Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
An Ambassador is a diplomatic representative with plenipotentiary powers, with full authority to represent the head of state). Formally represent the head of state, they are entitled to use the title "His/Her Excellency."
Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary
Usually just referred to as a Minister, an Envoy is a diplomatic representative with plenipotentiary powers, with full authority to represent the head of state), but ranking below an Ambassador. Formally represent the head of state, Envoys are also entitled to use the title "His/Her Excellency."
Minister Resident or Resident Minister
This is the lowest rank of full chief of mission, above only to chargé d'affaires (who are considered as substitutes or acting chiefs of mission).
Chargé d'affaires ("chargé")
As the title (meaning "charged with affairs" in French) suggests, a chargé d'affaires is in charge of the affairs of a diplomatic mission in the usually temporary absence of a more senior diplomat. Maintains the same functions and duties as an ambassador, and is accredited not to the head of state but to the foreign minister of the receiving state.
Consul General
The official representatives through the hearing of the government of one state and in the territory of another, normally acting to assist and protect the citizens of the consul's own country, and to facilitate trade and friendship between the people of the country to whom he or she is accredited and the country of which he or she is a representative. Consuls are not ambassadors, as the nature of their work greatly differs from each other. There can be but one ambassador of a given country in another country, representing the first country's head of state to that of the second, and his or her duties revolve around diplomatic relations between the two countries. There can be be several consuls, one in each of several main cities, providing assistance with bureaucratic issues to both the citizens of the consul's own country travelling or living abroad, and to the citizens of the country the consul resides in who wish to travel to or trade with the consul's country.
Vice-Consul
Assistant of the Consul-general
Honorary Consul
Are not career officials of the represented state at all; locally-engaged staff with or without the nationality of the appointing country. In smaller cities or in cities that is very distant from full-time diplomatic missions. If the government that there is a need to form a representation, nevertheless desirable, may appoint a person who has not hitherto been part of their diplomatic service to fulfill this role. Such a consul may well combine the job with his or her own private activities, and in some instances may not even be a citizen of the sending country.
Consular Staff
Staff member of the Consulate.
