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45-493: The current system of diplomatic ranks was established by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961). There are three top ranks, two of which remain in use: The body of diplomats accredited to a country form the diplomatic corps . Ambassadors have precedence over chargés, and precedence within each rank is determined by the date on which diplomatic credentials were presented. The longest-serving ambassador

90-531: A diplomat or as a member of the support staff, under the authority of an ambassador or other head of a diplomatic mission , mostly in intergovernmental organizations or international non-governmental organisations or agencies . Attachés monitor various issues related to their area of specialty (see examples below) that may require some action. To this end, attachés may undertake the planning for events to be attended, decisions which will be taken, managing arrangements and agendas, conducting research, and acting as

135-614: A First Secretary (Economic) would represent an officer/middle-manager from the Ministry of Trade and Industry. While such persons may hold diplomatic status temporarily, they are not considered to be part of the Foreign Service. After the merger of the Consular and Diplomatic Corps, the current eight grades of Spanish career diplomats are (in ascending order): His Majesty's Diplomatic Service differentiates between officers in

180-430: A framework for diplomatic relations between independent countries . Its aim is to facilitate "the development of friendly relations" among governments through a uniform set of practices and principles; most notably, it codifies the longstanding custom of diplomatic immunity , in which diplomatic missions are granted privileges that enable diplomats to perform their functions without fear of coercion or harassment by

225-551: A hierarchy between careers. However, when working abroad, it is common for Chancery Assistants and Chancery Officers to be assigned to sensitive functions, such as the Vice-Consul, and/or as Head of Sectors such as administration, accounting, communications, processing of political, commercial, diplomatic or consular information. There are six ranks in the Diplomat career, in hierarchical order: Embaixador / Embaixadora

270-726: A limited number of low-level BB1 staff abroad. In large Australian missions an SES officer who is not the head of mission could be posted with the rank of Minister. The Brazilian Foreign Service ( Serviço Exterior Brasileiro ) is made up of three careers: the Diplomat Career, the Chancery Officer Career and the Chancery Assistant Career. There are no ranks in the Chancery Assistant or Chancery Officer careers, nor

315-572: A matter of custom. Furthermore, outside this traditional pattern of bilateral diplomacy, as a rule on a permanent residency basis (though sometimes doubling elsewhere), certain ranks and positions were created specifically for multilateral diplomacy: Special envoys have been created ad hoc by individual countries, treaties and international organizations including the United Nations. A few examples are provided below: Most countries worldwide have some form of internal rank, roughly parallel to

360-537: A military attaché serves on the diplomatic staff of an embassy or consulate while retaining a military commission. A science attaché advises on issues pertaining to science and technology. A health attaché advises on global health issues and may serve multiple functions. A "diplomat who collects, analyzes, and acts on information concerning health in a foreign country or countries and provides critical links between public health and foreign affairs stakeholders." Earlier known more as Medical Attaché. Health attaches are

405-694: A minister to a smaller monarchy or a republic. For example, in the waning years of the Second French Empire , the United Kingdom sent an ambassador to Paris, while Sweden-Norway and the United States sent ministers. The rule that only monarchies could send ambassadors was more honored in the breach than the observance. This had been true even before the Congress of Vienna, as England continued to appoint ambassadors after becoming

450-486: A number are still degree-holders, they are usually candidates from mainstream universities, or top university graduates who did so without "good" Honours. The FSAS class also include Polytechnic graduates (who possess Diplomas). Given the above, FSOs typically occupy the managerial positions, while FSASes generally perform more operational roles. [ Note : FSOs are typically the diplomats, while FSASes serve as support staff.] Officials from both schemes occupy billets at both

495-505: A representative of the interests of their state when necessary, to the types of organizations mentioned above, and also to national academies and to industry. Sometimes an attaché has special responsibilities or expertise. Examples include a cultural attaché , customs attaché, police officer attaché, labor attaché, legal attaché, liaison officer attaché, military/defense attaché , press attaché , agricultural attaché , commercial attaché, maritime attaché and science attaché . Typically,

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540-648: A republic in 1649. Countries that overthrew their monarchs proved to be unwilling to accept the lower rank accorded to a republic. After the Franco-Prussian War , the French Third Republic continued to send and receive ambassadors. The rule became increasingly untenable as the United States grew into a Great Power. The United States followed the French precedent in 1893, and began to exchange ambassadors with other Great Powers. Historically,

