SAARC Internship Programmme

SAARC SECRETARIAT

KATHMANDU

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Applications are invited from the Nepalese nationals for the following positions:

Job Description:        Office Assistant

Job Title:                    Office Assistant

Category:                   General Service Staff (GSS III)

Location:                    SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu, Nepal

Job Type:                   Three years on a contract basis (Extendable, subject to satisfactory performance)

Age:                            Below 40 years.

Job Overview:

We are seeking a skilled Office Assistant (OA) with English communication skills to join our team. The OA will ensure the smooth operation of the office management. This position involves a variety of administrative and clerical tasks that support daily office functions.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist in day-to-day administrative tasks, including filing, data entry, and document preparation.
  • Manage and organize office supplies, ensuring that inventory is maintained and requests are fulfilled promptly.
  • Maintenance of Stock Registers (Inventory Registers).
  • Assist in physical verification of the items and disposal/writing off of unserviceable items.
  • Initiate office notes for internal approval and assist in drafting other documents as needed.
  • Assist in scheduling meetings and office events, ensuring all logistics are arranged.
  • Maintain accurate and organized records, including both electronic and paper files.
  • Supervise and ensure a clean and organized office environment.
  • Attend protocol duties (receiving and seeing off at the airport.

Skills and Qualifications:

  • Completion of Grade 12 or Intermediate level.
  • Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel)
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Previous experience of atleast 7 years in an administrative role is preferred.
  • Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to work well in a team.
  • Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.

 

Benefits:

  1. Salary and Allowances:

     (i) Salary + House rent + conveyance allowance            US$ 481.20 per month

     Annual increment is also applied.

  1. Staff Contributory Provident Fund

      The categories II-VII of the General Services Staff shall be entitled for Contributory Provident Fund at ‘Sanchaya Kosh’ (Employees Provident Fund).

  1. Other benefits

As applicable for this grade.

(Only shortlisted candidates will be called for the practical/written test & interview)

Working Conditions:

  • This position typically operates in an office environment.
  • May require flexibility in working hours to meet deadlines.

Application Process:

Interested candidates are requested to submit a resume with one recent passport-size photograph, cover letter and relevant testimonials to  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  on or before 27 October 2024. The applications may be addressed to the Director (Administration), SAARC Secretariat.

Job Description:        Driver

Job Title:                    Driver

Category:                   General Service Staff (GSS IV)

Location:                    SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu, Nepal

Job Type:                   Three years on a contract basis (Extendable, subject to satisfactory performance)

Age:                            Below 40 years.

Job Overview:

We are seeking a skilled Driver who strictly follows traffic laws and Secretariat rules. The Driver will be responsible for transporting personnel and goods safely and efficiently while ensuring the proper maintenance of vehicles. This role requires a reliable individual with a valid driver’s license, preferably with experience operating light and heavy vehicles.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Undertake journeys and safely transport staff, officials, and goods to designated locations as and when required.
  • Adhere to all traffic laws and regulations while driving.
  • Perform routine inspections and maintenance on vehicles, including checking oil levels, tire pressure, and overall vehicle condition.
  • Report any vehicle issues or necessary repairs to the Administration Division promptly.
  • Maintain accurate records of mileage, fuel consumption, and vehicle maintenance.
  • Ensure all necessary permits and registrations are up to date.
  • Implement safety protocols while driving and ensure that all passengers adhere to safety regulations.
  • Attend defensive driving and safety training sessions as required.
  • Assist with loading and unloading of goods and equipment as necessary.
  • Provide support to the Staff during events or special projects that require transportation.

Skills and Qualifications:

  • Completion of School leaving Certificate
  • Proficient in driving with valid driving license for light and heavy vehicles.
  • Read, write and speak basic English
  • At least 10 years of proven experience as a driver, preferably in a professional setting.
  • Strong knowledge of loal roads and traffic regulations.
  • Excellent driving record and safe driving practices
  • Ability to communicate effectively and follow instructions.
  • Good physical stamina and ability to lift heavy items when required.
  • Maintain good conduct and behavior.

Benefits:

  1. Salary and Allowances:

      (i) Salary + House rent + conveyance allowance            US$ 421.80 per month

      Annual increment is also applied.

  1. Staff Contributory Provident Fund

      The categories II-VII of the General Services Staff shall be entitled for Contributory Provident Fund at ‘Sanchaya Kosh’ (Employees Provident Fund).

  1. Other benefits

       As applicable for this grade.

      (Only shortlisted candidates will be called for the practical/written test & interview)

Working Conditions:

  • May require flexibility in working hours, ie. before/after office hours, weekends and holidays, based on organizational needs.

 (Only shortlisted candidates will be called for the interview)

Application Process:

Interested candidates are requested to submit a resume with one recent passport-size photograph, cover letter and relevant testimonials to  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  on or before 27 October 2024. The applications may be addressed to the Director (Administration), SAARC Secretariat.

