The Foreign Service Journal, July-August 2016

32 JULY-AUGUST 2016 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL A career or career candidate Foreign Service employee whose spouse or same-sex domestic partner is a career or career candidate FS employee of one of five foreign affairs agencies is part of a “tandem couple.” The State Department aims to make reasonable efforts to help both members of a tandem couple find appropriate positions at the same post. The State Department intends to ensure no advantage or disadvantage to members of tandem couples. Assignments: Each member of a tandem must ensure that their Employee Profiles reflect this status by submitting an OF-126 through HROnline. Each partner should notify their career development officer (CDO) in writing of their intent to bid as a tandem. CDOs will provide guidance on bidding and long-term career planning as part of a couple. • A member of a tandem employed by another foreign affairs agency should consult with both State’s CDO and their own. • Candidates should inform prospective bureaus if bidding as a tandem. • Entry-level officers (ELOs) are considered the “lead bidder” when bidding with a mid- or senior-level partner because of their lower level of flexibility due to tenure requirements. • Only one member of a tandemmay choose “with family” status prior to departure to the same post; dependent chil- dren appear on only one employee’s order. Couples may not transfer “with family” status until the end of a tour. Tour of Duty: If TOD lengths differ, HR/CDA may approve an extension/curtailment for one employee (Cohen Rule). Extensions cannot exceed a post’s maximum TOD. Bear in mind that curtailment for synchronization may result in repayment requirements. • If one partner is an ELO, the TOD for the mid- or senior- level partner will often be adjusted to coincide with that of the ELO. This is not done automatically, and the mid- or senior-level partner must negotiate this under the Cohen Rule. • Direct transfers for the purposes of synchronization are not approved without presentation of compelling circumstances. Alternatives to Joint Assignments: Alternatives include differing assignments, a Domestic Employee Teleworking Overseas (known as DETO) arrangement, detail to another agency, language study at FSI (Muller Rule), or Leave Without Pay (LWOP). Consult Diplopedia for information on com- muter posts. • A member of a tandem may go on LWOP for the duration of their partner’s TOD, requesting extensions as needed. He/she may also compete for appropriate vacant posi- tions at post, or be directed into positions if there is an overwhelming need and the position remains unfilled after a reasonable period. • He/she may accept another paying federal position provided the original remains on non-pay status. They may also accept assignments at post open to EFMs; this is not considered a formal return from LWOP. Nepotism: Tandem employees should be aware of anti- nepotism regulations. Actions that affect or benefit or appear to benefit a relative’s career are prohibited. You may not supervise a relative. Duplication of travel, benefits or allow- ances is not authorized for tandems. • The Meaning of Paneling Remarks— n Tandem, No Issues: Indicates timing and other issues have been considered and the assignment can move forward. Confirm with your CDO. n Panel in Principle (PIP): Indicates that timing issues are unresolved for mid- or senior-level over- seas assignments. If an appropriate assignment cannot be arranged, you may request breaking the PIP’d assignment. n Cohen Rule: The TOD of the non-entry level mem- ber is adjusted to synchronize bidding cycles. • ELOs may not appeal directed assignments (3 FAH-1 H-2425.8-6). • The assignment of a third employee may not be broken to accommodate the assignment of a tandem couple. —Shannon Mizzi, Editorial Assistant Assignment of Tandem Couples State Department Standard Operating Procedure, Revised November 2015 —A Summary—