585-584: A specific or technical field. Since administrative and technical staff benefit from only limited diplomatic immunity , some countries may routinely appoint support staff as attachés. Attaché does not, therefore, denote any rank or position (except in Soviet and post-Soviet diplomatic services, where attaché is the lowest diplomatic rank of a career diplomat). Note that many traditional functionary roles, such as press attaché or cultural attaché , are not formal titles in diplomatic practice, although they may be used as

630-529: Is the dean of the diplomatic corps , who speaks for the entire diplomatic corps on matters of diplomatic privilege and protocol. In many Catholic countries, the papal nuncio is always considered the dean of the diplomatic corps. The ranks established by the Vienna Convention (1961) modify a more elaborate system of ranks that was established by the Congress of Vienna (1815): The rank of envoy

675-674: Is the honorary dignity conceded permanently when a Minister of First Class assumes a Post overseas. It can also be a temporary assignment, when carried on by a lower-rank diplomat or Brazilian politician of high level. The ranks of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China are defined by the Law on Diplomatic Personnel Stationed Abroad, passed in 2009 by the National People's Congress : The following ranks are used in

720-436: Is used for any diplomatic agent who does not fit in the standard diplomatic ranks, often because they are not (or were not traditionally) members of the sending country's diplomatic service or foreign ministry , and were therefore only "attached" to the diplomatic mission. The most frequent use is for military attachés , but the diplomatic title may be used for any specific individual or position as required, generally related to

765-732: The Congress of Vienna in 1815. This was followed much later by the Convention regarding Diplomatic Officers (Havana, 1928). The present treaty on the treatment of diplomats was the outcome of a draft by the International Law Commission . The treaty was adopted on 18 April 1961, by the United Nations Conference on Diplomatic Intercourse and Immunities held in Vienna , Austria , and first implemented on 24 April 1964. The same Conference also adopted

810-791: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) are graded into four broad bands (BB1 to BB4), with the Senior Executive Service (SES Band 1 to SES Band 3) following above. Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Consuls-General usually come from the Senior Executive Service, although in smaller posts the head of mission may be a BB4 officer. Generally speaking (and there are variations in ranking and nomenclature between posts and positions), Counsellors are represented by BB4 officers; Consuls and First and Second Secretaries are BB3 officers and Third Secretaries and Vice Consuls are BB2 officers. DFAT only posts

855-412: The Vienna Convention on Consular Relations . The Vienna Convention is an extensive document, containing 53 articles. The following is a basic overview of its key provisions. The same year the treaty was adopted, two protocols were added as amendments; countries may ratify the main treaty without necessarily ratifying these optional agreements. As of June 2020 , there are 193 state parties to

900-505: The order of precedence had been a matter of great dispute. European powers agreed that the papal nuncio and imperial ambassador would have precedence, but could not agree on the relative precedence of the kingdoms and smaller countries. In 1768, the French and Russian ambassadors to Great Britain even fought a duel over who had the right to sit next to the imperial ambassador at a court ball. After several diplomatic incidents between their ambassadors, France and Spain agreed in 1761 to let

945-878: The "Senior Management Structure" (SMS; equivalent to the Senior Civil Service grades of the Home Civil Service ) and those in the "delegated grades". SMS officers are classified into four pay-bands, and will serve in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London as (in descending order of seniority) Permanent Under-Secretary (O-10), Directors-General (O-9), Directors (O-8), and Heads of department or deputy directors (O-7). Overseas Ambassadors and High Commissioners (in Commonwealth countries) are generally drawn from all four SMS bands (and

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990-649: The D7 delegated grade) depending on the size and importance of the mission, as are Consuls-General, Deputy Heads of Mission, and Counsellors in larger posts. (Deputy Heads of Mission at the most significant Embassies, for example those in Washington and in Paris , are known as Ministers.) In the "delegated grades", officers are graded by number from 1 to 7; the grades are grouped into bands lettered A‑D (A1 and A2; B3; C4 and C5; and D6 and D7). Overseas, A2 grade officers hold

