The Foreign Service Journal, March 2014

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | MARCH 2014 47 AFSA NEWS Views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the AFSA USAID VP. Contact: swayne@usaid.gov or (202) 712-1631 ePerformance Is On the Horizon In support of the administra- tor's USAID Forward Talent Management initiative, the Office of Human Resources plans to pilot an ePerfor- mance system. This new tool is designed to facilitate Internet access to the annual evaluation form from any- where, provide automated workflow between employees and their managers, allow for electronic signatures, and bring increased transparency and accountability to the evaluation process. Transitioning to electronic document handling holds much promise; however, startups are rarely, if ever, without glitches. Many may remember the tedious proce- dures we faced instituting the New Management System. We learned a lot about what it takes to launch agencywide software in an agency that happens to be spread out over 80 countries. Yet, even some of the more recent electronic initiatives such as WebTA and the Global Acquisition and Assistance System, have shown that it is nearly impossible to escape early glitches, no matter how much preparation is done. The Foreign Service evalu- ation is essential for promo- tion, tenure and career plan- ning. Therefore, a smooth rollout of ePerformance—and the assurance that any glitches that surface do not disadvantage any FSO—is imperative. To ensure that the agency understands just how personally any potential glitches would affect FSOs during this rollout, and to begin close monitoring of remedy procedures, I met recently with the office of the Chief Information Officer, Labor Relations and OHR personnel. OHR is looking to pilot the ePerformance system at several missions (pend- ing at this writing) to ensure that the system supports the current performance man- agement processes for the Foreign Service and Senior Foreign Service. The pilot is planned for the 2014-2015 performance cycle, beginning April 2014. The rollout for the entire FS/SFS will be deter- mined based on the results of the pilots. I relayed my initial con- cerns during this meeting: that the introduction to FS members should include a longer test period in Wash- ington; that those participat- ing in the overseas pilot must in no way be penalized by the performance boards due to any glitches in the system; that alternate (or proxy) users be allowed in the sys- tem; that multiple deadline reminders be sent out; and that adequate and continued training be provided. General Schedule pilots were initiated for the Senior Executive Service in Octo- ber 2013 (their rating cycle begins Oct. 1) and for OHR in January 2014 (their rating cycle begins January 1)—too recent for any feedback to be available. OHR will be provid- ing more information once pilot missions are identified and a rollout plan is finalized. I will continue my close involvement in this transi- tion and see that the initia- tive provides the intended benefits. To make sure we are fully heard, I am anxious to know your concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact me at swayne@usaid.gov. n Transitioning to electronic document handling holds much promise; however, initial start-ups are rarely, if ever, without glitches. Women Ambassadors Through History Just in time for women’s history month, AFSA has debuted a new section of its ambassador tracking website. The page details the number of female ambassadors who have served in each country since the U.S. began diplomatic relations with that nation. There are some surprising statistics, ranging from shocking omissions (no female chiefs of mis- sion in Canada or China) to good news (women are well represented in newer states). We hope that our members will find this information interesting and useful. You may access the chart at www.afsa.org/ femaleambs. NEWS BRIEF AFSA Annual Report 2013 Is Out The report has been published and is available online at www.afsa.org/annualreport. A hard copy was sent to all retired members. Copies are also available on request. E-mail member@afsa.org. The report details AFSA’s 2013 activities, ranging from strategic planning to events. AFSA President Bob Silverman pens the introductory passage, fol- lowed by contributions from all constituency vice presidents, as well as AFSA’s professional staff. For the first time, the report is published as a stand-alone document. It is focused on member services and our 90th anniversary. We hope you will take the opportunity to peruse the report. NEWS BRIEF