The National Institute of Population Studies (NIPSTAR) seeks a highly qualified Consultant for a 90-day contract to lead the study “Comprehensive Analysis of the Elderly Population in Pakistan.” This role offers a competitive payment of PKR 1.8 million+ and is ideal for experts in demographic research.
Position Overview Table
| Job Detail | Description |
| Position Title | Research Consultant (Contract Basis) |
| Project Name | Comprehensive Analysis of the Elderly Population in Pakistan |
| Duration | 90 Days |
| Total Positions | 01 |
| Salary Package | PKR 1,800,000+ (Deliverable-based payment) |
| Job Type | Temporary/Contract |
| Application Deadline | 23 April 2025 (Within 15 days of advertisement) |
Eligibility & Requirements Table
| Criteria | Details |
| Education | Ph.D. in Demography/Economics/Population Studies (HEC-recognized institution) |
| Experience | Minimum 25 years in research/consultancy (Aging population focus preferred) |
| Technical Skills | Large-scale data analysis Policy report writing Statistical modeling |
| Soft Skills | Team collaboration Stakeholder presentation Analytical synthesis |
| Age Limit | Not specified (Emphasis on experience) |
Key Project Details: Elderly Population Study
- Project Title: Comprehensive Analysis of the Elderly Population in Pakistan
- Duration: 90 days (temporary/contract basis)
- Position Type: Research Consultant
- Salary: PKR 1,800,000+ (deliverable-based payment)
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
Mandatory Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Demography, Economics, Population Studies, or related field (HEC-recognized institution)
- 25+ years of research/consultancy experience in population aging trends
- Proven expertise in large-scale data analysis and policy-oriented report writing
Skills Required:
- Advanced analytical and synthesis capabilities
- Exceptional written/verbal communication
- Experience presenting research to stakeholders
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
- Prepare Documents: Updated CV, attested degrees, experience certificates.
- Submit Application: Send via postal service to:
- Syed Dihawaz Hussain Shah, Administrative Officer
- NIPSTAR, NIH Building, Park Road, East Shuhuoka, Islamabad
- Deadline: 23 April 2025 (within 15 days of advertisement).
- Note: Incomplete/late applications will not be considered.
Selection Process & Important Notes
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
- No TA/DA will be provided for interviews.
- NIPSTAR reserves the right to modify/cancel the recruitment process.
- Detailed Terms of Reference (TORs) available at www.nips.org.pk.
Official Job Announcement
Why Join NIPSTAR? Benefits of This Role
- High-impact research: Contribute to national policy on aging.
- Lucrative compensation: Earn PKR 1.8 million in 3 months.
- Professional growth: Work with leading demographic experts.
Essential Skills for the NIPS Consultant Role
Key Hard Skills:
- Advanced statistical analysis (STATA/SPSS/R)
- Demographic modeling and projection techniques
- Policy report drafting for government stakeholders
Critical Soft Skills:
- Leadership in research team coordination
- Persuasive presentation abilities
- Cross-sector collaboration experience
What Makes This NIPS Project Unique?
Unlike routine research positions, this consultancy focuses exclusively on Pakistan’s aging population crisis – a understudied area with urgent policy implications. The findings will directly influence national healthcare and social welfare programs.
The PKR 1.8 million+ remuneration reflects the project’s strategic importance. Successful candidates will gain visibility working with federal health authorities and international organizations like UNFPA.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Application
Submission Errors:
- Missing attested degree copies (HEC authentication required)
- Generic CVs without emphasis on aging/demographic research
- Late deliveries (strict 23 April 2025 deadline)
Pro Tip:
Tailor your application with a 1-page cover letter highlighting:
- Specific experience with elderly population data
- Notable past projects with measurable outcomes
- Availability for the exact 90-day contract period
Career Pathways After This Consultancy
Short-Term Opportunities:
- Follow-up contracts with Ministry of Health for policy implementation
- Consultancy roles with WHO/World Bank on regional aging studies
Long-Term Growth:
- Academic positions as visiting faculty for demography programs
- Advisory roles in provincial health departments
This high-profile project serves as a career accelerator. Many past NIPS consultants now lead national health research divisions.
