Kathmandu, May 28: Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday invited applications from eligible citizens for ambassadorial and permanent representative posts, unveiling a seven-page Terms of Reference (ToR) that formally opens the selection process to wider competition.
Currently, 17 Nepali diplomatic missions are without ambassadors, and another seven are expected to fall vacant by the end of August, bringing the total number of required appointments to 24. Foreign ministry officials said the final figure could change after a review of Nepal’s diplomatic network, including possible consolidation of missions and opening of new posts.
The positions open for competition include missions in India, China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Israel, South Korea, Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Oman and Saudi Arabia, among others, as well as postings to international organisations. However, the ministry later removed a webpage that had specified country-wise allocations for applicants.
The move comes amid ongoing debate over whether ambassadorial appointments should continue to be divided between political nominees and career diplomats or be filled through a more competitive and merit-based system.
Traditionally, ambassadorial appointments in Nepal have been split equally between political appointees and career foreign service officials. According to the ToR, ambassadorial positions will carry the status equivalent to Gazetted Special Class officials, with a four-year tenure. The deadline for applications has been set for June 5.
The ministry is also considering closing embassies in Brazil, South Africa, Denmark and Myanmar, along with some consulates general in the United States and China, though no final decision has been made. The ToR states that applicants should preferably hold a postgraduate degree in international relations, political science, law, economics, public administration or related fields. Additional qualifications in diplomacy, international trade or multilateral negotiations will be considered advantageous.
Academic publications, research contributions and expertise relevant to Nepal’s foreign policy will also strengthen applications.
Prior experience in the proposed host country or region will be treated as an advantage. Experience in trade promotion, investment facilitation and economic diplomacy, as well as familiarity with institutions such as the United Nations, SAARC and BIMSTEC, are also considered desirable.
The ToR further requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge of Nepal’s foreign policy and diplomacy, possess strong English-language proficiency and maintain high ethical standards. Knowledge of the host country’s official language will be an added advantage.
Applicants are expected to have substantial leadership experience in government, diplomacy, the corporate sector, non-governmental organisations or public service institutions, along with proven involvement in bilateral or multilateral negotiations, treaty-making or international legal frameworks.
Following preliminary screening and shortlisting based on merit and suitability, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will forward selected names to the Cabinet for final consideration. The ministry said ambassadors will be expected to strengthen economic diplomacy by promoting foreign direct investment, trade, tourism and development cooperation in Nepal’s priority sectors.
To qualify, applicants must be Nepali citizens aged at least 35 years and must not have been dismissed from government service or convicted of corruption or offences involving moral turpitude. Candidates must not possess permanent residency or immigration benefits from foreign countries.
Applicants currently employed by NGOs funded through foreign assistance, or those with conflicts of interest in the proposed country of posting, will not be eligible. Individuals blacklisted by the Government of Nepal or international bodies are also barred from applying. #Nepal
Terms of Reference
