Diplomat Job Description
Diplomats are typically foreign service officers who represent America's interests abroad and assist U.S. citizens living and working in the host country. According to the U.S. Department of State, diplomats are posted at more than 265 U.S. embassies, consulates and diplomatic missions in more than 160 countries.
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Job Purpose
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According to the U.S Department of State, "Foreign Service Officers, or U.S. diplomats, are the front-line professionals representing the Department of State at all U.S. embassies, consulates and other diplomatic missions." Diplomats facilitate relations between nations, advance American policy interests abroad, inform the U.S. government about political and economic activities in the host country, act on behalf of the U.S. government during times of crisis and assist Americans living and traveling abroad.
Responsibilities
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Responsibilities vary as diplomats focus on one of the following five career tracks. Consular officers assist Americans abroad, public diplomacy officers explain American values and policies, economic officers support U.S. business abroad and economic partnerships, political officers analyze political events and management officers run the daily operations of embassies.
Daily tasks of a diplomat include analyzing data, writing reports, meeting with local authorities and other diplomats, issuing visas, communicating the U.S. position on various policies, communicating with the U.S. government on activities in the host country and implementing policies and programs.
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Qualifications
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According to the U.S. Department of State, to become a diplomat you must be a U.S. citizen between the ages of 20 and 59 on the date you submit your registration (between 21 and 60 on the day you are appointed) and willing to work worldwide.
Candidates who meet these requirements must first take a computer-based exam, given by the State Department. The exam consists of job-related questions on topics such as government, politics, culture and international affairs; an English expression and usage test; questions on the candidate's background; and essays. Candidates who pass this exam will then take an oral exam. For those who pass the oral exam, a physical exam, background check and final review will be conducted to measure suitability.
Most successful candidates have at least a bachelor's degree and many hold advanced degrees in international relations, economics, business administration and law. While language skills are not required, knowing languages such as Arabic, Russian or Chinese will increase your competitiveness.
Personal Attributes
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Diplomats tend to have personal attributes that make them suitable for this position. These include the ability to remain calm under stress, dedication to public service, enjoying challenges, open-minded, culturally adaptable, work well with others, objectivity, leadership and strong communication and analysis skills.
Work Environment & Salary
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While some diplomats are posted in Washington, D.C., the majority are posted at embassies and consulates around the world. While the length of the post can vary according to vacancies, diplomats tend to work in a country for one to three years before moving to a new country. Most diplomats will serve at least once in a developing country where living and working conditions might be difficult and/or dangerous. Harsh climates, health hazards and lack of American-style amenities are common.
Entry salaries for diplomats vary depending on a variety of factors. The candidate's education, professional experience, country location and, if applicable, current federal base salary and language skills all determine the entry salary range.
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References
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