3 FAM 7300
LE STAFF POSITION CLASSIFICATION AND PAY ADMINISTRATION
LE STAFF POSITION CLASSIFICATION AND POSITION MANAGEMENT
(CT:PER-1217; 03-12-2025)
(Office of Origin: GTM/OE)
3 FAM 7311 AUTHORITY
(CT:PER-1084; 03-07-2022)
(State/Agriculture/USAGM/Commerce/USAID)
(Applies to Locally Employed Staff Only)
The statutory basis for the LE Staff Position Classification System is contained in Sections 408 and 501 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980. The requirement for interagency compatibility and uniformity in administration of the System is contained in Sections 203 and 204 of the Act (see 3 FAM 7112).
3 FAM 7312 POSITION CLASSIFICATION POLICY
3 FAM 7312.1 General
(CT:PER-1217; 03-12-2025)
(State/Agriculture/USAGM/Commerce/USAID)
(Applies to Locally Employed Staff Only)
A sound position classification system provides the foundation for and is an integral part of properly compensating LE Staff employees. Consistent with sections 203, 204, 408, and 501 of the Act, the Department of State in consultation with the participating agencies will develop and administer a fair position classification system for all agencies using joint local compensation plans in the employment of LE Staff. In the interest of uniformity and consistent application of this policy, the Department of State and the participating agencies shall do the following:
(1) Promote interagency cooperation in the development, application, modification, and maintenance of an interagency LE Staff position classification system that promotes fairness, stability, and integrity in LE Staff compensation and personnel management;
(2) Observe any classification procedural guidance that may be issued by the Office of Overseas Employment (GTM/OE) in consultation with Department of State bureaus and participating agencies; and
(3) Use the position classification system contained in 3 FAH-2 H-400, Mission Classification (MClass) Position Classification (formally the Interagency Local Employee Position Classification Handbook or LEPCH).
3 FAM 7312.2 Use of Established Standards
(CT:PER-1217; 03-12-2025)
(State/Agriculture/USAGM/Commerce/USAID)
(Applies Locally Employed Staff Only)
All LE Staff positions must be classified according to the standards and guidelines contained in 3 FAH-2 H-400, LE Staff MClass Position Classification. No official has the authority to misclassify or direct the misclassification of a position. Proper administration of the position classification system at the post level is the foundation for the fair compensation of LE Staff (i.e., equal pay for work of substantially equal value), and for paying employees in accordance with the prevailing practice. Compliance with the classification system’s standards, guidelines, and instructions contained in 3 FAH-2 H-400 is required. Post managers and supervisors are expected to understand and comply with the MClass Position Classification System’s requirements.
3 FAM 7312.3 Results of Non-compliance
(CT:PER-1084; 03-07-2022)
(Uniform State/Agriculture/USAGM/Commerce/USAID)
(Applies to Locally Employed Staff Only)
Non-compliance with LE Staff Position Classification System requirements may result in the restriction or loss of position classification authority, or other restrictions and/or requirements deemed appropriate by GTM/OE in consultation with the responsible Department of State bureau and participating agencies represented at post.
3 FAM 7313 POSITION MANAGEMENT POLICY
3 FAM 7313.1 Responsibility
(CT:PER-1084; 03-07-2022)
(State/Agriculture/USAGM/Commerce/USAID)
(Applies to Locally Employed Staff Only)
In addition to the position management policy established in 3 FAM 2610, Position Management, managers and supervisors of LE Staff are responsible for:
(1) Determining the work that needs to be performed in their organizations; creating or continuing only those positions for which there is a valid need based on such considerations as organizational goals and objectives, workload, authorized position complements, and funding;
(2) Structuring organizations and positions to accomplish mission objectives efficiently and effectively;
(3) Adding, removing, or changing the duties and responsibilities, type of work, and/or level of complexity assigned to an LE Staff position at any time; and
(4) Ensuring that LE Staff position descriptions adequately and accurately reflect currently assigned duties and responsibilities.
3 FAM 7313.2 Guidance and Advice
(CT:PER-1084; 03-07-2022)
(State/Agriculture/USAGM/Commerce/USAID)
(Applies to Locally Employed Staff Only)
Post human resources staff will provide relevant materials, advice, and guidance to help managers and supervisors discharge their position management responsibilities.
3 FAM 7314 THROUGH 7319 UNASSIGNED