CULTURAL SPECIALIST (PROGRAMMES)

The SAARC Cultural Centre in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is the Regional Centre for Art and Culture established by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) with the mandate to promote regional unity through cultural integration and inter-cultural dialogue and contribute towards preservation, conservation and protection of South Asia’s cultural heritage within the framework of the SAARC Agenda for Culture.

The following vacancy at the SAARC Cultural Centre, Colombo, is open for the citizens of SAARC Member States.

Age:                            Below 50 years

Duty Station:             Colombo, Sri Lanka

Duration:                   3 (Three) years

Educational Qualifications:

  • A minimum of Masters Degree from a recognized University in Social Sciences or Humanities preferably in a discipline related to Culture and Heritage management etc.
  • Preference will be given to Candidates with a PhD in related subject areas.

Work Experience

  • Minimum of 10 years experience in planning and implementation of cultural programmes at management level;
  • Minimum of 8 years of proven experience in conceptualizing and developing programmes in the field of culture or relevant disciplines as an assistant Director or in an equivalent position at any intergovernmental or international organizations;
  • International work experience will be an added qualification.

Competencies / Skills

  • Excellent organizational & coordination skills to assist the Director and Deputy Directors in SCC programmes.
  • Designing & conducting training workshops and seminars at international standards.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English to be able to work on official correspondence etc.
  • A sound knowledge of computer and social media applications;
  • Ability to co-ordinate and manage international programmes and activities in a professional manner.

Brief job description:

  • To assist the Director and Deputy Directors in conceptualizing, planning, researching and implementing all Programmes of the SAARC Cultural Centre.
  • Provide assistance in the areas of training and dissemination of information and knowledge.
  • Assist and contribute in training programmes, workshops, seminars, etc.
  • Development of innovative and creative programmes, Preparation of concept papers and reports.
  • Execute any special assignments given by the Director and Deputy Directors as and when necessary.

Allowances and Benefits:

  • Living Allowances US $ 1,253/- per month
  • Residential Accommodation
  • Education Allowances for Children
  • Medical Allowances

The Member States would bear the following costs in respect of the Professional Staff of the SAARC Regional Centres;

  1. The Member State shall continue to pay the salaries of the Professional staff of the SAARC Regional Centres;
  2. Member State shall bear all costs associated with the passage of the Professional Staff and of their accompanying entitled family members;
  3. Transportation of personal effects including packing, handling and insurance charges in accordance with their respective rules and regulations.

The Professional Staff of the SAARC Regional Centres, shall be entitled to the following allowances;

1. Living Allowance

US $ 1,253.00 (US Dollars One Thousand two Hundred and Fifty-three) only.

The Living Allowance payable to the two categories of Professional staff of the regional Centres. 50% of the Living Allowance to the Professional staff  shall be paid in US Dollars and the remaining 50% shall be paid in local currency.

Sri Lankan professional Staff will be paid in LKR as per the new financial rules of Sri Lanka.    

2. Daily Allowance in lieu of Rent Allowance

The Director shall ensure accommodation for the Professional Staff before his/her arrival. An accompanying spouse and up to two of the dependent children below the age of 21 years will get 50% of daily Allowance. The Regional centre shall try to find and finalize suitable accommodation within this period.

The professional staff recruited from the Host Member State shall not be entitled to the Dailly Allowance.

3. Residential Accommodation

Unfurnished accommodation within rental ceiling of US$ 655/= (US Dollars six Hundred and fifty-Five only) in equivalent local currency of Sri Lankan Rupees per month will be directly paid to the lessor.

4. Furnishing/Settlement Grant

One-time Lump sum of US $ 2,000/- (US Dollars Two Thousand only)

5. Children’s Education Allowance

Professional Staff shall be entitled to the reimbursement of 90% of school Tuition Fees including Admission, Registration and other compulsory charges subject to an annual ceiling of US $ 1500/= per child for a maximum of two children between the age of 4 to Grade XII/A Level.

6. Medical Facilities

Reimbursement of actual expenses on medical treatment for self, spouse and dependent children subject to an annual ceiling of US $ 1,500/- (US Dollars One Thousand Five Hundred only) including 80% reimbursement of hospitalization charges. (Note; no reimbursement shall be made for medicines purchased without doctor’s prescriptions, optical frames/ glasses/ lenses/ dental treatments and beautification/ cosmetics and health care products and health foods)

7. Home Leave Passage

The Regional Centre will provide a return air ticket (Economy Class) for self, spouse and two dependent children residing with their parents, once in their-tenure, after completing 18 months of continuous service.

*All allowances to be paid in local currency as per the official buying rate of exchange prevailing on the first day of every month;

Application procedure

  • Applicants who possess the above requisite qualifications should forward their applications together with copies of educational/professional qualifications, details of work experience and names and addresses of 2 non-related referees.
  • Candidates from the Universities/Government Departments/Corporations and Statutory Boards should apply through the Heads of their respective institutions.
  • Application should be sent to the SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu, Nepal through the SAARC Divisions of Ministry of Foreign Affairs/ Ministry of External Affairs of the respective Member States of the applicant to reach the Director, SAARC Cultural Centre, 224, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka, on or before 19th April 2024.

ANY CANVASSING WILL BE DEFINITE DISQUALIFICATION. THE DECISION OF THE SELECTION PANEL WILL BE FINAL.

Director
SAARC Cultural Centre
224, Bauddhaloka Mawatha,
Colombo 07
Sri Lanka