Executive Director

Executive Director – Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute

Job Overview

The Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKIIRSS), operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, is inviting applications from suitably qualified and experienced professionals for the prestigious position of Executive Director. This senior leadership role involves managing national-level research operations, strengthening international relations studies, and leading a multidisciplinary team of research officers.

Position Details

• Position: Executive Director
• Organization: Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKIIRSS)
• Job Category: Government Jobs, Management, NGO & Development, HR & Administration
• Location: Colombo 01, Sri Lanka
• Employment Type: Full-Time Senior Executive Position
• Closing Date: 13 July 2026

Company Overview

The Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute (LKIIRSS) is a leading national research institution established under the Sri Lanka Institute of Strategic Studies framework. The institute focuses on international relations, defense, national security, economics, culture, environment, and strategic policy research. It plays a vital role in supporting Sri Lanka’s foreign policy and diplomatic engagement through research and academic collaboration.

Qualifications & Experience

Applicants must meet one of the following pathways:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Commerce, Economics, International Relations, or a related field recognized by the UGC
  AND a Postgraduate Degree or equivalent professional qualification (Chartered/recognized institution)
  AND Minimum 18 years of managerial experience, including at least 5 years in senior management level in a reputed organization

OR

• A PhD in a relevant field such as Business Management, HRM, Public Administration, Economics, or International Relations
  AND Minimum 5 years of proven senior managerial experience in a recognized institution after PhD

Internal Candidate Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of satisfactory service in a Senior Manager (HM) category position
• Proven leadership in managing multidisciplinary teams
• Strong experience in resource management and institutional administration

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overall management and administration of LKIIRSS
• Promote and strengthen the institute’s national and international academic presence
• Manage and guide a multidisciplinary team of research officers
• Oversee research development, strategic studies, and policy analysis activities
• Ensure efficient utilization of human and institutional resources
• Collaborate with government, diplomatic, and academic institutions
• Drive research excellence aligned with national strategic interests

Required Skills

• Strong leadership and strategic management capability
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Proven experience in research or policy-oriented institutions
• Ability to manage large multidisciplinary teams
• High analytical, decision-making, and organizational skills
• Strong understanding of international relations and strategic studies
• Integrity, professionalism, and governance expertise

Salary & Benefits

• Salary Scale: HM 2-2 (As per Management Services Circular No. 01/2025)
• Initial Gross Salary: Approx. Rs. 211,270 (Basic + Allowances included)
• Includes Cost of Living Allowance, Telephone Allowance, and Fuel Allowance
• Other government-approved senior executive benefits
• Pensionable public sector employment structure (as applicable)

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a detailed CV along with a cover letter in PDF format.

Applications should be sent via email or post:

Email: addl.secadmin@mfa.gov.lk

Postal Address:
Additional Secretary (Administration)
General Administration Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism
Republic Building
Colombo 01, Sri Lanka

Important Notes

• Applicants must be Sri Lankan citizens
• Age limit: 35 to 55 years (not applicable for internal candidates)
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
• Applications must be submitted in PDF format via email
• Original documents must be produced at the interview stage
• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered
• Selection will be based on qualifications, experience, and interview performance

Source :

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