Research Fellow SPPS-IV Scale Full Time

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Position: Research Fellow (SPPS-IV Scale)

Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication

Background

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) is committed to shaping Pakistan’s future by formulating forward-looking policies and enhancing ICT infrastructure and services. The goal is to accelerate the nation’s transformation into a knowledge-based economy by ensuring the availability of affordable and reliable ICT services.

To support this mission, the Ministry invites applications from competent and proactive professionals for one (01) position of Research Fellow (SPPS-IV Scale). The details are as follows:

Job Specification

Qualification

• Master’s degree (16 years of education) in any of the following ICT-related disciplines from an HEC-recognized local or top-ranking international university:

  • Computer Science

  • Information Technology

  • Information Management Systems

  • Network & Telecommunications

  • Software Engineering

  • Cloud Computing

Experience

Minimum of three (3) years of relevant professional experience in the public or private sector.

Preferred Professional Competencies:

• Proven experience in developing Telecom sector KPIs aligned with national and global benchmarks.

• Experience in stakeholder engagement across local and international telecom sectors.

• Strong understanding of telecom policies, regulations, and international frameworks.

• Familiarity with international statistical data sources.

• Strong communication, analytical, and presentation skills.

• Ability to prepare clear and concise policy briefs.

• Team-oriented mindset with problem-solving capabilities.

Age Limit

The maximum age will be calculated based on the application closing date, in accordance with the Federal Government’s SPPS policy.

Duration of Appointment

The initial appointment will be on a two-year contract, extendable by another two years based on performance and as per the SPPS policy guidelines issued by the Establishment Division.

Disqualification Criteria

A candidate shall be considered ineligible if he/she:

• Has been dismissed from service due to disciplinary proceedings.

• Has been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude.

• Is not or was not a citizen of Pakistan at the time of appointment.

• Has benefitted from the National Reconciliation Ordinance, 2007.

Appointment Procedure

• The position will be advertised on the MoITT website, National Job Portal, and in at least two leading national newspapers.

• Applications will be scrutinized by a Scrutiny Committee, headed by the Additional Secretary of MoITT.

• A Selection Committee will evaluate shortlisted candidates and recommend a panel for final approval by the Prime Minister.

Job Description

The Research Fellow (SPPS-IV) will assist the Ministry by:

• Conducting research on global and regional ICT best practices, especially from countries with similar socio-economic profiles.

• Analyzing global ICT indices and forecasting technological trends.

• Developing ICT KPIs and strategic frameworks aligned with international standards.

• Coordinating with stakeholders—government bodies, industry experts, advocacy groups—for policy input and consensus building.

• Managing national ICT sector targets, including reporting and performance tracking.

• Preparing policy briefs, reports, and presentations.

• Monitoring and following up on MoITT’s key initiatives.

• Performing any other tasks assigned by the Ministry.

Pay Package

The Research Fellow shall receive a fixed all-inclusive salary of up to PKR 500,000/month under SPPS-IV Scale. The final figure is negotiable and will be discussed during the interview.

Leave Entitlement

The appointee shall earn three (3) days of leave per month on full pay, to be availed within the contract duration, as per Federal Government rules.

Conflict of Interest

The selected candidate must:

• Resign or retire from their current post/department prior to appointment.

• Not engage in any other employment, business, or vocation during the contract term that could influence or compromise their performance.

Public Servant Status

The Research Fellow shall be deemed a public servant under Section 21 of the Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860) while performing official duties as per Federal Government rules.

Termination of Contract

The contract may be terminated by either party with one month’s notice or payment of one month’s salary in lieu thereof, as per the SPPS Policy.

Monitoring & Evaluation

The Research Fellow’s performance will be monitored by the relevant Head of Wing, under the supervision of the assigned reporting officer.

Applicability of Other Rules

In all matters not explicitly stated here, the rules, laws, and policies applicable to civil servants under the Federal Government’s SPPS framework shall apply.

Experience Requirement

• Minimum Required: 3 years in the relevant ICT sector

Core Skills Required

• ICT policy analysis

• KPI development

• Stakeholder management

• Telecom regulation knowledge

• Data analysis & forecasting

• Report writing & presentation

• Strategic planning

• Team collaboration