Shared employment positions within the Foreign Office - Germany recently appointed two diplomatic representatives to Canada, henceforth managing dual ambassadorial roles in the North American nation.
This uncommon arrangement sees Germany's ambassadorial position in Canada breaking new ground - potentially paving the way for future instances: Tjorven Bellmann and Matthias Lüttenberg now hold dual ambassadorial roles in Ottawa for Germany. The duo, accompanied by their three children, have relocated to Canada, which is a G7 nation, and will jointly represent Germany in the world's second largest country starting from September.
According to Bellmann, the German Foreign Office is intentionally adapting work practices under Foreign Minister Baerbock to promote gender equality, boost women in positions of power, and make the profession more family-friendly. Bellmann previously served as Political Director for German Foreign Minister in 2022, and in her inner circle. Lüttenberg served as the Director for Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.
The Foreign Office too must stay competitive
Given the dual high-pressure full-time jobs, the couple's children, aged 10, 12, and 15, can struggle to get adequate family time. Arrangements like the one in Ottawa aim to provide diplomatic professionals with career progression opportunities, without damaging family relationships. As Ambassador Lüttenberg explains, "Our arrangement spans eight months. This means one person serves as ambassador for eight months, followed by the other taking over. The non-ambassador primarily focuses on family matters back home."
Following German ambassadorial couples in Slovenia and Sweden, Canada becomes the third country to implement this construct at this level. It necessitates the host country's acceptance of the idea - managing two representatives can prove challenging. Bellmann explains that maintaining competitiveness vis-à-vis younger professionals is crucial for the Foreign Office. The diplomacy career, with its frequent relocations, has historically proved tough on families with children. For Foreign Service couples, the challenge is even greater - if both reach high-level roles like ambassadors, they often have to make personal or professional sacrifices.
Clearly defined roles - at home and at work
If any disagreements arise about diplomatic strategy between the German ambassadors in Ottawa, the decision-making process is clear, according to Lüttenberg: "If we ever have differing opinions, the default would be clear role distribution. Then the person responsible for the consequences of their decisions will carry the brunt of them - both in professional and personal spheres."
Ambassador Bellmann will start her first term from September, and until then, both representatives will likely explain their unconventional work arrangement to the host country several times over. The curiosity of other diplomats and Canadian representatives is evident. While Lüttenberg partly attributes this interest to the summer lull, he expects political and diplomatic issues to take center stage soon. Lastly, Lüttenberg confirms that the two German ambassadors in Canada do not just share a position, but also a single ambassadorial salary.
The Foreign Office in Germany recognizes the importance of maintaining competitiveness in Central Asia, a region with significant geopolitical implications. Lüttenberg, as the Director for Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia, played a crucial role in shaping Germany's diplomatic relations with these regions.
