Diplomatic Mission Administrator

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Diplomatic Mission Administrator. Diplomatic Mission Administrator promotes South Africa's domestic, foreign and economic policies, by managing administrative, consular and agency services at a Mission. A qualified learner will be able to: • Manage diplomatic administration functions in a South African Mission context. • Manage the finances of a South African mission. • Manage the records, assets and supply chain of a South African Mission. • Manage human resources of a South African Mission. • Manage consular, civic, immigration and agency services at a South African Mission. • Manage the security and information of a South African Mission.

This qualification specialises in the diplomatic and international relations in Government departments for a Diplomatic Mission Administrator, which is needed to ensure a high standard of service delivery at missions. Administration is essential to the effective functioning of a country's missions. Whilst South African diplomats represent the government in various host countries, their work is dependent on the existence of a competent management support staff that ensures the smooth functioning of the missions. This qualification will help learners develop the skills that will enable them to provide corporate services thus ensuring that the particular mission is well organised and resourced to carry out its representative function in a host country. The qualification however goes beyond merely equipping learners with managerial skills; it provides learners with an in-depth understanding of South Africa's domestic and foreign policies and the purpose and nature of foreign missions, enabling them to project a positive image of South Africa. The corporate management support staff need to also have knowledge of many ceremonial details, such as the order of precedence at official processions, table seating at state dinners, the person to whom diplomatic credentials should be presented, and the title by which the diplomat should be addressed. The primary aim of the qualification is to produce diplomats and management corporate staff that not only represent South Africa but also the aspirations of the African Continent and contributes to the consolidation of the African Agenda in the field of diplomatic and skills training on the continent. South African Diplomatic training institutions are affiliated to the International Forum for Deans and Directors for Diplomatic Training (IFDT). The Deans and Directors of institutions affiliated to the forum meet annually to discuss the latest trends in diplomatic practice. The Protocol on the African Chapter of the International Forum of Diplomatic Training was signed in September 2007 in Maputo by the African group. Strategic partnerships are also being built with universities, research and other institutions. Potential learners will be employees from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). Well administered missions have a direct bearing on sound economic relations with the respective countries. The South African government is dependent on these missions representing the nation as a whole hereby fostering sound economic relations and South African citizenry. This qualification is not for use by any providers that are not involved in the training of South African diplomatic mission administrators.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of results or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: • NQF Level 4 qualification. And • at least three (3) years' experience in DIRCO.

• Manage diplomatic administration functions in a South African mission context.
• Manage the finances of a South African mission.
• Manage the records, assets and supply chain of a South African mission.
• Manage human resources of a South African mission.
• Manage consular, civic, immigration and agency services at a South African mission.
• Manage the security and information of a South African mission.