Country Head (Pakistan)

Country Head (Pakistan)

LEEP seeks an experienced senior leader to establish and lead our Pakistan operations during a pivotal phase of growth. This person will be responsible for driving rapid, large-scale reductions in lead exposure while building a high-performing team aligned with our mission and values.

Position Summary

Application Deadline: Rolling applications, until August 4th 2025

Start date: As soon as possible

Hours: Full-time

Location: Pakistan. We are currently unable to sponsor visas.

Time Zone: Must be located in Pakistan, Karachi and Lahore preferred. Must be willing to collaborate with team members across global time zones.

Language Requirements: Full professional proficiency in English and Urdu.

Salary: 16,000,000 to 18,000,000 PKR per annum

How to apply: Fill out this application form

Contact: hiring@leadelimination.org

About LEEP

LEEP is an impact-driven, evidence-based nonprofit that aims to eliminate childhood lead poisoning, which affects an estimated one in three children worldwide. We primarily focus on one important source of exposure: lead paint. Our paint programs involve generating data, supporting governments with the introduction and enforcement of regulation, and assisting manufacturers in switching to lead-free paints. Beyond our paint programs, we are piloting interventions to address other sources of lead exposure, such as spices and cosmetics.

Since our founding in September 2020:

• We have initiated lead paint elimination programs in 31 countries and completed paint studies in 18.
• We have agreed on goals to establish lead paint regulation with government agencies in 16 countries (e.g., in Angola).
• We have received reports in 10 countries of manufacturers representing more than 50% of the lead paint market share (in that country) reformulating to lead-free, e.g., in Malawi.
• We have achieved significant reduction in lead paint market share in Pakistan, where lead poisoning affects nearly half of all children (~47 million) and paint with very high levels of lead is readily available on the market
• To achieve a reduction representing more than 80% of the lead paint market share in Pakistan over the next two years, LEEP plans to
  • Work with regulatory authorities to ensure that limits on lead are being enforced
  • Conduct paint testing surveys to monitor progress and motivate further action
  • Engage with manufacturers, particularly SMEs and informal manufacturers, and advocate for them to end the use of lead
  • Provide technical support to manufacturers seeking to reformulate lead-free products
  • Understand the legislative and policy environment around industrial and spray paint regulation and enforcement at a national level
• LEEP is also developing interventions to target lead in spices and cosmetics with government and non-government partners
• We have conducted lead in spices studies in Ethiopia and Türkiye.
• Founders Pledge estimates that it costs $1.66 to prevent one child’s lead exposure (in expectation) through our work, making LEEP one of its most cost-effective nonprofit recommendations. Our own analysis estimates that it costs under $5 to avert one DALYequivalent through LEEP’s first 13 established programs.
• We are a partner of the WHO and UN Environment Programme's Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint, and a member of the Partnership for a Lead-Free Future, launched by USAID and UNICEF.
• We have received grants from major grantmaking organisations, including USAID, Founders Pledge, Open Philanthropy, and Schmidt Futures.
• We have appeared in Nature, Vox, Time Magazine, The New Yorker, Prospect, on the 80,000 Hours Podcast, at the Partnership for a Lead-Free Future launch on the sidelines of the 79th UN General Assembly, and our co-founders were named in Vox’s Future Perfect 50.

About the Role

LEEP is seeking an exceptional Country Head to lead our Pakistan operations and drive rapid, large-scale reductions in lead exposure across the country. As LEEP's senior representative in Pakistan, you will spearhead our advocacy strategy with federal and provincial ministries, coordinate work across government, industry and research sectors, and build a high-performing team aligned with our mission.

This role offers the opportunity to make a transformational impact on public health in Pakistan while leading a dynamic team in one of LEEP's priority markets. You will work closely with senior government officials, industry leaders, and international stakeholders to eliminate childhood lead poisoning from paint and other sources.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Advocacy

• Develop and implement ambitious strategies to reduce lead exposure in Pakistan
• Serve as LEEP's primary representative with government, partners, and media in Pakistan
• Lead LEEP's advocacy strategy with federal and provincial ministries, bodies, regulators, and policymakers eg PSQCA, MoST
• Coordinate work across government, industry, and research to maximize impact

Program Implementation and Oversight

• Oversee implementation of research studies, regulatory advocacy, and industry engagement programs
• Develop strategies and execute high-quality approaches that achieve results in line with program goals
• Monitor progress against country-specific objectives

Team Management and Development

• Lead and develop Pakistan's growing team, including Industry Consultant, Program Manager and Research Manager
• Foster a high-performing, collaborative, and mission-aligned team culture
• Provide strategic direction and support for team members' professional development
• Ensure effective coordination between different functional areas

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

• Build and maintain relationships with senior government officials, regulatory bodies, and policymakers
• Engage with industry leaders, manufacturers, and trade associations
• Represent LEEP at high-level meetings, conferences, and policy forums
• Develop partnerships with local and international organisations

What We’re Looking For

A successful applicant will possess or be most of the following:

• Mission-driven: passion for LEEP’s mission and values, and a strong commitment to achieving meaningful, scalable impact
• 15+ years of work experience, including substantial work in government, policy, or public affairs in Pakistan, with direct exposure to regulatory processes and senior stakeholders
• 5+ years of experience managing teams — must have led direct reports and supported their performance and development
• Deep understanding of Pakistan's political, regulatory, and business landscape
• Exceptional stakeholder management and diplomatic skills
• Outstanding communication skills in English and Urdu, both written and verbal
• Strategic thinking ability with proven track record of driving policy or regulatory change
• Experience working with international organisations or multinational companies

Other promising attributes:

• Experience in environmental policy, public health, or chemical regulation
• Established network within Pakistani government and industry
• Familiarity with WHO, UNEP, or other international health/environmental frameworks