ISSI Jobs 2026: Director China Pakistan Study Centre BPS-20 Vacancy

The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad is hiring a Director for the China Pakistan Study Centre in BPS-20. The current ISSI Jobs vacancy is a regular senior research and leadership position for a professional with strong experience in international relations, strategic studies, economics, political science or a comparable field.

The role focuses on China, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and Central Asia. Applicants need a strong research background, leadership ability and at least ten years of professional experience in a university, think tank, research institution or policy-oriented organization. The position also requires a record of research publications and international academic or policy engagement.

📌 Available Job Position

• Position: Director, CPSC – China Pakistan Study Centre
• Grade: BPS-20
• Number of Posts: 1
• Job Type: Regular
• Qualification: PhD in International Relations, Defence and Strategic Studies, Economics, Political Science or a comparable discipline; candidates enrolled in a PhD programme may also apply
• Experience: Minimum 10 years
• Research Requirement: Minimum 5 HEC-recognized research publications
• Maximum Age: 50 years including general age relaxation
• Closing Date: 31 August 2026

Research Focus

The China Pakistan Study Centre works on policy and research connected with China and the wider region. Candidates with strong knowledge of China, SCO member states and Central Asia have a direct connection with the role.

Applicants should show the main research themes they have worked on. If your publications, policy papers or projects cover China-Pakistan relations, regional connectivity, strategic affairs, political economy or Central Asia, place these areas clearly in the research profile.

Professional Experience

The position requires at least ten years of professional experience. Relevant organizations include universities, think tanks, research institutes and policy-focused organizations. Senior-level experience should show more than individual research work; it should also demonstrate leadership and responsibility for teams or programmes.

Write job titles and employment dates clearly. Under each senior role, explain the research programmes, policy work, team supervision or institutional responsibilities you handled.

Research Publications

Applicants need at least five HEC-recognized research publications. Prepare a clean publication list with title, journal or publisher, year and authorship information. Place the most relevant work first instead of giving a long mixed list with unrelated writing.

Policy briefs, reports and other research products can also strengthen the profile when they show practical policy work, but the required research-publication condition should be easy to verify from the CV.

Leadership and Team Management

The Director will lead researchers and make sure the Centre produces quality work within deadlines. Candidates should have experience supervising researchers, reviewing outputs and guiding teams on research priorities.

Leadership can also include mentoring junior researchers, managing project schedules and coordinating several research activities at once. Use clear examples from previous positions where applicable.

International Networks

Professional networks with Chinese think tanks, research institutions and universities are important for this role. Experience with fellowships, joint research, academic exchanges and international collaboration can strengthen the application.

Candidates should list important institutional collaborations and explain their own role. If you organized an exchange, managed a joint project or worked with an international research partner, describe the activity in a short and clear way.

Policy Dialogues and Conferences

The Director may lead research projects, policy dialogues, conferences and bilateral exchanges. Applicants with experience designing or managing these activities should include them in the professional profile.

Conference participation alone is different from leading an event or policy programme. Make your role clear, such as organizer, project lead, moderator, researcher or institutional representative.

Strategic Vision and Professional Values

The role needs strategic thinking because the Director is responsible for strengthening the Centre’s research quality, institutional position and international outreach. Integrity, professionalism, transparency and accountability are also important for senior research leadership.

Applicants should keep the CV professional and evidence-based. Avoid broad claims such as “leading expert” unless the profile clearly supports them through research, publications and leadership work.

How to Apply for ISSI Jobs

Candidates applying for ISSI Jobs can use the National Jobs Portal and select Director, CPSC. Complete the education, experience and professional information carefully and keep the research-publication record ready.

Review PhD status, years of experience and publication details before submitting. Use active contact information and make sure the CV clearly shows China, SCO or Central Asia-related expertise where applicable.

Application Check

This is a senior BPS-20 research position. A strong application should show academic depth, ten years of relevant professional work, a valid publication record, leadership experience and meaningful international research networks. Keep these points easy to find rather than hiding them inside a long general CV.