Officer wanted for minister (economic) post in Indian embassy, Washington DC

Indian Embassy, Washington DC

IN ONE of the very few high profile foreign postings that an IAS or a Group A officer can vie for, there is a vacancy. The government is looking for a suitable candidate for the post of Minister (Economic) in Embassy of India, Washington DC at the level of a joint secretary.

The applicant must have been empanelled to hold joint secretary or equivalent posts at the Centre, but he must not be senior enough to be empanelled as additional secretary in next three years. Also, the officer must have worked for at least two years at the Centre under Central Staffing Scheme. He must be below 54 years as on the date of vacancy.

In addition, prior work experiences in trade, commerce, industry, finance, foreign investment, export promotion etc. are required.

In a DoPT circular dated August 4, 2011, it was also mentioned that the applicant must write up to 250 words indicating why he or she is suitable for the position. Such a write-up is normally asked from applicants to private sector or multilateral jobs, and is a rare phenomenon for government positions.

India’s former foreign secretary Nirupama Rao has taken over as the head of the Indian Mission in Washington DC after incumbent Meera Shankar retired. 

Action and Appointments

a) The Appointments Committee of Cabinet has approved extension in deputation tenure of P Michel Vetha Siromony, a 1982 batch Kerala cadre IAS as Director, Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development under the department of youth affairs for a period of six months up to December 15, 2011. The position is at the level of a joint secretary.

b) Sameer Kumar Khare, a 1989 batch Assam cadre IAS has been appointed as General Manager (Region), FCI, Bhopal.