Diplomatic Ranks at an Embassy (Seniority Order)

Typical Embassy Hierarchy (High to Low)

1. Ambassador / Head of Mission – Highest representative; credentials to host head of state.
2. Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) / Chargé d'Affaires a.i. – Second-in-command; runs daily operations.
3. Counselor – Section chief (Political, Economic, Public Diplomacy, Consular, Management).
4. First Secretary – Senior officer managing portfolios, reporting.
5. Second Secretary – Mid-level officer; rotational assignments.
6. Third Secretary / Vice Consul – Entry-level career diplomat.
7. Attachés (specialized): Defense/Military, Cultural, Commercial/Agricultural, Science/Technology, Legal, Press.
8. Consular Officers – Visa, passport, citizen services (may be separate cone).
9. Administrative & Support Staff: Office management, IT, security (RSO), medical, GSO/Facilities.
10. Locally Employed Staff (LES) – Host-country nationals in admin, language, cultural, driver, guard roles.

Titles vary by country (e.g., U.S. uses FS-01 to FS-06 grades); Vienna Convention defines functions, not ranks.