Senior Research and Policy Specialist

CIRCLE (Co-creating Inclusive Research Culture and Leadership Environments) is a collaborative project between the University of Glasgow (UK) and the University of the Punjab, funded through the Glasgow Centre for International Development (GCID). Fixed-term consultancy/project appointment for 9 months (November 2026 - July 2027), reporting to the Project Leads. Date extended; candidates who applied in the previous round need not reapply.

• Lead design and implementation of research methodology, institutional diagnostic framework, surveys, focus groups, interviews and stakeholder consultations
• Conduct desk reviews, policy analysis and evidence synthesis on research culture, inclusive leadership and organisational development
• Lead qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis and interpretation
• Develop research tools, ethics applications, consent forms, DMPs, SOPs, M&E frameworks and governance documentation
• Design and facilitate consultations, workshops and focus groups with university leadership, staff and researchers
• Provide specialist advice on research culture, leadership, EDI, researcher development and HE policy
• Prepare technical reports, policy briefs, recommendations and dissemination materials
• Work across both partner institutions to deliver activities to milestones and governance requirements
• Support development, implementation and evaluation of research culture and leadership initiatives
• Contribute to project planning, risk management, quality assurance and stakeholder relationship management

• PhD (or equivalent professional experience) in any relevant discipline
• Strong track record of research, publications and/or consultancy in higher education, organisational development or institutional change
• Understanding of research culture, inclusive leadership and higher education policy, particularly in the Pakistani context
• Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills
• Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary international teams
• Desirable: experience on UK-funded/international/donor-funded HE or research capacity projects
• Desirable: familiarity with UK research culture initiatives and research governance documentation

• Significant experience designing and leading research, institutional diagnostics, scoping studies or evaluation projects; literature/policy reviews and evidence synthesis; qualitative/quantitative/mixed-methods research; facilitating consultations with senior leaders; preparing reports and policy briefs

1. Interview

• Paper type: Mcqs

• Up-to-date CV
• Cover Letter (max 1,000 words) addressing essential and desirable criteria

1. Email CV and Cover Letter to circle.project@pu.edu.pk
2. Subject: Application – Senior Research and Policy Specialist (CIRCLE Project)
3. Only shortlisted candidates contacted for interview

Advertised by

University of the Punjab (PU)

Application link

pu.edu.pk

Added to this site

20 Oct 2026

Verify every detail here against the original advertisement before applying.

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