The Career Path

Which are the Ranks in the Diplomatic Career?

The diplomatic career is divided into the following ranks (*):

What does a career in the diplomatic service look like?

Around two-thirds of a career is normally spent abroad. To be eligible for your first career advancement, you need to have served abroad for at least four years in a post outside the Euro-Atlantic area. A “typical” career follows this pattern:

Appointment as Minister Plenipotentiary and Ambassador is made by Decree of the President of the Republic, following a decision by the Council of Ministers on the proposal of the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

In addition to the salary paid in Italy, an overseas service allowance (ISE) is paid abroad, calculated on the basis of the tasks and duties performed, the cost of living, the hardship of the posting, family responsibilities and representational requirements.

What positions are held abroad at different stages of a career?

It is always important to distinguish between rank and function. You can serve as an Ambassador abroad without holding the rank of Ambassador (in most Missions), and you can hold the rank of Ambassador whilst occupying a position in Italy within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, such as that of Director-General. Below is an overview of the various functions that can be performed abroad at different career ranks.

Further positions may be held whilst being seconded to serve in other Administrations, both public and sometimes private, international organisations and within the European External Action Service (EEAS).