Green light for Saudi women diplomats

The Foreign Ministry does not oppose the notion of having Saudi women serve as ambassadors overseas, a ministry official has said.

Women can fill these senior positions as long as they have the qualifications to do so, said Osama Nugali, spokesman of the ministry. He said senior ministry officials and Shoura Council members would discuss the issue at an upcoming council meeting, including funding programs for employees abroad.

He said the ministry has been employing Saudi women for the past 10 years, with more than 370 working abroad as undersecretaries or attaches. He also announced that the ministry has opened its doors for women seeking jobs in the diplomatic corps from Jan. 18 to 30.

Candidates should submit their applications on www.mofa.gov.sa. Interviews and written examinations would take place on Feb. 15 and 16 at the Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Exhibition Hall at Imam Muhammad Islamic University in Riyadh.

The ministry said hiring would be done on merit. The regulations stipulate that applicants have to be Saudi, have good character, not convicted for breach of honor or trust, and not have been sacked from government service. Another condition is that an applicant should not be married to a non-Saudi.

They should also be of good health and pleasing appearance.

An applicant should have a bachelor’s degree at very good grade and not be above 30. Those seeking employment as a second secretary should not be above 35 and have a master’s degree at a very good grade.

Their majors must include political science, law, economics, public relations, journalism, international relations, English, French, Spanish, or international business management. Those candidates with qualifications from foreign universities should have their certificates accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education.

The ministry will accept an application only if it is accompanied by certified qualifications, a copy of the civil status card and a recent photograph. Selected candidates will have to undergo training of six months at the Institute of Diplomatic Studies in Riyadh with a monthly stipend of SR1,500. They should also be willing to work at a Saudi mission abroad.

Meanwhile, Nugali said that he does not have any information on the latest Shoura report regarding the ministry’s lack of initiative in addressing requests by nine African countries to improve ties with the Kingdom. He said he would look into the matter.

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