COMMERCIAL DIPLOMAT PLENIPOTENTIARY
Symbol of Competency for Career Commercial Diplomats
Accredited Commercial Diplomat (Chartered Diplomat)
Professional Standard for Commercial Diplomats
Guidelines for the appointment of Practitioners to the rank and status of Chartered Diplomat
Established by Association of Certified Commercial Diplomats, Commercial Diplomat Plenipotentiary is the first ever professional standard and the highest status for diplomats. It demonstrates competence, proven impeccable integrity and professionalism. It also shows serious commitment to commercial diplomatic career and responsible commercial diplomatic service.
Chartered Diplomat status provides qualified commercial diplomats with recognition of personal and professional achievements in attaining and maintaining high standards of advanced skills-specific knowledge, specialism-based expertise, integrity, professional experience and probity.
Role of the Presidium
The appointment to the rank and status of Accredited Commercial Diplomat (Chartered Diplomat) is by nomination and recommendation, with final approval by the Chairman of the Commercial Diplomatic Authority.
The prospective chartered diplomat shall satisfy the Court Assembly for Accreditation of his/her ability to bring dynamism, vigour, dignity, respect, integrity and honour of a distinguished inspirational leader, with proven impeccable integrity to bear, in professional practice, policy advocacy, and responsible commercial diplomatic practice, before final confirmation of appointment as Chartered Diplomat by the Chairman of the Presidium.
Direct Route:
- Qualified Certified Diplomat*
- Fellow of ACCD
Other Eligibility Requirements
- Chartered Diplomat
First Stage:
One or more of the following:
- Higher Doctorate (PhD/DCD/DSc/DCL) or equivalent in other relevant diplomatic discipline;
- Proven (significant) relevant professional experience in a related position (Senior Executive); plus
- Fellowship of ACCD; and
- Currently in employment/service with more than 15 years proven relevant practical professional experience as a Senior Diplomat (Minister/Minister Plenipotentiary+), Senior Government Official/Representative, Senior Executive of an acceptable Organization/Institution/Corporation etc;
or
- An acceptable Master/Doctorate in a related field, currently in employment with more than 25 years proven relevant professional experience as senior executive of an acceptable commission/government agency, senior government official (Minister/Permanent Secretary/Director-General/Chairman etc), Senior/Chief Executive of an acceptable organization/Multinational Corporation in a related/relevant position;
or
- In service/retired with more than 25 years proven relevant practical professional experience as a Senior (Career) Diplomat i.e Minister+, Senior Representative (Ambassador/Minister Plenipotentiary etc), Career Commercial Judge/Arbitrator etc
Second Stage:
QCD Accreditation
Depending on first stage and proven significant professional experience, the above shall be required**
Third Stage:
Depending on second stage, applicants may be required to complete the Post-Qualification programme.
Most applicants currently in employment (Senior Executive Position) with proven significant practical professional experience, and who have successfully completed other Higher/Postdoctoral programme in a related field, are able (in most cases) to progress to the fourth stage depending on proven relevant practical professional experience and recommendation.**
Fourth and Final Stage
Professional Review and Reference - (As required by the Presidium)
Chartered Diplomat is more than just gaining a qualification, it's about developing relevant practical skills for life. Accredited Commercial Diplomats are competent, skillful and assured. They engage in policy advocacy and development, negotiation of trade, investment and commerce-related policies and agreements or treaties, the resolution, settlement and management of international trade, investment and commerce-related disputes, through arbitration, mediation and diplomacy (commercial and judicial) as competent professionals, and lead organisations/institutions whether in the public-private or third sectors, at the highest strategic level.
As part of the mandatory qualifying requirements, practitioner-candidates shall be required to submit a Portfolio of Professional Experience. The Portfolio should explain clearly the precise positions they have occupied in each case e.g Commercial Judge/Arbitrator, Minister, Senior/Chief Executive, Consul-General, Principal Officer, Ambassador, Senior/Principal/Special Advisor, Chief of Mission, Director-General, Minister Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Senior Executive etc.
The prospective, aspiring and existing experienced unaccredited practitioner-candidate shall be assessed on the understanding of the role and concept of commercial diplomacy, and value-added role of commercial diplomats "competence, maturity, proven integrity and proven relevant practical professional experience to serve in an ethical manner". Candidates are therefore required to demonstrate competence, advanced knowledge, maturity, proven integrity and understanding of commercial/judicial diplomacy and its practical application. Successful applicants shall receive a decision on election from the Presidium.