Overview
The Foundations of Diplomatic Service Program (FDSP) is a tailored component of the ADA’s Advanced Foreign Service Program.
Launched in the summer of 2007, FDSP aims to train entry level personnel of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to ease their transition into the foreign service. Young men and women, who successfully pass exams for employment at MFA, get enrolled in this program for a period of six months.
Since launch, Foundations of Diplomatic Service Program has enrolled some 75 foreign service officers. Most of them have been posted at Azerbaijan's diplomatic missions abroad.
Program Content
Knowledge of Functional Areas
Intensive workshops and seminars, taught in partnership with international institutions and foreign universities, give the participants necessary theoretical and practical knowledge. Subject matters covered include international relations, economics, law and organizations. ADA has attracted instructors from Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, College of Europe, Vienna Diplomatic Academy, Korean Institute of International Relations, Norwegian and Turkish Diplomatic Academies, MGIMO and other partners schools to deliver these courses.
Skills Development
Participants have an opportunity to enhance their skills in writing diplomatic notes, memos and letters, press releases, demarches, speeches and policy briefs. Special focus is on team building, motivation and enhancing communication skills.
Getting to Know the Government
Participants are given a unique chance to meet key personnel in both MFA and other government entities and to learn how government agencies interact. They visit the Parliament, Office of the President, Ministries of Defense, National Security, Tourism and Culture, Economic Development, Energy and Industry, as well as other relevant government agencies.
Exposure to Azerbaijan's History, Culture and Heritage
Distinguished scholars give presentations about the history of Azerbaijan, including Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, evolution of the oil Industry, Karabakh conflict and other important aspects of nation's history. Participants visit religious sites, refugee camps, military units, regions and historical sites. They tour museums, attend opera, ballet, drama and other cultural events.
Enhancing Command of the Azerbaijani and English languages
ADA’s English Language Program works to enhance language skills of the participants. Taught by native speakers, the program further develops academic reading, writing, and conversational skills. Advanced written Azerbaijani also help students to master diplomatic correspondence in the Azerbaijani language.
Internship at Azerbaijani Embassies Abroad
At the end of the program, a group of the best participants are selected to receive ADA Distinguished Attache Award. Award recipients are placed in embassies and international organizations worldwide, to conduct multi-lateral or bi-lateral work. Dozens of participants have received the ADA Distinguished Attache Awards and worked for over four weeks in Washington, DC, London, Brussels, Geneva and Vienna. ADA Distinguished Attache Award covers all travel and living expenses of recipients.
