Spain School of Diplomacy p 1 de 11

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1 Spain School of Diplomacy p 1 de 11 Escuela Diplomática Spain School of Diplomacy (SSD) Established in 1942 as a department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MAEC), the SSD depends directly from the MAEC Secretary (Subsecretario), but it is located in a separate independent building at NW Madrid university district (Paseo de Juan XXIII, 5). Its main functions include: Recruitment and initial training of candidates of the Foreign Service of Spain Long life learning centre for Spanish diplomats (voluntary and compulsory, face to face and on line courses). Management of a one year long Master s Degree in Diplomacy & International Relations with 7 Madrid Universities open to national and international students, including young foreign diplomats sponsored by their respective countries. Updating in diplomatic and international relations topics, including language training, to other non MAEC high civil servants, including those being selected to be posted abroad, prior to taking up their duties, as counsellors and attachés, in Embassies, Permanent Representations and Consulates of Spain. Organisation, on its own or with third parties, of specific courses, seminars, round tables, lectures etc. on relevant international topics for diplomats and high level civil servants, for targeted social and professional groups, nationals of third countries relevant to the development cooperation policy of Spain or for the general public. Hosting international and domestic conferences and meetings relevant to Spain foreign policy on behalf of MAEC or other national or international Agencies Publishing and editing books, reviews and articles relevant to diplomacy and foreign policy. A general overview of the SSD can also be found at the following Website: px The SSD Twitter account 1

2 Spain School of Diplomacy p 2 de 11 ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES 1. DIPLOMATS. RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING Access to the Spanish Foreign Service The Spanish Foreign Service has on average around 800 career diplomats. At any given moment approximately 2/3 of them are posted abroad in the more than two hundred Embassies, Permanent Representations and Consulates that Spain has all over the world or in other international organisations and about a third are stationed in the MAEC or in other institutions, ministerial departments and agencies in Spain (Royal Household of HM the King, Presidency of the Government, Cortes, Defence, Interior, etc.). Each year an average of new posts are offered for candidates, mainly to compensate the attrition rate of leaving and retirement. Candidates must be Spanish citizens with a higher university degree. The public examination phase takes place at the SSD. Members of an examining board are selected (among them senior diplomats and university professors) and one becomes a career diplomat by being recruited through successive competitive public tests that are made up on eliminatory exercises. In chronological order: A questionnaire based on the syllabus (multiple choice): 100 questions to be answered in 90 minutes Language exercises, to test the spoken and written mastery of two compulsory languages (one of which must be English and a second language French, Russian, Chinese, German or Arabic ); additionally, candidates may also pass tests in other languages An interview based on previously written texts on current affairs An oral presentation of 4 units chosen out at random from the syllabus. The 4 chosen units must each belong to one of the 4 main subject groups (International Law; Politics, including EU; Economy and History). The allotted time is one hour, i.e. 15 minutes per unit. Diplomat s initial training After the last 4 th exercise the number of candidates, which at the beginning of the process may be over 300, usually dwindles to the number of posts offered. The selected ones become civil servants in training and as such they are accepted to the SSD in order to follow a usually semester long course of mostly practical, work related issues. 2

3 Spain School of Diplomacy p 3 de 11 This typically includes learning about the different MAEC departments, budget management, international conflicts and crisis prevention management, EU policies, negotiation techniques, consular practice, development cooperation, business and foreign trade etc. There are multiple visits organised in Spain to different institutions and corporations and also some travels abroad. Finally, after successful completion of the SSD course, the new career diplomats receive their commission as Embassy Secretaries from HM the King. The recruitment process and the initial training of diplomats have traditionally been the SSD core tasks but its functions have greatly evolved and expanded in recent years. Diplomat s long life learning process Every year the SSD organises special courses for diplomats about to be posted abroad, in Embassies, Permanent Representations and Consulate Generals, as officers in charge of particular areas. Examples of the latter are Administrative, Consular, Development Cooperation, or Cultural affairs, as well as intensive modules on specific foreign languages (excluding English and French). Furthermore, refresher courses for diplomats on various specific topics, e.g. negotiation, public diplomacy, cyber diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, Islam and Arab world, management of public properties abroad etc., are also regularly on the menu each year. Some of these courses are also offered on line. Diplomats, and other civil servants to be posted abroad, are offered the possibility of participating in a series of lectures aimed at dealing with the sociopolitical and economic situation in countries of future destination, including their relations with Spain, diplomatic status and conditions to be encountered in the fields of health, culture or social environment, for instance, also about the European Union integration process. The courses may include further language training, also for spouses. The SSD also select some diplomats and finances their participation in some special courses of interest in highly selective institutions (i.e. Leadership and Public Administration by IESE). In collaboration with the Family Support Unit, the SSD offers language tuition all along the year to the spouses of Spanish diplomats posted in Madrid, other civil servants of MAEC and of other Ministries officials to be posted abroad, aimed at improving their knowledge of languages at different levels, mainly English and French and, if demanded, also in other languages, such as Arabic, German, Russian or Spanish (for foreigners).. 3

