New Dream Job!

Duties of a Foreign Service Officer

The duties of a Foreign Service Officer include: gathering information, analyzing and reporting political, economic, technological, cultural and other events and developments; drafting diplomatic notes and other forms of diplomatic correspondence; preparing briefing papers and other foreign policy papers for the Department and other offices of government as may be required; assisting in the preparation and conduct of international conferences; managing and supervising staff; disseminating information; working with other government agencies and private groups and individuals in promoting Philippine interests abroad; undertaking negotiations; assisting Filipinos abroad and protecting their rights; promoting Philippine culture and trade and bringing in foreign investments and tourism to the Philippines; performing consular functions; and representing the Philippines in various international fora.

FSO Written Examination

The FSO Written Examination covers six subjects with the corresponding weights:Candidates must obtain a passing grade of at least 75% in English and a composite score of at least 75% in the FSO Written Examination to qualify to take the Oral Examination.

FSO Oral Examination

The Oral Examination will be held in Manila after the results of the Written Examination shall have been determined. The Oral Examination will include an assessment of the candidate’s oral expression skills, logical thinking and values and attitude. Previous records and experiences will also be considered in determining the candidate’s fitness and aptitude for foreign service work. A candidate must receive a mark not less than 80% in the oral examination in order to be certified by the Department of Foreign Affairs as eligible for appointment as FSO IV.

Qualifications and Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Age Limit - Applicants must be less than thirty-six (36) years of age on 31 December 2007. The maximum age limit, however, does not apply to those who have been employed in the Department of Foreign Affairs for at least two years prior to the date of the FSO Written Examination and who meet the other qualifications required of candidates for the examination.

Education - Applicants must present evidence (transcript of records and diploma; certificate of graduation) of having graduated from a four (4) year bachelor’s degree course or its equivalent in a college or university of recognized standing.

Citizenship - Applicants must be Filipino citizens. Pursuant to Republic Act No. 9225 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, passers of the FSO Examinations with more than one citizenship must subscribe and swear an oath of allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines and its duly constituted authorities and renounce their oath of allegiance to the country/ies where they took their oath, prior to assumption of office. For more information on the rules governing citizenship under R.A. 9225, please visit http://www.gov.ph/faqs/dualcitizenship_irr.asp

Monetary Compensation

The starting salary of an FSO IV – the entry level – is P19,251.00 per month. If unmarried and assigned abroad with the same rank, said officer receives an overseas allowance of US$1,316.43 per month and a living quarters allowance of US$693.18 per month, in addition to the US dollar equivalent (at the current exchange rate) of P19,251.00 monthly salary. These are the figures for low-indexed posts. Married officers receive higher overseas and quarters allowances. The lowest post index is computed at 67% for Overseas Allowance and 60% for Living Quarters Allowance. The highest post index is computed at 142% for Overseas Allowance and 120% for Living Quarters Allowance. There are gradations between the lowest and highest post indices.

Impressions

Can I be an FSO Class IV while I am studying Law? Woohoo, geeky much. Being a FSO, I think, is so me. Woohoo.

Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph/news/fsoexam/fsodtail.htm