This comprehensive job description provides all essential details for the position of Consultant at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Candidates interested in applying should review the qualifications, responsibilities, salary, and application procedures carefully before submitting their application. This guide aims to assist prospective applicants in understanding the job role and the application process thoroughly.
SSIFS MEA Consultant 2026 – Official Job Profile and Recruitment Details
Organisation Overview
The Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS), under the Ministry of External Affairs, is a premier institution dedicated to training and capacity building in foreign policy, diplomacy, and international relations. The institute regularly invites applications from qualified professionals for various positions to support its mission of fostering excellence in foreign service education.
Position Overview
The recruitment is for a Consultant position based in New Delhi. This contractual appointment is meant for highly qualified candidates with relevant experience in international relations, foreign policy, or related fields. The role is intended to support various academic, research, and policy functions of the institute.
Key Details of the Vacancy
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation Name | Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service, Ministry of External Affairs (SSIFS, MEA) |
| Post Name | Consultant |
| Total Vacancies | 01 |
| Advertisement Number | No.Q/SSIFS-Admn/578/03/2025 |
| Salary / Pay Scale | Up to Rs. 10,00,000/- per annum (consolidated), based on experience and profile; no HRA or other benefits |
| Educational Qualifications | Master’s degree or higher from a recognized university; preference for degrees in International Relations, Political Science, Economics |
| Age Limit | Not more than 35 years as on the last date of application |
| Application End Date | 18th February 2026, 1200 hrs |
| Application Mode | Offline (Registered Post) and Online (Email) |
| Official Website | Not specified |
Eligibility Criteria
Essential Educational & Experience Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered eligible:
- Indian nationality
- Master’s degree or higher from a recognized university in India or abroad
- Preferably with degrees in International Relations, Political Science, or Economics
- Experience working in reputed academic institutions, think tanks, or research organizations specializing in foreign policy or international affairs
- Strong writing and presentation skills
- Proficiency in English and good communication capabilities
- Proficiency in computer applications, including MS Office
- Maximum age limit of 35 years as on the closing date of application
Desirable Qualifications
Candidates with the following qualifications and experience will be preferred:
- Specialized domain knowledge or evidence of original thinking
- Publications in peer-reviewed journals, newspapers, or media reports
- Experience working in academia, think tanks, or research organizations related to foreign policy, international affairs, or public policy
Selection Process
The selection procedure involves several stages to ensure the most qualified candidate is appointed:
- Initial screening of applications based on eligibility and supporting documents by SSIFS
- Shortlisting of candidates for interview based on the initial evaluation
- Notification of shortlisted candidates via email with interview details
- Candidates to arrange their own travel to the interview venue
- Final selection based on performance in the interview
- Decision of the Selection Committee is final and binding
Note: No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview.
Application Fee
The official notification does not specify any application fee, implying that applications are free of cost.
Salary and Compensation Details
The selected candidate will receive a consolidated remuneration of up to Rs. 10,00,000/- annually. This amount is subject to applicable taxes and will be fixed during the engagement period. The salary does not include HRA or other service benefits.
Contractual Terms & Benefits
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engagement Duration | Initially 1 year, extendable based on performance and requirement |
| Work Hours | 09:00 to 17:30 (may vary) |
| Benefits | No benefits such as Provident Fund, Pension, Gratuity, Medical, or others; no HRA |
| Leave Policy | Paid leave at 1.5 days per month; conditions apply regarding accumulation |
| Travel & Accommodation | Expenses borne by the Ministry as per guidelines, if travel is required |
| Other Conditions | Cannot accept other paid or unpaid professional assignments during engagement; strict contractual nature |
Important Dates
| Event | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 30th January 2026 |
| Last Date for Application Submission | 18th February 2026, 1200 hrs |
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application through one of the following methods:
Offline Application (Registered Post)
Send the completed application along with supporting documents in a sealed envelope labeled “Application for the position of Consultant at Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service” to:
Shri Pradeep Kumar L.Under Secretary (Admin)
Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service
Ministry of External Affairs
Baba Gangnath Marg, Near Old JNU Campus
New Delhi – 110067
Online Application (Email)
Send the application as an attachment via email with the subject line formatted as “Application for Consultant – [Your Name]” to: application@example.com
Important Notes and Additional Guidelines
- Ensure all documents supporting educational qualifications and experience are attached.
- Incomplete or late applications will be rejected.
- Applicants are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria before applying.
- The engagement is strictly contractual with no entitlement to regular employment benefits.
- Once engaged, the candidate will need to sign a formal contract with the institute.
- Applicants should keep track of updates through official channels.
Official Notification & Related Resources
For detailed information and official guidelines, applicants are encouraged to review the official recruitment notification available [here](https://example.com/ssifs-mea-consultant-notification.pdf) in a new tab.
Conclusion
The SSIFS MEA Consultant position offers a unique opportunity for qualified professionals in foreign policy, international relations, and related fields to contribute to a prestigious institution. The role demands expertise, commitment, and professionalism, with a competitive remuneration package. Be sure to prepare your application documents carefully and submit them before the deadline to be considered for this exciting opportunity.