Section 51September 19, 1991, Sec./Art. 51

Functions. – The Board shall make recommendations to the Secretary concerning the functions and operations of the Service, the policies and procedures to govern the selection, assignment, promotion, discipline and separation from the Service of chiefs of mission, career ministers, foreign service officers, foreign service staff officers and foreign service staff employees, and the policies to govern the administration and personnel management of the Service: provided, that the chiefs of mission who are commissioned by the President as ambassadors extraordinary and plenipotentiary shall not be investigated by the Board or separated from the Service unless there is an express written directive from the President.

It shall establish the efficiency ratings of service personnel and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to it by law or regulation, including those that may be issued by the Secretary. It shall consider administrative cases brought against officers and employees who commit offenses against the interest of public service and submit to the Secretary its findings and recommendations.

The Board shall keep a lineal roster of all chiefs of mission, career ministers, foreign service officers, foreign service staff officers and foreign service staff employees strictly in the order of their ranks and seniority in each rank or class, based on their respective dates of appointment. In submitting recommendations for promotions to the President, through the Secretary, the Board shall base its recommendations on/the efficiency ratings and seniority of the officers and employees concerned.