Political and Economic Reporting
Diplomatic work substantially entails the preparation of internal communications and analyses of political and economic developments in a particular country, region or institution that feed into the policy making process. This module focuses on the skills required by diplomats to prepare such documents successfully.
Treaty Writing and Other Forms of Diplomatic Correspondence
Diplomatic agreements take various forms according to the level of commitment, and political level of agreement and substance, among other conditions. This module examines the different forms of diplomatic agreements and the terminology used. Diplomat will learn to dissect sections of an agreement to identify their political and legal functions. The module will also consider the processes of ratification and other legal applications that set a treaty in force.
Protocol, Organizing Visits
This module develops the diplomat’s knowledge of protocol and standards of official behaviour among diplomats under a variety of circumstances in order to facilitate communication, interaction and, ultimately, successful diplomatic relations. Organizing diplomatic visits by various levels of official representation is an important dimension of diplomacy. Their success depends on knowledge of protocol, but also on key organizational skills, including flexibility and a cooperative working relationship with one’s interlocutors, which will be taught in this module.
Consular Activities, Diplomatic Rights and Privileges
Consular activities are an underestimated yet highly critical dimension of a diplomat’s work at a posting. This module focuses on the authorities that a diplomat is assigned by international law to carry out consular activities on behalf of fellow nationals, such as document authentication, as well as the limitations of such responsibilities, such as legal status and advocacy. It also reviews the basic legal parameters which diplomats on foreign postings should be aware of and which may affect their diplomatic activities.
Embassy Management
Knowledge of the function, organization and administration of an embassy are critical to its successful representation of its government’s objectives and policies. This module reviews the characteristics of a successfully managed embassy.
Project Management for Diplomats
This module provides the diplomat with basic management skills by introducing various elements of project management including planning, research and documentation, budgeting, legal matters involving contracts and agreements and effective team-work.
International Negotiation
The International Negotiation module includes two sub-modules in bilateral and multilateral negotiations in an international context. These modules train the diplomat to prepare and undertake negotiations in a manner where expectations and outcomes can be managed effectively and efficiently.
Living Abroad
Living in different countries as part of a diplomatic career presents its own challenges and rewards. This module lists out a strategy for making the most of difficult circumstances and remaining successful in the profession.
Role of Spouses in Diplomacy
Spouses can play a valuable yet unofficial role in supporting activities at diplomatic postings, all the while encountering a different quality of challenges. This module provides strategies for spouses in overcoming challenges and making a positive contribution to diplomacy.