Executive Director / Director General – N@DIR (Contractual)

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) is seeking a highly experienced and visionary leader to serve as Executive Director / Director General for the National Institute for Demographics and Identity Research (N@DIR) on a contractual basis. Located at Islamabad Headquarters, N@DIR is a specialized national research and technology institute focused on biometrics, digital identity, registration-process research, sovereign ABIS/AFIS technologies, identity assurance, and indigenous technology development. The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing N@DIR as an internationally credible, independent, and nationally strategic research institution. This role demands a dynamic leader with a strong background in technology innovation, research management, and strategic development within high-assurance ICT systems.

Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic, scientific, and institutional leadership to implement N@DIR’s mandate and roadmap.
- Develop and lead a national research program in biometrics, digital identity, AI/ML, identity assurance, registration-process science, and emerging technologies.
- Lead the development of Pakistan-owned AFIS/ABIS, fingerprint, face, iris, multimodal biometric, biometric-quality, and PAD/Liveness technologies.
- Establish N@DIR as an independent national center for testing, benchmarking, standards, and certification of biometric and digital identity technologies.
- Oversee R&D of biometric devices, embedded systems, secure enrollment equipment, kiosks, and mobile biometric platforms.
- Create secure research environments with robust data governance, privacy, cybersecurity, and research ethics controls.
- Build strategic partnerships with universities, research institutions, international technology centers, standards organizations, government bodies, and industry stakeholders.
- Lead the N@DIR Academic Network, manage research grants, fellowships, postgraduate research, and technology innovation programs.
- Drive the transition from research and prototypes to independent evaluation, controlled pilots, and technology transfer to NADRA/NTL.
- Build and lead a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technology specialists.
- Develop N@DIR’s annual research portfolio, technology roadmap, budget, and measurable performance targets.
- Represent N@DIR at national and international forums.

Required Qualifications:
- Master’s/MS/MPhil degree (18 years of education) in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer/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.
- Minimum 15 years of relevant post-qualification experience, including significant senior leadership roles in technology, research, engineering, biometrics, digital identity, or high-assurance ICT systems.
- Demonstrated expertise in managing large R&D teams and projects, external stakeholder engagement, and compliance with policies and regulations.
- Proven track record in leading large-scale R&D, technology innovation, prototyping, independent testing, benchmarking, pilot deployment, and technology transfer.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits:
- Ph.D. or Doctorate degree in a relevant field is highly desirable.
- Additional qualifications in biometrics, AI/ML, cybersecurity, digital identity, applied cryptography, or technology management will be an advantage.
- Experience in standards development, certification, conformance testing, technology evaluation, intellectual property management, technology transfer, and commercialization is beneficial.
- The position offers an opportunity to lead a cutting-edge national institute with a strategic role in advancing Pakistan’s technological sovereignty in biometrics and digital identity.
- Female, minority, transgender, and differently-abled candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Additional Information:
The age limit for applicants is 55 years, inclusive of a 5-year general age relaxation. The selected candidate will undergo a six-month probation period, extendable based on performance. Candidates currently employed in government or semi-government organizations must provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) at the time of the interview. Attested educational documents from HEC or the respective regulatory body are required upon joining. No travel allowance or daily allowance will be provided for test/interview attendance. Electronic devices such as mobile phones and smartwatches are prohibited during the selection process.

Applications are accepted exclusively through NADRA’s official careers portal. The deadline for submission is 25th October 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. NADRA reserves the right to cancel or modify the recruitment process at any stage without prior notice.