Report Contents
What OIG Inspected
OIG inspected the executive direction, consular services, resource management, and information management operations of Embassy Helsinki.
What OIG Recommends
OIG made 4 recommendations to Embassy Helsinki. In its comments on the draft report, Embassy Helsinki concurred with all 4 recommendations. OIG considers all 4 recommendations resolved. The embassy’s response to each recommendation, and OIG’s reply, can be found in the Recommendations section of this report. The embassy’s formal written response is reprinted in its entirety in Appendix B.
What OIG Found
- Embassy leadership used their ready access to the senior-most levels of the Government of Finland to the benefit of U.S. foreign policy goals and objectives.
- The Ambassador and the Deputy Chief of Mission did not manage conflict between them in an appropriate manner, which resulted in a breakdown of trust and communication that complicated the chain of command and contributed to a stressful work environment for Embassy Helsinki staff.
- Lack of teamwork and communication between Consular Section leadership and staff had a negative effect on productivity and morale.
- The embassy lacked policies for some information management support services.
Report Terms
Report Recommendations
Embassy Helsinki should develop and implement a First- and Second-Tour program that complies with Department standards.
Embassy Helsinki should dispose of excess expendable property in accordance with Department standards and put up to $1.3 million to better use.
Embassy Helsinki should implement standard operating procedures for managing user account management operations in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Helsinki should establish and implement a policy for requesting audio and visual support services for outreach events held at the embassy.