KATHMANDU: The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has invited applications from eligible candidates for the vacant position of Director General — the authority's chief executive — through an open competitive process, a significant departure from the previous practice of direct ministerial appointment.

The notice, published on Baisakh 12, 2083 under Section 19(1) of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal Act 2053, calls for applications from current Nepal government or CAAN employees who meet the prescribed qualifications and have not acquired foreign citizenship or permanent or temporary residency abroad. Interested candidates must submit their applications to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation at Singhadurbar, Kathmandu within seven days of the notice's publication date.

Required documents include the prescribed application form, a self-declaration form, copies of Nepali citizenship certificate and academic certificates — along with equivalency certificates for foreign degrees — an experience certificate specifying the institution, service period and dates, any special training certificates in civil aviation or management, a personal biography, and a professional work plan of at least 3,000 words in Nepali or English submitted in three sealed copies.

Candidates shortlisted from the initial screening will be required to appear for a presentation and interview at a notified time and venue. Remuneration and benefits will be as per CAAN's prevailing regulations. Applications that do not comply with the notice's requirements will be rejected.

Tourism Minister Khadak Raj Paudel 'Ganess' welcomed the move on social media, saying the appointment would be made through open competition and not at the minister's personal discretion. "This time, CAAN's Director General will be appointed through open competition — not plucked from the minister's pocket. All stages of the competition will be transparent and impartial," he wrote. "The days of getting appointments through flattery or carrying a party's bag are over. Pass the test of competence and integrity — that is all."