Director, CPSC (China Pakistan Study Centre)

About This Job

The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), a premier government-affiliated think tank specializing in foreign policy and international relations research, has advertised a regular, BPS-20 vacancy for the position of Director of its China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) through the National Job Portal. This is a senior leadership post within one of Pakistan's most prominent research institutions, responsible for guiding the Centre's research agenda on China, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and Central Asian affairs, and for representing ISSI in academic and policy circles both domestically and internationally. One vacancy has been announced, with the advertisement published on 17 August 2026.

Applicants must hold a PhD in International Relations, Defence and Strategic Studies, Economics, Political Science, or a closely comparable discipline; candidates currently enrolled in a PhD program may also apply. A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in a university, think tank, research institution, or other policy-focused organization is required, along with demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience, since the Director will be expected to manage a research team and set institutional priorities. At least five research publications recognized by the Higher Education Commission are required, and preference will be given to candidates with particular expertise on China, SCO affairs, and Central Asia, as well as those who have built professional networks with Chinese academic and policy institutions. The maximum age limit is 50 years, inclusive of the standard five-year general age relaxation, and candidates should be able to demonstrate strong leadership and team-management skills alongside a genuine commitment to research excellence and international collaboration.

Candidates interested in this position must apply online through the National Job Portal at www.njp.gov.pk, where registration with a CNIC and email address is required before a complete profile with educational and professional history can be submitted along with supporting documents. No application fee has been specified for this post. The closing date for submission of applications is 31 August 2026, and given the scale-20 seniority of the role, applicants are advised to ensure their publication record and leadership credentials are clearly documented in their application well ahead of the deadline.

Job Information

Commission / Board

Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad

Place of posting

Anywhere in federal

City

Islamabad

Postal Code

44000

Domicile

All Punjab Basis

Age (Male)

18–50 years

Age (Female)

18–50 years

Age note

Minimum age not specified in advertisement; 18 used as standard civil-service age floor

Salary / BPS

BPS-20

Advt. No.

9602

Last date

31 August 2026

Qualification Required

• Qualification:PhD in International Relations, Defence and Strategic Studies, Economics, Political Science, or a comparable discipline (candidates enrolled in a PhD program may also apply); minimum 5 HEC-recognized research publications
• Experience:Minimum 10 years in a university, think tank, research institution, or policy-focused organization, with leadership and supervisory experience

Posts Breakdown

Test / Selection Process

How to Apply

1. Visit official website at official website
2. Create account or login with your CNIC number
3. Fill online application form with CNIC, domicile and education details
4. Upload required documents and submit before last date — 31 August 2026

Additional Details

Sector

Research/Academia

Age Note

Maximum 50 years including 5 years general age relaxation

Job Type

regular

Location

Islamabad

Posted Date

2026-08-17

Preferences

Expertise in China, SCO, and Central Asia preferred; professional networks with Chinese institutions preferred

Salary Scale

BPS-20

Organization Type

government think tank

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