Ambassador (Ambassadeur)
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An ambassador is a permanent representative of a country or international organization. It is not the case that all ambassadors represent a government, because there are different ambassadors. When we speak of an ambassador who carries out his or her work on behalf of the government, we speak of an ambassador or governmental ambassador. In other cases, one speaks of non-governmental ambassador or goodwill ambassador (charity ambassador). The main task of an ambassador is to represent the country (the government) or organization abroad. An ambassador therefore works for the government and falls under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that determines which ambassador goes to which country to represent the interests of the Netherlands. Exactly what activities an ambassador performs and what responsibilities he has can differ per country. It is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that will draw up the wishes and guidelines for the ambassador. As an ambassador, you are also responsible for managing all embassy staff. If one speaks of an ambassador, it can also concern the spouse of the ambassador, without this person being an ambassador himself. As an ambassador, you represent the head of state and you are the highest authority in the country in question on behalf of the head of state. The most important task of an ambassador is to promote the mutual relationship between two countries and to promote one's own country. Ambassadors are important, because through ambassadors countries can easily approach each other in case of any problems or questions. The official title of an ambassador is his, hers or your excellency.
An ambassador is therefore a diplomat who represents the head of state on behalf of a country. This representation does not only relate to state affairs, because an ambassador is also there for the citizens of the country. Think, for example, of Dutch people who want to set up a business in the country in question, or of Dutch people who have lost travel documents. In addition, an ambassador can help if people have gotten into trouble. Think of Dutch people who have experienced a serious traffic accident in which there may have been victims. If there is injury or criminal prosecution, an ambassador can play a mediating role. In many cases, this will mean that the ambassador brings the right people into contact with each other. As an ambassador you represent a head of state abroad, but most ambassadors fall under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The presence of ambassadors makes it easier for governments to communicate and the ambassador knows exactly what is going on within the country in question. If certain countries have less good relations, it can happen that the ambassador becomes groups to explain certain matters. If relations between countries are not good at all, a country can also recall its ambassador temporarily or permanently. In addition, an ambassador can be expelled. In both cases, it is a strong signal that indicates that the government of the country in question has great difficulty with the situation in question.
BECOME AN AMBASSADOR
Becoming an ambassador is a solemn affair in which new ambassadors are received with all due respect. New ambassadors hand over a letter of credence to the head of state during their first official act. A credential is a written piece of evidence that the ambassador is authorized to perform the position on behalf of the country. Despite the fact that ambassadors represent the head of state, most ambassadors have to deal with the minister of foreign affairs. As described earlier, an ambassador is not only there to maintain contact between governments. Consider, for example, strengthening the international trade relationship between two countries, so that entrepreneurs can import goods more easily. In addition, ambassadors are responsible for helping citizens by issuing consular statements. Consider, for example, a declaration about an intended marriage, a declaration of Dutch nationality, a declaration of marital status or a declaration of residence.
DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY
Because countries can apply different rules and laws, there are international agreements regarding diplomatic immunity. If this were not the case, diplomats could not actually work abroad because they could be prosecuted, for example. Ambassadors, Heads of State, Government, Foreign Ministers and other permanent representatives abroad including their families cannot be persecuted by their immunity. In addition, the inviolability relates to property that must be protected by the country in question. Immunity should therefore ensure that diplomats can express the views of their government without fear of possible criminal prosecution. The international agreements on diplomatic immunity are contained in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
TYPES OF AMBASSADORS
The ambassador profession does not have to relate to a government ambassador, because other agencies can also use the title ambassador. Consider, for example, charities that designate a person as their ambassador. It is the ambassador's job to act as an ambassador on behalf of the charity. In many cases, this ambassador is the main face of the charity to the outside world. It is the ambassador who represents the charity by, for example, appearing on television or making documentaries for charity. In addition, the title of ambassador can refer to organizations such as the ambassador of NATO or the ambassador of the United Nations. The term ambassador does not have to refer to an ambassador representing a country. In some cases, therefore, one speaks of a non-governmental ambassador.
WHAT DOES AN AMBASSADOR DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME AN AMBASSADOR
There are no general training courses for ambassadors. In general, suitable candidates will apply internally to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who do offer internal training. This internal training is generally only accessible to people who have a lot of knowledge, work experience and the right education and studies. Suitable studies can be, for example, the study political science and the study of law. For more information, see the website Werken voor Nederland of the Dutch government.
COMPANIES WHERE AN AMBASSADOR CAN WORK
An ambassador does not work for companies, but for the government (the government). If we speak of a non-governmental ambassador or goodwill ambassador, an ambassador can be regarded as a representative or fundraiser. These are usually ambassadors who represent a foundation or organization. Think, for example, of a sports foundation, animal foundation or an ambassador who is internationally responsible for water management. There may therefore also be an international organisation. Ambassadors are also sometimes referred to as permanent representatives.
COMPETENCES AMBASSADOR
The most important competence of an ambassador is the general knowledge of diplomatic relations. In addition, an ambassador must master several languages in writing and orally to be eligible for the training to become an ambassador. Think, for example, of English, Spanish, French and German. Obviously, an ambassador must have excellent communication skills. Networking is also an important competence, because an ambassador must be able to connect countries and people. Generally important words are knowledge, insight, courage, passion, representative, conflict management, anticipation, visibility, sensitivity, motivation, inspiration, sense of responsibility, laws and regulations and dutiful.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS AMBASSADOR
The labour market perspective of an ambassador is not great. The profession of ambassador will not be suitable for everyone, also because it is a heavy education after which you will also have to be chosen. In addition, there are relatively speaking not very many embassies. Anyone who will follow an internal training at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will have to wait after the training until a suitable position becomes available that suits the candidate ambassador. In other words, there is no guarantee of a job as an ambassador. The career opportunities as an ambassador are generally not very large, also because it is already a profession or position at a high level. Of course, an ambassador can also hold another position after his or her ambassadorship.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY AMBASSADOR
As an ambassador, you are a central government employee and you fall under the collective labour agreement central government, in which the employment conditions are regulated. An ambassador will usually earn a minimum salary of 5631 euros gross per month and a maximum salary of 9200 euros gross per month, depending on experience, age and the country where the ambassador is placed. In addition, an ambassador receives a foreign allowance that depends on the situation. The foreign allowance does not only relate to housing costs, but also to other allowances. Think, for example, of school costs for the children and of missed income of the partner, who is generally not allowed or able to work as a partner of the ambassador. The salary as an ambassador is therefore highly dependent on the situation and can increase considerably due to external expense reimbursements.
The content on this page has been automatically translated from the Dutch language. For this reason, texts and videos on this page may contain small errors.
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