Executive Director / Director General (N@DIR)

About the role

N@DIR (National Institute for Demographics and Identity Research) is a specialized national research and technology institute being established under the auspices of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). The Executive Director / Director General will provide strategic, scientific and institutional leadership to establish N@DIR as an independent, internationally credible national center for biometrics, digital identity, registration-process research, sovereign ABIS/AFIS technologies, identity assurance and indigenous technology development.

The role includes developing and leading national research programmes in biometrics, digital identity, AI/ML and related fields; overseeing development of AFIS/ABIS, fingerprint, face, iris and multimodal biometric technologies; establishing independent testing, benchmarking, standards and certification capabilities; and building partnerships with universities, research institutions, standards organizations, government institutions and industry.

Posts and vacancies

• Executive Director / Director General — single leadership post

Eligibility

• Educational background: Master's / MS / MPhil in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Engineering, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Information Technology, Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Cybersecurity, Biometrics, Computer Vision, Digital Identity or a closely related discipline from an HEC-recognized institution. Degrees must be attested by HEC.

• Professional experience: Minimum 15 years of relevant post-qualification experience, including substantial senior leadership experience in technology, research, engineering, biometrics, digital identity or high-assurance ICT systems.

• Age: Maximum 55 years.

• Preference: Candidates holding a Ph.D. or Doctorate degree and additional qualifications in biometrics, AI/ML, cybersecurity, digital identity or applied cryptography will be preferred.

• Desirable experience: managing large R&D setups and teams; leading large-scale R&D, technology innovation or engineering programmes; research, prototyping, independent testing, benchmarking, pilot deployment and technology transfer; standards, certification and conformance testing; intellectual property and commercialization.

How to apply

The advertisement lists the web address www.paa.gov.pk. Applicants should refer to the published contact or application instructions at that site.