The Foreign Service Journal, April 2014

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2014 51 AFSA NEWS • Understanding of High Level Policy and Operations, and of Key U.S. Interests and Values in the Country or Organization of Prospective Assignment: The nominee possesses the knowledge and capacity to lead the opera- tions of a diplomatic mission effectively; to participate constructively in the formulation of policy and implement policy in a creative manner that yields positive results where possible; and to communicate persuasively with government stakeholders (White House, State Department, other executive agencies and Congress), host nation offi- cials, political leaders and civil society. He or she demon- strates the capacity to negotiate, and has the proven ability to take on various challenges, including working with U.S. and foreign business communities and other nongovern- mental interests, and providing services to U.S. citizens. • Management: The nominee has relevant management experience; and possesses a commitment to team building, innovation, problem-solving, strategic planning, mentoring and career development. He or she also possesses experi- ence in setting goals and visions, managing change, and allocating resources. He or she has the capacity to work well with a deputy and other members of a team, and to delegate effectively. • Understanding of Host Country and International Affairs, Ability to Promote and Advance U.S. Interests: The nominee has experience in or with the host country or other suitable international experience, and has knowledge of the host country culture and language or of other foreign cultures or languages. He or she has the ability to manage relations between the U.S. and the country or organization of assignment in order to advance U.S. interests, including the interests of U.S. commercial firms as well as individual U.S. citizens and nationals. The nominee skillfully interacts with different audiences–both public and private. n Appendix: Members of the AFSA Working Group Ambassador Charles A. Ray, Retired, Chairman Ambassador Ruth A. Davis, Retired Ambassador Stuart E. Eizenstat, Retired Ambassador Donald Gips, Retired Ambassador Anthony S. Harrington, Retired Ambassador James Franklin Jeffrey, Retired Ambassador Laura E. Kennedy, Retired Ambassador Alan Larson, Retired Ambassador Gillian A. Milovanovic, Retired Ambassador Michael M. Wood, Retired AFSA President Bob Silverman Working Group Secretary Janice Weiner On March 12, AFSA hosted a breakfast for U.S. chiefs of mission—those already serv- ing, as well as nominees— who were in Washington, D.C., for the annual chiefs- of-mission conference at the State Department. Some 32 ambassadors, chargés and designees attended, as well as Acting Director General Hans Klemm and Ambas- sadorial Seminar Director Jennifer Wicks from State. AFSA President Bob Sil- verman, State Vice President Matthew Asada, USAID Vice President Sharon Wayne and State Representatives Chuck Fee, Sue Saarnio and Nancy Rios-Brooks were present on behalf of the AFSA Governing Board. Acknowledging the controversy regarding political campaign fundraiser nominees for ambassador, Pres. Silverman opened the breakfast with an introduc- tion to AFSA’s recently released “Guidelines for Successful Performance as a Chief of Mission” and clari - fied the purpose of the AFSA initiative. Conversation during the breakfast focused on the ambassador qualifica- tions issue and the AFSA guidelines, which Silverman explained are meant to help stakeholders reform the ambassadorial nomination and confirmation process. He added that AFSA does not play a role in the process, but has a strong interest in making sure that the pro- cess works and that quali- fied chiefs of mission are selected, whether career or non-career.  Attendees expressed a range of views. While there was no disagreement that all chiefs of mission, whether career or non-career diplo- mats, should be qualified, some took issue with AFSA’s definition of that term. One ambassador suggested that AFSA be careful not to appear to be simply protect- ing its own people, but rather advocate for the best ambas- sadors to serve the American people. Silverman agreed, noting, “We want the best possible candidates, but they ahould meet the standards.” He reiterated that the initiative is non-partisan and began well before the February and March media storm. He noted that AFSA had requested copies of all Certificates of Competence for ambassadorial nominees from the State Department AFSAHosts Chiefs of Mission BY SHAWN DORMAN, FSJ EDITOR Continued on page 58 Attendees at AFSA’s chief of mission breakfast express their opinions on qualifications for ambassadors. PHOTOBYÁSGEIRSIGFÚSSON