Associate

About CERP

The Centre for Economic Research in Pakistan, or CERP, is a leading independent nonpartisan policy institution focused on improving decision-making in Pakistan through evidence-informed research, engaging with policy counterparts with real policy challenges and designing and advising on high-impact reforms based on data. At CERP, we also deploy cutting-edge pedagogy tailored for Pakistan and provide data insights to the private sector on product and process design.

About Project

This project leverages Computer Vision and AI to enhance urban planning, improve tax assessments, and support data-driven governance. By utilizing machine learning algorithms and image recognition techniques, the system analyzes street-level photographs to extract meaningful insights for the Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department and municipal authorities. Our partners on this project are the Urban Unit and the Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department. Other provincial departments like the P&D, and the Finance Department are also involved with this project

About Role

We are looking for an Associate to support our efforts in engaging with government institutions, policymakers, and key stakeholders etc. The ideal candidate will have 2-3 years of experience in government relations, stakeholder management, policy engagement, or a related field. They will play a crucial role in building relationships, navigating bureaucratic processes, and ensuring seamless coordination between CERP, various government departments, and external partners.

Job Description and Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with government officers, policymakers, and external stakeholders relevant to the project.
• Facilitate meetings, discussions, and negotiations with government officials to support project goals.
• Provide strategic advice on navigating bureaucratic procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Draft and manage official correspondence, reports, and policy briefs for engagement with public-sector partners.
• Coordinate with internal team, field staff, and external stakeholders to ensure smooth project implementation.
• Monitor policy changes, government initiatives, and legislative developments that may impact the project.
• Represent the organization at government meetings, forums, and industry events.
• Assist in the preparation and submission of project-related documents, approvals, and MoUs with government bodies and external partners.

Entry Requirements

• 2-3 years of experience in government relations, stakeholder engagement, public policy, or project management.
• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Development Studies, Law, Economics or a related field.
• Strong understanding of government structures, public-sector processes, and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Urdu (Punjabi is a plus).
• Ability to draft official letters, policy briefs, and reports with attention to detail.
• Experience working with government departments, research institutions, or international development organizations is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and negotiate with diverse stakeholders
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with monitoring & evaluation frameworks, taxation, urban governance, or technology-driven government initiatives.
• Experience working on public-sector digital transformation projects is a plus.
• Ability to travel within Lahore for stakeholder meetings and field activities.
• Knowledge of Stata and other data management tools is a plus.