1035-562: The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: There are five ranks in the French Diplomatic Service: (in ascending order) There are two additional ranks for ICT specialists (also in ascending order): The German Foreign Service uses a rank system that is connected to that of the rest of the civil administration and to military ranks through a common pay table. All ranks also occur in female form. The ranks at

1080-643: The Federal Law of 27 July 2010 No.205-FZ. Diplomatic ranks are not to be confused with diplomatic positions (posts). The Singapore Foreign Service also has a merged Diplomatic and Consular Corps. Its career diplomats and diplomatic support staff are split across two discrete career schemes, namely: (a) Foreign Service Officers ; and (b) Foreign Service Administration Specialists . Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) FSOs are selected through multiple rounds of highly competitive written and observational psychometric and neuropsychological evaluations. Being one of

1125-489: The Hungarian Foreign Service are the following.: In Italy , ranks and functions are not exactly connected: each rank can cover several functions. Moreover, several exceptions apply. There are about 30 people who hold the rank of Ambassador. Therefore, most of the about 150 Italian embassies or permanent representations are held by a Minister Plenipotentiary: traditionally, ambassadors are appointed to

1170-859: The Mexican Foreign Service. In ascending order, the five ranks of the Portuguese diplomatic career are, as defined in the Statute of the Diplomatic Career ( Estatuto da Carreira Diplomática ): Ministers Plenipotentiary who have been in that rank for three or more years are called "Minister Plenipotentiary, First Class" ( ministro plenipotenciário de 1.ª classe ), those who have been in the rank for less than three years are called "Minister Plenipotentiary, Second Class" ( ministro plenipotenciário de 2.ª classe ). Embassy Secretaries who have been in that rank for six years or more and in

1215-720: The Optional Protocol concerning Acquisition of Nationality, the Optional Protocol concerning the Compulsory Settlement of Disputes, the Final Act and four resolutions annexed to that Act. One notable aspect which arose from the 1961 treaty was the establishment of the Holy See 's diplomatic immunity status with other nations. Two years later, the United Nations adopted a closely related treaty,

1260-529: The Political track take precedence over the rest, as all Heads of Mission (HOMs) or Deputy Chiefs of Mission (DCMs) are generally Political Officers. [ Note : The Political track is solely for FSOs.] Other ministries and agencies Personnel seconded from other government agencies receive different protocol-based suffixes and titles from those in the Foreign Service, which differ from the wider public and military services' ranks/grades and titles. For instance,

1305-491: The Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as Singapore's Overseas Missions (Embassies/High Commissions/Consulates-General/Consulates) - which number over 50. FSOs are appointed to the rank of Second Secretary or higher, while FSASes are posted according to their substantive grades (typically ranging from Mission Support Officer to Attache - although in very rare cases some senior FSASes may be promoted up to

1350-503: The Vienna Convention, including all UN member states —with the exceptions of Palau and South Sudan —and the UN observer states of the Holy See and State of Palestine . The Republic of China signed and ratified the convention on 18 April 1961 and 19 December 1969, respectively, prior to the UN granting China's seat to the People's Republic of China . There are no states that have signed

1395-492: The centuries, remaining an important element of foreign relations up to the present day. Their function to negotiate agreements between states demands certain special privileges. An envoy from another nation is traditionally treated as a guest, their communications with their home nation treated as confidential, and their freedom from coercion and subjugation by the host nation treated as essential. The first attempt to codify diplomatic immunity into diplomatic law occurred with

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1440-460: The date of arrival determine their precedence. In 1760, Portugal attempted to apply seniority to all ambassadors, but the rule was rejected by the other European courts. The Congress of Vienna finally put an end to these disputes over precedence. After an initial attempt to divide countries into three ranks faltered on the question of which country should be in each rank, the Congress instead decided to divide diplomats into three ranks. A fourth rank

1485-591: The diplomatic career for eight years or more are called "First Embassy Secretary" ( primeiro-secretário de embaixada ), those who have been in the rank for three years or more and for five years or more in the diplomatic career are called "Second Embassy Secretary" ( segundo-secretário de embaixada ), and those who have been in that rank for less than three years are called "Third Embassy Secretary" ( terceiro-secretário de embaixada ). The diplomatic ranks in Russian Federation were introduced with enactment of

