For a rank-and-file diplomat (what we elegantly term ‘career diplomat’) to become an ambassador, these are the steps that are taken, procedurally. Bear in mind that different countries will have different processes, depending on the type of government in place. These differences are often very small, however, since most countries have a similar process in place.

• Step One: A diplomat of standing (normally in terms of seniority) is identified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Minister to fill a certain vacancy abroad.
• Step Two: If the person was not identified by the Minister, then the name is proposed for the Minister’s approval.
• Step Three: The name is proposed to the Prime Minister for approval.
• Step Four: Once the Prime Minister agrees/ has no objection, then the name is forwarded to the host country (the country receiving the ambassador) for their concurrence.
• Step Five: This is where it becomes a bit tricky. If the host country agrees to the individual chosen, then all is well. If the host country does not agree, then the host country is under no obligation to inform. In diplomacy, we often say that if after 3 months has passed with no agreement from the host country, we should consider it as a ‘no’. This grew out of the old practice of thinking that it is impolite to say no, so better to not say anything and leave it at that.
• Step Six: If the host country agrees, then they will send an agrément, and the individual can then make the necessary arrangements to take up the post.
• Step Seven: In the meantime, over in the sending state, arrangements have to be made to confirm the appointment. In many countries this means preparation for the ambassador to receive his/her Letter of Credence (Credentials) from the Head of State, i.e. the President or Monarch.
• Step Eight: The Head of State presents the Letter of Credence to the individual. At this point, the individual can only be called ‘Ambassador-designate’, since the Letter has to be effectively presented to the Head of State of the receiving country before the process is complete.
• Step Nine: The Ambassador-designate officially arrives in the host country, and makes arrangements to present his/her Letter of Credence.
• Step Ten: The Ambassador-designate presents his/her Letter of Credence, together with the Letter of Recall of the previous ambassador (indicating officially that the previous person now has no right to act as ambassador in that country). It is only at this point that the individual becomes the AMBASSADOR / HIGH COMMISSIONER to that country, not at any point before Step 10.

I have been reminded by a colleague that it is equally valid to substitute ‘Prime Minister’ for ‘Head of Government’ – depending on the type of government that exists. I have not included the small internal processes of getting the nomination through domestic administration; in the United States, it is Congress that approves, in the British Commonwealth countries it is often the head of the civil service that approves. As I said earlier, small differences in how we get to Step Ten.