Research Associate

1. Job Purpose

The Research Associate will serve as the lead researcher and intellectual and technical focal point of the Telec–NIMA Research Chair. The position is responsible for planning, conducting, supervising, and delivering high-quality research assignments under the Telec–NIMA collaboration, ensuring alignment with NIMA’s academic and strategic objectives and Telec Group’s commercial and strategic interests.

Considering the incumbent’s prior experience as a Senior Researcher at NIMA, along with relevant research, publication, analytical, and policy experience, the position requires a higher level of independent research capability, strategic insight, project ownership, and supervisory responsibility than that of a Research Assistant.

The incumbent will translate research findings into actionable insights, policy recommendations, technology assessments, and potential business opportunities for Telec Group and contribute to academic and strategic research initiatives undertaken in collaboration with NIMA.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Research Planning and Project Development

• Develop annual and quarterly research plans in consultation with Telec Management and NIMA.
• Identify and prioritize research topics relevant to maritime affairs, national security, emerging technologies, economic development, the blue economy, ports, logistics, energy, and infrastructure.
• Translate management’s strategic interests into structured research projects with clearly defined objectives and expected outcomes.
• Formulate research questions, methodologies, project timelines, and deliverables.
• Establish a research framework, annual research calendar, and source and database framework.
• Review research priorities periodically in response to emerging developments and organizational requirements.

B. Research, Intelligence and Strategic Analysis

• Conduct comprehensive primary and secondary research using credible and verifiable sources.
• Collect, validate, interpret, and analyze qualitative and quantitative information.
• Undertake policy, industry, market, technology, and strategic analysis relevant to the Research Chair’s objectives.
• Monitor national and international developments affecting Telec Group, NIMA, and Pakistan’s strategic and economic interests.
• Identify emerging trends, opportunities, risks, threats, and areas requiring further investigation.
• Prepare evidence-based assessments and recommendations to support informed management decisions.

C. Telec-Focused Commercial and Strategic Research

• Conduct research that translates academic and strategic insights into practical commercial and organizational value for Telec Group.
• Identify emerging technology sectors, potential business opportunities, and areas for diversification or expansion.
• Research developments in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, defense and security technologies, energy and power, electronic test and measurement, maritime technologies, infrastructure, and logistics.
• Assess industry developments, market trends, competitor activities, and potential technology applications relevant to Telec Group.
• Identify potential international technology partners, technology-transfer opportunities, and collaborative ventures.
• Analyze relevant government policies, regulations, public-sector projects, and procurement trends.
• Prepare feasibility-oriented research, opportunity assessments, and strategic recommendations for management consideration.

D. Research Papers, Publications and Quality Assurance

• Prepare high-quality research papers, policy briefs, discussion papers, analytical reports, and intelligence briefs.
• Ensure that research outputs meet appropriate academic, professional, analytical, and publication standards.
• Support the publication and dissemination of research through appropriate Telec and NIMA platforms.
• Review, edit, and improve research papers and reports prepared by the Research Assistant.
• Ensure the accuracy, credibility, originality, and proper referencing of research outputs.
• Identify suitable opportunities for publishing research findings in relevant journals, institutional publications, and professional forums.

E. Supervision and Development of the Research Assistant

• Allocate research assignments and communicate clear objectives, timelines, and expected outputs to the Research Assistant.
• Guide the Research Assistant in research methodology, source identification, information validation, and analytical writing.
• Review and improve research drafts, reports, and presentations before submission.
• Monitor progress against agreed research plans and deadlines.
• Maintain a research work plan, assignment tracker, and progress-monitoring mechanism.
• Provide constructive feedback and support the development of the Research Assistant’s research, writing, and analytical capabilities.
• Ensure consistency and quality across all research outputs produced by the team.

F. Management Briefings and Presentations

• Present significant research findings, strategic assessments, and recommendations to Telec senior management and NIMA.
• Prepare concise executive summaries, briefing notes, presentations, and decision-support documents.
• Translate complex research findings into clear, practical, and actionable insights for non-specialist audiences.
• Participate in seminars, conferences, workshops, and policy discussions relevant to the Research Chair.
• Represent the Telec–NIMA Research Chair at authorized academic, professional, and industry forums.

G. Research Networking and Collaboration

• Develop and maintain professional relationships with universities, think tanks, government institutions, industry experts, and international research organizations.
• Identify opportunities for collaborative research, joint publications, seminars, conferences, and knowledge exchange.
• Support the development of institutional partnerships that strengthen the Research Chair’s academic standing and practical relevance.
• Identify relevant experts and external resources to support specialized research assignments.

H. Reporting, Documentation and Research Governance

• Submit monthly progress reports covering completed assignments, ongoing projects, key findings, and upcoming priorities.
• Maintain organized records of research papers, source materials, datasets, references, and project documentation.
• Ensure that research activities adhere to applicable confidentiality requirements, information-handling procedures, and institutional guidelines.
• Track research deliverables against approved timelines and report any delays, challenges, or resource requirements to the designated supervisor.
• Recommend improvements to research processes, reporting standards, and knowledge-management practices.

3. Key Research Streams

The Research Associate will undertake research across the following priority streams, subject to the approved research plan and organizational requirements.

A. Maritime and Port Affairs

• Maritime security and maritime domain developments.
• Port development, automation, and operational technologies.
• Shipping, maritime logistics, and coastal infrastructure.
• Maritime technology and the blue economy.

B. Defense, Security and Strategic Affairs

• National security and strategic developments.
• Cybersecurity and emerging security technologies.
• Surveillance technologies and critical infrastructure protection.
• Strategic technology developments relevant to Pakistan.

C. Technology and Innovation

• Artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT).
• Automation, electronics, and emerging technologies.
• Technology transfer and international technology partnerships.
• Technology applications relevant to Telec Group’s business interests.

D. Energy and Infrastructure

• Power-sector developments and energy security.
• Renewable energy and emerging energy technologies.
• Grid technologies and infrastructure development.
• Opportunities in energy-related projects and technology solutions.

E. Economic and Commercial Research

• Industry studies and market intelligence.
• Competitor and sector analysis.
• New business opportunities and commercial feasibility assessments.
• International partnerships and technology collaboration.
• Government projects and public-sector procurement trends.

F. Policy and Regulatory Research

• Government policies and regulatory developments.
• National development plans and technology policies.
• Maritime, defense, and security policies.
• International agreements and developments affecting Pakistan’s strategic, economic, and commercial interests.

These research streams will enable the Telec–NIMA Research Chair to support NIMA’s academic and strategic mandate while advancing Telec Group’s commercial, technological, and strategic objectives.

4. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Performance will be evaluated against the quality, relevance, timeliness, and practical value of research outputs, including:

• Timely development and implementation of approved annual and quarterly research plans.
• Completion of monthly research and intelligence briefs and emerging trends and opportunities reports.
• Delivery of at least one substantive research or policy paper per quarter.
• Quality, accuracy, credibility, and analytical depth of research publications.
• Relevance of findings and recommendations to Telec Group’s strategic and commercial interests.
• Timely submission of research progress reports and management presentations.
• Effective supervision, review, and development of the Research Assistant.
• Contribution to research collaborations, conferences, seminars, and publication opportunities.
• Maintenance of appropriate research documentation, confidentiality, and professional standards.

5. General Expectations

The Research Associate is expected to demonstrate independent judgment, strong analytical and writing skills, professional integrity, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple research assignments. The incumbent will be accountable for the timely delivery and quality of assigned research work and for ensuring that the Research Chair generates meaningful academic, strategic, and commercial value for both Telec Group and NIMA.

Work Location: In person