CAREERS

1. FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICER I

Kind of Work

Work at the entrance level in the Foreign Service.

Distinguishing Features of Work

An officer in this class works under the immediate supervision of a higher level officer at a Foreign Service post and performs one or a combination of duties as outlined below.  Assignments are chosen by the superior officer, primarily, to provide insight into the variety of problems with which the section is concerned, to acquire interpretive ability or to enhance analytical ability and to develop a more specialized background in one or several areas of activities namely, political, economic, consular and administrative.  Specific instructions are given with new assignments.  Work output is reviewed where practicable while more routine duties are performed without specific instructions.  Generally a thorough review is made for adherence to instructions, accuracy, completeness and manner of presentation.

Examples of Work

Political:

·        Obtains information from newspapers, official reports, magazines, memoranda and by personal contracts for biographic data on important personages within the country.

·        Maintains biographic files for the mission as well as a card file index on political personalities, movements and parties.

·        Prepares biographic data, reports on written resumes of available data from research materials in biographic file.  Makes contacts with local people from different walks of life to learn about local feelings and views.

·        Assists higher grade officers in political reporting by doing research, contacting sources of information, drafting less difficult reports or portions of reports.  May do foreign language translations.

·        Performs protocol functions.

·        As assigned, observes and reports on specific aspects of the political situation in the host country.

·        Maintains contacts with junior level officials in other embassies, with newspaper and political party members, chiefly for exchange of information.

·        Accompanies supervisor or higher grade political officer as a general assistant at negotiations and discussions.

·        As required, assists visitors, representing the Trinidad and Tobago Government by furnishing factual information on political problems of the host country.  May assist representatives of the host government and private concerns through similar briefings on conditions and political trends in Trinidad and Tobago.

·        Studies the history of the host country in order to learn the background of events, to become familiar with the temperament of the people and to acquire the ability to interpret happenings.

Economic

·        Collects information and prepares Trade Lists.  This involves research in local, commercial or industrial directories, preparation of questionnaires and letters in the native language, transmits these to local businessmen, translation of their replies, and the drafting and typing of Trade Lists in final form for transmittal to the Home Office.  Maintains a current file of material on economic matters.  Obtains material for this file by scanning newspapers and magazines and clipping pertinent items.

·        Assists higher grade offices in economic reporting by doing research, contacting sources of information and drafting less difficult reports or portion of reports.   As assigned, observes and reports on specific aspects of the economic situation in the host country.

·        Receives and assists nationals and local businessmen in a variety of problems which may include trade complaints, labour markets, tariffs, trade regulations and related matters.

·        Replies to correspondence of a routine economic nature subject to approval of a higher level Economic Officer or Supervisor.

·        Accompanies supervisor or higher grade Economic Officer as a general assistant at negotiations and discussions.

Consular

·        Examines and evaluates evidence submitted to ascertain that all requirements and provisions of laws and regulations are met by applicants for registration as citizens, for passports and visas and for reports of birth.   Answers enquiries on various aspects of Immigration and Nationality Laws.  Conducts necessary correspondence with applicants, lawyers and other interested persons.

·        Assists in conducting investigations into deaths of citizens of Trinidad and Tobago in the consular district; in assembling documents and in preparing the official consular report of death.

·        Interviews citizens of Trinidad and Tobago in need of assistance or advice of any nature and either furnishes appropriate assistance or advice or directs the applicant to the proper place or person.

·        Develops contacts with officials of the local government at the working level to facilitate cooperation and assistance in the solution of protection, welfare and related problems.  Compiles information and drafts required periodic reports relating to special consular services. Obtains information and reports on local conditions, visa requirements and fees and passport matters.

·       Performs notarial services administering oaths and receiving acknowledgements on

   miscellaneous notarial services such as affidavits concerning loss of passports; certifies signatures or documents by comparing them with signatures on file.

Administrative

·        Participates in one or several phases of the personnel management program at the mission such as the recruitment, selection and placement of local employees; makes recommendations for internal assignment, transfer and use of all categories of personnel in relation to workload fluctuations, abilities and interest of the personnel concerned, better utilization of space, facilities and equipment.  Drafts and presents to his superiors, operation memoranda, despatches, telegrams.

·        Maintains fiscal, accounting, allotment and budget control records. Reviews expenditure and certifies as to availability of funds and property of expenditures in the liquidation of all obligations incurred at the mission.  Ensures prompt payment of bills and salaries.

·        Assists in the preparation of annual budget estimates, property, inventories, security reports and any other administrative reports.

·        Prepares supplies, furniture and equipment locally or otherwise. Arranges for transportation of people and equipment, or any other task of an administrative nature.

·        Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

·        Knowledge of International Relations.

·        Knowledge of the Immigration and Nationality Laws of Trinidad and Tobago.

·        Knowledge of the Laws and Regulations relating to economic, financial and commercial matters in Trinidad and Tobago.

·        Knowledge of one or more foreign languages.

·        Some knowledge of modern principles of administration.

·        Knowledge of the government organizational patterns and functional operations.

·        Ability to prepare reports based on factual information.

·        Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Minimum Experience and Training

Training as evidenced by a recognized degree (Second Class Honours) in subjects including, but not restricted to, Politics, Law Economics, Business, Business Administration, Languages or International Relations.