4 Spain School of Diplomacy p 4 de 11 New training courses for promotion purposes will be compulsory introduced for all professional diplomats from 2016 onwards and the SSD has been granted the responsibility to manage those (Secretaries to Counsellor and Counsellors to Ministers). 2. MASTER IN DIPLOMACY & INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS The SSD also manages a Master s Degree in Diplomacy & International Relations, (in Spanish), open to both Spanish and foreign applicants, with the aim of: Facilitating Spanish students to prepare for the national foreign service Offering foreign students, be they diplomats or not, a specialised and up todate background in diplomacy and international relations. Training of experts and analysts in foreign affairs and international politics and facilitating employment in International Organisations, Institutions and Corporations The Interuniversity Master degree is based on an agreement signed in 2005 between the MAEC and six Spanish universities in the Madrid region (Complutense, Alcalá de Henares, Carlos III, Menéndez Pelayo, King Juan Carlos and the UNED the Universidad Autónoma will be joining soon ) from which most of the professors come. Only 100 candidates are selected annually. They are usually half Spaniards and half foreigners, including young diplomats from different nationalities sponsored by their own governments. To apply it is necessary to hold a university degree (with minimum marks of 7/10) and be fluent in Spanish. A language test may be organised at any Embassy of Spain. The Master s degree is announced each year in the Official Gazette (Boletín Oficial del Estado BOE ), generally during the last quarter of the preceding year (November December). The information includes admission procedures, tuition fees, study programme and syllabus. The course, lasting one year round (classes from October to June and research paper from June to October), amounts to 55 credits, equivalent to 550 hours (400h being for the core module and seminars, 100h for the specialised module and 50h for the final project paper). In order to obtain the Interuniversity Master s degree it is necessary to pass the exams envisaged and to present and approve a research paper on a subject of general interest in international affairs. Students also attend compulsory language classes in English and depending on demand, language lessons may also be provided in other languages. 4

5 Spain School of Diplomacy p 5 de 11 The matters studied in the core module are: Public and Private International Law; History, Sociology; Spanish and International Economy; International Relations and Foreign Policy; International Organisations and European Union. There are several compulsory seminars on different topics such as Europe, Asia, Us Foreign Policy, Islam and the Arab world, Spain Foreign Policy, Human Rights etc. as well as some voluntary ones Public Diplomacy; Negotiation; Trade, Investments and Globalisation; SDG & Climate; Protocol; etc... From the four available specialised modules, during the third and last quarter, students must choose one: Latin America Security and Defence International Trade & Economy Development Cooperation The SSD grants a number of scholarships for Spanish students. Foreign student may also benefit from scholarships provided by the Spanish Agency of International Development Cooperation (AECID) and other national and international agencies. The SSD may also offer some one year internship contracts at the MAEC to the best Spanish students, after completion of the Master. 3. TRAINING ON INTERNATIONAL MATTERS FOR OTHER CIVIL SERVANTS Courses for senior officials who will be posted abroad The SSD organises every year courses that showcase Spanish foreign policy in general and in particular the foreign policy with regard to areas where civil servants will be posted. These courses also provide practical knowledge about diplomatic status, privileges and immunities, as well as other activities and work related conditions to be found abroad. These courses are basically for members that serve as Embassy counsellors and attachés from different Ministries, e.g.: Trade & Economy, Treasury; Tourism, Education, Science & Innovation, Labour and Immigration, Environment, Defence, Intelligence Also included are members of the Cervantes Institute, Technical Cooperation Offices and managers of Aid programmes posted abroad. Likewise, the SSD may also offer language tuition to the families of counsellors and attachés to be posted abroad. Course on Hostile Environment Situation Training 5