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SAARC Arbitration Council (SARCO)

Islamabad

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Post: Deputy Director
No. of Vacancies: 1
Age: Not more than 50 years as on 31 October 2024.
Closing Date: Thursday 31 October 2024 at 05:00 PM.
Work Station: Islamabad, Pakistan
Date of Joining: 30 days from the date of issue of offer letter.
Tenure: 3-year contract (extendable per extant Service Rules)


About SAARC Arbitration Council
The SAARC Arbitration Council (SARCO) is one of the specialized bodies of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation with mandates to promote arbitral institutions and resolve commercial disputes through arbitration and conciliation in a time and cost effective manner. Pursuant to the Agreement for Establishment of SAARC Arbitration Council, SARCO was established in 2007 and is based in Islamabad, Pakistan. SARCO is an equal opportunity employer, and is currently seeking a suitable candidate to fill the post of Deputy Director.


Qualification and Experience
• Must have a bachelor’s degree in laws from a recognized university with, at least, 2nd division.
• A master’s degree in laws will be an advantage.
• Must have a minimum of 7 years working experience with a minimum of 2 years working experience in a senior management position. Practical experience in the field of arbitration and mediation or in a relevant and         comparable position will be preferred.


Skills and Competence
In addition to the common requirements mentioned below, the applicant must have:
• Proven ability to handle confidential or sensitive information with discretion.
• Good administrative, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Attention to detail with ability to multi-task and prioritize duties.
• High ethical standards and willingness to accept responsibility.

Brief Job Description
As a senior member of the management, the Deputy Director will provide strategic support to the Director General to drive business development, promote dispute resolution services, and manage the administration of arbitration and mediation cases, including but not limited to:
1. Administrative: Plan, direct and supervise all aspects of administrative functions to ensure smooth daily operations;
2. ADR Services: Administer and facilitate all ADR cases, from filing to enforcement, including all other associated works;
3. Communications: Represent and articulate SARCO’s vision, missions, and goals to internal and external audiences in a strong and positive manner;
4. Event Organization: Plan, coordinate and organize webinars, training sessions, and other professional engagements that contribute to the development of arbitration and mediation;
5. Financial: Supervise the preparation of annual budgets and ensure that SARCO operates prudently within those budgets, including fund-raising activities;
6. Human Resources: Plan, direct and manage all aspects of human resources for effective operations of SARCO;
7. Legal: Provide advice on issues affecting arbitration and mediation; including case law, conventions, and procedural rules;
8. Liaising: Liaise with all stakeholders on all relevant legal, financial and operational aspects, including Young Arbitration Group;
9. Marketing and Promotion: Promote ADR services through appropriate research & development and by preparing marketing materials;
10. Organizational Support: Plan, coordinate and organize meetings of the Governing Board, Programming Committee/Standing Committee and other official meetings;
11. Resources: Supervise the management of resources and assets in compliance with principles of good governance, transparency, accountability and integrity;
12. Strategic: Develop, monitor and evaluate policies and objectives, including an annual workplans; and
13. Any other duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the Director General.

Allowances, facilities and benefits
The sending government shall protect the salary and meet the cost of transfer passages for professional staff and his/her family, including personal effects. In addition, professional staff is entitled to the following:

1. Living Allowance US$ 1694.00 (US Dollars One Thousand Six Hundred Ninety-Four) only per month to be paid 50% in US$ and 50% in Pakistani Rupees. However, professional staff from Pakistan shall be paid 100% in Pakistani Rupees.

2. Per Diem in lieu of House Rent Allowance Absent residential accommodation on first arrival, professional staff is entitled to per diem in lieu of house rent allowance @ US$ 160.00 (US Dollars One Hundred and Sixty) only per day up to a maximum of 21 days for hotel accommodation. If a suitable accommodation is not available within this period, the actual cost of hotel accommodation may be reimbursed, subject to professional staff’s rental ceiling entitlement. 50% of daily allowance will be paid to accompanying spouse and up to two dependent children below the age of 21 years. (Not applicable to professional staff from Pakistan).

3 Residential Accommodation An unfurnished accommodation within the rental ceiling of US$ 787.00 (US Dollars Seven Hundred and Eighty-Seven) only per month, payable in equivalent Pakistani Rupees.

4 Furnishing Grant One time lump-sum furnishing/settlement grant of US$ 2,000.00 (US Dollars Two Thousand) only, payable in equivalent Pakistani Rupees.

5 Children’s Education Allowance Reimbursement of 90% of school tuition fees including admission, registration and other compulsory charges subject to an annual ceiling of US$ 2,000.00 (US Dollars Two Thousand) only per child for a maximum of two children between the age of 4 to 21 years up to Grade XII/A-Level. Reimbursement is subject to presentation of actual receipts from the concerned educational institutes or will be made directly to such concerned educational institutes.

6 Medical Allowance Reimbursement of actual expenses on medical treatment for self, spouse and dependent children, subject to an annual ceiling of US$ 1,500.00 (US Dollars Fifteen Hundred) only, including 80% reimbursement of hospitalization charges. No reimbursement shall be made for medicines purchased without doctor’s prescription and on optical frames/glasses/lenses, dental treatments like dentures, scaling, and beautification surgeries, health care products and health foods.

