Written by Lillian Hudspeth
The Department of State has announced an innovative policy aimed at recognizing the significant contributions of non-career Foreign Service (FS) employees. The new initiative, which will take effect from October 1, will award “bump-up” points to candidates with extensive overseas FS experience who pass the examination process to become career members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to this new policy, eligible candidates who pass the Diplomatic Assessment or Diplomatic Professional Assessment and meet all pre-employment qualifications and clearances will have an additional 0.17 points added to their assessment score for registration ranking purposes. will be done. This increase was made in recognition of our past overseas services. Candidates will still be eligible to earn up to a total of 0.55 bump-up points in categories such as language proficiency and veteran preference.
“In line with[Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s]modernization agenda, I am committed to ensuring that our department fosters a work environment that is resilient, agile, safe, and capable of attracting and retaining top talent. “We will do our best,” the Foreign Affairs chief said. Marcia S. Bernica, Director of Services and Global Talent, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “The valuable contributions and expertise of non-career diplomatic personnel, including qualified non-career appointees, eligible family members, and civil service colleagues, have long been essential to advancing U.S. foreign policy and protecting our national security. We are proud to formally recognize their experience and are excited to offer them the opportunity to pursue a career appointment in the Foreign Service if they wish.”
0.17 To qualify for FS experience bump-up points, candidates must have served at least 48 months in a Department of State overseas FS position at the FP-06 level or higher within the past eight years. Additionally, you must receive a performance review that documents outstanding performance and a recommendation for continued employment. Candidates wishing to apply for bump-up points must submit the required documentation by email to the Office of Acquisition, Planning, and Onboarding once the policy becomes effective. The email must include all PDF versions of SF-50 forms indicating the start and end dates of all qualifying experience and any final employee evaluation reports covering at least 48 months of the past eight years. and must clearly support recommendations for continued employment and document excellent performance. Current candidates registered at the time this policy comes into effect can also apply for bump-up points by following the same steps.
This new policy underscores the Department’s commitment to recognizing the dedication and hard work of non-career FS employees and ensuring their valuable contributions are recognized and rewarded.
Lillian Hudspeth is the Director of Communications and FS Pipelines in the Office of Talent Acquisition.
