Next Mile Marker Comming Up Soon

So this entry is meant for those new to this blog.  Since I’m getting ready to head off to orientation and I recently shared this address with former co-workers and friends, I will give a high level overview of this next milestone in our lives.  Okay so I’ve joined the Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialist (IMS) you can read about the hiring process in an earlier posting HERE.

Duties and Responsibilities of an IMS (This is an excerpt from the job announcement):

Foreign Service Information Management Specialists (IMS) are responsible for information resource management programs and information technology worldwide. The work is diverse and challenging. IMS are responsible for end user and customer support, application support, data and knowledge management, managing and administering a worldwide telecommunications network, maintaining the telephone and radio programs at overseas embassies and consulates, managing the Diplomatic Pouch and Mail operations and performing other duties such as supporting visits of high-level officials, including the President.

At various times, and at posts around the world or at domestic locations, the following are examples of the types of duties and responsibilities assigned to Information Management Specialists. The duties vary according to the size of the post and the requirements of the specific diplomatic mission. This list is neither exhaustive nor in priority order:

·         Provide assistance to users of information management services, including configuring and optimizing software; train users in the use of new software applications and provide guidance/assistance with new or amended information technology-related policies and procedures; promote end user involvement in technology and technical decision-making; and improve and support connectivity with US Government foreign affairs partner agencies.

·         Administer and operate classified and unclassified computer networks; install, operate and maintain new hardware and software applications; and ensure IT operations are consistent with Department of State and federal government operating and security policies and practices.

·         Administer and operate classified and unclassified telecommunications network equipment including cryptographic equipment, multiplexers, modems, routers, switches and satellite equipment; install, operate and maintain network hardware and software; and troubleshoot and restore outages within the network.

·         Administer the Embassies’ and/or Consulates’ classified and unclassified telephone and wireless programs including installation of new equipment, maintenance and repair of equipment, and guidance/assistance to personnel in the proper use of these systems.

·         Administer the Embassies’ and/or Consulates’ emergency communications network, including the installation, testing, maintenance and deployment of various wireless and satellite emergency communications systems.

·         Administer classified and unclassified Diplomatic Pouch and Mail programs at overseas locations, including managing Embassy/Consulate mailroom operations. Process the sending and receiving of official correspondence through the Diplomatic Pouch program, and assist Diplomatic Couriers.

·         Monitor and implement security controls on State automated information systems both overseas and domestically. Support operations in the area of cyber security, contingency planning, general security operations and risk management.

·         Serve as part of the Embassy/Consulate’s management team. Perform additional duties outside normal information resource management activities as determined by Embassy or Consulate management or as dictated by specific circumstances.

So as you can see there are a wide range of duties and possibilities associated with this position. 

So this takes me to the upcoming 120^th Foreign Service Specialist Orientation Class, which starts on April 25, 2011.  This is where I will be inundated with paperwork.  But also what is called the Bid List.  This is a list of current needs of the State Department.  This list is sensitive so I will not be able to share what is on the list.  I will rank the cities on the list with a High, Medium, or Low based on whatever criteria I choose.  (By the way when I say “I” it really means me and my family)  Anyway, we plan on ranking posts based on educational opportunities for our daughter.  She will be starting high school so that will be an important criterion in ranking the Bid list.  On the third Tuesday of orientation there is a ceremony called “Flag Day,” this is where you are presented with the flag of the nation you will be assigned to.

After my initial three weeks orientation I will start on 12 weeks of IT specific training.  Right now I really don’t know what it will include, but I’m really looking forward to it.  Also, depending on my posting language requirement there may be a need to attend language training.  But I won’t know anything for sure till I get through orientation.

Once all the training is done we get all packed and ship off to the new post.  And well not exactly sure what to expect at that point but we’ll be sharing on this blog so make sure to check and see how things are going.  This blog won’t be too much about the Foreign Service, but rather the life style and experience we make our journey!