REQUEST FOR EXCEPTION TO THE MANDATORY RETIREMENT

UNCLAS THE HAGUE 000804 SIPDIS FOR HR/OE - WENDY HOLLOWAY-BROWN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: APER SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR EXCEPTION TO THE MANDATORY RETIREMENT AGE RULE FOR FOREIGN NATIONAL EMPLOYEE, JOHAN E. RAZOUX- SCHULTZ. ¶1. Summary. Post requests advice and approval from HR/OE for an exception to the mandatory retirement age provision, so as to allow a foreign national employee to continue work past his 65th birthday, for another 12 months. Post mandatory retirement age is 65. End Summary. ¶2. Background on subject employee: Mr. Razoux-Schultz, Economic Specialist, will reach age 65 on September 15, 2004. He is covered under the Civil Service Retirement system and will complete 30 years of service on August 26. ¶3. Justification: Needs of Service. Through his many years at the Embassy, Mr. Razoux-Schultz has turned in exemplary performance, displayed superior commitment, and exhibited extraordinary interpersonal skills. He knows all the key economic players and the background on all key economic issues. Host country will take over EU presidency from July 1 until December 31, 2004. It is very important that Mr. Razoux- Schultz remains in this job in the midst of the dramatically increased workload that will fall on the section. Hiring a new Economic Specialist in this important period would place an unacceptable burden on the Econ section and degrade the Mission's ability to effectively perform its duties. We would also want Mr. Razoux-Schultz to remain in place after conclusion of the presidency in order to train a successor. ¶4. Post does not desire to change the mandatory retirement provision. We would like to apply this option only on a case-by-case basis in the interest of the mission. ¶5. This extension is requested because employee is in CSR and would like to continue contributing during this period of employment. Continuation of CSR contribution will also require no break in service. ¶6. Post would very much appreciate feedback and guidance from HR/OE regarding this proposal. Please advise. SOBEL