The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) conducted an online Administrative Officers Course from 19 to 30 October 2020 where 29 Administrative Officers (AOs) of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) participated. These AOs are assigned and/or identified to assume AO duties and responsibilities in the Home Office and at Foreign Service Posts.

This training program aimed to equip AOs with knowledge about leadership and management, and adopt a holistic approach in relating with co-workers at the different levels of the organization.

This course also aimed to retool AOs on the body of knowledge within the Department’s administrative workforce and for capacity building and skills enhancement for AOs.

AOs are expected to initiate and implement best and effective practices in administrative functions. They must lead, direct, and mentor administrative staff to achieve maximum output, identify problems which may arise in the workplace, work out solutions, and implement changes. They must possess the capability to develop work methods and procedures within their area of authority, both in the Home Office and at Post.

The conversion of the Institute’s traditional face-to-face courses into 100% online courses has reached wider participation among DFA personnel outside of Metro Manila. With a strong internet connectivity and good technological tools, participants from around the country benefited from the online courses offered by the Institute.