Distinct levels in diplomatic training

A guideline: what to expect from Clingendael diplomatic training programmes?

Clingendael Academy’s diplomatic training programmes are guided by our diplomatic competence profiles. They reflect the knowledge, skills, and competencies that help diplomats be as effective as possible. Some of these are relevant to diplomats of all experience levels. Think for example of:

Others need to be expressed more frequently by diplomats at a particular level. A desk officer who is about to start their first posting abroad can perhaps learn a lot from a workshop on active listening. A seasoned counselor who is about to return to capital perhaps benefits more from a session on strategic thinking. 

We have developed profiles for junior, mid-career, senior and executive level diplomats. All profiles are based on our decades of experience working with diplomats as well as peer-feedback from diplomats of all levels, from across the world. Find below our Junior Diplomat Competence Profile.

Junior Diplomat Competence Profile

A junior diplomat has recently entered their Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Having had no or only one posting abroad, they are primarily responsible for managing a specific file (i.e. a bilateral desk, economic affairs, cultural affairs or consular affairs). They work under supervision of one or more senior colleagues and engage with a relatively small number of internal and external stakeholders.

For example, a junior diplomat may organise a bilateral meeting between their home country and a foreign delegation, draft a policy brief on a political situation, or support negotiation efforts in a multilateral forum or regional organisation.

Below you will find insights into our diplomatic competence profile of a junior diplomat. The full profile we use is much larger.

Find more information on the Clingendael Academy's Diplomacy Programme here