Providing for the Appointment in the Competitive Service of Certain Employees of the Foreign Service
Dec 2, 2016
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Nov 29, 2016
Published on: Dec 2, 2016
Dec 2, 2016
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Nov 29, 2016
Published on: Dec 2, 2016
Summary
Lets certain experienced Foreign Service employees get permanent government jobs more easily, without the usual competition.
What problem does this solve?
The government is short on staff to process visas, which hurts national security and the economy. This order creates a special path for these experienced workers to get other permanent government jobs, keeping their valuable skills.
What does this order do?
Creates a path to competitive service jobs
Allows agency heads to appoint certain Foreign Service employees to competitive service jobs without the usual competition.
Sets eligibility rules for appointment
Requires employees to have at least 48 months of continuous service, a satisfactory performance rating, and apply within one year of leaving the Foreign Service.
Grants career conditional status
Specifies that individuals appointed through this order will become career conditional employees.
Allows for eligibility extensions
The one-year eligibility period can be extended up to three years for military service, higher education, or other approved activities.
Who does this affect?
- Foreign Service employees
- Federal hiring managers
What is the real world impact?
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Retains skilled employees
Keeps experienced Foreign Service workers with valuable language and cultural skills in the government by giving them a path to other federal jobs. This helps fill critical staffing gaps.
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Creates a hiring shortcut
Allows a specific group of employees to bypass the standard competitive hiring process. This could be seen as unfair to other applicants who must compete for the same jobs.
When does this start?
This order became effective on November 29, 2016, and sets deadlines for eligible employees.
Application deadline for employees
Eligible individuals must apply for a noncompetitive appointment within one year after their Foreign Service appointment ends.
Extended application deadline
The application period can be extended up to three years for those in military service, school, or other approved activities.