Embassy positions 2026: free appointment call for EX11 civil servants

Key data

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls, through the Resolution of 27 October 2026 from the Under-Secretariat, for the provision of jobs in Spanish diplomatic and consular representations in eleven countries. The system used is free appointment, which means that the award does not follow an automatic scale, but rather the Administration discretionally assesses the suitability of the candidate.

The deadline for submitting applications is 15 business days counted from publication in the BOE on 30 October 2026. After that deadline, no applications will be accepted. Submission is exclusively electronic through the Funciona portal.

What does this regulation establish?

The resolution calls for positions in Spanish diplomatic and consular representations in the following countries:

The common requirements for all positions are:

• Be a career civil servant of the EX11 body of the Spanish Foreign Service.
• Demonstrate previous experience in the Foreign Service.
• Have accounting and IT knowledge.
• Have a valid security clearance.

Additionally, some positions require specific languages: French for destinations in Tunisia and Morocco, and English for destinations in India, Singapore and South Korea.

Economic and operational impact

From an operational perspective, this call has two direct implications for EX11 body civil servants:

• Geographic mobility: The destinations span four continents (Africa, America, Asia and the Middle East), with very different living conditions and costs. The maximum duration at any foreign post is 5 years, which implies medium-term career planning.
• Salary supplements: Positions at levels 22-24 (chancellors) carry destination and specific supplements higher than those at levels 15-16 (secretaries), which means relevant salary differences within the same call.
• Security clearance requirement: Its obtaining or renewal may require time and prior management, so candidates should verify their status before submitting the application.

The free appointment system implies that the Administration has discretionary margin in the selection. There is no automatic public scale: the suitability of the candidate is assessed comprehensively, which makes the quality of the application and the adequacy of the profile to the position especially relevant.

Who does it affect?

• Career civil servants integrated in the EX11 body of the Spanish Foreign Service.
• EX11 civil servants with previous experience in the Foreign Service who meet the language requirements for destinations that require them (French or English).
• EX11 civil servants who have a valid security clearance or are in the process of renewal.
• EX11 civil servants currently posted abroad who are approaching the 5-year maximum duration limit and must plan their next posting.

This call does not affect private companies or self-employed individuals. It is an internal call from the General State Administration directed exclusively at a specific body of civil servants.

Practical example

An EX11 body civil servant currently posted in Madrid, with level 22 destination supplement, previous experience in an embassy in Latin America and English language skills, could apply for the position of chancellor in India or China (levels 22-24). Since both destinations require English, their profile would fit the specific requirements of the position.

To submit their candidacy, they must access the Funciona portal before the 15 business days from 30 October 2026 expire, verify that their security clearance is valid and prepare the documentation proving their experience in the Foreign Service and their accounting and IT knowledge.

If their current posting has been in place for four years, this call is especially relevant: the 5-year limit for duration at foreign posts requires them to plan the change in the short term.

What should civil servants do now?

1. Verify eligibility: Confirm that you belong to the EX11 body and that you meet the common requirements (experience in Foreign Service, accounting and IT knowledge, valid security clearance).
2. Review language requirements: If you apply for Tunisia or Morocco, you need to prove French. For India, Singapore or South Korea, English. Check that you can prove it documentally.
3. Calculate the actual deadline: The 15 business days from 30/10/2026 excludes national and local holidays. Calculate the exact closing date so you don't miss the call.
4. Access the Funciona portal: Submission is exclusively electronic. Make sure you have operational access to the portal and know the submission procedure before the deadline.
5. Prepare the documentation: Gather the credentials of experience in Foreign Service, accounting and IT knowledge and security clearance. In free appointment, the quality and completeness of the application directly influences the assessment.
6. Plan the duration: Remember that the maximum duration at foreign posts is 5 years. If you have already spent time abroad, consider this factor in your decision.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Notice: This article is merely informative in nature and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-22738