REQUEST FOR SUMMER 2007 TDY SUPPORT FOR EMBASSY KUWAIT

UNCLAS KUWAIT 000194

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

FOR NEA/ARP, NEA/EX/HR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: APER AMGT AFIN KU
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR SUMMER 2007 TDY SUPPORT FOR EMBASSY KUWAIT
ECONOMIC SECTION


1. Due to an anticipated severe shortage of personnel during the
summer transition in 2007, the Economic Section at Embassy Kuwait
requests TDY support for the period June 15-August 15, 2007.


2. Embassy Kuwait's Economic Section has a Section Chief, three
officers, and one OMS. Due to the departure of both the Ambassador and
DCM this summer, the Section Chief will likely begin providing coverage
for the Front Office in mid-June. Two of the economic officers will
depart post this summer, and their posts of onward assignment have
requested arrival by June 4 and August 1, respectively. The third
economic officer is slated to be on paternity leave for most of the
month of July. Incoming economic officers are not currently scheduled
to arrive at Post until late August and mid-October.


3. We are working with both the departing and arriving officers to
minimize potential gaps and have not authorized departure dates for
outgoing staff. Even under best-case scenarios, however, we are almost
certain to have at least a three-week period in July in which no
officer will be available to staff the Economic Section.


4. Embassy Kuwait's Political Section will be down to two officers for
much of the summer as well, making it impossible for that section to
provide resources to the Economic Section during this period.
Compounding the situation is the anticipated June departure of the
Senior Commercial Counselor, with no successor yet identified. The
Economic Section typically backstops the Commercial section in the
Counselor's absence.


5. Given the central role that Embassy Kuwait plays in supporting USG
operations in Iraq, and in light of a projected increase in official
visits during the spring and early summer, Embassy Kuwait requests an
officer to provide TDY support for the period of June 15 - August 15,

2007. July is the most critical month. While post would strongly
prefer a candidate at the 02 level or above with a background in
economic affairs, post would accept a more junior officer. Arabic
language proficiency is not required.


6. Lodging is available and will be provided by post.


7. Embassy Kuwait appreciates the Department's continued support for
Post operations at a critical time in the NEA region.