1530-421: The diplomatic ranks, which are used in their foreign service or civil service in general. The correspondence is not exact, however, for various reasons, including the fact that according to diplomatic usage, all Ambassadors are of equal rank, but Ambassadors of more senior rank are typically sent to more important postings. Some countries may make specific links or comparisons to military ranks . Officers from

1575-553: The host country. The Vienna Convention is a cornerstone of modern international relations and international law and is almost universally ratified and observed; it is considered one of the most successful legal instruments drafted under the United Nations . Throughout the history of sovereign states , diplomats have enjoyed a special status. The principle of diplomatic immunity dates back to ancient times, when Greek and Roman governments granted special status to envoys. This basic concept has endured and continued to evolve over

1620-765: The likes of Oxford/Cambridge University in the United Kingdom, or any of the Ivy League institutions in the United States) or from Singapore's two most prestigious universities (i.e. the National University of Singapore/Nanyang Technological University - which are consistently ranked in the world's top 20 universities). Foreign Service Administration Specialists (FSASes) FSASes, on the other hand, while still selected through some manner of written and observational assessments, are typically those bearing more conventional educational qualifications. While

1665-610: The missing link for global diplomacy. The title is also used in reference to diplomacy and in the hierarchical administration of the Catholic Church , specifically in the Roman Curia , in cases where a priest, usually in the diplomatic corps of the Holy See or else released for service to the Holy See , serves in a nunciature in a given country or to an international or intergovernmental organization . Especially in

1710-489: The most exclusive and sought-after roles in the entire Singapore Civil Service, FSO candidates are typically drawn from graduates of the world's top universities. This is especially the case for candidates vying to be emplaced on the extremely competitive Political Track, of which only around 20 are recruited nationwide annually. Regardless, most candidates who are eventually selected, possess degrees with First Class Honours either from either top universities globally (particularly

1755-591: The most important representations, such as London , Paris , Washington , New Delhi and Peking embassies and representations to the UN in New York City and the EU in Brussels . After the merger of the Consular and Diplomatic Corps, the current grades of Mexican career diplomats are (in ascending order) There are additional ranks for Administrative specialists and Staff, this civil servants are also part of

1800-426: The other ambassadors. In modern diplomatic practice, there are a number of diplomatic ranks below Ambassador. Since most missions are now headed by an ambassador, these ranks now rarely indicate a mission's (or its host nation's) relative importance, but rather reflect the diplomat's individual seniority within their own nation's diplomatic career path and in the diplomatic corps in the host nation: The term attaché

1845-411: The rank of Third/Second/First Secretary). [ Note : FSOs and FSASes are on discrete career tracks. Hence, even the rare FSAS who holds a senior diplomatic rank on post, will not enjoy a similar substantive grade or pay to that of an FSO.] Regardless of rank, personnel are typically split across three tracks: (a) Political , (b) Administration and Consular , (c) Administration and Technical . Officers on

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1890-420: The title of Attache; B3‑grade officers are Third Secretaries; C4s are Second Secretaries; and C5s and D6s are First Secretaries. D7 officers are usually Counsellors in larger posts, Deputy Heads of Mission in medium-sized posts, or Heads of Mission in small posts. Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 is an international treaty that defines

1935-489: The treaty but not ratified it. Attach%C3%A9 In diplomacy , an attaché ( French pronunciation: [ataʃe] ) is a person who is assigned ("to be attached") to the diplomatic or administrative staff of a higher placed person or another service or agency. Although a loanword from French , in English the word is not modified according to gender . An attaché is normally an official, who serves either as

1980-469: Was added by the Congress of Aix-la-Chapelle (1818) . Each diplomatic rank had precedence over the lower ranks, and precedence within each rank was determined by the date that their credentials were presented. The papal nuncio could be given a different precedence than the other ambassadors. The Holy Roman Empire had ceased to exist in 1806, so the Austrian ambassador would accumulate seniority along with

2025-672: Was short for "envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary", and was more commonly known as "minister". For example, the "envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the United States to the French Empire" was known as the " United States Minister to France " and addressed as "Monsieur le Ministre". An Ambassador was regarded as the personal representative of his sovereign as well as his government. Only major monarchies would exchange Ambassadors with each other, while smaller monarchies and republics only sent Ministers. Because of diplomatic reciprocity, Great Powers would only send

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