6 Spain School of Diplomacy p 6 de 11 The SSD finances and co organises with the Spanish Civil Guard a week long course on Hostile Environment Situation Training for diplomats and other civil servants about to be assigned to hardship posts. The course involves a diversity of simulation cases in the field in order to facilitate facing stress and prevent the exposure to personal risk situation. Course on the European Union External Action Service To familiarise diplomats and other Spanish senior civil servants with the EU EAS, the SSD organises seminars for civil servants in order to facilitate the regular recruitment processes Course on Public Diplomacy The SSD contributes to the formation of diplomats and non diplomats in Public Diplomacy issues in close cooperation with MAEC DG Information and Press Department (OID) and the DG for Media and Public Diplomacy. The courses are addressed only to civil servants. Course on Islam and the Arab world The SSD offers diplomats and interested senior civil servants, an in depth course on Islam and the Arab world, given by the most expert professionals in the matter, in cooperation with Casa Árabe and other institutions. The courses are addressed only to civil servants. Courses of Protocol These courses are offered twice a year by the SSD. The studies are centred in theoretical and practical aspects such as the organization of official events in different public administrations or those of business firms. The courses are addressed only to civil servants. Courses for Administrative attachés In cooperation with other MAEC Departments (Personnel, Budget, Audit, Protocol, Consular etc.), the SSD organises courses for civil servants interested in becoming Administrative attachés in Embassies or Consulates abroad. Course on crisis management and peacekeeping operations Since 2007 the SSD has worked closely with the Defence Studies Centre (CESEDEN) ant the Institute for Strategic Studies (IEEE) in order to train Spanish experts working in conflict areas, as well as professionals who wish to take part as qualified personnel in International Crisis Management (eg. magistrates, judges, CRTS, etc). 6

7 Spain School of Diplomacy p 7 de 11 Seminar on Human Rights Normally, every year, since 2007, the SSD has organised a seminar on Human Rights, in close cooperation with the MAEC s Human Rights Office. The seminar, which focuses on issues dealing with the protection and promotion of Human Rights in the context of Spanish Foreign Policy, is also open to persons and NGOs interested in these matters. Course on Electoral Observation In collaboration with the MAEC s service for electoral observation, the SSD holds courses for the benefit of those interested in taking part in electoral observation missions. 4. SOME OTHER COURSES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Courses on the European Union In collaboration with the State Secretariat for the EU, the SSD has been organising since 1977, every year, 3 months long courses, three times a year, in European integration matters. Lectures are given by Spanish civil servants specialised in EU matters and for the most part with direct responsibility in European law implementation and/or policy shaping. The chosen Spanish lecturers have ample experience in European affairs and most are the senior officials of the Spanish Administration coordinating and directly instructing officials at the Spanish Permanent Representation in Brussels. The syllabus includes all possible items of interest regarding EU policies, such as EU institutions, law and freedoms; Community policies; foreign relations; Spain and the EU etc. These postgraduate courses are also open to citizens of EU member countries as well as to nationals of third country. Only 95 students are admitted per course. A new quota is being reserved for Latin American diplomats stationed in Madrid. Courses for specialists in Protocol These courses are offered by the SSD in the framework of a cooperation agreement with the University of Oviedo. The studies are centred in theoretical and practical aspects such as the organization of official events in different public administrations or those of business firms. The courses are addressed to civil servants but also to university graduates. 7

8 Spain School of Diplomacy p 8 de 11 Course on Development Cooperation Together with the State Secretariat for International Cooperation, each year the SSD offers several 10 week long courses, with the aim of forming and training experts in Development cooperation policy, inequality and poverty, new tools of Development aid, Humanitarian aid and Development programmes and projects. Course on Spain Foreign Policy and International Relations (for journalists) In order to raise the awareness on international politics by the media and the press in general, the SSD offers for professional journalists a complete course on Spain foreign policy and international relations. Course on Spain Foreign Policy (for development cooperation experts) In cooperation with the State Secretary of International Cooperation, the SSD organises every year a course on Spain Foreign Policy to development cooperation officials from the official Agency for Development Cooperation (AECID). Course on Spain Foreign Policy (for students at CEI) This course takes place in Barcelona and is offered jointly with the Cataluña based CEI (Centre for International Studies) and seeks to review, from a practical and academic approach, the different dimensions that influence current Spanish foreign policy. Course on International Relations, Diplomacy and Media (for national and international university students) This is a course which, taking in to account its contents is specially addressed to Latin American citizens and is offered jointly with the Madrid Complutense University Summer School. Its main aims are to provide far ranging knowledge of present day world affairs, as well as some of its most relevant problems; provide training for those who are thinking of taking up diplomacy or international affairs in media; provide training for all those who are already working, or who have the intention of working, in businesses, international organisations and NGOs. OTHER ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES THE SSD OPEN FORUM The SSD regularly, on its own or in collaboration with foundations, institutions and associations involved in the study of international relations, including Embassies in Madrid, organises seminars, round tables, lectures etc. on aspects of international 8

