Number of Promotions

The Director General of the US&FCS or his/her designee annually determines the number of promotions of members of the Foreign Service reviewed by the Selection Boards, taking into account such factors as vacancies, funds availability, the needs of the service; and the need for the retention of expertise.

(a) Decisions by the Director General or his/her designee on the number of individuals to be promoted within the Foreign Service will be based upon the needs of the service and long term projections of personnel needs designed to provide:

i. A regular, predictable flow of recruitment into the Foreign Service
ii. Effective Career development patterns to meet Service needs; and
iii. A regular, predictable flow of talent upward and through the ranks and into the Senior Foreign Service.

Process:

a. Prior to convening the Selection Boards, the Director General or his/her designee will determine the number of promotion opportunities by class. The Human Resources Manager or his/her designee will provide the AFSA Vice President with a sealed envelope containing a copy of the approved document establishing these numbers. This envelope shall remain unopened until the Boards have completed their work, and will be opened in the Human Resources Manager's or his/her designee's presence. Board members will not be informed of the numbers.

b. Management will announce the number of promotions by class and recommendations for promotion into the Senior Foreign Service as soon as possible thereafter.

c. If the number of promotions is different from the previously established number, Management will provide AFSA with a confidential briefing during which the discrepancy will be explained.