Kathmandu, May 29
The government has issued an open call for applications for the first time for recommending ambassador appointments. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that interested individuals must submit their applications by June 5. The Ministry has also published guidelines specifying the required qualifications and areas of work.
Eligibility Requirements
To become an ambassador, candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications under Section 3(chha) of the guidelines:
- Must be a Nepali citizen aged at least 35 years.
- Must have completed at least a bachelor’s degree from a university recognised by the Government of Nepal.
- Must not have been dismissed from government service in a manner that renders one ineligible for future service, and must not have received a court conviction for corruption or a morally disqualifying criminal offence.
- Must not hold permanent or temporary residency (PR or Green Card) of any foreign country.
- Must have experience in Nepal’s foreign policy, international relations, or bilateral/multilateral diplomacy, and be capable of representing Nepal.
- Must have a good command of the English language.
- Must have no conflict of interest with the proposed country of posting, and must not currently be working for an NGO funded by international or foreign aid.
- If previously employed in a foreign-salary position, at least 10 years must have passed since leaving that post.
Preference will be given to candidates who hold a master’s degree in international relations, political science, law, economics, or public administration; have held leadership roles in diplomatic, senior government, or corporate positions; or know the language of the proposed country of posting.
How to apply
Eligible and interested candidates may fill out the designated form available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or at the Ministry itself, and submit it along with their detailed personal profile to the Minister’s Secretariat, or apply online.
The Ministry will screen the applications received, shortlist candidates, and forward recommendations to the Council of Ministers. After the Council of Ministers’ decision, the candidates will undergo a parliamentary hearing, and following approval and the receiving country’s agreement (agrément), the President will formally appoint the ambassadors.
The call was issued on Thursday in accordance with the Ambassador Appointment Directive, 2075 (amended in 2078 and 2079), approved by the Council of Ministers.