9 Spain School of Diplomacy p 9 de 11 affairs and events relevant to Spain. In this regard, the SSD regularly welcomes distinguished lecturers from academia, politics and the corporate world from Spain and abroad. To do this, the SSD keeps close ties with the all centres dependant of MAEC belonging to the Red de Casas (eg. the Arab Centre, the Sefarad Centre, Casa América, Casa del Mediterráneo, Casa Asia etc..) with which the SSD also closely cooperates to provide training courses in specialised areas, including language tuition. This collaboration is also very close with Spain International Development Cooperation Agency (AECID) and Instituto Cervantes and also with the different Council Foundations (China, Brazil, Mexico, Australia, India etc.). Of growing importance is the collaboration between the SSD and the military academia that has given rise, since the agreement reached in 2008, recently extended, between the SSD and the Center for High Defence Studies Centro de Estudios Superiores de la Defensa (CESEDEN) and its Institute for Strategic Studies Instituto Español de Estudios Estratégicos (IEEE) of the Ministry of Defence, to a particularly fruitful cooperation in training, joint publications and a specialised module of specialisation on Security and Defence in the Interuniversity Master s Degree. There is also a close cooperation with the most outstanding Think Tanks from Spain (Real Instituto Elcano, IEMED, Fride, Club de Madrid, Cidob etc.) and also with other distinguished academic institutions such as IESE, Instituto de Empresa etc. Furthermore, the SSD also hosts international and domestic conferences and meetings relevant to Spain foreign policy on behalf of MAEC or other national Agencies. THE SSD AMBASSADOR S FORUM The SSD regularly welcomes Spanish and Foreign Ambassadors to speak about their country of destination and/or bilateral relations. It also regularly welcomes former Ambassadors and other diplomats engaged in the private sector and also retired Ambassadors. During their temporary stay in Spain, the Ambassadors may carry out a series official and private meetings in the political, business and academic circles related with the countries to which they are accredited, that almost always include lectures to SSD scholars. EXTERNAL AGREEMENTS 9

10 Spain School of Diplomacy p 10 de 11 The SSD cooperates with a number of institutions specialised in the area of International relations with whom different academic agreements has been signed. The agreement with six Madrid based Universities is the core of its Interuniversity Master in Diplomacy & International Relations. The SSD is also a member and participates actively in various international networks such as the Association of Latin American Diplomatic Academies, the EU Diplomatic Training Programme, or the International Forum of Diplomatic Training. It has a series of academic Agreements in place, envisaging exchanges of information, programs and professors with similar institutions of certain countries (México, Chile, Colombia, etc). THE LIBRARY The priority aim of the Library, which was set up in 1943, is to serve as a documentary support for the teaching programmes of the SSD to provide an access to information for researches and for those who need to consult the catalogued collection of UN documents. The collection has grown and has become enriched both by the purchases of the SSD itself and by significant contributions from private libraries, and also by the exchange of publications with different International Organisations, as well as Institutions in Spain and abroad. The documentary collection comprises over volumes and 300 periodicals specialised in international relations, international law, diplomatic and consular law, international economy, contemporary history and related matters, as well as a reference collection. Likewise, the library contains a particularly important collection of international documentation by virtue of the SSD s status as Official (partial) Depositary of publications of the United Nations. The library has an automated database (developed by means of the ABSYS integrated management system), which enables access to the bibliographical references of the collection. By the same token it is possible to consult references in the Library of the MAEC General Technical Secretariat. Access to the catalogued collection is made available to students of the different courses at the SSD, as well as to the Faculty and all those who need to consult the collection and who are able to provide evidence that they are carrying out a research project or some task related to their professional activity. The Library offers on site loan services in the reading room, outside loans (restricted to SSD students, Faculty and other officers) and inter library loans. A reference room is available for users, equipped with workstations for electronic 10

11 Spain School of Diplomacy p 11 de 11 consultations and the reading room is equipped with facilities for those who wish to use their own laptops. Additionally, the Library is able to prepare catalogues and personalised bibliographies for any real or potential users who may require such service from a distant location (eg. by means of telephone, fax, e mail, etc.) and provide information on the latest bibliographical acquisitions by means of a summary bulletin. PUBLICATIONS The publications of the SSD reflect the activities which are carried out during the whole academic year: Seminars, Lectures, Workshops, Conferences, etc. related to international policies and economy, analysis of international, regional and bilateral relations that Spain maintains with other countries and with the EU, as well as matters related to development cooperation. In like manner, the SSD publishes monographic studies on highly topical international issues with contributing articles written by outstanding personalities from the field of politics, the economy, academia and diplomacy. The publications also include the academic final research papers prepared by the students and which, owing to their quality, originality or degree of interest, are considered to be worthy of being made available to the wider international scientific community. Due to their continuity in time, mention must be made of other publications: the Papers of the SSD and The SSD Collection, as well as The SSD Review. Occasionally, monographic studies are also edited, to mark some historical or international event considered of interest. 11