Applicants must have experience in a leadership role in a national or international government, diplomatic, private sector, non-governmental, or public organization.
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For the first time in Nepal's history, the government has opened applications for the appointment of ambassadors through open competition. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday invited applications from qualified Nepali citizens for the posts of ambassador and permanent representative.
The government's move comes amid a debate over whether to appoint ambassadors through open competition or directly appoint experts and experienced people. The ministry has also made public a seven-page Terms of Reference (TOR) for applications. The ministry has opened applications for the post of ambassador in accordance with the government's policy of 'merit-based appointment' and open competition for public posts. However, the TOR does not mention which country the successful candidate will be sent to.
The ministry has said that it has invited applications from qualified Nepali citizens in accordance with Section 45 of the Good Governance (Management and Operation) Act, 2064 and the Guidelines on Appointment of Ambassadors, 2075 (amended in 2079). These provisions regulate the appointment, responsibilities and tenure of ambassadors, permanent representatives and special envoys.
According to the TOR, the ambassadorial post will be similar to the gazetted special category and the tenure will be four years . The last date for submitting applications has been fixed for 22 Jestha . Currently, 17 diplomatic missions are without a head, and seven more missions will be vacant by mid-Bhadra . Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have said that a total of 24 ambassadors will have to be appointed . They say that the final number will be decided later as the issue of merging some missions and opening new ones is being reviewed . The ministry is also studying the possibility of closing embassies in Brazil, South Africa, Denmark and Myanmar and some consulates general in the US and China . However, the decision on which missions to close has not been final .
Earlier, ambassadorial appointments in Nepal were divided equally between political quotas and career diplomats of the Foreign Service . Under the open competition, opportunities for appointments were opened in countries and international organizations including India, China, the US, the UK, Australia, Israel, South Korea, Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Oman and Saudi Arabia. However, the page mentioning country-specific details has been removed by the ministry later.
The applicant must have a master's degree or higher in international relations, political science, law, economics, public administration or a related subject. In addition, special training or certification in diplomacy, international trade or multilateral negotiations will also be required. Academic publications, research or scholarly contributions related to Nepal's foreign policy will be considered an additional qualification.
Similarly, the applicant must have experience in a leadership role in a national or international government, diplomatic, private sector, non-governmental or public organization. Proven experience in bilateral or multilateral negotiations, treaties or international legal structures will be required. The TOR states that prior work experience in the relevant country or region will be given priority. Experience in trade promotion, investment facilitation, economic diplomacy and regional bodies such as the United Nations, international financial institutions or SAARC, BIMSTEC is also considered desirable.
The applicant must be a Nepali citizen, at least 35 years of age and not have been dismissed from government service. A person holding a permanent or temporary residence permit or immigration facility from a foreign country will be ineligible. A person convicted of corruption or moral turpitude will not be eligible to apply.
Similarly, a person blacklisted by the Government of Nepal or an international body will also be ineligible. The applicant must have left the position at least 10 years ago while holding a salaried position with a foreign government. The applicant must have experience in Nepal's foreign policy, international relations or bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. The applicant must have knowledge or experience commensurate with the work required in the relevant country or organization. Good command of the English language will be mandatory, while knowledge of the language of the relevant country will be considered an additional qualification. There should be no conflict of interest or interest with the proposed country. Persons working in non-governmental organizations receiving foreign aid will not be eligible to apply.
The ambassador will have to represent Nepal among the relevant government, diplomatic community and international bodies. He will have to sign negotiations, dialogues and agreements with the authorization of the government. The government will be informed about the political, economic, social and strategic activities of the respective countries by preparing studies, analyses and reports on issues that will affect the interests of Nepal.
Similarly, the government will be required to promote trade and economic diplomacy, attract foreign investment, identify trade, tourism and business opportunities, and coordinate the mobilization of foreign aid. The ambassador and permanent representative will be required to coordinate with United Nations agencies, multilateral development banks and international financial institutions. They will also be required to provide consular services including passports, visas, certification and support to Nepalis in distress. The ambassador will also be responsible for assisting Nepali citizens in labor disputes, detention or other emergencies and connecting overseas Nepalis to the development of Nepal.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will prepare a preliminary list and make an initial selection of candidates. A shortlist will be prepared based on qualifications, experience and suitability and sent to the Council of Ministers. According to the TOR, the term of the ambassador will be four years from the date of assumption of office. However, if necessary, the government may recall him before the completion of his term. There is no provision for reappointment for a second consecutive term in the same post.
The TOR states that the government can amend, cancel or extend the application process if it deems necessary. It has also been clarified that being shortlisted alone does not guarantee appointment. ‘The final appointment will be at the sole discretion of the Government of Nepal after receiving the agrement from the concerned country.’ The TOR states that applicants who exercise any kind of pressure or influence will automatically be disqualified.
