance, digital identity, e-commerce, and cybersecurity.

·       Policy & Legal Drafting: Lead the end-to-end process of drafting new policies, rules, and standards, ensuring they are legally robust, clear, and fit for purpose.

·       Stakeholder Consultation: Act as the primary liaison for all regulatory matters with ministries, other regulators, private sector industry bodies, and the public.

·       Enforcement Strategy: Develop the PDA's strategy for regulatory enforcement, ensuring compliance and addressing non-compliance in a fair and transparent manner.

·       Executive Counsel (External): Serve as the principal advisor to the Chairman and Board on the national and international regulatory landscape, its trends, and its implications for Pakistan.

·       Harmonization: Work with other government bodies to ensure all digital regulations are harmonized and aligned with the national 'Digital Nation' vision.

Qualifications & Experience

·       Education: A Master's Degree in Law (JD, or LLM). An advanced degree in Public Policy, Economics, Law, Computer Science, or a related field is a significant asset.

·       Experience: 15+ years of senior-level experience in regulatory affairs, academia, public policy, or as a legal officer within the technology, media, or telecoms (TMT) sector.

·      Proven experience in a public sector regulation is essential.

·      Demonstrable experience in drafting and implementing legislation, regulations, or high-level public policy.

Skills & Competencies

·      Regulatory Strategy & Development

·      Legal Drafting & Statutory Interpretation

·      Public Policy Formulation

·      Stakeholder Negotiation & Diplomacy

·      Exceptional Communication & Public Speaking