7 Home Leave Allowance Economy class for self, spouse and two dependent children once in his/her tenure but only after completing 18 months of continuous service. No daily allowance or any expenditure on account of stop-over and transfer charges to and from airport.

8 Emergency Passage Professional staff from Member States other than Pakistan is entitled to emergency passage once in his/her entire term, in case of death of an immediate family member (spouse, parents, children and spouse’s parents).

9 Telephone Use telephone at his/her residence, up to US$ 20 per month.

Common Requirements
• Sound understanding of the regional and global contexts.
• Ability to work in a mixed culture and in a team or as a team leader.
• High level of proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
• Good Information Technology (MS Office) skills.
• Ability to work independently and to produce result-oriented quality output.

Additional Information

1. SARCO reserves the right to reject any or all applications without assigning any reason, at any time before the acceptance of offer letter.
2. Age may be relaxed for highly deserving candidates.
3. Only short-listed candidates will be notified and called for test/interview.
4. All correspondences must be made through email and telephone only.
5. Your employment is subject to production of clearance from your government.
6. Please send your duly filled in application form to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., with a copy to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Note: Application form can be downloaded via https://sarco-sec.org/home-10/


The overall objective of the SAARC Internship Programme (SIP) is to promote awareness about the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) thereby making it widely known in and beyond South Asia through discourse and research in the academia and at the professional level.  Accordingly, the SIP aims at encouraging and facilitating research and studies concerning the Association and its activities by offering internship at the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu, Nepal. 

 

The Secretariat started organizing this programme since 31 May 2004. The Programme may include, at the discretion of the Secretary-General, a period of attachment at any of the relevant SAARC Regional Center.  Under this program, the interested students or researchers will be placed at the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu for a period of two weeks to six months, depending upon the need and nature of the projected research work and the requests so made by the prospective internees. The SAARC Secretariat offers internship in two sessions in a year (summer and winter) to try to accommodate as many as students and researchers.

 

The Secretariat has been regularly receiving requests from students in SAARC Member States and outside the Region for pursuing Internship at the SAARC Secretariat.  On completion of their Internship at the SAARC Secretariat, they submit their research papers in varied areas of interests.  On successful completion of the Internship, the internees are awarded a Certificate by the Secretary General.

 

In 2019, thirty-three students successfully completed their internship and were awarded certificates. During the period January-August 2020, nine students successfully completed internship and were awarded certificates. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Summer Session of the Internship Programme (May-July 2020) could not take place.

document Guidelines For SAARC Internship Programmme (56 KB)

document SAARC Internship Programme Application Form (64 KB)


The SAARC Youth Awards Scheme was instituted in 1996 to provide recognition to extraordinary young talents and encourage the overall development of the youth in the region. The Scheme is also aimed at encouraging the South Asian youth to excel in various fields and to realize their full potential.

The SAARC Youth Awards Scheme is open to nationals of SAARC Member Countries, who are within the age group of 20-35 years at the time of nomination. The Award consists of a citation in English; a Gold Medal; and a cash prize of US$ 3000.

  • 1997: Outstanding Social Service in Community Welfare - Mr. Md. Sukur Salek (Bangladesh).
  • 1998: New Inventions and Discoveries - Dr. Najmul Hasnain Shah (Pakistan)
  • 2001: Creative Photography: South Asian Diversity - Mr. Mushfiqul Alam (Bangladesh)
  • 2002: Outstanding contribution to protect the Environment - Dr. Masil Khan (Pakistan)
  • 2003: Invention in the Field of Traditional Medicine - Mr. Hassan Sher (Pakistan)
  • 2004: Outstanding contribution to raising awareness for TB and/or HIV/AIDS - Mr. Ajij Prasad Poudyal (Nepal)
  • 2006: Promotion of Tourism in South Asia - Mr. Syed Zafar Abbas Naqvi (Pakistan)
  • 2008: From Himalayan glaciers to verdant plains to coral reefs – protecting the Environment in South Asia - Ms. Uswatta Liyanage Deepani Jayantha (Sri Lanka)
  • 2009: Outstanding contribution to humanitarian works in the aftermath of Natural Disasters - Dr. Ravikant Singh (India)
  • 2010: Outstanding Contribution to protection of Environment and Mitigating Effects of Climate Change - Ms. Anoka Primrose Abeyrathne from Sri Lanka
  • 2011: Youth leadership in the fight against social ills - Mr. Mohamed Faseen Rafiu from the Maldives

A recommendation for instituting an Annual Regional Award for Young Scientists was made by the Working Group on Meteorology at its second meeting in New Delhi as early as December 1982. The Award includes a citation, a bronze medal and an amount equivalent to US$ 500. Up to now, 14 Young Scientists have received the Award. The purpose of the Award is to encourage young scientists of the region working in the field of Meteorology.

SAARC also instituted a separate Award for Senior Scientists in 1997. The purpose of these awards is to encourage excellence in research analysis and outstanding publications in the meteorological field.