ADS Chapter 456 Mandatory Reference: Policies and Procedures for Position Management

This system is binding upon the Agency for International Development (AID) and is based on Section 401 of the International Development and Food Assistance Act of 1978, which amended the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. The regulations were issued by the President in 1979 and incorporated into the Agency's Handbook 26 in 1994. The purpose of this subchapter is to ensure that AID employees effectively serve the interests of the United States, both in the United States and abroad. The regulations aim to provide a framework for AID to meet its particular requirements, including the need to have personnel serve overseas and meet language and technical skill requirements. The Administrator of AID has the authority to classify positions in AID and establish them in relation to the grades provided for the Foreign Service of the United States. All positions in AID are reviewed and redesignated, if necessary, as to the service in which the incumbent should serve. A position is designated as a General Schedule position only if the position is in the United States and the functions are primarily of a clerical, administrative, or program support character. Positions designated as Foreign Service positions may be filled only by Foreign Service employees, except in certain circumstances. Up to 15 Foreign Service designated positions may be filled on a time-limited basis by non-Foreign Service personnel, subject to approval by the Administrator. A position designated as General Schedule may be temporarily redesignated as Foreign Service to administer the rotation policies provided for in section 220.02. The Administrator shall encourage employees who are not in the Foreign Service to convert to the Foreign Service, to the extent consistent with law, regulation, and staffing and promotion policies generally applicable to AID employees. The implementing regulations for this subchapter may be prescribed by the Administrator, subject to certain limitations. The regulations in this subchapter are not inconsistent with the provisions of this subchapter and shall remain in effect until revoked or modified by implementing regulations. If any provision of this subchapter is held invalid, the remainder of the subchapter and the applicability of the provision to other circumstances or persons shall not be affected thereby.