Report Contents
What OIG Inspected
OIG inspected the executive direction, program and policy implementation, and resource and information management operations of Embassy Kathmandu.
What OIG Recommends
OIG made 18 recommendations to Embassy Kathmandu. In its comments on the draft report, Embassy Kathmandu concurred with all 18 recommendations. OIG considers all 18 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
- The Ambassador and the Deputy Chief of Mission led Embassy Kathmandu in a professional and collaborative manner. Staff praised both leaders for establishing a collegial work environment.
- The Front Office was effective in advancing U.S. foreign policy issues in Nepal as outlined in the embassy’s Integrated Country Strategy. • Consular managers did not handle conduct issues adequately.
- The embassy provided home-to-work transportation for approximately 160 locally employed staff without proper Department of State authorization.
- The retirement fund for locally employed staff, valued at $9.6 million, was at risk because the embassy did not manage it appropriately.
- Spotlight on Success: An embassy social media campaign generated positive local reactions amid indications the messages were helping improve bilateral relations.
Report Terms
Report Recommendations
Embassy Kathmandu should comply with Department standards on reporting actions on demarche requests.
Embassy Kathmandu should conduct public diplomacy strategic planning in accordance with instructions for the FY 2020 Public Diplomacy Implementation Plan and other Department guidance.
Embassy Kathmandu should implement an annual training plan for public diplomacy staff in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Kathmandu should comply with all Department overseas motor vehicle safety standards for chauffeurs and incidental drivers under chief of mission authority.
Embassy Kathmandu should update its motor vehicle policy in accordance with Department guidelines.
Embassy Kathmandu should comply with Department guidance in determining whether home-to-work motor pool transportation for locally employed staff is allowable.
Embassy Kathmandu should bring its property management procedures into compliance with Department standards.
Embassy Kathmandu should cease paying for cleaning locally employed staff uniforms.
Embassy Kathmandu should close out procurement files in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Kathmandu should comply with Department standards for use of suspense deposit abroad accounts.
Embassy Kathmandu should bring its cashier operations into compliance with Department standards.
Embassy Kathmandu, in coordination with the Bureau of Global Talent Management, should bring its local compensation plan into compliance with Nepali labor laws.
Embassy Kathmandu should require the Provident Fund Board of Trustees to manage the fund’s operations in accordance with the fund’s authorization requirements.
Embassy Kathmandu should comply with the Department’s accounting standards for the local employee retirement Provident Fund.
Embassy Kathmandu should require that the Information Systems Security Officer perform information systems security duties in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Kathmandu should implement a records management program that complies with Department standards.
Embassy Kathmandu should complete information technology contingency plans for the unclassified and classified networks and tests the plans in accordance with Department standards.
Embassy Kathmandu should conduct initial and annual refresher information technology contingency training for employees with information technology contingency planning responsibilities in accordance with Department standards.