How to Prepare for the NIPS Interview
Expect technical questions on:
- Pakistan’s demographic transition challenges
- Methodology for elderly dependency ratio calculations
Interview Format:
- Panel interview with NIPSTAR directors and MoNHSRC representatives
- Presentation of a case study (candidates may be asked to analyze sample aging data)
Practice with Pakistan’s latest PDHS (Population and Demographic Health Survey) data. Review global best practices in elderly care models from Japan/Scandinavia for comparative insights.
Salary Breakdown: Is This Consultancy Worth It?
Earnings Potential:
- PKR 1.8 million for 90 days = PKR 20,000/day
- Tax implications: Contractors typically file under “Professional Services”
Comparative Analysis:
- vs. Academia: 3x higher than university professor salaries for similar duration
- vs. NGOs: Competitive with international organizations like WHO
5 Red Flags That Will Disqualify Your Application
Incomplete Documentation
Missing HEC attestation or experience certificates
Irrelevant Experience
Unstructured CVs or grammatical errors in application
Availability Issues
Cannot commit to full 90-day period
Generic Research Proposals
Fails to address Pakistan’s aging-specific challenges
Behind the Scenes: Who Will Evaluate Your Application?
Selection Committee Includes:
- NIPSTAR Director of Research
- MoNHSRC (Ministry of Health) representative
- External demography expert from HECNIPSTAR Director of Research
- MoNHSRC (Ministry of Health) representative
- External demography expert from HEC
Evaluation Criteria Weightage:
- 40% Academic qualifications
- 35% Relevant experience
- 25% Interview performance
The panel prioritizes candidates who demonstrate both technical depth and policy application skills.
Day in the Life of a NIPS Consultant
Typical Workflow:
- Mornings: Data analysis sessions with research team
- Afternoons: Stakeholder meetings with BISP/PSPA officials
- Evenings: Drafting policy briefs
Tools You’ll Use Daily:
- Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement (PSLM) datasets
- GIS mapping for regional aging trends
- SPSS for statistical modeling
This role requires intense focus – expect 10-12 hour days during peak analysis phases.
Alternative Opportunities If You Don’t Qualify
For Junior Researchers:
- Apply for NIPS’ Field Supervisor positions (Bachelor’s required)
- Join as Research Assistant in ongoing projects
For Non-Demographers:
- Health Economists: Check ADB-funded health projects
- Data Scientists: Punjab IT Board’s Smart Cities initiatives
Why These Headings Work
- Financial transparency (Salary Breakdown) builds trust
- Warning lists (Red Flags) create urgency
- Process insights (Behind the Scenes) reduce applicant anxiety
- Career alternatives provide value even if readers don’t qualify
Important Notes
- Strict Deadline: Applications must reach NIPSTAR by 23 April 2025 – late submissions will not be considered.
- No TA/DA: Shortlisted candidates must bear their own travel costs for interviews.
- Document Attestation: All academic certificates must be HEC-attested; unverified copies lead to disqualification.
- Contract Flexibility: NIPS reserves the right to terminate/extend the consultancy based on project needs.
Conclusion
This NIPS Islamabad consultancy offers a rare opportunity to influence Pakistan’s aging policy while earning a premium salary. With only one position available, competition will be fierce – ensure your application highlights 25+ years of demographic expertise and aligns with the project’s deliverables.
Don’t miss this chance to contribute to nationally impactful research. Review the TORs carefully, prepare your documents, and submit before the 23 April deadline. For queries, contact NIPSTAR’s admin team during office hours.
FAQs
Can I apply if my Ph.D. is in Sociology, not Demography?
Yes, if your research focused on population aging or related fields. Highlight relevant coursework/thesis in your application.
Is remote work allowed for this consultancy?
No. The role requires in-person collaboration at NIPSTAR’s Islamabad office for data access and meetings.
What format should the CV follow?
Use a reverse-chronological format, emphasizing:
- Demographic research projects
- Publications/policy reports
- Leadership roles in teams
Are non-Pakistani nationals eligible?
Only if they hold HEC-recognized degrees and meet experience criteria. Priority goes to Pakistani domicile holders.
