By far the largest section within the U.S.
Embassy, the Management (formerly Administrative) Section
consists of seven offices staffed by eight American officers,
and 66 locally employed staff. The section’s primary
mission is to support the operation of all sections and
agencies of the embassy and the U.S. Government personnel
who staff them. The section consists of the following six
offices:
General Services
General Services Officer (GSO): Allen Powell
The responsibilities of this office include:
- Housing: GSO selects
housing for incoming employees that meets Department of
State space, safety, health, and security standards. GSO
strives to assign all incoming employees to housing before
their arrival. - Procurement: GSO is in charge of procuring
all goods and services for the embassy. GSO receives requests
from embassy staff, and then solicits and awards contracts
based on Federal Acquisition Regulations. - Shipping and Customs: GSO clears all
incoming personal and official shipments. GSO also contracts
with packing companies for the movement of personal effects
from Montevideo to the employee's next post. - Motor Pool: GSO is in charge of the
operation and maintenance of all of the embassy's official
vehicles. GSO provides transportation to embassy employees
for official business. - Warehouse: GSO receives, inventories,
and stores all expendable and non-expendable property
for the embassy at an off-site warehouse.
Facilities Maintenance
Facilities Manager: Matthew Jennings
Facilities Maintenance Section consists
of a staff of 20 which includes engineers, trades personnel,
char force employees and gardeners. The Maintenance section
is responsible for the care and upkeep of all United States
Government owned buildings and properties in Uruguay. The
maintenance staff accomplishes this by providing necessary
maintenance and repair services along with the implementation
of major renovations, building and equipment improvements
and construction projects..
Information Program Unit (IMO)
Information Management Officer: Jose M. Ortiz
This office manages the embassy's computer
network, telephone system, Overseas Wireless Program (OWP),
Records Management, and all major telecommunications equipment.
Office provides and maintains 24/7 telecommunications circuit
connectivity with the US Department of State, and also for
all US Agencies represented at post. It administers the
embassy's Local Area Network (LAN), which has approximately
125 users, and it also provides desktop Internet access
to all users.
The IPU gives directions on all computer related matters,
including IT equipment procurement, IT information security,
and maintains the embassy's anti-virus program. The section
also manages the classified pouch program in conjunction
with post's Regional Security Office. Embassy receptionists
and telephone operators also fall under IPU management.
They operate the embassy switchboard, assist on various
administrative tasks as needed, and they greet and assist
visitors and consular section clients.
This office handles all financial matters
related to the operation of the embassy and supports Department
of State section, as well as all other agencies at post
under the International Cooperative Administrative Support
Services (ICASS), the instrument by which all agencies share
the administrative costs associated with the embassy’s
operation.
Human Resources (HR)
Human Resources Supervisor: Laura Paolillo
This office administers the full range of
personnel services for both Americans and Locally Employed
Staff (LES). It develops and implements human resources
policies and procedures specific to the embassy; keeps employees
of the Mission informed of changes in State Department human
resources policies, programs, regulations and procedures;
develops and maintains effective recruitment and training
programs; encourages recognition of employees by promoting
an active awards program; and ensures equitable treatment
of employees; through support and promotion of equal employment
opportunity policies.
Health Unit
Registered Nurse: Sharon Khanis
The Health Unit is responsible for the health
care and well being of the US Employees and their families
at post. It is the first point of contact for health care
and information. The Health Unit:
- Provides first aid treatment, medical
evaluation and referrals, immunizations, health promotion,
and information about current health issues at post.
- Is the link between the employee and the medical facilities
available in the community.
- Communicates regularly, and works closely with, the Post
Medical Advisor and the Community Liaison Officer.
Two regional doctors assist the Health Unit:
- The Regional Medical Officer based in Lima, Peru, who
maintains frequent contact with the Health Unit nurse.
- The Regional Psychiatrist is based in Lima, Peru.
·
Direct contact is also maintained with the State Department’s
Office of Medical Services (MED) in Washington.
