How To Become A Career Diplomat In Ghana

The term career diplomat is used worldwide in opposition to political appointees (that is, people from any other professional backgrounds who may equally be designated by an official government to act as diplomats abroad).

Below is How To Become A Career Diplomat In Ghana

Qualifications to Become a Diplomat

Although no requirements are official, there are several things you should consider when exploring how to become a Ghana diplomat.

For instance, have you ever lived abroad? Do you speak any foreign languages? What kinds of past work experience do you have? Remember that while there are no specific qualifications that you need, any given diplomat job description will require you to have a number of different skills as outlined below.

Personal Qualities of Diplomats

You may be wondering, if there is no specific educational requirement, is it hard to become a diplomat? The position can certainly be challenging for many people.

When considering how to be a diplomat, think about how you might cultivate the following skills:

Travel skills

Adaptability to new environments

A respectful approach to new cultures

Excellent language and communication skills

Conflict resolution skills

Ability to follow complex instructions

Self-motivation

How to Become a Diplomat

Step 1: Review the 13 Essential Skills

Applicants must demonstrate composure, cultural adaptability, motivation, initiative, leadership, and strong written and oral communication skills.

They must have the ability to analyze situations and absorb complex information from a variety of sources.

Step 2: Select an FSO Career Track

Individuals interested in becoming diplomats must choose a career track:

Consular officer

Economic officer

Management officer

Political officer

Public diplomacy officer

Each position focuses on a different aspect of Ghana’s diplomacy. For example, consular officers facilitate adoptions and help evacuate Ghanaians, while economic officers work with foreign governments on trade, energy, environment, science, and technology policies.

On the other hand, management officers are responsible for Embassy operations, while public diplomacy officers promote understanding and support for Ghanaian policy through engagement and influence among a country’s political, academic, and other local groups.

Step 3: Pass Hiring Requirements

After selecting a career track, applicants must pass the Ghana Service Officer test.

This multi-choice exam is administered online at designated test centers and takes about three hours to complete.

It measures your abilities, skills, and knowledge in three sections:

English expression, job knowledge, and biographical information.

Applicants must also write a 30-minute essay on an assigned topic.

Other hiring requirements include submitting a personal narrative, undergoing an oral assessment, obtaining medical and top security clearances, and passing a final review panel.

Step 4: Complete Training

After passing your final review and obtaining all clearances, applicants’ names are placed on a register that ranks successful candidates sorted by career tracks. Candidates are hired based on the needs of the department.

Names stay on the register for 18 months.

Applicants may decline their first appointment, but if they decline the second offer, their names will be removed from the list.

Is being a diplomat a good career?

Diplomats travel extensively, making it a great career for those who are interested in interacting with people from different cultures and customs.

Diplomats also have the ability to shape foreign policy.