Foreign Service specialists are members of the US Foreign Service who specialize in technical support services and have their own set of qualifications. Administration, office management, international information, and English language programs are among the seven career paths available. The Foreign Service also includes security, medical, and health professionals. Construction, engineering, and information technology are among the more technical career paths. Despite the fact that a job posting may be in another country, the job requirements and duties will be very similar, if not identical, to those of a similar job in the United States.
The Foreign Service specialist’s job is to assist and maintain the smooth operation of US government offices both at home and abroad. Their counterpart, the Foreign Service officer, is in charge of political and policy matters. A specialist’s skill set and professional experience are typically the most important aspects of their job.
A facility manager, a financial manager, or a human resources officer could be roles for a Foreign Service specialist pursuing an administrative track. A facilities manager’s responsibilities include overseeing the upkeep of buildings and grounds. Budgeting, payroll, and auditing expenditures may all fall under the purview of a financial manager. A human resources officer’s responsibilities often include facility staffing, employee benefits, and performance evaluation.
Installation and repair of computer hardware and peripherals are typical responsibilities of an information technology specialist. A facility’s private branch exchange (PBX) telephone system, as well as any base station or mobile radio equipment, is maintained by telephone and radio specialists. The Foreign Service specialist in this track may also work in network security, communications, and diplomatic pouch or mail services.
As an English Language Officer (ELO) or an Information Resource Officer, you can pursue a career in the international information and English language program (IRO). An ELO may be in charge of all US State Department-sponsored English language programs in the host country or across a region. An IRO collaborates with other embassy and consulate officials to promote electronic and traditional information resources that aid the diplomatic mission of the United States. Local staffing and regional training for information programs are also a part of this specialist’s responsibilities.
In the security track, a Foreign Service specialist could work as a diplomatic courier, a security technical specialist, or a security engineering officer. Between diplomatic missions abroad and State Department headquarters, a diplomatic courier personally escorts pouches containing sensitive material. To protect against espionage, crime, and terrorism, security technical specialists maintain advanced electronic and mechanical security systems. Security engineering officers are in charge of designing and testing these systems.
Medical and health professionals include primary care nurses and physicians, psychiatrists, and medical laboratory technologists. Large facilities frequently have their own primary care centers to oversee assigned staff and their families’ medical and mental health needs. The Foreign Service specialist in this track is also responsible for educating staff about health issues unique to a particular location.